Rainforest Photography with the Experts

Exploring a tropical rainforest is an experience not to be rushed. Our rainforest workshops give you plenty of time to do justice to each encounter, from tiny, boldly patterned poison dart frogs hiding in the leaf litter to intricately camouflaged praying mantids waiting to ambush their next meal. Whether we’re experimenting with lighting or watching the behaviour of an animal to capture an interesting moment, good photography can take a while. Wildlife photographers Nick and Alex have been running photography workshops together for many years and have hit on a winning formula for those wishing to take their photography to the next level.

 "Successful photography relies on understanding your subject and the environment it lives in. Naturally, we all like to bag some record shots when we see a species for the first time; however, to go beyond the record shot and capture interesting behaviour requires field time and patience. Studying a subject’s every movement to try and work out what it's going to do next is the most thrilling aspect of wildlife photography and one learns a great deal about the natural world through the process. We enjoy sharing creative ideas as a group and finding exciting approaches to our photography." Alex Hyde

Whilst we suggest guests are familiar with the fundamentals of photography before embarking on the trip, we cater for a wide range of photographic abilities and, by having two leaders, can work in small groups with time for one-to-one sessions. Nick and Alex will be on-hand throughout your adventure to offer guidance on photographic techniques, from getting off auto mode to opening up more creative options, to using advanced techniques such as focus stacking and off-camera flash. We also work with local guides to find you as many interesting subjects as possible so that you return home with a wealth of original and interesting images.

"There's no point travelling to a tropical rainforest and taking pictures that look like they've been done in a zoo. Arresting, evocative images so often show a subject in the context of its environment. I particularly like using wide-angle and fisheye lenses for this. Careful thought to composition is essential and it's often necessary to use flash judiciously. Such images take time to construct in your mind’s eye and then compose successfully. Such an approach epitomises the raison d’etre of our rainforest workshops." Nick Garbutt

During the daytime, we typically explore the forest trails leading from our accommodation base; early morning walks are often more productive for birds and primates. By contrast, the night offers terrific opportunities for encountering frogs, reptiles and invertebrates. Activities such as riverboat trips, clay lick hides and light moth traps make for an exciting itinerary with time set aside for photography throughout.

"Having been on a few of Nick and Alex’s rainforest trips, I can thoroughly recommend them to anyone with an adventurous spirit who wants to travel with like-minded individuals to destinations that would be difficult to organise privately. Here you can enjoy excellent guiding and photographic assistance, and have fun along the way, all rolled into one well-organised package." Tony E

“Fun, intense, educational, tiring and inspiring! A great way to hone your skills and bank some cracking images in amazing rainforest locations with two of the best photographer naturalists.” Andy R

Our Rainforest Photography Holidays

Peru: Amazon's Secrets Rainforest Photography

Explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde take you on a photographic journey through the Peruvian Amazon in search of spectacular mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. Visit an Andean cock-of-the-rock lek, a macaw clay lick, and experiment with night photography.

Ecuador: Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop

Journey from the eastern and western slopes of the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest on this tour with plenty of opportunities for macro photography and scenic rainforest canopy shots. Sites visited on this itinerary include Napo River, the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin, Sumaco National Park, Antisana National Park and Mindo cloud forest.

Borneo: Rainforest Photography Workshop

Known for iconic primates and a rich variety of flora and fauna, the island of Borneo is an adventure playground for wildlife photographers. As we explore some of the finest national parks and sanctuaries, we hope to photograph fascinating subjects such as orangutans and insect-eating plants in their natural environment.

Find out more about our wildlife photography holidays, or to book your place speak to a member of our team.