valle de tenza Workshop

A workshop designed for all skill levels, featuring three full days of hands-on field photography.

An immersive nature and bird photography workshop in the mountains of Santa María, Valle de Tenza, Colombia.

Over 3 days and 2 nights, you'll experience an adventure designed for photographers who want to explore, venture off the beaten path, and connect with nature in a more authentic way.

Unlike destinations where birds come to you, Valle de Tenza invites you to seek them out. This workshop is designed for photographers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination—the thrill of exploring, observing, and finding birds in their natural habitat.

We'll stay at a private countryside lodge reserved exclusively for our group, surrounded by forest, peace, and everything needed to disconnect from daily life and focus entirely on photography.

Throughout the workshop, we'll travel by 4×4 vehicles to a variety of ecosystems, photographing birds in real field conditions while learning how to adapt to natural light, changing environments, and the behavior of wild birds.

• Discover One of Colombia's Most Biodiverse Regions

• 4×4 Off-Road Adventures

• Endemic Bird Species

• Private Lodge, Exclusively Reserved for the Workshop

• Composition & Visual Storytelling

• The Exposure Triangle for Nature Photography

• Capture Birds in Flight with Precision and Tack-Sharp Results

• The Golden Rules of Photography

You'll Learn:

• In-Field Camera Setup

• Personalized One-on-One Guidance

• Depth of Field in Photography

• Camera Shooting Modes

• Using Merlin Bird ID & eBird Effectively

• Immersive, Exploration-Based Experience

Birds of the Region

Photographs Captured by Our Participants

Eubucco bourcierii

Pipra filicauda

Cyanocorax yncas

Itinerary

Arrival, Check-In & Site Orientation.

Disconnect

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

day 1

Welcome Session, Q&A, Photography Fundamentals, and a Healthy Dinner.

8:00 PM

Field Practice, Light Painting (Using Shutter Speed Techniques)

10:00 PM

Rest & Recharge

day 2

day 3

INItiAtion

Practice

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Field Birdwatching Activity.

the manakin

4x4 off-road adventure

8:00 AM

1:00 PM

the lek

Search for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at Its Lek

story time

5:00 PM

Photo Exhibition & Feedback Session

Theory

The Most Important Concepts, Golden Rules of Photography.

6:00 PM

Immersion

Night Birdwatching, Dinner.

8:00 PM

Introspection

9:00 PM

Campfire & Circle of Conversation.

10:00 PM

Rest & Recharge

Reflection & Integration

6:00 AM

Coffee, Birdwatching, Field Guide Skills.

Science

eBird Checklist, Using Merlin & Its Purpose, Breakfast.

8:00 AM

Reconnect

10:00 AM

Waterfalls, Springs, Rest, Free Photography & General Application, Lunch.

ritual

1:00 PM

Recognition Ceremony, Group Photo, Networking & Farewell.

Learning to See Is Learning to Respect

Valle de tenza - guateque

Daily schedule

2PM - 3PM (Meet-up)

Location

Via El Sisga–Valle de Tenza, Guateque, Colombia
Posada La Gironda

Photo Locations

Immerse yourself in carefully selected locations designed for learning, birdwatching, and connecting with nature.

Learning Area

Learn in the field, not in a classroom.

Master your camera through hands-on experience as you apply shutter speed, focusing techniques, and composition in real-world conditions. Our instructors will be by your side to answer questions and provide personalized guidance every step of the way.

Shared Spaces

Photography is only part of the experience—there's also time to unwind.

While this workshop is designed to keep you actively exploring, we've also included comfortable spaces to relax and recharge. Between sessions, you'll have opportunities to enjoy the incredible biodiversity around you, including the chance to explore the fascinating world of macro photography.

Observe and photograph birds in their natural habitat.

From these carefully selected viewpoints, you'll practice autofocus, shutter speed, and composition while capturing one of South America's most iconic birds—the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock—at its natural lek.

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Lek

What’s included

✔️ Round-Trip Transportation to Santa María

✔️ Access to All Training Areas

✔️ All Meals Included

✔️ Shared Accommodation

✔️ Birdwatching Sessions

✔️ Two Classroom Sessions

✔️ Hands-On Field Training

✔️ Learning Materials

✔️ Medical Assistance Insurance

✔️ 4×4 Off-Road Excursions

✔️ Farewell Toast

What’s not included

✖️ Photography Equipment (Rental Available)

✖️ Personal Expenses

✖️ Souvenirs

✖️ Transportation to Guateque (We'll Help Coordinate Carpooling)

Requirements

Ideal Profile

• Camera with Manual Mode (DSLR or Mirrorless)

• Telephoto Lens (500mm minimum; 600mm recommended)

• Memory Cards & Spare Batteries

• Comfortable Clothing for Mild, Humid Weather (68–79°F / 20–26°C)

• Hiking Boots or Trekking Shoes

• Tripod

• Rain Jacket

• Insect Repellent

• Laptop or Tablet

Photographers who want to master the exposure triangle in real-world shooting conditions. No previous photography experience is required.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to deepen their bird photography and composition skills in natural environments—and who have a strong passion for adventure, exploration, and the outdoors.

It’s the perfect experience if you love photography but have no idea where to start. Highly recommended—being immersed in nature while learning how to photograph it

@danielojaramillo

I had the opportunity to take part in this workshop, and it was an enriching experience from every perspective. We learned the fundamental principles of photography, such as the exposure triangle.

@cfajardobirds

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a long lens?

It depends on the type of experience. For the Full-Day Workshop at Chicaque Natural Park, we recommend lenses of 200mm or longer to make the most of bird photography.

Do you rent equipment?

Yes. We offer camera and telephoto lens rentals (300mm and 500mm), ideal for this type of field bird photography. We recommend booking in advance, as availability is limited.

Is it canceled due to rain?

No. Rain is part of the natural experience and often provides unique photographic conditions. Only in exceptional cases, such as thunderstorms or safety risks (landslides or similar situations), will the workshop be rescheduled.

What happens if I book and then can’t attend?

Your spot is not lost. You can reschedule it for another date within the year. However, if the cancellation is made within 10 days prior to the workshop, a penalty will apply according to our terms, due to already committed logistical arrangements.

Are the hikes physically demanding?

No. Our workshops are focused on bird photography and observation, so they do not require significant physical effort. The walks are easy and typically last less than 30 minutes.

Can I attend with my phone?

Yes, you can participate using your phone. We recommend using apps with manual (pro) mode and, if possible, pairing it with a telephoto lens to improve your results.

Is there a discount if I come on my own?

No. The transportation provided for the Full-Day Workshop at Chicaque Natural Park is an added value offered by the organization and is not part of the core cost of the experience. Our focus is on learning, guidance, and the field experience.

Can I bring a companion?

Yes, you can attend with a companion. However, each person must have their own spot, as the experience is designed to be individual and highly personalized.

How do I book a spot?

Request your spot by clicking the “Request Availability” button on the website or contacting us via the WhatsApp chat bubble. An advisor will guide you through the next steps. Reservations are confirmed with a 50% deposit, which can be paid through a payment link, and credit cards are also accepted.

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