How to choose between a bird photography workshop and bird-watching tour
When planning a trip to Indonesia to photograph the spectacular Birds of Paradise, it’s important to understand the differences between a bird photography workshop and a bird-watching tour. This will help you select the experience that best matches your goals and expectations. If the first section below makes it clear that a bird photography workshop is your preference, the information that follows will guide you in what to look for when choosing a Birds of Paradise photo workshop.
Photography or Documentation
When you’re deciding which type of Birds of Paradise experience is right for you, the key question is: what is most important to you? Do you want to produce a portfolio of powerful, emotive photographs, or are you simply aiming to record as many species as possible in the field? At first glance, a bird-watching trip itinerary seems to offer a giddying abundance of photographic opportunities, based on the long list of target bird species, in addition to specific Bird of Paradise species which the tour intends to target. While this may seem like a bird photographer's dream come true, the reality in the field is that the focus is on documenting as many species as possible, regardless of light direction, background clutter, shooting angle, or subject distance. The usual modus operandi is that once a species has been seen, the group moves straight on to the next target. The idea of spending extended periods of time with the same species to capture considered, quality images is foreign—which is why, even though participants may be using high-end camera equipment, the results are usually reduced to the level of basic record shots. Local bird guides commonly report that those on bird-watching tours are primarily concerned with the quantity of sightings, not the quality of the photography. This approach is endlessly frustrating for photographers, regardless of skill level, who understand that patience and repetition are key ingredients in the creation of exceptional bird imagery.
By comparison, a dedicated bird photography workshop prioritises the creation of compelling images through the use of professional photographic techniques and the development of individual creative vision. Extended periods are spent with subjects, allowing photographers to work in optimal lighting conditions, refine compositions, and capture more expressive and dynamic behaviour. Unlike bird-watching tours, photography workshops do not aim to maximise the number of species seen or photographed; instead, the emphasis is on producing a strong portfolio of images that excel in both technical quality and fieldcraft. By definition, photo workshops (should) provide comprehensive, relevant instruction that reflects each participant’s experience, needs, and creative goals. Photographers should also gain valuable insights into the behaviour of various Bird of Paradise species, allowing them to anticipate and capture decisive moments with greater precision and consistency.
As you read through the above, you will likely have already decided which approach appeals to you most. If quantity is the primary consideration, then a bird-watching tour will be the best fit. If, instead, you value contemplative, unhurried photography with hands-on guidance from a professional photographer throughout the journey, a photo workshop is the right choice. If that is your preference, read on.
Group Size
Once you have decided to research Bird of Paradise photo workshops the next thing to consider is how many other photographers will be on the trip. Many locations involve shooting from hides, and that immediately raises the question: how much space will you actually have to work? Too many photographers in a hide—or having to rotate in and out—is far from ideal and will seriously impact on your ability to maximise time in the field. Critically, restricted space affects the freedom to adjust shooting angles as bird movements require. As you consider a workshop, it is vital to ask a few key questions: What is the group size? How large are the hides? Will photographers need to rotate at any locations? Specific to a Birds of Paradise program, we recommend the ideal group size is capped at 4 photographers. This is based on our knowledge of each hide's ideal capacity and field-location vantage points. Limiting the group size to four participants will ensure time and opportunities are not lost—and that you have ample space to work effectively.
Trip Leader
As you consider a workshop itinerary and program be sure to take a close look at the photographic leader. How much experience do they have in the regions you’ll be visiting? Do they visit these locations regularly to produce their own work, or are they only on location when running a workshop? It’s also important to assess the quality of their photography, specifically relating to the workshop targets—in this case, Birds of Paradise. Strong, consistent work is a reliable indicator of both technical ability and in-depth subject knowledge. It’s not uncommon to find workshop leaders who have either never visited the locations themselves and are relying on a third-party guide, or who have only made a very brief one-time visit to cobble together a few images to use to sell a workshop. This is a giant red flag which you should be very wary of as the leader will most likely be busy taking their own images for future marketing, rather than making every effort to ensure that your photography is front and center. They will also lack the vital field experience needed to instruct photographers on the specific behaviours and idiosyncrasies of each bird species, so that participants can recognise the visual cues indicating when optimal moments are likely to occur. Beyond photography, it’s also important to consider the relationships a leader has built on the ground. Have they identified and partnered with the right local guides in each region? Can they communicate effectively in Bahasa Indonesia, or are they reliant on an interpreter? Additionally, do they understand the subtle cultural differences from one region to another and know how to interact accordingly? If the leader is lacking in these areas it will make for a sub-optimal experience as these factors play a major role in how smoothly a workshop runs and, ultimately, in the quality of photographic opportunities you’ll have.
Summary
We hope the above information will be useful as you decide which Indonesia Birds of Paradise photography workshop will provide you with the best experience and results. If you would like any further clarification on any of the points above, or have additional questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.