Join us on a wildlife and landscape photo workshop or photo tour to world famous Bosque del Apache and White Sands. New Mexico’s unique wildlife and landscapes make it a nature photographer's paradise. We will also spend some time photographing the breathtaking Organ Mountains in Las Cruces.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is one of North America’s top bird-photography hotspots where as many as 50,000 snow geese and 15,000 sandhill cranes spend the winter. Experience the blast off as tens of thousands of birds take-off and land, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s magnificence. The refuge hosts over 20 species of waterfowl and numerous raptors looking to take advantage of the abundant prey, including ferruginous hawks, golden and bald eagles, prairie falcons and merlins. Other species include quail and roadrunners. Several species of mammals live on the refuge including javelinas, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lion.

White Sands is the newest national park. Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. The stark beauty and sharp relief of the dunes will take your breath away. It is filled with spectacular vistas, rolling dunes, alkali flats, and yucca trees that form all sorts of shapes and patterns. This opens one’s imagination to endless photographic possibilities.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyphs sites in the Southwest.

We will be spending six days with incredible photo opportunities. This is a trip of a lifetime planned during peak migration. The goal of this trip is to photograph amazing photos that you will never forget.

Expect to shoot thousands of bird photos along with other wildlife and awesome landscapes. Since we will be shooting a high volume of pictures, please bring several memory/flash cards. We also recommend you bring a portable external hard drive to back up your images.

If you need a longer lens, we work with companies who will rent them to participants.

When:
December 5-10, 2024

Getting There and Back:
Arrive: El Paso (ELP)
Depart: Albuquerque Airport (ABQ)

Itinerary:

The itinerary will be dependent on the weather. Each day is paced to maximize photo opportunities. The schedule will be flexible to maximize getting the best light.

Day 1: We will meet at the hotel near the airport. There is a hotel shuttle. At 12 pm, we will have a quick group meeting and introductions. We will check into a hotel in Las Cruces. Later that afternoon we will photograph the beautiful Las Cruces area including sunset at the breathtaking Organ Mountains.

Day 2: After a beautiful sunrise and checkout, we will travel to Alamogordo to check-in to the next hotel followed by a visit to the other-worldly White Sands. Dinner will follow.

Day 3: We will head out to photograph sunrise over the enchanted White Sands. We will have a special permit to photograph the sunrise before the gates officially open to the public. We will return to the hotel and pack up and drive to Bosque del Apache. Along the way we will stop at Three Rivers Petroglyph site and then have lunch. At Bosque, we will explore the refuge followed by sunset where thousands of birds will be flying in.

Day 4 and 5: We will spend our time at Bosque del Apache and the surrounding areas. The day will start with a sunrise blastoff where thousands of migratory birds will be flying off with beautiful snowcapped mountains as a backdrop. We will also visit some nearby refuges. After a midday break, we will head back out into the refuge for afternoon light and stay until after sunset.

Day 6: Sunrise blastoff at Bosque del Apache and head back to the hotel in time for check out and afternoon flights. We plan to arrive at Albuquerque Airport around 1 pm.

Group Size:
Distinguished from most other tour companies, our group size is intentionally smaller, enabling us to achieve a closer proximity to wildlife. Larger groups tend to make animals more apprehensive, whereas our intimate gatherings provide a calmer and more natural setting.

Skill and Fitness Level Requirements:
Anyone with an interest in photography from beginner to professional.

The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

There are several short hikes on this trip all less than a mile or two.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

What's Included:
Five nights lodging (3 nights in Socorro, 1 night Alamogordo, 1 night Las Cruces)

Lodging is double occupancy. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy), it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room.

Professional Instruction on nature photography and wildlife

Permits, admission, and entrance fees

Transportation is included from hotel to and from the field locations. There is a free shuttle to and from the airport to the hotel if you fly in. I will drop people off at the airport on the last day.

There is no need to rent a vehicle.

After the Tour:
You will be invited to Zoom classes exclusive to past tour participants at no additional cost. Topics will be Lightroom, Photoshop, Wildlife Photography and Landscape Photography. We usually offer 3-4 a year.

Not Included:
Food and drink. We will eat at local restaurants.

All flights are not included

Any hotels before or after trip (the five nights during the tour are covered)

Price: $3495
Deposit: $1000 per person. You can pay in full or leave a deposit.
Balance Due: Six months before the start date of the trip

Payment:
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards on our website.

Cancellation Policy:

Testimonials:

About Us:
John Slonina (leader), Jenny Bowlden (co-leader)

Two professional nature photographers who have been photographing for several decades. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding nature not only increases your appreciation of it but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

We hope you can join us at this incredible place. If you have any questions, please contact us.