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Workshop Overview
Get ready for a great photo tour held in the beautiful Southeast Texas Panhandle. The focus of this tour will be the diverse wildlife that lives in this part of Texas.
On Saturday morning, we'll travel just a short distance from Childress to photograph the local wildlife. We'll shoot from a blind and get so close to the wildlife, you won't believe it. .
After a lunch break, we'll do a photographer's choice. Either we'll shoot from a blind again, or we'll travel to a spot where you can hone your skills by shooting flying birds.
Once it gets dark, we'll travel another short distance to shoot some great nighttime landscapes using moonlight and artificial light to creative some incredible images.
Finally, on Sunday morning, we'll hit the blind again to see what kinds of critters show up.
EACH PARTICIPANT GETS A FREE COPY OF MY NEW BOOK, THE KODAK MOST BASIC BOOK OF DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, AND A $50 SIMPLY CANVAS GIFT CERTIFICATE!
Equipment to Bring
A couple of cameras with a generous amount of memory cards are recommended. Lens selection should range from wide angles (20mm or wider) to telephotos in the 400mm range or larger and either a 1.4x or 2x converter. For night photography, a shutter release cord and a tripod are a must. You may want to bring a graduated neutral density filter as well.
In addition, a laptop computer or other means of backup is recommended and since this is dusty country, a blower brush or some other means of cleaning equipment is recommended.
Clothes to Bring
Jeans or shorts, cotton shirt and a light jacket are recommended on both days. Boots are fine the first day but hiking shoes are recommended for the night hikes. A light jacket is recommended as well.
Weather
The weather in the southeast Texas Panhandle is usually pretty stable. Most of the time, the weather during May is pleasant with highs in the 80's to low 90's with light winds and the lows in the 50's. However, thunderstorm and tornadic events can and do occur. In the interest of everyone having a great experience, I reserve the right to cancel the workshop the week of the event. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
Trip Size
A maximum of four people .
Cost
The cost of this photo tour is $300 per person.
What you Get for the Fee
The fee for the workshop includes access to the event, in-field instruction, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The fee does not include lodging or transportation to Childress. Please be aware, though, that I will shoot pictures as well but am glad to offer any advice or help that I can.
What you can Expect to Learn
Aside from learning about a dynamic part of Texas, you'll also learn about techniques for flight photography, shooting wildlife images, how to set up for wildlife shots,, landscape photography, and night photography. While this tour is designed for people familiar with photography, beginners are invited as well.
What you can Expect to See
The wildlife species I anticipate we'll see and/or photograph are:
Bobwhite Quail
Rio Grande Turkeys
Western Meadowlarks
Nighthawks
Texas Horned Lizards
Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes
Cardinals
Roadrunners
Brown-headed Cowbirds
Grackles
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
and who knows what else.
Just know that wildlife is fickle and I can't guarantee we'll see all of these species but typically, they are no problem.
Deposit
To hold your spot, a $150 deposit is required no later than 14 days prior to the event with the remainder being paid one week before the event or upon arrival. Payments can be made by check or money order or via PayPal. For PayPal users, please use the e-mail address, russell@russellgraves.com
Cancellation Policy
If I cancel the tour for any reason, you'll receive a full refund. If you need to cancel, the following policies apply:
14 days prior to the event - Full refund
3 - 13 days prior to the event - 1/2 the deposit
With 2 days - the deposit is forfeited.
Lodging Options
Childress has the following lodging options:
Quality Inn
Best Western
Days Inn
Super 8
Hampton Inn
Econo Lodge
City of Childress RV Park
Comfort Inn
What Others Say
"My husband, Randy and I took Russell Graves up on his offer to host us in his neck of the woods for a photo shoot over the weekend. We both had a wonderful time and learned a lot. Russell and his wonderful family were very gracious hosts and made us feel welcome and “at home” from the first minute. We were treated to some tremendous opportunities for all kinds of photography - wildlife, landscapes, macro and more. When we were on the way to some of Russell’s favorite spots, he did a lot of teaching - one of the things he does best. We were busy trying to soak up all the lessons about not only photography but also the area where Russell calls home. "
Patti Edens
Missouri City, Texas
“When I think of the good people I’ve encountered in my life I have to count Russell and family at the top of the list. Besides being a knowledgeable and talented photographer Russell is a genuine and caring person. Although my visit was brief with Russell, he has continues to be a source of inspiration and someone I can turn to for answers. Russell is what I like to term a “good ‘ole boy” but I mean this is the nicest way possible, he is down to earth, honest and friendly willing to help anyone at the drop of a hat. Anyone that’s has the opportunity to work side by side with Russell will walk away with a better understanding of photography, animals and the land."
Laurie Snidow
Cedar Hill, Texas
"Russell Graves comes from a background of rural life and he is a professional instructor. He has the rare ability to cover all the basics, and let you move at your own pace, without ever being condescending to the student. His passion for wildlife photography is evident from the moment that you exchange that first signature firm "Texas-style" handshake. It was my kind of class; completely hands-on, learn by doing, ask questions if you need more guidance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about this style of photography."
Kent Sparkman
Slaton, Texas
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