Birds and Blooms
at Magnolia Plantation
April 25 and 26, 2027
Charleston, South Carolina
$395/person.
Early Bird Pricing $375/person until Jan 3, 2026.
We will have a Virtual Presentation on Tuesday April 20, 2027 covering the basics of Bird Photography as well as an overview of Magnolia Plantation, the Swamp Garden, and animals that you may see. This presentation will be recorded and you can view it again prior to the field outing if you wish a refresher. It’s a LOT of information and being able to review it is extremely helpful. As a bonus, I have created a basic videography presentation that will be recorded and available to view prior to the field outings at your convenience. Adding live video is a fun addition to your photography.
We have arranged for a special treat for our small group. We will be accessing the Swamp Garden 2 Hours prior to the general public opening. This will allow us to explore the swamp in early morning light when the birds are becoming active. Babies will be begging for food and parents will be actively feeding.
Included in the Price of Tuition:
Special Early Entry, all Day Ticketing for 2 days, AND Group Fees to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Virtual Classroom Presentation
Guidance through the swamp to the best viewing areas at the best time of day.
Assistance in the field to achieve the best images possible.
Demonstrations of ideal field technique. With the small class size, I will help each and every person who needs it to get some fantastic images to bring home with you.
Follow Up Zoom Session to go over questions that come up after the workshop, as well as image evaluations and processing if you wish. The follow up session is all for you. The Zoom could last 1-2 hours depending on questions/photo editing examples.
Fun, learning, and friendships.
Feedback by 2025 Participant: “On balance this was the best photography workshop I have ever attended: great instruction, help in the field and feedback on site and after.” J. W.
Itinerary (Subject to Minor Changes)
Tuesday April 20, 2027
Zoom Presentation 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday April 25, 2027
2:00-6:00 Visit Magnolia Plantation for the afternoon until closing. We’ll take a walk through the Audubon Swamp Garden so you can get a feel for the location prior to the morning outing.
Dinner/Evening is on your own.
Monday April 26th:
6:30 a.m. Meet at a Parking area at a local coffee shop, then carpool to the gardens. You are welcome to drive by yourself if you wish. Makes it easier to leave on your own schedule.
7:00 a.m. Visit the Swamp Garden. A short walk leads to a gravel path to get to the swamp.
We’ll stay in the Swamp as long as we like.
Workshop officially ends at 11:00 a.m. but you may stay in the swamp or revisit the gardens for the rest of the day. Your ticket will be good for both gardens and the swamp for the whole day. They have pretty good lunches, snacks and drinks available in the gardens.
NOTE: This time of year is later than the peak Azalea season. Late March is the time for azaleas. This workshop is timed for baby birds and nesting activity…specifically baby great egrets. The baby Great Blue Herons are small at the beginning of March but more active and bigger in April.
What to Bring
Digital Camera and lenses in the range from 24mm to 600 if you have it.
Decent bird photos can be taken at focal lengths of 200-400mm at this location. 600mm will be too long for many of the closer nests but perfect for shooting across the lake.
Tripod/Monopod
Gimbal head, video head, ball head if you have one. Not required to attend but will make your life so much easier.
Rain gear, sunscreen, water bottle, bug spray, hat. Anything that will help you be comfortable in the field.
Walking shoes/sneakers. Hiking boots are not necessary.
Alligator spray. (kidding…)
Images Captured at the Swamp in the Spring
