AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

Learn the habitat and behaviors of a variety of birds
How to make the best light choices based off your subject
Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary using color, shadows, and symmetry
Fast post-processing techniques to take your images to the highest level

ABOUT BEN'S CLASS:

Make the most of your wildlife adventures with Ben Knoot in this beginners guide to bird Photography course. Ben Knoot has a background in environmental policy and education as well as a keen eye and love for birds. He has honed his skill into becoming a professional photographer guiding tours around the world to help enthusiasts understand their cameras and their subjects. In this course- Ben will walk through the importance of researching and understanding your subject and the habitat they dwell in. He’ll discuss how to interact and engage a variety of birds so you have a stronger opportunity to capture them while out. He’ll walk through camera fundamentals, how to set your camera, think about composition and work with a variety of lighting. Ben will even talk through his switch to an Olympus mirrorless camera to help improve his ability to make and craft the artistic images he does.

WHO THIS CLASS is FOR:

Bird Enthusiasts
Beginner Photographers
Wildlife Photographers

SOFTWARE USED:

Adobe Lightroom CC 2019

EQUIPMENT USED:

Olympus

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Ben is a 23-year-old nature photographer originally from California. Before graduating in 2018, he studied Environmental Policy and Environmental Education at Western Washington University in Bellingham Washington State. Ben now leads educational and instructive photography tours and workshops for Tropical Birding Tours; http://www.tropicalbirding.com Ben’s goal while guiding is to provide a memorable, exciting and successful experience so that other people can enjoy photographing earths beauty as much as he does. Ben has been published by several organizations including, Natures Best Photography, Audubon, Ranger Rick, NANPA, Wildlife Photo Magazine, and the BBC. His deep love and passion for nature has guided and will continue to guide the way he chooses to live his life, with a sense of wonder and curiosity of all things new and exciting.

Ben Knoot

See instructor's classes

Marcia L. Dec 31, 2021

Great class!
Ku'iokalani Walker H. Jun 19, 2021

I felt that this course was excellent! Yes, he does use audio 2 attract some birds some of the time, but he also talks about the potential negative effects & being respectful of the animals. The birding community can be so touchy! People just need 2 chill out. I've been birding & photographing birds now for four decades. And I'm still learning & still love watching & taking images of our winged friends. Well done! I highly recommend this course.
Colleen E. Apr 1, 2021

I really enjoyed this course. The instructor doesn't beat around the bush. He gives you useful information that you can implement. I especially loved that he talks about apps on your phone that could be used to make your experience more fruitful. The only thing I didn't like was the advertisement for Olympus, but you can just skip that part.
Tim W. Dec 7, 2020

Super disappointed to see the instructor telling people to use bird calls to lure in wildlife. This (and especially baiting) is not considered ethical or appropriate by many photographers, as it has a negative impact on birds and other wildlife who waste precious energy reacting to a phantom partner/rival. Yes, you may get good images, but this is a paparazzi move.
Cynthia . Feb 7, 2020

I liked this class. It gives beginners a great place to start photographing birds. I especially liked his lesson on post-processing. Too many classes skip that part. The use of bird calls is what it is. To be competitive in bird photography you probably have to use them. I personally won't; it's just not worth it to me. So nice to see a young person active in this field!
Colleen C. Aug 22, 2019

This class is wonderful. Ben give you some very helpful information to starting your photo birding adventures. The apps he suggested are very helpful. The tips for scouting and what to look get you going. I will definitely be watching it again.