Introduction to Bird and Nature Photography Workshop

Join Indiana Audubon member Adam Wilson for a beginner-friendly workshop that helps you confidently photographing the natural world. Adam combines clear, practical instruction with real-world examples so you will leave knowing how the exposure triangle works, how to use natural light, how to get tack-sharp images, and how to strengthen your composition. You'll also learn the basics of photography gear, why post-processing matters, and the bird and wildlife ethics that keep photographic practice safe and respectful.

What We'll Cover

This workshop will combine discussion and hands-on learning, with topics including:

• Exposure fundamentals (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and how they work together.
• Using natural light to improve mood and detail in your photos.
• Practical techniques for achieving sharp focus and strong composition.
• Intro to post production: why it matters and where to start.
• Gear basics and troubleshooting, plus wildlife ethics and field etiquette.

This workshop is perfect for new photographers, hobbyists, birders, and anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to improve their nature photography. No advanced gear or technical know-how required. The workshop will start indoors and then move to outdoors for the second half of the workshop.

Bring your camera, a charged battery, an empty memory card, and any lenses you plan to use. A tripod is helpful but not required. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for light walking. Snacks and water are recommended.

About the Instructor

Adam Wilson traded drumsticks for camera gear in 2015 and has become a thoughtful nature photographer with a focus on birds and behavior. His work has been featured twice in Indiana Naturally (The Nature Conservancy and Indianapolis Arts Council's juried show at the Indianapolis airport), published in Birds & Blooms, and showcased on prominent Instagram hubs and photography outlets. Adam and his wife Sara lead Greenfield Birders, organizing walks, workshops, habitat projects and community outreach aimed at making birding welcoming and fun. See his portfolio at NikonBirdHunter.com.

Registration

Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited to 15 people. Registration costs $35 for Indiana Audubon members and $45 for non-members. All registered participants must review and agree to the Indiana Audubon Field Trip Release before joining any Indiana Audubon trip or event.

If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration.

Accessibility

This workshop involves minimal walking; no hiking is required. Time will be spent in Brooks Hall going over the basics. ADA-compliant restrooms are available in Brooks Hall. Afterwards, the workshop will move outside for hands-on learning. We may take a short walks., totalling less than 10 minutes of walking.

Questions

For any questions about this event email mgbs@indianaaudubon.org or call 765-205-1255. If you require accommodations to participate, please contact us as early as possible. While we may not be able to meet every request, we will make every reasonable effort to do so.

Cancellation Policy

• Full refunds are provided for Indiana Audubon events, field trips, and public programs canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
• Events, field trips, and public programs under $10 per person (excluding processing fees) are non-refundable, as proceeds support our work.
• Refunds for events, field trips, and programs over $10 per person (excluding processing fees) require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Refunds for Indiana Master Naturalist programs at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Separate cancellation policies apply to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival and field trips, events, and public programs co-hosted by other organizations.

Semipalmated Plover at Miller Beach. Photo by Adam Wilson.

Bicolored Antpitta in Colombia. Photo by Adam Wilson.