FotoForever Experience


FotoForever is a not-for-profit photography workshop that runs alongside sister research and conservation project, Fauna Forever Tambopata, to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to budding photography enthusiasts who wish to capture wildlife of the Amazon Rainforest under the guidance and support of wildlife photographers (Jonathan Lewis and George Bareham) as well as a professional team of neotropical rainforest research and conservation experts.

Each photography course, held at either an ecotourist lodge or research centre within the Madre de Dios Amazon rainforest region, are open to people of all levels of experience, from novices to more advanced photographers, and offer participants the chance to broaden and strengthen their photography skills, to work alongside experienced researchers and conservationists, and create a portfolio of exciting Amazon imagery.

Each photography workshop includes a set of optional lectures on; photography fundamentals, wildlife photography tips (with an emphasis on rainforest environments) and advanced digital editing techniques.

Working alongside long-term conservation and wildlife research project, Fauna Forever Tambopata (FFT), gives our photography workshop participants a unique opportunity to capture images of an unmatched diversity of species that live within the rainforest of Peru and which are often harder to encounter as a tourist. Species regularly encountered include giant river otters (rare and endangered), red howler monkeys, saddleback tamarins, peccary, brocket deer, vipers and coral snakes, tree frogs, hundreds of bird species, and if you're really lucky, even the elusive jaguar.

Our photography students will get the chance to photograph birds, snakes, frogs and butterflies as they are studied briefly before being released, hike rainforest trails with the mammal survey team who are in tune with the sounds, tracks and best locations for observing a number of species, and spend hours on lakes and rivers with the most spectacular panoramas. Furthermore, all participants will be encouraged to allow local organisations to use a selection of their photos for an invaluable guide which will assist future scientists and local students with species identification.

To participate in this workshop you must be reasonably fit, be willing to work and live in basic conditions and enjoy being close to nature. For more information visit our FAQ section


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Dates & Price


Dates:

12-day FotoForever workshops to be held in 2011 within the Tambopata National Reserve at Explorer's Inn ecolodge:

FoF 11.1: 01 August - 12 August 2011

FoF 11.2: 17 August - 28 August 2011

Price:

US$ 2,000 per person

Price includes return transportation between Puerto Maldonado airport and ecolodge/research station; room (double occupancy) with private toilet and shower; breakfast, lunch and dinner; theory and practical classes on the best use of your camera and wildlife photography techniques; free access to 40 km of trail within reserve.

Price does not include transport to Puerto Maldonado (daily scheduled flights and buses available); entrance fee to the Tambopata National Reserve (US$11 per person); bottled drinks from the bar.


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What You Need

To get the most out of this workshop you will need the following equipment:

> A digital SLR camera

> Either a telephoto (zoom or prime) or 1:1 macro lens or zoom lens with macro feature, depending on the area of photography you are interested in. Conditions will be 'low light' so the faster the lens (f.2.8/ f.4) the better

> A laptop with photo editing software (Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are ideal for this purpose)

> Preferably an external flash (if you do not have one and can't get one, please make us aware when you submit your application and we will try to source one for you)

> Good water protection for all photo and computer equipment - eg. Pelican case, silica gel sachets, ziplock bags, waterproof camera bag cover etc.

> A good sense of humour and a love of mud, mosquitoes and changeable weather conditions


For a full list of suggested items to bring, please download our packing list:


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Example Itinerary


Please download this example of a typical workshop itinerary, subject to small changes depending on the lodge or research station we use.


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In Summary

> 12-day photography workshop in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest region, Madre de Dios

> Headed by Jonathan Lewis and George Bareham

> Aimed at all photographers, from novice to advanced levels

> Small groups, with a maximum of 8 students

> A wide combination of lectures, from the very basics through to final-stage image editing, as well as advice on the practical side of wildlife photography in sometimes challenging environments

> Associated with an ongoing wildlife research project which allows students to get 'up close and personal' to species and learn insider research benefits and knowhow

> The chance to compile a portfolio and have it judged and assessed by other wildlife photographers

> The unique opportunity to aid a team of important rainforest researchers by helping to compile a photographic record of species in the Amazon rainforest

> Taking place in the most biologically diverse rainforest surroundings on Earth: 600+ species of bird; 200+ species of mammal; 110+ species of reptile; 100+ species of amphibian


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Apply Now

To apply for a FotoForever workshop, simply download the application form by clicking the 'download' button below, and then send the completed form to us via email to apply@fotoforever.org.


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