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Tours and Workshops
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Offerings: |
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 Barrow, Alaska |
Barrow,
Alaska -
Why Barrow For Birds?
Barrow is home to many highly sought, specialty bird species.
It is the best place in North America to photograph many of the high
arctic nesting birds. There are few
places in North America where one could expect to see all four species of
eiders, all three species of Jaeger or three species of loons without tallying a
Common Loon. At Barrow you have a good
chance of doing all three! |
 Warblers |
Warblers and More Northwest Ohio - Why join the Warblers and More Workshop? Lake Erie is a formidable barrier for the small songbirds winging their way north during spring migration. A huge variety and great numbers of songbirds “lay-up” when confronted with the prospect of crossing the lake. Here they congregate in small wood lots near the lake front to rest and forage, rebuilding the fat reserves needed to complete their migration. Participants will be led to the best locations on any given day to photograph the various migrant traps near the western end of Lake Erie. You will learn the techniques I have developed to make it a snap to get the correct exposure, I will explain where I like to be and why depending on varying wind and lighting conditions. I have been birding and photographing this region for over 15 years. No one has spent more time photographing warblers on Ohio’s North Coast. |
 Waterfowl |
Ducks in Natural Habitat Northwest Ohio - Why join the Waterfowl in Natural Habitat Workshop? Northwest Ohio is home to numerous waterfowl species during spring migration. Participants will be led to the best locations on any given day to photograph waterfowl in the marshes and lakes of NW Ohio. Make no mistake; this workshop is not about photographing birds in the sterile environments of your average duck pond or zoo. It is about entering the birds’ natural environment and working hard to blend in with that environment to get close to normally wary species on their terms. The inclusion of cattails and other marsh plants can add much to your compositions of wild waterfowl. |
| Testimonials: | |
 Artie and Brian in Barrow Image courtesy Chas McRae |
"I first visited Barrow, AK in a previous life, with film. I went on my own. It was a very disappointing trip. I photographed a very few of the common shorebirds. I saw one or two eiders at distances of a thousand yards. I searched the vast tundra almost completely in vain, not knowing where to look for what. I caught an early flight home. In June, 2010 I returned to Barrow with Brian Zwiebel as my guide. We found and photographed every target shorebird species but one, the elusive and lovely Buff-breasted Sandpiper. We photographed all three species of eiders at close range. In gorgeous settings, in great light. I learned of new and productive spots right in town. I learned new techniques and strategies. I saw and photographed several new species. All thanks to Brian’s knowledge and expertise." |
 Matthew Studebaker |
"Brian Zwiebel is
one of the main reasons that I am a serious
bird photographer today. Brian's top notch
work both inspired me and proved that with
dedication and excellent birding skills,
good bird images could be made even in a
place like our home state of Ohio. Not only
did his work inspire, but Brian proved to be
a kind and knowledgeable mentor and teacher.
I always felt comfortable asking him basic
questions without feeling judged for my lack
of knowledge. Now, as an advanced
photographer, Brian is still usually the
first person I go to to bounce ideas off of
and ask his opinion. On top of his skills
as a photographer and teacher, with his good
nature and sense of humor, there's no one
better to spend time with in the field." - Matthew Studebaker |
 Chas McRae |
"I first met Brian ten plus years ago at Magee Marsh (known then as Crane Creek) in Ohio. He was very helpful with the birding and photography. Brian is an outstanding bird photographer along with being a "people" person. He interacts with others very well at all levels and shares knowledge readily which sets him apart from many others. Spending two weeks with Brian in Barrow and lower Alaska was a great experience. He was an outstanding guide and travel companion. " - Charles McRae |
 Jim Urbach |
"I first met Brian over 10 years ago at Ft. DeSoto and have since been to Magee Marsh and his home in Ohio. He's easy going and knowledgeable. I've been amazed by his duck images taken from his floating blind. When I learned he would be co-leading a trip to Barrow in June 2010, I jumped at signing up. Brian knows Barrow. He knows how to get close to the birds there without spooking them. Brian's emails and recommendations on getting chest high light weight waders were spot on. I knew what to expect. Barrow for me was a most unique and rewarding trip. The images I captured were beyond my expectations. Don't pass up this unique opportunity to go to Barrow with Brian." - Jim Urbach |
 Lana Hays |
I,
like many, first met Brian at Magee Marsh.
I can’t tell
you how helpful he was about birding the
area.
He is a first
class birder and photographer who is always
willing to share knowledge and help others
to be successful.
He is a
pleasure to be around with his great sense
of humor and positive attitude.
When others are
ready to give up….he’s willing to give it
one more try.
He always has a
plan. I
was fortunate enough to be a part of his
trip to Barrow, AK in 2010.
He knew the
area from previous trips and had made
excellent preparations for the workshop.
We were
notified well in advance of what equipment
was required and what arrangements had been
made.
Once there, he
coordinated with other birders and
photographers to put us in the right
locations at the right time. We didn’t miss
a thing.
It was the most
exciting and productive photography trip
that I’ve ever had.
It just doesn’t
get any better than that going with Brian.
|
 Tim Finnegan |
Brian and I went out to photograph ducks for a day. It was an awesome day. Brian is so knowledgeable and out going and willing to share all that he knows. I don’t have the "Big Glass" most bird photographers use. I used a 70-200mm lens with a 2x converter. I was able to get some excellent images of ducks in flight and floating on the water. Brian can get you there in the moment, close to your subject and he knows all about your subject. I knew nothing about ducks going into our outing. Brian is patient and answers all your questions. I now know a lot about ducks. If you are interested in photographing birds or waterfowl, Brian is the man. I look forward to another outing with Brian. I know I will not regret it! I feel I am not writing the words I want to express about my day with Brian. Words cannot express how I felt, just the ducks, marshes, Brian and I. It was a tremendous experience and such a way to escape normal life. If you need to get away, or just want to learn and have a great time doing it, I strongly urge you to experience a day with Brian Zwiebel. I guarantee he will not disappoint. Thanks Brian!!! |
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