“Sage-Grouse, Icon of the West” Photography Workshop

with Noppadol Paothong

 

A Four-Day Sage-Grouse Photography Workshop

(April 12 - April 15, 2020)

Overview

Join world-renown grouse photographer, Noppadol Paothong, for a unique opportunity to photograph greater sage-grouse at the peak of mating seasons. The workshop will be held in a beautiful setting of sagebrush sea.

During this four-day workshop, Noppadol will share his over-a-decade-long experience with greater sage-grouse while working on two national award-winning books. He will also assist photographers in ensuring memorable photographs, with informative sessions on grouse behaviors, image editing/processing tips, and critiques, along with in-depth coaching in the field.

By the end of this workshop, you will gain valuable knowledge on nature photography, photographing greater sage-grouse. You will also understand and appreciate the importance of these iconic birds of the West and their role in the ecosystem.

About the Workshop 

Every spring, male greater sage-grouse gather on a lek and perform an elaborate courtship display to attract female sage-grouse. They will strut, flap their wings against their white pouches, and utter a distinctive series of gentle bubbling sounds.

The grouse’s unique, dramatic, and impressive courtship dance is one of the most flamboyant mating displays in nature. This bizarre yet spectacular display easily captures the heart of people who are fortunate enough to witness it.

In this workshop you will spend four mornings with the award-winning conservationist photographer, Noppadol Paothong to photograph two species of prairie grouse; greater prairie-chicken, and sharp-tailed grouse during the peak of mating season. Noppadol’s knowledge of these species is unparalleled with over two decades of observing and photographing these extraordinary birds resulting in two award-winning large-format coffee table books (Save the Last Dance and Sage Grouse, Icon of the West).

Beside greater sage-grouse, we will also be exploring this remote landscape of sagebrush country and wildlife that live in this unique ecosystem. Although the area is primarily known for greater sage-grouse, many other birds and wildlife species also abound in the area and offer excellent photography opportunities. In addition, the workshop’s headquarters at a private and beautiful ranch lodge is adjacent to the Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge, so we will have plenty of opportunities to photograph beautiful landscapes, waterfowl, and other wildlife during evening hours.

Enrollment: 

Limited to five participants. This unique workshop is expected to fill quickly. Contact us as soon as possible.

* This workshop is for advanced photographers with a good working knowledge of their camera. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions to make sure this is the right workshop for you.

This workshop includes:

  • Noppadol Paothong, your workshop leader
  • Presentations, photo instruction, and technique/skill sessions
  • Four days and three nights at the beautiful and spacious lodge (private bedroom/bathroom)
  • Three mornings photographing sage-grouse grouse from two persons share photo blind
  • Two evenings photographing wildlife and landscapes at the national wildlife refuge
  • Transportation to the leks
    ** Food NOT included. Additional information below

Physical requirement: Ability to carry your photo equipment on a moderate hike of approximately 300 yards.

Equipment requirement: A digital camera (DSLR preferred), telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, mid-range zoom lens (suggested). A laptop with image processing software is required. We prefer and recommend Photo Mechanic.

Testimonials

I would recommend this workshop without reservation to anyone interested in nature photography. 

I came away not just having improved my nature photography skills, but also with a new appreciation of the subjects we shot thanks to Noppadol’s passion for these special birds. 

Noppadol individualizes the workshop to match each person’s specific needs.  Anyone at any level of photography will get a lot out of the workshop and enjoy working with Noppadol.

Workshop Participant

Nop, I so enjoyed the workshop.  I felt the length of the workshop was just right.

Morning shooting was perfect. Class time was very helpful because of the number of participates you were able to help each with there needs.  So I found that to be most helpful.

Your information and photos were most informative and helpful.

Thank you once again for the wonderful workshop, I felt this was one of the best workshops I have been to.

Your help, concern and willingness to assist in anyway is exceptional.

Workshop Participant

The Nebraska prairie came alive, long before the sun climbed over the horizon.

Nop piqued our curiosity with his discussion the night before, about what we would witness with the grouse and prairie chickens.

He did not underestimate the action of courtship or the beauty of this special moments.

On the first day of our workshop, it became apparent I was in the presence of a man who has mastered the skills of photography and had the ability to help others in their quest for fine images.

Nop knows the birds and their habits so well he can prepare the photographer for those once in a lifetime image.

His enthusiasm for the environment comes through in all that he does. His workshop is not a set back and relax, it is one of excitement, learning, dramatic failure then a heartfelt success.

You may come home with the image you are proud of and then you may find your standards have been raised and you need to go afield, and keep trying. This is called learning. Thanks Nop, for a great experience.

Workshop Participant