2027 Sarasota Bay Black Skimmers Colony Photography Workshop
A two-day, six-person Florida photography workshop focused on Black Skimmers nesting, skimming, feeding chicks and performing fast flight action at a Sarasota Bay beach colony.
About this tour
Spend three field sessions photographing a seasonal Black Skimmer colony in Sarasota Bay with Steven Blandin. Hundreds of skimmers gather along the beach to nest, fish in shallow water and feed their young, creating a concentrated opportunity to study and photograph one of Florida's most distinctive shorebirds.
Sessions are scheduled for Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to use different light and activity. The colony can produce skimming action, birds banking with fish, territorial exchanges, adults returning to chicks and quieter family behavior. A nearby Least Tern colony is also frequent, while Royal Terns, Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, Laughing Gulls, Black-bellied Plovers and Reddish Egret may add variety.
Steven teaches exposure, tracking, composition, background control and positioning for fast-moving subjects. The group remains outside protected nesting areas and follows conservation guidance so birds retain an unobstructed route between the colony and the water.
The workshop welcomes photographers from beginner to semi-professional level. A practical reach of roughly 400 to 600mm or more is recommended. An additional one-hour online session covers Steven's digital workflow, Photoshop optimization or another photography topic chosen by the participant.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to United States.
Birds you can spot
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning and afternoon at the nesting colony
Work the colony in the morning for feeding, flight and family behavior, then return in the afternoon for different light and renewed activity. Steven helps the group refine exposure, tracking, position and backgrounds while maintaining appropriate distance from the protected nesting area.
Day 2
Final morning flight and behavior session
Use the final morning for skimming, banking and adults returning with fish, while also watching for Least Terns and other shorebirds around the colony. The separate online tutoring session is arranged with Steven after the field workshop.
Locations & map
- Sarasota Bay Black Skimmer Colony - Sarasota Bay, Florida United States (A protected seasonal nesting colony on a sandy beach beside shallow coastal water.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Three guided photography sessions - Two mornings and one afternoon at the Sarasota Bay colony.
- One-hour online tutoring session - Digital workflow, Photoshop optimization or another agreed photography topic.
Not included
- Airfare and hotel - Participants arrange their own travel and accommodation.
- Meals - Meals are not included.
Transport & stays
- Land-based beach access The workshop is conducted from appropriate positions outside the protected nesting colony. | Meet: Sarasota Bay area, confirmed before departure. | Pickup: No transfer or pickup is stated in the current workshop description.
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What lens reach is recommended?
Steven recommends an effective reach of about 400 to 600mm or more for the colony.
How is disturbance to nesting birds avoided?
The group remains outside the protected colony, keeps the route between birds and water clear and follows the guide's conservation instructions.
What does the online tutoring session cover?
The one-hour screen-share session can cover Steven's digital workflow, Photoshop image optimization or another photography topic agreed with him.
Are particular behaviors guaranteed?
No. The timing is chosen for nesting activity, but all birds are wild and behavior depends on current conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.