Kyle Marquardt will lead an interactive seminar on optimizing camera settings and techniques to capture photographs of birds. Participants will also be able to enjoy seeing a demo of Sony's latest camera technology and lenses featuring our bird guest model, a domesticated Falcon named "Bigfoot.”

Bigfoot is a male barbary falcon. Barbary falcons are a peregrine falcon subspecies native to parts of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Bigfoot was bred in captivity by a breeder in Ontario. He was hand-raised, or “imprinted” to people, and therefore thinks he is one of us. His primary job is chasing nuisance birds away from places where they are doing property damage. 

What does it mean to create work that feels authentic and meaningful?

In this presentation Viktoria will look at our underlying motivations, core values and interests, the benefits of sharing our work with others and the challenges this can present, as well as definitions of success. 

On April 8, 2024 the shadow of the Moon will sweep across North America, bringing a total eclipse of the Sun to millions of people in the path of totality. This is the first total solar eclipse in our part of the world since August 21, 2017, and the last until 2044. 

There is no more impressive event on earth or in the sky that you can witness — and survive! — that can match the power and spectacle of a total eclipse. Capturing the event can be easy, or challenging. If ever there was a time for things to go wrong, it is in the moments before totality. 

To help us prepare, nature is providing us with a “dress rehearsal” eclipse six months earlier, on October 14, 2023, when the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun, but not quite cover the entire solar disk, creating an “annular” eclipse. Alan will review the methods for photographing both the 2023 and 2024 eclipses, from simple gear to complex setups, providing advice on what to do — and not do — gleaned from decades of eclipse chasing.

Showcasing the beauty and intricacy of small things in life through the art of macro photography. In this presentation, Dara will take you on a journey through the fascinating world of macro photography, where we will explore the techniques and equipment required to capture stunning close-up images. He will also share his personal experiences and insights on how to focus on tiny subjects, find the right lighting, and create awe-inspiring macro photos. Dara invites you to join him as he delves into the magnified world of macro photography and uncovers the art of capturing the small details that often go unnoticed.

It is easy for us to stay in our comfort zones but growth only happens when learning to embrace discomfort; to feel wildly uncomfortable and do it anyway. Rebecca is not a naturally brave person. But saying “yes” to adventures has let her experience life so much more fully; to experience the sheer joy of being out in nature.  It has allowed her to enjoy the experience even if conditions aren’t going to give her that epic shot to take home. She is happy - and adventures and photography are a big part of that happiness for her and through her presentation, she hopes it becomes that for you too.