Bird Photography Workshop for Women | May 8-10, 2026
Last Updated: November 2025
Your camera is not too old. You are not too rusty. This is your turn to capture the spring bird migration in a weekend women-only photography workshop.
Quick Overview:
Dates: May 8-10, 2026
Location: Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario
Instructors: Alyssa Bardy, co-facilitated with Cobi Sharpe
Group Size: Maximum 8 women
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, rusty photographers welcome
Workshop Fee: $925 CAD early bird | $999 CAD full price | Accommodation & meals fee is separate.
This Is Your Moment. The Spring Bird Migration Is Waiting.
You used to love photography. Before the kids, the promotions, the endless carousel of everyone else's needs. Your camera has been gathering dust in the hall closet for years, and when you finally pulled it out last weekend, manual mode felt foreign. You wondered if you were too far behind to start again.
Here's a truth we want to tell you: You're not behind. You're ready to pick it up again.
In May 2026, resist the voice that says your creative time isn't essential. Join us on an exciting weekend photographing the spring bird migration for a weekend women’s photography workshop that treats your camera like what it really is: your pathway to freedom.
Women’s Bird Photography Workshop May 2026
What Makes This Workshop Different?
This is not a conventional photography workshop. This is a creative reclamation retreat for women who used to love photography before life took over.
What You Get:
Learn manual mode techniques with 2 expert instructors (not just one)
Small group instruction (maximum 8 participants)
Women-only psychological safety and support
Photography as a wellbeing practice and presence training
Skills for solo travel photography adventures
Workshop Focus Areas:
Learn how to prioritize a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, and how to balance this with aperture to isolate your subject, and ISO for image brightness/noise management.
Learn the best auto focus modes for moving birds, how to use dynamic or group area AF for tracking, back-button focus techniques, and how to achieve and maintain critical sharpness on the bird’s eye.
Learn how to identify pre-flight cues to anticipate a take-off. Understanding feeding, nesting, and migration patterns to locate and predict the best photographing opportunities.
Learn how to research bird species in a specific area using resources like Merlin Bird ID app. Understanding the best times of day for light and activity.
Learn how to ethical and practical tips for getting close to birds without disturbance, and bird photography etiquette.
Key Takeaway: In 2 days, you will go from "I like taking pictures of birds” to "I am a bird photographer" with unshakeable confidence.
🌟 Rated 5 Stars on Google Reviews
Who This Photography Retreat Is For
Is This Workshop Right for Me?
This bird photography workshop is designed for women who:
Used to love photography but life took over (kids, career, aging parents)
Feel rusty with manual mode and worry they are too far behind
Have a camera gathering dust and wonder if it is too old
See stunning bird photos on Instagram and feel jealousy mixed with longing
Hike with partners who rush point-A-to-point-B while they want to stop for photos
Are empty nesters, recently retired, or newly promoted with time opening up
Want solo photography adventure skills, not just community connection
Need permission to prioritize creative time as non-negotiable
You Are Ready If:
You can turn your camera on and know where the shutter button is
You want to rebuild photography skills from the foundation for bird photography
You are willing to invest e days in your creative reclamation
Key Takeaway: Some participants are rusty photographers who have not shot manual mode in 10+ years. Some are active photographers looking for adventures just like you. You are not behind. You are exactly who this workshop is designed for.
What You’ll Learn in 2 Days
Manual Mode Photography Skills
Manual & Priority Modes for Fast Action:
Shutter speed priority: mastering the high speeds needed (e.g. 1/2000s) to freeze flight and fast motion.
Aperture control: Balancing shallow depth of field (to blur backgrounds/bokeh) with the need for sharpness on the eye.
ISO management: Strategically pushing ISO to maintain high shutter speed while minimizing digital noise.
Autofocus (AF) system for birds in flight: Using continuous AF and dynamic area modes for effective subject tracking. And achieving and maintaining critical sharpness on the bird’s eye.
Composition: Making the Subject Pop
Advanced Bird Composition Techniques:
Rule of thirds and gaze room: Giving the bird space to look/fly into for dynamic balance.
Background management: Techniques to achieve clean, non-distracting backgrounds (bokeh) that frame the subject.
Framing with natural perches: Using branches, foliage, or habitat elements to draw the viewer’s eye.
Telling a story with action: Moving beyond portraits to capturing compelling behaviours (feeding, interaction, lift-off).
Fieldcraft & Wellbeing: Presence and Ethical Practice
Presence and Mindful Observation Training:
Slow photography approach: Using manual settings and stealth to encourage patience and focused waiting.
Mindful observation: Recognizing pre-flight cues and behavioural patterns over digital scrolling.
Ethical bird photography: The importance of waiting, not baiting. And not harassing subjects. Learning to read and respect a bird’s stress signals and maintain distance.
Solo Wildlife Photography Preparation
Independence & Field Skills:
Safety considerations for solo wildlife photography in the field (blinds, trails).
Gear essentials and packing for long-lens travel and protection in diverse weather.
Confidence to set up a spot and wait patiently for the shot without external pressure.
Building autonomous creative practice beyond the workshop.
Key Takeaway: These skills last a lifetime, not just 2 days. You will leave ready for solo bird photography adventures anywhere you want to go.
Your Photography Instructors: Alyssa Bardy and Cobi Sharpe
Alyssa Bardy…..
Cobi Sharpe an award-winning professional landscape photographer with a diploma with honours in digital photography and imaging, knows first-hand how important it is to reclaim creative time. In the throws of motherhood, Cobi is just starting to pick her camera up again and start taking time for photography adventures and bringing other women along for the ride. Her natural teaching ability is patient, ego-free with an expertise in manual mode fundamentals and composition. As a photo educator, her goal is for students to always feel supported to ask questions so there are no barriers to learning how they can connect more deeply with themselves and nature using their camera as a tool.
What Students Say:
"Cobi is a triple threat: a great teacher, a great photographer, and a great human being. As a teacher of teachers for 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it." - Lori
Why two instructors matter:
With 2 professional photographers and a maximum of 8 participants, you receive personalized attention at your exact skill level.
Benefits of Two Instructors:
One instructor demonstrates on location while the other provides individual coaching
Double the expertise and double the feedback
You are never waiting, never lost, never wondering if you are doing it right
Different teaching styles and perspectives on same techniques
Real-time problem-solving for your specific camera and challenges
Bird Photography Workshop Schedule and Itinerary
What to Expect Each Day - a loose itinerary
Day 1: Friday, May 8, 2026
5:30 - 7:00 PM: Arrival and meet at first location for waterfowl, warblers and shorebirds
Day 2: Saturday, May 9, 2026
7:00 - 10:00 AM: Second location for bird photography
10:00 AM: Coffee break
10:30 - 12:00 PM: On location for bird photography
12:00 - 3:00 PM: Lunch and leisure - rest, read, bike ride or explore on your own
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Small birding outing
4:00 PM: Dinner break
6:00 PM until Dark: Post dinner birding on location looking for screech owls and American woodcocks
Day 3: Sunday, May 10, 2026
7:00 - 10:00 AM: Final bird photography location
10:00 AM: Departure
Photography Workshop Accommodations and Pricing
How Much Does This Workshop Cost?
Workshop Pricing: $925 CAD per person early bird | $999 CAD per person full price
What Is Included in Every Option?
Includes:
3 days of hands-on photography instruction
Expert teaching from 2 professional photographers (Alyssa Bardy and Cobi Sharpe)
Small group instruction (maximum 8 participants)
On-location shoots at Rondeau Provincial Park
Women-only psychological safety
Not Included:
Transportation to and from Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario
Personal gear (camera, lenses, tripod - gear list will be provided after registration)
Alcohol (available for purchase)
Accommodation and meal costs
Complete Value of Your Photography Investment
What Are You Really Getting?
Total Value: $2,150+
Your Investment: $925 (early bird) or $999 (full price) CAD
Value Breakdown
1. Technical Mastery with Two Expert Instructors ($1,500+ value)
Focus on speed and tracking for demanding subjects.
2. Premium Location Access ($200+ value)
Guaranteed access to prime bird habitats and locations.
3. Community That Becomes Your Backbone (Priceless)
Lifelong connections with fellow wildlife photographers.
6. Solo Adventure Preparation ($300+ value)
Specialized safety and gear guidance for remote wildlife shoots.
7. Post-Retreat Support ($150+ value)
Continued access to instructors for technical and ethical questions
What You Cannot Put a Price On
The moment you realize you are not rusty, you are ready. And you nail the BIF shot you’ve always dreamed of.
The morning you successfully track a fast-moving subject and think: My gear and I are a finely tuned team.
The confidence to book your first solo photography adventure to a national park or remote location without doubt or permission.
The creative identity and the ethos of a true wildlife photographer you reclaimed—not someday, but now.
Key Takeaway: This is not an expense. This is an investment in claiming the high-level technical skill and field confidence required to excel at bird photography.
💰 TOTAL VALUE: $2,150+
💳 YOUR INVESTMENT:
$925 - $999 CAD
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my camera too old for this photography workshop?
No. If your camera has manual mode (and most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras from the past 20 years do), it works beautifully. We've had participants shoot stunning work with 15-year-old Canon Rebels and Nikon D70s. Your camera isn't the limitation—your confidence is. We rebuild that foundation together.
What if I'm really rusty? I haven't shot manual mode in 10+ years.
Perfect. You're exactly who this retreat is designed for. We start with exposure triangle fundamentals and rebuild your skills step-by-step. No shame. No rushing. Just patient, empowering instruction that meets you where you are. By Day 3, you'll be shooting confidently in any lighting condition.
Will I slow everyone down?
Absolutely not. With only 10 participants maximum and two instructors, we work at the pace that serves the group. This isn't a race. Superior's landscapes aren't going anywhere. We honor the creative process—which means stopping for the light, experimenting with composition, and taking the time to get the shot right.
What skill level is this workshop designed for?
Beginner to intermediate photographers who want to master manual mode and build confidence for solo photography adventures. If you can turn your camera on and know where the shutter button is, you're ready. We'll teach you the rest.
Can I justify spending this on myself?
Let's reframe: This isn't an expense. It's an investment in reclaiming the creative identity you set aside for everyone else. You've spent decades prioritizing others. This is your turn. 2 days that build skills for a lifetime of solo photography adventures—and restore the part of you that's been waiting patiently for permission. You don't need permission. You need this.
What if I've forgotten everything about photography?
We assume you're starting fresh. Exposure triangle, composition rules, focusing techniques—we cover it all from the foundation up. If you remember some concepts, great. If not, we've got you. No prior knowledge assumed.
I'm traveling solo. Will I feel awkward?
Most participants travel solo. This is a women-only space designed for connection and psychological safety. You'll find your people—women who understand that creative time is essential, not indulgent. Community becomes your backbone, but we honor your desire for autonomous practice.
What's your cancellation/payment policy?
Spark's cancellation policy here. Review the cancellation policy with your accommodations host. You could also consider purchasing travel insurance.
Do I need a tripod?
Yes. One would be helpful.
Workshop Reviews and Testimonials
What Past Participants Say
Lori - Former Teacher (30 Years Teaching Experience)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"THANK YOU, Cobi. I have been to several (4 I think) workshops, and while the leader knew about their camera, they didn’t know how to teach, or to help me use mine. You were a triple threat: A GREAT TEACHER (as a student of teaching and a teacher of teachers for 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it), A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER, and, A GREAT HUMAN BEING.”"
Kathy M. - Workshop Participant
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Excellent time spent at the Wye Marsh Workshop on Nov 8/25. I never photographed birds before and it was fun using the telephoto to seek out, track and locate them! I have lots to learn but what makes this such a positive outing is the information and support I received.. I recommend Cobi Sparks as she is a natural teacher-very informative and very engaged trying to give the best help throughout the day!!!"
Anonymous Workshop Participant
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Cobi's workshops are always well paced, with lots of space for questions, practice, and reflection on how the learning is going. Cobi checks in often with participants and ensures everyone feels supported and learning at their own pace.
The combination of workbook exercises, practical application, and outdoor excursions in beautiful settings like Algonquin Park is highly valued. I appreciate the opportunity to immediately put new skills into practice."