Ospreys Galore workshop with Christopher Dodds

April 2025

April 5-7, 2025 Book Early!

April 2026

April 5-7, 2026 Book Early!

 
  • Lake Blue Cypress in southern Osceola County (just 20 minutes from Vero Beach) is known for its high Osprey density; More than 280 pairs of nesting Ospreys build their nests in the Cypress trees along its shores and many of them are at eye level.

  • This is a specialized Osprey Workshop, but many other species of Florida birds are likely.

  • Timed to coincide with the very best time to be at the colony with the Ospreys returning with fish to feed their young.

  • Group size is strictly limited to 6 photographers.

  • Two daily photography cruises in the golden light.

  • Large, stable 24-foot pontoon boat to ensure freedom of movement and excellent photography opportunities without being bothered by any space restrictions.

  • The small group size means more assistance and one-on-one guidance and coaching for every participant.

  • Long lenses are not mandatory for this tour, 200-400mm reach is adequate to make an impressive portfolio.

  • Photographers of all levels are welcome, the tour pace will suit everyone’s needs and skill level.

  • Owners of all camera brands are welcome, my 40 years of professional photography includes the last 7 years as a Sony ambassador, 16 years using Canon as a Canon Northern Explorer of Light and 16 years using Nikon before that. I can help anyone with any brand improve their photography.

 

Join Canadian nature photographer, Christopher Dodds, at one of THE most beautiful places in Florida for three action-packed days of Osprey photography.

The Crown Jewel of Florida, Lake Blue Cypress is the perfect habitat for the hundreds of Osprey nests that cover the ancient Cypress Trees which pierce the pristine water and surround the lake. We will have tons of opportunities to photograph Ospreys on their nests at (or below) eye level, diving for fish or gathering nesting material. Our trip is timed perfectly to see the parents bring fish to their babies. We will photograph other species of Florida birds and will have constant urges to capture the true beauty, spectacular sunrises and all it illuminates in landscape images of the unspoiled, wild and spectacular setting of Lake Blue Cypress.

Many of my favourite images of Ospreys were made with only my Sony a9 and Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master lens! The Ospreys are plentiful and they fly within feet of us. There will be many opportunities to photograph the Ospreys returning to their nests with fish in their talons.

The trips are timed to coincide with the very best time to be there with the Osprey returning with fish to feed their young.

Includes three days of professional instruction and guiding by Christopher Dodds, five pontoon boat excursions with a local captain for safety and logistics management. Not included in the price is your transportation to the workshop, hotels (I have a block of discounted rooms available at the Holiday Inn Express in Vero Beach), meals, drinks, souvenirs or other expenses of a personal nature.

Who should attend: This workshop is highly recommended for any level photographer. Whether you are completely new to nature photography, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned pro. There will be something to photograph and we will have plenty of time to tailor your instruction to your abilities. The seasoned pro can take full advantage of the logistics, my site and subject knowledge.

Getting there: We will meet and stay at the Holiday Inn in Vero Beach, Florida. The closest airport to Vero Beach is Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) in Melbourne, Florida, located just 43 miles from our hotel.

Details: An extremely detailed email with the precise itinerary, hotel recommendations (for the night before your workshop), camera gear suggestions and tested clothing checklist will be emailed after registration is complete.

Questions: Feel free to email me at chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com or call me at +1 (514) 945-6195

“Hi Chris, Thank you for the magical photography experience on Lake Blue Cypress. The opportunity to witness and capture images of this annual ritual of the osprey life cycle was truly a privilege. The setting and expertise of you and the captain were perfection, with the weather and wind in remarkable compliance for the ideal opportunities for memories of a lifetime. Thank you again for putting together this wonderful experience. Honestly, I am in awe of the photos that came out of my camera— you set me up for success! Thank you so much for this!”

— Marsha Lomis (Ontario, Canada)

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Join Canadian nature photographer, Christopher Dodds, at one of THE most beautiful places in Florida for three action-packed days of Osprey photography.

“Being a novice photographer, I initially hesitated to sign up for a class with a professional wildlife photographer. I'm glad I overcame my apprehension; Chris is incredibly approachable and his workshop was immensely productive and, more importantly, a blast.

My photos improved more during the Ospreys Galore workshop than they have for years. And I'd be remiss if I didn't give proper credit to Chris;

1. With his extensive knowledge of the shooting location, he positioned us where the subjects, light, and background were best

2. With his "whisperer-like" ability to predict the subjects' next move, we were ready to catch the action, and

3. With his succinct technical recommendations, we were able to get better captures in the field and then polish the end product in post-production.

After witnessing how Chris operates his workshops (particularly how much he genuinely cares about the satisfaction of his participants) not only would I highly recommend him, but I am looking forward to joining him on more and more of his trips. ”

— Carlos Carreño Miami, Florida, USA

“I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Dodds a few weeks ago in Florida when I signed up for his Osprey workshop. The sign up process and pre workshop communication was excellent and concise. I must admit that as I drove over from Tampa to the hotel I was a bit uneasy after looking at Chris's images wondering if he was approachable, patient, and a good teacher with someone like me who didn't have a lot of experience shooting wildlife before. We met in the hotel lobby , chatted for 30 minutes or so and thankfully Chris put my concerns to rest. I went to bed that night knowing that the next few days would be an adventure.

I can honestly say that Chris Dodd's workshop for Ospreys far exceeded my expectations. Chris is a great guy, very happy to answer your questions and the best thing of all, fun to shoot with. I learned a lot, met a new friend and best of all was blown away at the quality of my images because of Chris's help/techniques. I cannot wait to meet Chris somewhere else in the wild and experience another awesome outdoor shooting experience. Thank you Chris, I hope to see you again soon!”

— Mark Weaver Tampa, Florida, USA

“I recently joined Chris on his Ospreys Galore Photo Safari and Expedition. This was actually the second year in a row that I have joined Chris for this photo safari. Including myself, there were three repeat clients for this experience. All three repeat clients are from Florida. I have a chance to photograph ospreys year round but I have found this to be THE BEST EXPERIENCE to photograph ospreys in their natural environment. I agree with Chris that Lake Blue Cypress is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. The lake is surrounded by land that is designated as conservation land. That means no development and pristine environment around the lake. Cypress trees ring the lake and I have never seen as many ospreys in one place.

One of the things I particularly like about being with Chris is his genuine concern for the safety and well being of his clients. On this last trip we had some weather passing through the area. Chris delayed going out in the pontoon boat until the stronger weather had passed. He also talked about the possibility of rain showers and made sure everyone was prepared even though it did not rain on us while we were out.

 Chris’ knowledge and expertise was evident in getting us close to the ospreys. Most of my images taken during the three days were taken at less than 300mm. I was able to get in-flight and very close up images hand holding a 500mm lens, but most of my images were taken with a 70-200mm lens with a 2X extender. I didn’t need the big lens to get very good images.

 While we were all shooting Chris would be keeping an eye out for all of us. He tailored his field instruction for each individual. His insight into the latest thinking on shutter speeds with DSLRs was especially invaluable to getting crisp images. Chris even shared his camera equipment with people to give them some experience with the latest equipment.

 I have joined Chris on several trips and look forward to future adventures with him.

— Jim Boland Titusville, Florida, USA

“Your Osprey photo safari was an incredible opportunity.

 I recently attended the Osprey safari offered by Chris Dodds, and I was positively thrilled with the excursion. The people in our small group were fantastic. The environment was magical. The photographic opportunities were amazing and abundant. Every part of the physical expedition was most impressive, but what I was really taken with was the panoply of knowledge Chris demonstrated throughout the trip. Whether identifying various birds dozens of yards away simply by call, or exuding masterful control over the camera, Chris was able to display his expertise and offer assistance when needed. Chris is very amiable and approachable. No matter what skill level a photographer has, Chris always made one feel important with his one on one attention and did so without any air of condescension. It was very much like shooting with great friends with your own personal tutor to turn to if needed. I can honestly say that both my skill level and knowledge base increased from my trip with Chris. Thanks again Chris.”

— Geoff Powell Vero Beach, Florida, USA