Past Workshops

Join Ruth Hoyt for this pre-festival, exclusive bird photography workshop on private ranches around Edinburg, TX.

Space is limited to five participants. Special pricing for RGVBF attendees: $2,600 (this includes a $300 discount!), based on double occupancy. Add $400 for single occupancy. Includes field and classroom instruction. Rooms have been reserved for four nights for our group at Comfort Inn, 4001 Closner (Business 281) Edinburg, TX.

Ruth continues to make annual ventures into Costa Rica. Each time, she discovers new birds such as the Fiery-throated Hummingbird she photographed in December 2022. In addition, Ruth books exclusive locations to capture the Resplendent Quetzal on every trip. She is excited to share her new discoveries with interested photographers.

Cost for this tour is $5,100, double occupancy. Extra $400 for single occupancy if available. To maximize your photo experience, participation is limited to 7-8 individuals. A deposit of $1,500 is due September 30, 2023, and balance is due 30 days prior to the tour.

Tour Inclusions:

• All lodging
• Professional guide throughout the tour
• Meals (from breakfast on day #2 to lunch on day #9)
• Transfers and transportation in private vehicle
• Photography activity at all locations
• Guide fees
• Two (2) quetzal tours
• Three (3) private residences for unique opportunities
• Private location for King Vulture photo blind
• Optional multi-flash setup in one location
• Water

Tour Exclusions:

• Dinner upon arrival and final night
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Night session of bats at one location (extra fee if chosen)
• Tips to guides and drivers
• Items of personal nature
• Anything not listed in the tour inclusions

Join OM photographer Ruth Hoyt in these two new workshops aimed at helping OM system users to maximize use of their gear and all it has to offer.

Each group meets in San Antonio, and is transported via van to Rockport, TX, for dinner that evening. The next morning, the groups board a private boat to photograph the endangered Whooping Cranes. After lunch in Rockport, we head to Edinburg, TX, for the next few days to shoot from the photo blinds at the Laguna Seca Ranch, a world-renowned site for bird photography.

Ruth works with up to five photographers so the photographers get the individual attention they need. We also conduct evening classes before the Whooping Crane boat session and the Laguna Seca Ranch to answer any questions and let participants know what to expect to get their best results.

This is an exciting new venture for Ruth, who strongly believes she brings a lot to the table for OM System users. If you have any questions or need additional information, please let us know.

Ruth Hoyt conducts this photo workshop at the place she spends most of her field time, the Laguna Seca Ranch. Space is limited to five participants. Cost: $2,900.00, based on double occupancy. Add $400 for single occupancy if available. Includes field and classroom instruction. Rooms have been reserved for four nights for our group in Edinburg, TX.

Spring migration is in full swing as birds move from their wintering grounds to their northern summer homes and many spend time on the ranches during this period. Most of the birds are fresh because they have shifted wardrobes to their finest plumage for courting and breeding. The workshop focuses on birds and other wildlife of Deep South Texas.

$5 Per Student Per Session

The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan have partnered, once again, to offer youth nature photography summertime workshops. Two sessions based on participants’ ages are scheduled for six Saturdays during June and July 2024. The first session is from 8am-10am for 8-12 year olds and 10:30am-12:30pm for 13-18 year olds. Advance registration is required by visiting quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com Cost is $5 per student per session.

These sessions are led by Ruth Hoyt, who excels at showing children how to capture the beauty and diversity of Rio Grande Valley nature.

Cost: $2,800 (double occupancy)

$200 discount for RGVBF attendees

4 days / 3 nights; Limited to 5 participants

Single supplement fee (to have your own room): $400

Join Ruth Hoyt for this pre-festival, exclusive bird photography workshop on private ranches in the Rio Grande Valley.

Space is limited to five participants. Special pricing for RGVBF attendees: $2,600 (this includes a $200 discount!), based on double occupancy. Add $400 for single occupancy. Rooms have been reserved for three nights for our group at Comfort Inn, 4001 Closner (Business 281), Edinburg, TX.

Physical capabilities: easy. We drive right up to the blinds. Some walking is required at our final morning session.

Learn in the field: camera settings for capturing bird behavior, birds in flight, working from photo blinds, focus tracking, tricky lighting, anticipating behavior, critiques and suggestions for improvement.

Learn in the classroom: workflow, how to import and select images using Lightroom and Topaz, how to prepare images for output, critiques and suggestions for improvement.

Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, minimum 300mm focal length lens, memory cards,
batteries, tripod, and a way to back up your cards.

Expect warm and cold weather. Wear layers of neutral-colored clothing (no bright colors or white) so you can adjust on the fly. Wear sturdy, close-toed walking/hiking shoes. Hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

Daily schedule includes morning ranch visit, lunch break, classroom instruction, and afternoon ranch sessions. Dinner is on your own except for November 2, 2024.

Workshop Includes:

• Meet and Greet orientation dinner November 2, 2024. Bring your camera with you to the meeting with any lens attached.
• Five photo sessions on two private ranches
• Two classroom sessions during mid-day break; lunches provided
• Three nights of lodging/accommodations at the Comfort Inn, Edinburg
• Photographic instruction to help you maximize your stay and improve your photographic knowledge
• Water and snacks
• All applicable taxes

Workshop Does Not Include:

• Transportation to and from the ranch
• Travel insurance
• Dinners other than orientation meal on November 2, 2024
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Gratuities

Join Ruth’s workshops scheduled during the festival. Find her workshops and classroom sessions at the Rio Grande Valley birding festival in Harlingen, Texas.