#that poison monkey is probably my favourite so far but

[sznmjun]

Who designed the gen 9 Pokémon why are they all ugly

[oswincoleman]

Jenna Coleman's 2021 Year in Review, Part 2: Interviews

Today, I will be listing all of Jenna Coleman's interviews this year, and point out some interesting points made in each of them. After going through them one by one, I discovered that there were far more than I had initially thought, and so my summary of each of them gets shorter and shorter.

The Chris Evans Breakfast show, 5th January.

During this interview, Jenna talked about The Serpent. She described what it was like to film during the pandemic, having to stop filming in Bangkok with 2 hours' notice. She talked about how filming was finally completed in Tring, which acted as Paris, Bombay, Karachi, and many other locations. Jenna talked about her reaction to reading the script, and how the script changed over time and had to be adapted due to changing external conditions. She said that it was fun to play the part, but that learning French was one of the hardest things she had done. When asked about what she thought about the show when she watched it, she said that she finds it hard to be objective, since she spent so much time working on it, but that she got quite positive feedback from other people about it.

A brief summary of the interview can also be found here: https://virginradio.co.uk/the-chris-evans-breakfast-show-with-sky/25383/jenna-coleman-on-bbc-crime-thrillerthe-serpent-and-perfecting-her-french-accent

The One Show, 25th of January

Jenna talked a bit about how hot it was in Bangkok throughout the filming of The Serpent, and some of the process of filming the show.

Vogue

In this interview she talked about first learning about the upcoming show The Serpent during the time when she was performing All My Sons at the Old Vic in 2019, and that she was completely drawn into the story. She mentioned that even though a lot of elements of the show were invented because they were not known, that many of the crazy things that are shown really did happen, such as the poisoning of the monkey. She talked about Marie's complex character, and how she tried to understand her. The fashion of the show was also discussed in detail. When asked what she will be working on next, she mentioned an NDA project (which we now know is The Sandman), and "hopefully a few indie films" (she filmed one indie film later in 2021; Klokkenluider). She talked about spending time in lockdown learning French, cooking, gardening, and attending a photography course.

You can read the full interview here: https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/jenna-coleman-the-serpent-interview

Radio Times, 13-19 February

Jenna talked about being terrified about the challenge of playing the complex character of Monique while speaking a language she had just started learning, in a very unfamiliar setting halfway around the world. She said that she felt as if she was in My Fair Lady in preparations for the role. She talked about poring over pictures of Marie, and intently studying the audio recordings of her. She mentioned that the first scene she filmed was the end of the first episode, when she played Monique ignoring the pleas for help of the Dutch couple. Jenna also described the "Serpent curse" of having so many issues facing the production of the show. There was a brief discussion about All My Sons, and her acting career overall, and the interview ended with Jenna jokingly saying that maybe she will do musical comedy next.

This is probably my favourite interview with Jenna this year. It is very well written, explores several different topics, and is a great read!

Table Manners with Jessie Ware Podcast, 10th February

This podcast is mainly about food, but of course Jenna was asked, and also talked quite a bit about The Serpent, and other past and future projects.

Jenna said that when she was a child she went through a phase where she wouldn't eat anything, except cream cheese sandwiches and Heinz tomato soup, and even then she would sometimes hide sandwiches in a vase, so that she could go off and play instead of eating it. She was diagnosed with gluten intolerance 5 years ago, and now can't eat many of the foods she loved to eat previously. She describes herself as a massive coffee addict. Jenna also told the funny story of singing karaoke in Ibiza when she was 12, with Charlotte Church.

You can listen to the podcast here:

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3RhYmxlbWFubmVycw/episode/OWNkM2E4ZjMtYzZkMS00NmZhLThkODctY2M2ODkxMTg1ZDYx?sa=X&ved=0CAIQuIEEahcKEwjw4J7Twof1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQQg

Interview with Edith Bowman

Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heXOz0oxlzI&t=1283s

The Glass Magazine

In this interview, Jenna talked about deciding that she wanted to become an actress when she was 10, and played a role in a theatre (I think she is referring to playing the second Italian Bridesmaid in Summer Holiday, the part for which she had to sing "Happy Birthday" to herself). Jenna says that she did not expect to be cast when she auditioned for Doctor Who, as she thought that they would cast someone really famous instead of her. She also discussed her excitement about playing a young and vivacious Victoria. When discussing The Serpent, Jenna mentions many things that were also addressed in other interviews. Finally, she says how much she loves change, and that she considers the prospect of constantly working with other people at other locations to tell other stories exhilarating.

Read the full interview here:

https://www.theglassmagazine.com/glass-speaks-to-british-actor-jenna-coleman/

Click the City

This is the first interview with Jenna ahead of the release of The Serpent on Netflix. Jenna talked about never having been interested in the true crime genre before getting sent the scripts for The Serpent. She talked about learning to play a bilingual character, and how powerful a change of language from English to French, or vice versa is in telling the story. She discussed how power is portrayed, both in The Serpent and in Victoria, and how the direction for the show was very open. And of course the interview also discussed the various costumes Jenna wore for the show, and how those reflected Marie's development.

Read the full interview here: https://www.clickthecity.com/tv/article/90311/interview-jenna-coleman-on-playing-accomplice-in-true-crime-series-the-serpent/

The Laterals, issue 6

In this interview, Jenna talked about what she had been up to during lockdown, and that she had been learning psychology. She said that she recently drove over a large rock, and burst the tire of her car, and that she subsequently decided to learn to get better at various DIY tasks. Jenna describes being drawn to the role because she was intrigued by the psychology of Marie, and the story of the mystery of who she really is, what parts of her act is pretence, and what is real. She talked about trying to understand Marie, and how she could go along with it all. Jenna also talked about how she chooses the roles she plays; that she likes playing very different characters that are very different from herself, that she doesn't like repetition, and that it is a lot about getting the right script at the right time. She says that she was offered roles in many psychological thrillers after The Cry, but that she wanted to do something else instead. When asked about how she prepared for various roles, Jenna spoke about how she loves playing real people, and that she likes to do intensive research into the real life characters she has played (Victoria and Marie). Finally, she also discusses her legacy in Doctor Who, and her experiences from it.

Dutch Interview for RTL Boulevard, 1st of April

In this brief TV interview, Jenna talked about working with the young Dutch actors Ellie de Lange and Armand Rosbak, and meeting the real Herman Knippenberg.

Philippine Daily Enquirer

In addition to previous things already mentioned, Jenna talked about how tough it was to read Marie's diaries in preparation to playing the role. This, and the next few interviews mainly repeat elements that I have already described in previous summaries, so my description for them will be rather short.

Entertainment Weekly

In this interview, Jenna goes into more detail into the challenges of learning French, and she succeeded despite only having 3-4 weeks to learn it.

Read the interview here:

https://ew.com/tv/jenna-coleman-netflix-the-serpent-interview/

Forbes

In this interview, Jenna talks a lot about Marie's psychology

Read the interview here:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danafeldman/2021/04/01/in-the-serpent-jenna-coleman-portrays-a-woman-willing-to-kill-for-love/?sh=24f0ce6c4eb6

Boston Herald

Read the interview here:

https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/04/02/one-character-two-personas-lured-jenna-coleman-into-serpent-role/

Shondaland

This is a quite in-depth interview, in which Jenna describes her decision in crafting Marie's voice, making a deliberate decision to not make it exactly like the real Marie's voice, who apparently did not have nearly as strong of an French accent when speaking English than Jenna portrayed her as. Once again, Jenna really went out of her way to make the role even more of a challenge for herself, and to distinguish it vocally from all her other roles, as she always does. Jenna mentioned a lightness between takes, to compensate for how dark the story was. And that she formed many great friendships while working on the show.

Read the interview here:

https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a36006231/in-the-serpent-jenna-coleman-explores-the-scary-and-seductive-world-of-serial-killers/

Brieftake

This detailed interview is one of my favourites from this year, and discusses The Serpent, as well as many past, and future projects that Jenna is involved in.

Read the interview here:

https://brieftake.com/interview-the-serpent-jenna-coleman/

Elle France

Read the interview here:

https://www.elle.fr/Loisirs/Series/Le-Serpent-sur-Netflix-qui-est-Jenna-Coleman-la-complice-de-Tahar-Rahim-dans-la-serie-3922779#xtor=CS5-88

Town and Country

Read the interview here:

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a35981890/jenna-coleman-marie-andree-leclerc-the-serpent-interview/

Collider

Jenna talked about understanding Marie, and starting to sympathize with her, when she started uncovering who she really was, rather than how she presented herself. She also told a funny story of The Serpent facing so many production issues, that her brother made some jokes when filming was actually, finally, completed, after a 13 month shoot. In this interview, Jenna also talked about some past and future projects. She went into more detail here about Klokkenluider, and her role in it, than in any other interview so far.

Read the interview here:

https://collider.com/jenna-coleman-interview-the-serpent-netflix/

In Creative Company

Jenna describes many aspects of the story, Marie's character, and the process of filming The Serpent, and adds several anecdotes as well, such as the competition between Foufou the dog, and the monkey. She said that she was most proud about just getting it all done, because with many delays and other things that affected production, she was happy that it was able to be completed, and released.

Watch the interview here:

https://youtu.be/WfyHZgqyaBw

Second Interview with Edith Bowman

Watch the interview here:

https://vimeo.com/536453475

Byrdie

In this interview, Jenna talked a lot about The Serpent, and also discussed how she has grown increasingly confident about being on set throughout her acting career. She gives some advice for aspiring actors, and describes her favourite beauty products, and what shows she had been watching recently.

Read the interview here:

https://www.byrdie.com/jenna-coleman-zoom-date-5185691

Marie Claire Australia

Read the interview here:

https://www.marieclaire.com.au/jenna-coleman-interview-the-serpent

Grazia

After a lot of interviews about The Serpent in early 2021, this is a recent interview from November, which predominantly focuses on Jenna's favourite skincare and make-up products. But she also discusses how important costume and make-up are in stepping out of one's own person, and into the character that one is portraying. She talks about Victoria and The Serpent, and some Christmas traditions of hers.

Read the interview here:

https://graziadaily.co.uk/beauty-hair/makeup/jenna-coleman-beauty-interview/

Sheerluxe

Jenna talks about Christmas traditions, new years' resolutions, and what she is looking forward to in the new year.

Read the interview here:

https://sheerluxe.com/life/festive-coffee-with%E2%80%A6-jenna-coleman

[alwaysahiccupandastrid]

His Dark Materials S2 Ep 6 - Rambling/Thoughts

I really cannot believe that we’re at the penultimate episode already, oh my gosh. It’s gone by so fast??

Again, because I’ve reread TSK in the last couple of weeks, the book is fresh in my mind but I’ve probably still missed stuff

Also last week was so intense and seeing the “previously on” section made me remember just how intense that was, so it’s a hard job to top that!

ANGELS AHH RIGHT AWAY IM GEEKING OUT

“The last time they were seen was to make war” - IT’S HAPPENING ASDFGHJKL

Ruta going off to see Asriel and me just remembering what exactly went down between them while she was there with him... heh

So Will’s hand looks AWFUL oh my god poor Will 😭

Pan is REALLY into his Red PAN-da form oh my goodness

So the other kids out for revenge terrified the living SHIT out of me, dear god I don’t think it could be any creepier than dozens of them appearing out of the shadows like that, like it’s genuinely terrifying

Serafina just dropped right in to rescue them and I was both relieved and a little disappointed? Because in the book the whole chase sequence is so much longer and more important, like it takes up most of an entire chapter I think, and here it’s like two minutes?

Serafina: What does this edge cut? // Lyra: Everything (Will at the same time: Nothing.) - 😂

I missed Lee and Jopari tbh so yay to seeing them once more! And they’ve crossed into the next world!

Oh hi again Mary!

^ I wasn’t expecting to see Mary again this series because in TSK book, her last appearance is going through the window (which was last episode), so I’m a little curious as to whether we’re going to get a TINY little peek into The Amber Spyglass here (it’s been years since I reread it, I apologize). Because last series they did a bit of TSK (namely introducing Will + him crossing into Cittagazze), so it would be interesting!

“Good, something I can understand for a change” - LOL Same

Serafina wants to take Lyra back to her world?? Really??

Not gonna lie, the two girls spying on Mary was kind of low-key creepy

Lyra mentioning that she crossed worlds to find out about Dust and mentioning Roger 😭

Also I’m so emotional over just how much she wants Will to be safe, like she would really do anything to keep him safe and I love it

Lyra asking the Alethiometer where Will’s dad is and “he’s in this world” - ahhh it’s going to happen!

Also I really hope that the BBC/whoever decides to sell replica Alethiometers because the design is so beautiful?! I would fork out serious dough for one, and it would go nicely with the one I have from the film

No but seriously, words don’t describe just how badly I want a replica

“I wanted to fly so I summoned you here, now I’m flying” - LOL OKAY THEN JOHN

Ooh damn, that outfit Marisa is wearing is FINE. I’m slightly gayer than I was before, ngl

I was like “nooo Mary don’t be nice to these kids, they’re awful”

But it’s very sweet that she offers them food?? Like she pulls a chocolate bar out and is like “it’s no good for you, it’s full of sugar”... I love her

The way that Mary was so happy and excited when they mentioned Lyra, only to tell the girls off for trying to kill her - more of a mum than Mrs Coulter tbh

“Miss, can I have a hug?” - AWWW OMG WHY AM I SAD

They asked Mary to stay and look after them omg 😭😭😭

“Come with me, I’ll bring you to your adults” - ooh okay this could go any number of ways... Either she actually reunites them with their families and all’s well, or she takes them up there and their parents/adults are all dead (for lack of a better word)? Or the Spectres attack after Mary leaves them with the adults??

Jopari talking about meeting his dæmon and also a little bit about trying to get back to his family :(

“Can you magic us up a fire?” “One moment” *presents a box of matches” - LMFAO

Wait did Serafina seriously just imply that she thought Will might hurt Lyra?!?

Serafina saying that if protecting Lyra means protecting Will as well... Yes, protect Will please! Protect BOTH of these children, I literally BEG you, they’ve gone through far too much

Ooh okay so the witch ritual/spell was kind of cool to see!

Lyra saying “please tell me he’ll be alright” 😭♥️

The fact that Lyra curled up close to Will and then Pan (in ermine form) curled up CLOSER to Will is so cute, they both love Will so much

Pan: “We feel safe her... don’t we?” / OOF OKAY THIS IS F I N E

I already know what Lyra’s “other name” is because I read the book but the hints are anything BUT subtle tbh. “Mother of us all, cause of all sin, tempted by the serpent”... I’m not even that religious but I think it’s pretty obvious.

Also, if Mary is playing the part of the “serpent” within Lyra’s destiny, does that mean that Mary has tempted Lyra? Or that she will?

Boreal being nervous about being in the city and Marisa is just so unimpressed by him... Mood

That smirk she had when going up to that Spectre victim was so chilling, we have to stan Ruth Wilson and her incredible acting

Also, fun fact, Ruth Wilson went to my sixth form college and is from Surrey (like me), and she grew up in Shepperton, which is where my Nan used to live when she was alive (my uncle and aunt live there still), so that’s super exciting!

“We could learn from this” - PLEASE DO NOT MA’AM

God I hate the Magisterium so fucking much, the patriarchy is so strong with them

Oh great, now they’re gunning to kill Lyra :/

Also, off topic, I’ve only just connected that Will Keen, who plays Father MacPhail, is Dafne Keen’s dad?!?

“She’s lost a lot for one so young” - AND SHE’S STILL GOING TO LOSE PEOPLE, WHY IS THIS FAIR PHILIP PULLMAN 😭

“She must be protected” - AGAIN, they BOTH need protecting PLEASE

The Spectre noises reminded me of the noises of the Smoke Monster from LOST, so that’s definitely trippy for me

Thanks, I hate it

I nearly shouted “WHAT THE FUCK IS SHE DOING” out loud in front of both my parents, I seriously thought she had a damn death wish

I have never been so damn tense in my entire life as I am watching this show - and I KNOW what happens

HOW DID SHE DO THAT WITH THE SPECTRES SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN

Lee’s so worried about Lyra - 11/10, Father of the Year

The Magisterium airships... NO. FUCK. WE’RE AT THAT POINT ALREADY AND IM NOT OKAY BECAUSE I KNOW HOW AND WHERE THIS ENDS AND I HATE IT

I deadass thought Marisa and Carlo were about to kiss when he ran up to her and I actually said out loud “NO please don’t”

Look I must just be so dirty minded but when she said “let’s celebrate”, my immediate reaction was “NO NO NO NO EW EW EW NO” and “I hope she just means having a drink and not doing the frickety-frack”

I was so close to tearing up as Will was talking about his mum, her illness, and the boys who were mean to her because of it. His love for his mum is so beautifully written and the way Amir Wilson is playing Will is so wonderful

I was also close to tears when he was talking about his dad and how he used to imagine about his dad, so maybe I’m just emotional anyway

“Could go to school... have friends” - okay yeah no I’m definitely crying 😭

“I couldn’t trust anyone.” “Until you met me.” “Yeah.” - EXCUSE ME ♥️😭 my HEART

I love one (1) soft boy, and one (1) feral girl and her dæmon

The relief I felt when I saw Marisa and Carlo were literally just having drinks 😅

“They consume what makes us human, so I just suppressed that and hid it” + *cut to the monkey looking kinda sad/uncomfortable* - Umm fUCK OKAY THEN

Why am I feeling sorry for the monkey?!?

“You think we’re equal?” - LMFAO RIGHT

EWW THEY KISSED. No, just... nO

When I saw his snake dæmon moving towards her monkey, I thought one of two things was about to happen: 1) the monkey was going to pet and paw and the snake as Marisa seduced Boreal, or 3) the monkey was going to strange the snake and kill Boreal

OKAY THIS TOOK A SHARP BUT NOT UNWELCOMED TURN

“You’ve NEVER been my equal.” “You’d only hold me back.” - OH MY GOD YES THE SHADE

She’s not wrong though let’s be honest here

So she poisoned him I’m assuming? She poisoned his drink because the monkey didn’t actually touch the snake... damn.

Her just sitting there and continuing to drink with his dead body there is... damn.

“Into that valley” NO NO, please no

Jopari really just summoned a whole damn storm huh

Also the fact he fully trusts in Lee’s abilities to land them safely :3

Lee: “Can we trust him?” // Hester: “Do we have another choice?!!” - LMFAO I love them so much

THE WAY I NEARLY SCREAMED WHEN THAT WITCH GOT ATTACKED BY A SPECTRE OMFG AT LEAST WILL WAS THERE TO SAVE HER

Okay but did Marisa REALLY sit there for HOURS with Boreal’s corpse sitting opposite her?!?

Her burning her hand on the flame in front of the monkey, and the monkey clearly whimpering and in pain was so agonizing to watch, I can’t take this show

Also, you have to wonder just how many times she’s harmed herself (and him) for her to keep doing it with next to no problems (like separating from each other all the time)

I was so excited to see the birds attacking the zeppelins, like it was one of my favourite details in the book, and I worried that they wouldn’t have the budget for it but yay!

I do kind of wish that we’d had Sayan Kötor as the “eagle Queen” leading them though - she probably was but I wish we’d actually seen it or heard Jopari say it or whatever

THEY SHOT THE GAS CANNISTER OH SHIT THEY’RE GOING DOWN HARD AND FAST IN THAT BALLOON

HOLD ON BBC YOU CANNOT END THIS THERE?!? EXCUSE ME?!

The last episode is next week and on an hour earlier, so that’s exciting! I have no idea what I’ll do once this series ends, or when we’ll even get the third and final series because of COVID and filming delays, but I’m excited for it nonetheless and hoping it’s next November/December or something!

[autoplaysdigimon]

Top Five Villains

HERE WE GO, THE FUN LIST.

#5 Gatomon

Controversial, maybe, to have her be on the Villains list as well, but she was a villainous character for a while.

I’m a real sucker for a good redemption storyline; failing that, at least a turncoat character. While Gatomon didn’t really commit any real atrocities onscreen to atone for later in the story, she still proved a fun villain while she was one. She was no nonsense, efficient, knew exactly what she was doing... if she’d stayed on Myotismon’s side, she could have been a real force to be reckoned with. One of the things that I’d have really liked to have seen explored more in this series was Gatomon’s time with Myotismon, and how much she’s changed since then.

Plus there’s something so weirdly entertaining about a group of creepy, ominous, obviously evil monsters and then a small white kitty cat who’s just as dangerous as them.

#4 Myotismon

This guy.

When this guy came onto the scene, the entire show changed. Devimon’s arc was fun, if a little generic; Etemon’s was very similar with a different villain, and then Demidevimon’s arc came along and we got a fun, goofy villain who can’t Evil properly. Even so, we knew he was following orders from a higher power, and Myotismon’s eventual appearance changed the dynamic from “Team Rocket Fools Children Repeatedly” to “oh shit an actual vampire is going to kill us”. And then the whole Eighth Digidestined thing happened... Plus, that #aesthetic, amirite?��

To tie into Gatomon’s thing up there, the Eighth Digidestined arc was one of the best of the season, if not the best. Taking the fight to the Real World made it more, well, real. It was fun as hell watching the parents interact with the Digimon, both good and bad, and finding out exactly what the kids had been up to lately. The kids watching their families getting dragged into the fight was TOP. NOTCH. Plus Myotismon actually knew what he was doing as a villain so.

He knew to go after the one kid without protection. He knew how to cut everything off effectively. He did take a shot at some of the kids when they were on their own, instead of thinking only of killing Kari. Death didn’t stop him the first time. Even when he pulled the classic villain “You Have Outlived Your Use” thing and killed his own minions, it was on Digimon who had already turned against him, like Wizardmon, Pumpkinmon, Gotsumon and (arguably) Darktyrannomon.

(No, wait, they’re still alive because he sent them to his Dungeon, isn’t that RIGHT DUB TEAM.)

(Even though pieces of them were left behind and dissolved on their own.)

(No, I’m still not over that.)

#3 Ogremon

Another redeemed villain! I just like them, okay

Maybe it’s just me, but just the act of Ogremon turning good at the end made me like him. He was a little bit generic in the Devimon arc, though at least he had the feud with Leomon to make him interesting. (Any logical reason to that, by the way? Was it just that we had these two Digimon who could fill in the character roles we’d set out for them? Nothing mythological about lions and ogres hating each other or anything? No? Okay then.)

All Ogremon really did in that first arc was serve as the henchman. He made some... interesting choices, and then he was absorbed into Devimon for power. And then he came out of the back of Devimon’s knee. Sure. When Devimon was defeated, he ran screaming off into the distance, shaking his fist and yelling “NEXT TIME, GADGET. NEXT TIIIIME.” The very act of bringing him back when he wasn’t employed by the Big Bad of the moment made him an interesting character, who had to atone for what he did. I’m a sucker for redemption, like I said, and the best part of it is watching them go soft.

Plus, how great is it to have multiple conflicting alliances within a group? When Leomon returned, even though Ogremon was firmly on the Digidestined side now, he had absolutely no problems with trying to immediately murder Leomon. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? They’re rivals, it’s just natural! He’s also kind of a shithead in general, even still.

Also, Ogremon is incredibly hard to draw. I’d just like to bring that up.

Okay, next!

#2 Etemon

HE’S A MONKEY WHO TALKS LIKE ELVIS, NEXT QUESTION.

But for real, Etemon is such a fucking great villain. Great character all around, I’d love a version where he was an ally or something, but how else would we get the trademark Elvis-laugh-turns-into-villainous-laugh thing that Etemon has going?! Come on, that’s great.

Devimon’s villainous style was one of corruption; he wasn’t all that powerful on his own, but by using the Black Gears he could build his own damn forces and control small areas. He only managed to control a handful of Digimon in the end. He was also taken out by a single Digimon in a single one-on-one, though you could argue that the others had weakened him by that point, they hadn’t really.

Etemon’s style was drastically different - he was far more comical, but far more dangerous. His introduction scene involved him panicking over the Digidestined already being in the area. He sang a lot, he cracked jokes, he threw childish tantrums, and again, he was a monkey who sounded like Elvis. There is nothing not awesome about this guy. And yes, he was deadlier - his main attack can undo Digivolutions and leave the Digimon vulnerable as hell. He ended up taking a couple of episodes to take out, only losing because another villain tried to sabotage him in the end.

And coming back partway through the Dark Masters arc as Metaletemon?! FUCK YEAH. Every pun he made, I laughed at and I don’t apologise for that. Even starting a series-wide tradition, he was stylish until the end.

Also he called Ikkakumon a goat that one time.

#1 Demidevimon

T H E  B A S T A R D  O R B

Nobody is surprised that he’s my #1, right? It was a close call between him and Etemon, but ultimately I just like Demidevimon’s arc more. We have Devimon and Etemon, as I discussed above. After that wave of villains who are dangerous because they’re powerful, we have one who is dangerous because he’s just a little bastard.

Demidevimon wasn’t strong. Most villains had their huge beatdown happen in the form of a Digimon Digivolving to Champion, Ultimate or Mega for the first time, Demidevimon had his when Patamon reached Rookie level again. In his debut episode. He was never a threat physically once the kids realised that he was not to be trusted. His arc came right after two arcs of the kids being stranded in this strange world together, only briefly separated - and then everyone was torn apart, and he could manipulate them individually. 

I’ve argued in the past that Demidevimon was a more effective manipulator than even Puppetmon, one of the Dark Masters, and I stand by it. Puppetmon managed to physically manipulate them with the dolls, sure, and he had Cherrymon convince Matt to attack Tai. But, uh, he didn’t exactly have to twist his arm very hard to get that to happen, and that was Cherrymon’s doing anyway. Plus you could argue that physically manipulating someone isn’t much of a social power as it is more a matter of strength. (also Puppetmon is more of a “play with them like toys” type, but still, being a literal puppetmaster, you’d think that manipulation was more of his domain than a BAT.) Demidevimon, however, managed to:

convince TK that Matt didn’t want him as a brother anymore and to ditch Tokomon

 nearly have TK, Tai and Agumon eat poisonous mind-wiping mushrooms

convince Digitamamon to keep Joe and Matt in the restaurant, simultaneously threatening Joe to help keep Matt there and sabotaged them constantly to manipulate them all further

trick Izzy and Tentomon into Vademon’s trap

tell the Gekomon and Otamamon about Mimi’s singing voice, somehow knowing that they’d end up hindering her progress somehow(???)

And, even after knowing that he’s an evil manipulating Digimon, he managed to convince Sora that she’d never manage to activate her crest, causing her to believe it in a self-fulfilling prophecy, even as she worked to sabotage his efforts otherwise.

I mean, apart from all that, I just like Demidevimon as a Digimon. He’s a tiny flying motherfucker and that’s great! He had some of my favourite lines, even his death was kind of tragically funny, and I have a clear bias when it comes to his voice acting, because I just like Derek Stephen Prince. He does it well! I don’t know how Demidevimon closes his eyes like that, though, those appear to be his pupils closing. I don’t even know.

Really, I just find great nostalgia in comical villains. They were all the rage back in the day, especially in children’s media. They’re still around sometimes - Doctor Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb, the Rubies from Steven Universe, the Ice King from Adventure Time, even Team Rocket from Pokemon are thriving still. Good, menacing villains are great and all, but where’s the fun?

Honourable Mentions

Scorpiomon, who probably benefited the most from the dub’s style - his constant cried of “hey, stop it, come baaaack” while chasing Joe and Mimi are more remnicient of a kid trying to get his toy back from the bully who just took it away from him than someone trying to murder children, and that’s just fucking hilarious.

Mimi, when she was briefly an antagonist in that one episode. Just as I really like Heel-Face turns, I really like Face-Heel turns, even temporarily, and even as petty as this whole thing was. It was the perfect trap for her, who just craved the comfort of home, and who could be easily confinced to go for more. And it was the perfect trap because she was the jailor and the jailed at the same time, trapped as long as her own selfishness would allow. It was one of my favourite episodes.

Datamon, who had his own agenda and didn’t care that he was stepping on Etemon’s toes to get what he wanted. Just like Leomon and Ogremon had conflicting alliances on the protagonist’s side, Datamon and Etemon were opposing forces on the antagonist’s side, and multiple villains fighting each other are always fun to see.

Actually, Etemon later fought Puppetmon as Metaletemon, didn’t he? Wow, dude just doesn’t get along with other villains.

Gizamon. Give them more lines, you cowards.

The Dark Masters, as a whole. Just as Myotismon changed the entire tone of the show, these guys took the entire first half of the show and murdered every safe thing about it. They immediately started playing with the Digidestined, fully intending to off them all right then and there as a team. They were competent, for the most part - only failing when they were forced to split up, and their dirty tricks could be dismantled one by one. I’ve never seen a more co-operative group of antagonists, who never tried to dethrone each other and take everything for themselves.

And okay, sure, Kokatorimon. Purely for this.

Dishonourable Mention

Apocalymon.

Look, dude, I’m sorry, you’re cool and everything, but where the fuck did you come from? We killed Piedmon, it’s over, no, wait, here’s one last guy, no wait he’s dead, nevermind. What?

The fact that Apocalymon didn’t get any fanfare before being dropped on the Digidestined without warning made him seem like an afterthought, like the writers forgot their own endgame until they got there. Even if there had been a mention of the effect that caused his existence before he showed up - a “hey, did you know that not every Digimon survives Digivolution? Their data just gets deleted or something,” really would have helped, but even then. 

Apocalymon’s existence in the show really highlights how disjointed the series as a whole is - Devimon has no relation to Etemon, who has no relation to Myotismon, who has no relation to the Dark Masters, who have no relation to Apocalymon. The kids face a constant load of “okay, so we beat this guy and we can go home, right? ...no, maybe this guy??” where every new villain is dropped on the like a hot potato, making their first appearance in less time after their existence is revealed in less time than it takes to heat up said hot potato. Myotismon is the only one who gets any decent buildup before his first appearance before the children, and he’s often said to be the best villain of the show, so see how that works?

Digimon Adventure is the story of a bunch of kids who were brought to the Digital World to take care of one guy, and hey, while you’re here, we’ve also got some sort of demon on this island causing trouble, and there’s this monkey threatening us, and also a vampire, and then these four have joined together... It was a fun adventure, and I love that it could be part of my childhood and my life, but wow it really needed a more cohesive throughline for the story.

I hate to leave this post on a negative note, because it was full of mostly nice things, so here’s another picture of the bastard orb.

Hahahaha, oh you silly little man.

[fishoutofcamelot]

(for the ask thing) any book/tv show/movie/song recommendations?

BRO! I heckin got you man! Now, I’m gonna skip the song and book recommendation bit because that sorta thing isn’t really my scene. BUT! In terms of TV? My rec list is like a mile long. I’m gonna include a read-more line, actually. 

BBC Merlin: You know I had to put this on the list. But the fact that you’re on my blog means you’ve probably watched this one, so I won’t go into detail about it. Available on Netflix

Mob Psycho 100: Just a cute, sweet story about a bunch of psychic kids trying to kill each other. A story with this much fighting has no right to be so wholesome. Mob is just a good boy, he doesn’t deserve all this! Fair warning, its messages about identity, self love, and growth WILL make you feel Emotions. Available on various anime pirating websites

Red vs Blue: The found family game is SO strong in this one. By far the best found family plot/dynamic I have ever and will ever experience. The characters are all so solid, yknow? Like it took me three rewatches to understand the plot, but I didn’t even care because I loved the characters SO MUCH. It’s also really, really funny (although some of the jokes have aged a bit poorly tbh). Basically about a bunch of space marines who goof off and accidentally dismantle corrupt governments along the way. Available on Youtube

Supernatural: Is it cringey? Yeah. Does the fandom suck? Also yeah. Is Destiel overrated? BIG yeah. But it’s got monsters, magic, family, and a plot that doesn’t revolve around romance - and really, what more could you ask for? And sure, a lot of people don’t really like the later seasons, but idk I actually prefer them. Season 15 has me THRIVING. I mean come on - character vs author?! Fighting the guy who literally wrote you into existence because he doesn’t want to give your story a happy ending?! Say what you will about Supernatural, but it’s one of the most imaginative shows I’ve ever seen. Available on Netflix

Avatar the Last Airbender: You like stellar animation, intricate worldbuilding/magicbuilding, and a perspective on war that is surprisingly mature for a kids show? Check it out. This show is without a doubt one of the best animated series of all time. Go on. Watch it. It’ll change your life. Available on Netflix

The Umbrella Academy: Time-travelling assassins. Superheroes. Ghosts. Talking monkeys. Murder mysteries. Baller soundtracks. This show will never give you what you expect. I don’t even think I could properly describe it to you. Available on Netflix

Detective Conan: An anime. It’s about a teen detective - think Nancy Drew but bloodier - who witnesses a crime and is fed an experimental poison in order to keep him from telling anyone. But instead of killing him, the poison turns him into a 6-year-old. So now he’s got to solve crimes and take down a criminal organization while in the body of a child. Naturally, shenanigans ensue. Fair warning, the main character becomes a bit of a Mary Sue in later episodes, but the first 300 or so are pretty fun. A few episodes are available on Netflix, but not any of the good ones. You’ll need an anime pirating website for that

Knives Out: My favourite movie ever, of all time. It’s a murder mystery that both subverts and pays homage to its parent genre in all the right places. It’s funny, it’s intelligent, and has a spectacular ending! Although I do wish the fandom would stop being so horny for Ransom, I mean he’s literally racist...No clue where you can find this tbh, I saw it in theatres

Derry Girls: Now I’m not normally a big fan of realistic fiction/sitcom stuff. Despite how funny they are, I’ve not even watched The Office or Parks and Rec because that normal daily life stuff just doesn’t peak my interest. And yet, somehow this story about a group of Irish high schoolers just has me enthralled. Very funny, very well-written, give it a watch. Available on Netflix

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Another anime. Phenomenal animation? Check. Fascinating plot and characters? Check. Detailed magic system that gets my lore-obsessed heart fluttering? Big heckin check. So basically two kids try to use Fantasy Science to bring their mom back to life, only the experiment fails and has some pretty nasty consequences - one boy loses his arm and leg, while the other loses his entire body and has his soul bound to a suit of armour. Now they gotta go through government conspiracies, ethical dilemmas, and Daddy Issues to try and get their bodies back. Available on Netflix

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K: Yet another anime. I know, I know, I’m a nerd, get over it. This show doesn’t have a complex plot or even complex characters, tbh, but what it does have is some amazing humour. It’s extremely funny, and it’s also just a nice show to kick back and relax to. Basically this guy who’s so op that he could rewrite the laws of reality on a whim is stuck dealing with relationship drama in high school despite being very, very asexual and very, very tired. Mostly he just uses his powers to avoid people and eat junk food, which is honestly a mood. Available on Netflix

Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Honestly I’d recommend almost anything that’s Scooby Doo-related because that was my childhood obsession. I used to have like 20 of the movies on DVD before my mom gave them all away. To this day I still love Scooby Doo, and watch it whenever I get the chance. But if you ask any SD fan, they’ll probably tell you that Mystery Incorporated is the best, most intelligent, most creative installment in the franchise. And they’re right (although I do wish there was less relationship drama...) Available on Netflix

Evil Genius: This is a documentary series about the Collar Bomb Robbery. Now, despite what the above list might indicate, I actually watch a LOT of documentaries, and if I were here to recommend all of them then we would be here all day. Not really ‘funny’ like the other entries on this list, it’s actually rather tragic, but definitely a cerebral viewing experience. Available on Netflix

Screwball: Now this is a documentary that IS funny. It’s about drug scandals in baseball. But the dramatic scene re-enactments are done with child actors that are all wearing fake beards and pretending to be drug dealers. It’s not only a fascinating subject, but it’s got amazing editing and visuals that have me in awe. Available on Netflix

Behind the Curve: Yet another documentary. This one’s about the rise of the Flat Earth movement. You’ll spend most of the time on the verge of having a stroke because of how stupid it all is. Available on Netflix

The Movies That Made Us: Okay okay okay last documentary on the list I swear. This one’s exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a series talking about the behind-the-scenes production of iconic movies like Home Alone and Ghostbusters. I eagerly await the second season. Available on Netflix

Monster Factory: If you’re familiar with the McElroy brothers and their brand of humour, you’ll love this. Griffin and Justin team up to make the most disturbing avatars they can create using video game character creators. The origins of the Final Pam meme. If I had a shirt with a quote from Monster Factory on it, I’d die a happy man. Available on Youtube

Baman Piderman: The dumbest show I have ever watched, but it’s so adorable and stupid and I love it so much. It doesn’t really have a plot, but later episodes allude to the presence of one and I’m upset because there are so many mysteries/questions hinted at and we’ll never get answers because it’s been abandoned. PLEASE watch it. Available on Youtube

Stranger Things: Okay, season 2 was a bit of a let-down imo, but season 1 was ICONIC and the Scoops Troop subplot in season 3 deserved its own freakin spinoff. I’m not joking. I didn’t even like s3 all that much, but the only reason it’s my favourite is because the Scoops Troop plot was so great. People call this show ‘horror’ but I don’t think it’s scary enough for that, although it is admittedly kinda spooky. If you like 80s nostalgia and the horror aesthetic, then I’d give it a watch (Do it for Scoops Troop. Do it for Robin). Available on Netflix

Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart: Despite my overwhelming love for this film, I’ll be the first to admit it’s kinda mediocre. The plot is weird and the romance feels forced, but despite its flaws it manages to be one of my favourite movies. Mostly I just like it for the unique concept and beautiful ending. Also the music is off the par man. Probably because the writer/producer of the movie was the lead singer for a French band called Dionysus (what? I do my research). Available on Netflix

Wakfu: I haven’t seen past season 3, but so far it’s pretty good. You go in thinking it’s just a wholesome action/adventure show about a kid who can create portals - but then it just. Sucks you in. From its bopping theme song to its fantastic found family to the unique worldbuilding, you very quickly fall in love with it. It’s got a cool plot and also talking dragons, and it doesn’t get better than that. Available on Netflix

Mystery Skulls Animated: Technically not a TV show so much as it is a series of animated music videos with a plot, but I’ll be damned if this isn’t one of the greatest things of all time. It’s basically Scooby Doo but if Shaggy got possessed by a demon and killed Fred, causing Fred to become a ghost hellbent on revenge-killing Shaggy in return. And if Scooby was an ancient Japanese spirit that bit off Shaggy’s arm, forcing him to wear a metal prosthetic. Yeah, MSA is wild. It’s only got three videos out so far, with a fourth one coming out this October, but there’s already so much lore! Available on Youtube

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared: Ah yes, yet another cringey entry on this list. But you know what? Cringe culture is dead!!! And despite its fandom being...like that...DHMIS really is a cool show. Think if Sesame Street was like haunted or something. The episodes about creativity and telling time remain the most unsettling, imo. Definitely worth a watch. Available on Youtube

Inanimate Insanity: Oh boy. Am I seriously recommending you dip your little fingies into the object fandom? Yes. Yes I am. This show is so obscure it makes freakin Detective Conan look popular. At its core it’s a parody of Total Drama Island and Survivor but with anthropomorphized inanimate objects as characters (hence the name). Season 2 is actually really, really good and surprisingly competent. You just gotta get through season 1 first. Available on Youtube

The X-Files: Wow, a live action series on this list? Who woulda thought??? But seriously, this show is really fun. Memes and jokes aside, I love it. Scully and Mulder are fun characters with great chemistry (both platonic and romantic), the Lone Horsemen are hilarious, and every episode is a unique adventure into the most creative acid trips the human mind could conceive of. Phenomenal from start to finish (if you ignore the last season). I have no clue where you would watch this. Pirate it, probably

Buzzfeed Unsolved: Two idiots investigate cold cases and haunted locales while being utter dumbasses about it. You know the “hey demons it’s be ya boi” meme? That came from these guys. Available on Youtube

Kingdom: Ngl, I didn’t go into this expecting zombies. Or for it to take place during Korean feudalism, for that matter. But mediocre dubbing aside, this show has such a clever concept. It takes the zombie apocalypse genre and gives refreshing, unique twists to old tropes that they feel like something new. Seo-bi is my wife and she deserves all the love and appreciation in the world, and those are just Facts. Available on Netflix

My Hero Academia: Superhero high school anime. I personally am not a fan of later episodes/arcs, but the first three seasons are pretty dang good. Diverse, colourful ensemble cast that you easily grow to adore, interesting commentary on disability (although I’m not qualified to give any actual takes on that), and a school curriculum that makes me very, very concerned for the wellbeing of these children. Plus all the superpowers - aka ‘quirks’ - are super imaginative and, well, quirky! I just wish people would stop shipping the main character with his childhood bully...You’ll need to pirate this one too lmao

Danny Phantom: The highlight of this show is its ‘phandom’, because unlike someone (*cough* Butch Hartman), we’re not a bunch of cowards. It’s about a guy who messes around with his parents’ lab stuff and accidentally acquires the ability to die! Well, half-die. He can turn into a ghost and fight other ghosts. Although the show never explores the existential, traumatic fallout of being kinda-sorta-dead, the potential for something deep and emotional is there. Plus there is a LOT of accidental subtext for a Big LGBT+ Metaphor. So much so that the Trans Danny theory is basically canon. Uhhh not available on Netflix anymore so it’s time to whip out your pirate hat, matey

And there you have it! Like I said, I have a lot of TV recommendations. And I just KNOW I’m forgetting a ton, but this is already really long so we’ll have to cut off here. 

Thanks for the ask! <3

[douxreviews]

The Merchant of Venice (2004) Review

"I am a'weary of this world."

When a merchant's ships are all lost and he forfeits a debt, his debtor Shylock demands exactly what the bond stipulates – a pound of his flesh...

The Merchant of Venice is a tricky play, because although popular and including some of Shakespeare's most famous lines, the themes of the play make it difficult to produce for modern audiences. As far as Shakespeare was concerned, the play was clearly a comedy. It ends in marriage, generally a marker of comedy in Shakespearean drama (it was written before the late 'Romance' plays). Most of the plot is clearly ridiculous; Portia's late father's method for choosing a husband for her is obviously ludicrous, there are women dressing up as men and tricking their new husbands, and even Shylock's demand for a pound of flesh has a comedic aspect (note that although in the court the bond is written to stipulate a pound of flesh from near the heart, when he first suggests it, Shylock says he'll take it from 'what part of your body pleaseth me' – and if I've learned anything about Shakespeare's sense of humour over the years, I can guess what that refers to). But we in the twenty-first century don't generally find anti-semitism, condoning slavery, implied homophobia, references to racism and forcing people on pain of death to change their religion terribly funny.

There are only really two solutions to this – play the romantic scenes for comedy and the Shylock scenes for drama, or play the whole thing for drama. Michael Radford's film goes all out for drama, and it mostly works very well. Unlike Hamlet, which I quite like modern dress versions of, The Merchant of Venice is a film set in a very specific time and place (here it's given it a date of 1596, when the play was probably written) and the film places it firmly within history by outlining the history of anti-semitism in early modern Venice in title cards at the beginning. This is pretty much essential to understanding the story, and the visualization of Antonio spitting on Shylock (referred to later in dialogue) also helps to set up the characters and the root of Shylock's anger effectively.

Shylock is a character much like Euripides' Medea – he has a wonderful speech outlining how badly he's treated and arguing passionately for better, but his actions later in the play suggest that the author did not intend him to be entirely sympathetic (rather under-cutting the suggestion that Shakespeare was making a plea for tolerance or Euripides a feminist). For modern audiences, though, he is a compellingly conflicted character, and here he is played brilliantly by Al Pacino. Pacino's performance is captivating and heart-breaking and the courtroom scene is absolutely gut-wrenching.

The decision to play the story completely straight (there are elements of humour, of course, but none of the really broad comedy or light atmosphere of, for example, the lighter scenes in Much Ado About Nothing) mostly works. Some of the romantic scenes come across as a bit overblown and melodramatic, but the conflict between working from a script written as comedy and making it a drama only really becomes an issue in the courtroom scene and especially in the final twenty minutes or so after it. It's great that Portia saves the day with her quick thinking, but the fact that she makes the least convincing man since Bob in Blackadder is a bit distracting, and there's just no way we can feel really invested in the lovers messing around with rings and easily broken promises after watching the absolute devastation of Shylock's defeat.

Still, these are pretty much unsolvable problems in this play, and it would be a terrible shame never to produce it because its attitudes are out of date (it's hardly alone there). I think this film really does the best possible job with this material. All of the cast, as well as Pacino, are fantastic, and the American actresses playing Portia and Nerissa are doing the best and most convincing fake English accents I've come across. It looks absolutely gorgeous and it has one of the most beautiful film scores I've ever heard. A combination of medieval-inspired music, Tudor-inspired music, a boy soprano and a song sun by Hayley Westernra, the score is utterly gorgeous and is matched by the incredible cinematography and beautiful costuming.

According to Wikipedia, both Jeremy Irons (playing Antonio) and director Michael Radford thought that they had portrayed Antonio and Bassanio's relationship as just platonic good friends. I'm not sure what film they were watching, because one of the first observations that came to me as I re-watched it was "this version really plays up the suggestion that Antonio is in love with Bassanio." Joseph Fiennes (as Bassanio) did deliberately play up the idea of a homoerotic attraction (possibly a history) between them. I am a person who will argue for hours that Frodo and Sam have an entirely platonic relationship, and I can see how you could play Antonio and Bassanio as just good friends, but I don't think that's what they've actually achieved here – and I think that's a good thing.

Because of the dramatic approach taken to the material, the film has a deliberately melancholy air, and rather than ending on everyone going off to finally get laid, as the script does, the film finishes on a shot of Jessica, who is revealed not to have given away her mother's ring for a monkey after all, looking sad and pensive. This melancholic atmosphere is enhanced by the shots of Antonio looking on wistfully as Bassanio and Portia embrace. The film has turned Shakespeare's bawdy comedy into a serious drama about love and pain and betrayal and acceptance, or lack thereof, so it seems entirely appropriate to interpret Antonio's love as another example of a character constrained and made to suffer for what he is, and every choice both director and actor make seems to reinforce that, from Antonio gazing out at Bassanio and denying that he's in love (methinks he doth protest too much) to his emphasis on his willingness to put his body on the line for Bassanio. You almost have to be trying not to see it to miss it. If that wasn't what Radford and Irons intended, they've gone wrong somewhere.

This is a difficult story, but this film does a fantastic job making it accessible, approachable and absolutely beautiful. I love me some Kenneth Branagh, as you know, but in terms of tackling something really difficult really well, this has got to be one of the best Shakespeare adaptations I've ever seen, and much as we might have come to expect it of him, it's worth saying again that Pacino completely blew me away. Beautiful in every way.

Notes and Quotes

The cast is absolutely full of familiar faces, some known before this film, some after; Joseph Fiennes, Kris Marshall from Love Actually/My Family, Charlie Cox from Stardust/Downton Abbey, Zuleikha Robinson from Rome, Mackenzie Crook, John Sessions, Jeremy Irons...

The quote at the top of the page is the version of Portia's opening line used in this film, but the full line is usually "my little body is a-weary of this great world." It's one of my Mum's favourite Shakespeare quotes, partly because of the 'little body' bit.

Prince of Morocco (reading from a scroll): All that glitters is not gold...

Shylock: I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?

Portia: The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

Juliette Harrisson is a freelance writer, classicist and ancient historian who blogs about Greek and Roman Things in Stuff at Pop Classics.

[punk-is-notdead]

Fic title: Drifted, by tfw_cas

Rating: Mature (for language)

Tags: Castiel (Supernatural) Dean Winchester Sam Winchester Mary Winchester Jack Kline Christmas Fluff Tooth-Rotting Fluff Fluff SO MUCH FLUFF Snow Caring Dean Protective Dean Winchester Newly Human Castiel First Kiss Castiel/Dean Winchester First Kiss Dean’s Top 13 Zepp Traxx Mixtape

Summary:  Newly human Castiel gets stuck in the snow when he’s driving back to the bunker, but Dean is eager to come to the rescue. This gives them the opportunity to do what they have always wanted, just in time for Christmas.

AO3

It was at times like this that Cas really missed his wings. What he wouldn’t give to be able to just zap back to the bunker, and make Dean jump out of his skin the way he used to. He was driving back to the Winchesters for Christmas in his ‘pimpmobile’, as Dean called it, but the snow was falling harder and he was getting seriously worried that he was going to be stuck here for Christmas instead. Wherever here was…

Cas was still a few hours away from his destination - from Dean… and Sam, of course - that much he did know. After the car had skidded dangerously, twice in the space of ten minutes, he knew that he could go no further. Shit.

Cas pulled over and stared through the windshield. All he could see was white, and he realised that his fingers and toes were starting to tingle. He had heard of this - that the body’s extremities could become numb if a person got too cold. With trembling hands - why were they trembling? - he pulled his phone from his pocket and called Dean.

“Hey Cas. You gonna be here soon?” Dean was excited about this Christmas, as he had repeatedly told anyone who would listen. It would be the first one since their mom returned and Jack had brought Eileen back. Jody, Claire and Alex would be there too, so it was going to be a real family holiday, just as Dean had always wanted.

“N-no Dean. I…my car is stuck. I don’t think I w-will make it. I-I don’t feel so good, Dean.” Cas was beginning to feel quite sleepy and sluggish, and he was really shaking now.

“Cas! Cas, what’s wrong with you?” Dean was shouting now, and Cas was vaguely aware of the panic in his voice.

“I’m fine D-Dean. I… just-just need to sleep.” Cas’s eyelids were heavy. Sleep, that would make him feel better.

“Hey, hey! Don’t you dare go to sleep, Cas. Look under the passenger seat… there’s a bag.” Dean was shouting frantically, but Cas didn’t understand why. “Have you got it? Cas?… dammit.”

Cas looked under the seat, found the bag, and pulled it out. “I f-found it Dean. But I don’t understand. Why… when d-did you put it here?”

“I’ll explain later, Cas. Just… I know you don’t think of this stuff, but now you’re human you have to keep yourself warm. Okay? Cas?” Dean stopped talking, obviously waiting for Cas to respond.

“Yes Dean. M-must keep warm.”

“Right. So that’s your emergency kit. Get the blanket and wrap it around you. Yeah?”

Cas pulled out the blanket, which was yellow and fluffy, and decorated with bees. He draped it over himself, tucking it underneath his backside and legs, and immediately began to feel a little warmer.

“That feels a lot better.” Cas smiled at the phone, even though Dean couldn’t see him.

“Great. That’s good.” Dean sounded out of breath, as if he was running. “Now, put on the hat.”

Cas found the garment in question, and frowned at it. It was one of those that was woolly and had strings that hung down over the ears. He had seen it somewhere before. Yes… Hot Topical. They called it a sock monkey hat, and it looked ridiculous, but he knew he must do as Dean instructed. He placed it on his head, yanking it down as far as it would go.

Dean was saying something to Sam in the background. “…yeah, Sammy… GPS, now… No, fuck that. I’m not leaving him out there.” There was a slight pause, then he spoke directly into the phone again. “Cas? You with me?”

“Yes. I am a lot warmer now.”

“Good… thank fuck. Now, the gloves. Put them on, and do not get out of the car, even if you gotta piss. You find a bottle, or just pee on the floor. You got that?”

“Yes, Dean. Should I switch the engine on for more heat?”

“Nooo! God no, don’t do that. You’ll get fucking carbon monoxide poisoning. Jeez…right, I’m coming to get you.”

“But, I don’t know where I am.”

“GPS, Cas. That’s what it’s for. Hang tight, okay… I-I’ll find you.” Dean went silent for a moment, then, barely audibly he said “I’m not losing you again, dammit.”

“Thank you Dean.” The line went dead, and Cas put on the gloves, then sat and waited.

At one point Cas briefly removed the right glove and tried playing his mixtape in the tape player. But it didn’t work - probably because of the cold, he figured. It didn’t really matter anyway, because he knew all of the traxx (he couldn’t help but chuckle at how Dean had spelled the word); he’d played it that many times. Dean had got a strange look on his face and said ‘it was amazing it still worked’, and ‘maybe he should make another one’. But Cas wouldn’t give this tape up for anything. It was the first, and only, gift he had ever received, and besides, it was from Dean. He was going to keep it for the rest of his days. That much he knew for certain.

The one time Dean had had no option but to travel in Cas’s car, he had complained, while putting the tape in the machine. Then he’d gotten a slightly different strange look on his face and said that there were only two things in the car that weren’t crappy. Cas didn’t know what those two things were, but he didn’t like to ask, so he kept quiet and revelled in the comforting feeling of being close to Dean.

Cas sang the first song from the tape, Travelling Riverside Blues, then when that was finished, he moved on to Ramble On. He knew this one was Dean’s favourite and he sang with as much gusto as he could manage. He wasn’t as good a singer as Dean - his friend’s voice was beautiful - but he hoped he might improve with practice.

When he had gone through all thirteen of the mixtape songs, Cas couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He had hoped that Dean would be there by now. He wasn’t too cold really - apart from his nose and his lips - as every part of him except for his face was well covered. Cas was enormously thankful for Dean’s concern about his well-being, but he didn’t call him, despite wanting to; he knew that it could be dangerous with him driving in this weather.

Cas eventually decided that he should sing some more as a distraction, but realised that he didn’t really know any other songs. Led Zeppelin it was then, and Cas started all over again. It was when he was halfway through Stairway To Heaven that he saw a pair of headlights coming towards him, and prayed to Chuck that it would be Dean.

Cas was crushed when he saw that it wasn’t the Impala, but a snow plough that was pulling up alongside his car. Then he became confused as hell when Dean poked his head out of the window. He probably didn’t want to know where and how Dean got the snow plough, but his overwhelming joy at seeing his friend quickly pushed the question from his mind.

A huge grin spread over Dean’s face when he saw Cas, and he hurriedly jumped down from his vehicle. He yanked the door open, letting in a blast of icy cold air, but Cas didn’t care. “Cas, you’re okay. Thank fuck.” Dean was panting slightly as he reached his hand down to help Cas out of the car.

“No, it is thanks to you Dean. Not sexual intercourse.” Cas stared at Dean for a few moments, and Dean stared back until his face cracked and he started to laugh.

“Haha. Nice one Cas. The hat looks great, by the way. C’mere.” Dean smiled and wrapped Cas in a hug, which was a little awkward as he still had the blanket draped around him and his arms were underneath it.

When Cas lifted his arms to put them around Dean the blanket started to fall off him, but he didn’t pay any attention. Dean was warm and… right there, and Cas suddenly felt as if he was melting.

“Hey, your blanket.” Dean broke off the hug to reach down and pick it back up, when Cas noticed a sprinkle of white powder in his hair.

“What is that?” He stared harder at it, trying to work out what it was.

“Oh, it’s flour. I was making a pie when you called.” Dean chuckled and ran his hand through his hair to try to get rid of it.

“You made a pie? I can’t wait to taste it.”

“I, um… didn’t finish making it yet. I’ll do that when we get back.”

“You didn’t finish it? Oh…“ Cas’s face fell as he thought about that.

“You’re more important than pie, Cas. It doesn’t matter.” Dean glanced down shyly, then looked back up, making eye contact with him and holding it.

“You… I-” Cas tailed off while he processed this information. “But-“ He found he was lost for words, and he was getting lost in Dean’s eyes too. His breath caught in his throat, and the world suddenly stopped. There was no noise, no snow, no freezing cold… only Dean.

The snow had stopped an hour or so ago, but now it was starting to fall again, and a few flakes landed in Dean’s hair, nose, and eyelashes. Cas reached his still gloved hand up to touch the ones on his face, but Dean caught hold of his wrist, placed Cas’s hand on the side of his face, and held it there. This wasn’t right. If Cas was going to be touching Dean’s face, he needed to be able to feel his skin. The gloves were so big that he was able to slip right out of it, not caring that it fell onto the ground.

Cas put his hand back onto Dean’s cheek; it was smooth and warm, and the sensation of skin on skin was intoxicating. Dean leaned into his hand as his eyelashes fluttered closed, and Cas realised that this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He could kiss Dean, and amazingly, it seemed that this was what Dean wanted too.

As the snow fell on and around them, Cas moved forwards and planted his lips on Dean’s; closing his eyes as he did so. Those lips felt soft and inviting underneath his, and Cas wanted to stay like this forever. Well… he wanted to run his hands all over Dean’s body, and maybe lick him too, but they were both covered in way too many layers which he knew it would be foolish to remove. So he contented himself with the feel of Dean’s mouth, and Dean’s hands on his back, pulling them closer together.

When they pulled apart and Cas opened his eyes again, he nearly stopped breathing - Dean was gazing at him with such raw affection, that he had to kiss him some more. This kiss was more… everything. Passionate, hungry, needy, and Cas was aware that he was moaning softly. This seemed to spur Dean into action, and he spun Cas around and pushed him up against the snow plough.

Dean drew back slightly to stare at Cas again. “Cas… Cas - I can’t believe-” It appeared that them kissing had made Dean incapable of speaking coherently.

“What can’t you believe, Dean?” As he spoke Cas noticed that something strange had happened to his voice. It was even deeper than usual.

“We kissed. After all this time… it-I.” Dean was practically whispering and he moved forward so that his mouth was milimeters away from Cas’s. “I can’t believe we finally did it. Although whenever I imagined it you weren’t wearing a sock monkey hat, and I was running my hands through your hair.” He looked up at Cas’s head with a little frown.

Cas could feel a smile spreading over his face, and when he spoke he found he was whispering too. “You thought about kissing me? About touching my hair?”

The confidence Dean usually displayed when he was in situations like this meant that Cas had seen him flirt - a lot - so when he blushed shyly Cas was shocked. “Well, yeah. I thought about it. I wanted… no, I really wanted. But I was too chicken-shit, and I didn’t know if you-”

Cas cut Dean off by surging forward, and kissing him hard. Realising that they had both been wanting this to happen made him feel a sudden desperation to keep their lips connected for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this wasn’t very long, as the snow was now falling harder.

Dean pulled away and looked up into the sky. “We have to get out of here, Cas. C’mon, get into the cab before we turn into actual snowmen.”

Cas started to climb inside when he remembered the gift he’d bought. “I have something in the car.”

“It can wait, Cas. Unless it’s food… is it food?”

“No. It is a gift. For you.”

“I’ve got everything I want right here. I don’t need anything else.” Dean chuckled at how sappy that sounded, and blushed again.

Cas really really wanted to kiss Dean again for being so adorable, but he was determined. It only took him a few seconds to retrieve the bag, then he quickly grabbed the mixtape before climbing into the snow plough and closing the door.

Dean stared at the tape in Cas’s hand, then his face, with a look that made Cas feel like Dean wanted to devour him. “You still got that thing, huh?”

“Of course.” Cas smiled at Dean, hoping to convey how much it meant to him.

Dean clapped his hands together. “Well okay, let’s get outta here.” He started the engine and set off, while Cas watched his car disappear in the distance through the rear view mirror.

“It’s okay, we’ll come back for it when the snow’s gone,” Dean reassured Cas.

“I don’t mind. All I have ever wanted is here.”

Dean’s breath caught in his throat as he put on the brakes and turned to Cas. “It’s lucky we gotta get back, or we might… end up doing some other type of ploughing.” He chuckled to himself, and Cas could tell that he had been itching to make that joke.

“I hope we get back to the bunker quickly, Dean.” Cas smiled and reached for Dean’s hand to squeeze it gently.

“Oh boy.” Dean whispered, then swallowed audibly before starting the engine again.

The drive back was quiet; there was no tape player in the cab so they couldn’t listen to the mixtape and Cas felt awkward about singing the songs in front of Dean. During the journey they both kept sneaking shy glances at each other before quickly looking away again, until the tension became almost unbearable.

When they finally arrived back at the bunker and Dean pulled up around the side of the building, he let out a sigh of relief before getting out of the cab and stretching. As Cas got out as well and walked round to join him they stood in silence, staring, both waiting for the other to do something.

Slowly, they moved closer together until they were almost touching.

“Hey, we made it back. We should get inside and tell Sammy you’re okay” Dean said, but made no sign of actually moving.

“Yes, we should. We definitely should.” Cas’s lips were brushing over Dean’s as he spoke, and he had no desire to move either. Just a desire to taste Dean’s mouth again, and he did just that.

The moment Cas planted his mouth on Dean’s, it was as if a switch had been flipped. They went from unsure and hesitant to passionate in an instant. Dean explored Cas’s mouth with his tongue, then Cas mirrored the action with his own tongue. Dean pulled the hat off Cas’s head and ran his hands through his hair; bringing them closer together. Cas managed to get his hands underneath Dean’s shirt while they gently rolled their hips against each other, then…

“Guys, you’re back. I… oh, god. My eyes!” Sam had obviously heard them pull up, and was wondering what was taking them so long to come and say hello.

Cas tried to pull away, knowing that this situation was probably difficult for Dean to explain, but Dean held onto him firmly.

“Just… give us a minute Sammy. K?” Dean chuckled as his brother practically ran back into the bunker. “Now, where were we?”

Cas blinked at Dean in surprise. Dean wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, and Cas was overwhelmed with a feeling of adoration? No, that word wasn’t powerful enough. Love? Yes, that’s what it was. He pushed the other man up against the wall, and kissed him; pouring every ounce of his feelings into it. If Cas had done this when he was still an angel - before Jack had brought him back to life as a human - he would have used some of his grace to show Dean the love he was feeling. As he was unable to do that, he would have to show him this way instead.

Cas planted hundreds of tiny kisses all over Dean’s face, until Dean stopped him by taking hold of his face.

“Cas. Are you kissing my freckles?”

“Yes. They are very beautiful. I wanted to… to show you how much I love them. You. I… love you, Dean.”

“Oh god, Cas. I-” Dean found himself temporarily lost for words, again, and pulled Cas towards him until his mouth was grazing over Cas’s ear. “I love you too” he whispered. “Even more than pie.”

Cas laughed at the tickling sensation, but when Dean licked his ear he gasped.”D-Dean, I think we should go inside now. To your room. Right now.”

“Yeah, okay.” Dean took hold of Cas’s hand and they walked into the bunker together.

Sam, Mary and Jack were sitting at the map table with big smiles on their faces, as they watched the two of them come down the stairs. Before they had reached the bottom Mary had jumped up and the moment they were close enough she hugged them tightly.

“I didn’t think I would ever see the day. It’s a Christmas miracle!” Mary said to her son as she kissed the top of his head.

“I’m really pleased for you both. Sorry for how I reacted out there.” Sam’s warm smile was an indication of how happy he was.

“Congratulations, father. And Dean.” Jack said, beaming at them in turn.

“Yeah yeah, okay.” Dean pretended to be grouchy at all the affection, but Cas could tell he was overwhelmed by how accepting their family was. “It’s been a long day, and I need to sleep.” He squeezed Cas’s hand reassuringly, and Cas understood that to mean that sleeping wouldn’t be the only thing that would be taking place in Dean’s room.

“Look, it’s past midnight.” Jack pointed at the clock, which was showing the time as five past twelve. “Can we open the presents?”          

“How about we open one each tonight?” Dean suggested, as they walked over to the tree and sat on the floor around it.

“Yes. You can open mine.” Cas handed the bag to Dean, who peeked inside curiously. “I hope you like it, Dean.” He found he was suddenly nervous about the gift.

“I know I’m gonna love it. But you have to open mine too.” Dean picked up a strangely shaped, but expertly wrapped package and placed it in Cas’s hands.

Cas undid the wrapping, and discovered that it contained a number of items. A book about bees, a diary with a label stuck on the front saying Castiel Winchester, and a coffee mug which had the words ‘Morning Sunshine’ written on it. “Dean, I love it. All of it.” Cas turned to Dean with tears in his eyes, and Dean kissed him softly to the sound of squeals and fake retching noises from their family.

Dean carefully removed the tissue wrapped gift from his bag, and gazed at it in wonder when he saw what it was; a snowglobe with an angel inside. It was secondhand, and a little battered, but Dean was looking at it as if it was the most precious thing he had ever seen. “It’s beautiful, Cas. Thank you.”

“I thought you would like to have an angel watching over you again.”

“You’ll always be an angel to me, Cas.”

“Oh my god, that’s so cheesy.” Sam complained, until Mary grabbed hold of him and Jack and led them out of the room with a ‘goodnight’.

When they had disappeared Dean turned to Cas and smirked. “How about you show me your devilish side.”

Cas didn’t need to be asked twice, and with a few hurried movements he had Dean in the warmth and safety of his room. Ready to give each other proper thanks for their presents. He felt a kind of joy he had never experienced before, and he now felt he understood why people described themselves as ‘walking on air’. He could almost believe he had wings again.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #453

Top Ten Films That Make Me Happy

So every once in a while I do one of these things and the world ends up moving so fast that between me having an idea, writing the list, and it going up on Tumblr of a weekend, the plates have shifted and it doesn’t seem quite as relevant anymore. I remember listing ten films I wanted to see because cinemas were reopening; I think only two of them ever actually saw the inside of a Cineworld. And so we have this week; when I came up with the idea for the list, I thought either we’d all be in a celebratory mood, or else need commiserating. And at the time of writing, it’s looking – thankfully – that we’ll have enough reasons to be cheerful to be getting along with. But who knows? If you’re reading this on Saturday there may be a new president, or maybe the old one’s bombed China.

It’s a funny old world.

Anyway, like I said, my initial thought was that, in this time of darkness, we might need a little light; that everything is rather remorselessly grim and difficult, and we could do with a bit of cheering up. We’re all back in lockdown, the idiots are in charge, and Halo Infinite was delayed till next year. Lots of crap is going on. And, yes, fingers crossed, maybe we will be celebrating the Idiot in Chief getting booted out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue before too long, but life has taught me never to count chickens, and you can always do with a little restorative nip in your pocket, just in case. And what is a good curative for the blues? A fillum.

Yes, feel-good films. Cheerer-uppers. Movies that make ya happy. There are lots of them, of course; it’s practically a genre. But one man’s meat is another man’s poison, and one man’s (end of) It’s a Wonderful Life is another man’s (middle section of) It’s a Wonderful Life. Which is to say that what makes me happy might not make you happy. I found this when doing a bit of research for this list; as is common, I often have quite a few ideas when I’ve thought of a topic, but I like to Google it (or Bing it, as I get Microsoft Reward Points and I’m saving up for a few months of Game Pass), just in case there’s some obvious film that has escaped my mental grasp. In this case what I found was some of the films that people consider to be uplifting are downright weird – Forrest Gump? Really? And a lot of truly mediocre romcoms seem to float people’s happiness boats, from the wildly uneven Love Actually to the tepid You’ve Got Mail to the overlong and overly twee The Holiday (a film which I hated on first watch but which has grown on me, Stockholm-style, as I’ve seen it over and over again every year). And some people even list stuff like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars or Pirates of the Caribbean; good movies, true, but are they feel-good? I mean, loads of people die in all those films; in one of them an actual planet blows up. I know we like zombie monkeys and Harrison Ford in a waistcoat, but they’re not really the most relentlessly cheerful films, are they?

Or are they? I mean, when I got right down to it, there were quite a few blowy-uppy pictures that are genuine comfort blankets for me (Air Force One, which I watched so much at one point that I used to fall comfortably asleep to it when I was on my own, nearly made the cut). So, y’know, who am I to judge? I think what makes us feel comfortable, happy, and upbeat can be wildly diverse and erratic, even within our own taste window.

And really that’s what I was after here; comfort movies, films that uplift or inspire or just, well, make you smile. Not just because we’ve blown up the Death Star or because Tom Hanks has snogged Meg Ryan again. But there’s something about the film, from its story to its characters to its composition, that is continuously joyful.

So whether we’re lifting a glass in celebration or drowning our sorrows with an armful of Stella, here’s to the films that make us feel better. Chin up, folks. It might never happen!

Paddington 2 (2017): what is it about this film that evokes such joy? I’d say everything, from the script to the performances to the music to the shot choices. The bad guy is funny, the dire situations rarely threatening, almost everyone is nice, and it ends with a redemption and a musical number. Beyond all that, though, Paddington himself is such a supernova of absolute goodness that you can’t help but feel optimistic just by watching him. It’s perfect, really.

WALL-E (2008): a film that starts with the end of the world but it gets better. It’s a cinematic joy, the virtually dialogue-free opening giving us dystopic vistas and a real sense of mood. But it’s WALL-E himself who brings the real feels, a mechanical wonder who does nothing but make other people happy and improve their lives almost by accident. he saves the human race and the planet simply by trying to be nice to one person at a time, and that’s a hell of an optimistic message.

When Harry Met Sally (1989): far sarkier than the other two films, and obviously a bit more, well, grown up (we all know what you must not do with Mister Zero), this is nonetheless a beautiful film. A slow-burning romance between two friendly, funny people, witticisms flying from every mouth, some absolute, genuine emotional stakes that you really, really care about, and the single most romantic ending a film has ever had.

Groundhog Day (1993): let’s face it, it’s the best film either Harold Ramis or Bill Murray has ever been involved in, and I bought every issue of Transformers/Ghostbusters. A tour-de-force of cynicism and sourness from Murray, but he gradually unravels (in more ways than one), becoming a happier and better person. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and the complexities of its chronally-displaced plot means there’s loads you can unpick. Masterfully written, directed, and edited, and that’s some of its joy, too.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994): the Coens have, obviously, made a lot of very good films, and not all of them are darkly serious (No Country) or darkly hilarious (Fargo); they also have lighter fare, but none as floaty-light or so supremely joyous as Hudsucker. The script is pure screwball but also a precisely-honed, fast-spoken, Golden Age charm; the performances are all fantastic (we also get the best Lois Lane, Perry White, and Steve Lombard scene ever shot, and it’s not even in a Superman film). Look, it’s hilarious, it’s arch, it’s fantastically put-together, and it’s actually, genuinely hopeful and optimistic. It’s my favourite Coen Brothers movie.

Singin' in the Rain (1952): I’ve always got a lot of love for movies about Old Hollywood, but Singin’ isn’t really some kind of backstage satire; really, it’s a story about love, honesty, and creativity – movies are just the backdrop. But it’s the songs. Let’s face it, it’s the songs – and dances. These are some of the most joyous songs put to celluloid, and Gene Kelly absolutely attacks them from all sides. But I’ve gotta say, my favourite number is probably Donald O’Connor running up the walls in “Make ‘Em Laugh”.

Strictly Ballroom (1992): there’s a personal touch to this one, as my wife and I chose “Love is in the Air” for the first dance at our wedding. But there’s more to this film than memories of me being a shit dancer: it’s a supremely romantic film, possibly the most enjoyable straight-up romance from Luhrmann’s Red Curtain trilogy (spoiler alert: no one dies). A great underdog tale, two kids taking down a corrupt system, a story of the unlikely girl nabbing the hot guy; it’s timeless, it’s well-told, and its unusual setting (ballroom dancing competitions in Australia) gives it an extra kick.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988):  Ghibli films often present us with a nicer, fairer world, where even the nasty monsters are there to teach us important lessons, or at the very least plucky kids can do the right thing and save the day. Totoro is different in that there isn’t an antagonist; there isn't much drama or, really, plot. It’s two very small girls dealing with a complex life situation, and also a giant bear-monster thing with a massive mouth who could be scary but is actually really nice and magical and saves the day because the girls deserve it, and also there’s a hollow cat that’s also a bus. It’s fantastic, but it’s also so nice, just a load of nice people and nice monsters being nice to each other, and if – let's say – the elements can be good, can't we be good too?

Die Hard (1988): yeah, okay, contradiction corner; a supremely violent and sweary action movie that makes me “feel good”. Is it the bit where he throws a bomb down a lift? Or shoots a dude from beneath a table? Or when Ellis dies? Honestly, yeah, there’s a little bit of that; the action stuff is so well-done. But it’s also a film with a ton of heart and soul and wit and life. John McClane is a masterpiece of character design, a gruff cop with a heart of gold, a capable action hero but also a working-class schmo who just wants to try to get back with his wife. He struggles and bleeds and doubts himself; he’s not a superman. The villains are incredible, with great lines and great designs and a great scheme; you care about these guys, they’re interesting. There's a part of you that wants Gruber to get away as much as you want John and Holly to get back together. It's a Christmas movie, all about family and forgiveness, and It's just plain fun, uncynical and sentimental and really, really funny. It's the best action movie ever made, I watch it every year, and it brings me great, great comfort and joy.

The American President (1995): oh no, too soon! But I couldn’t include The West Wing in a list of feel-good films, so this is the next best thing; smart public servants being smart, as well as moral and just, wearing their immense power with the right amount of humility. Sorkin really believes in the majesty of the office of President, and the founding myth of America and what that means, and he makes you believe in it too. His dialogue is, of course, exceptional, witty bon-mots and one-liners, but the love story is great too; two people finding each other later in life and trying to make it work despite everything. So it’s a great film, a funny film, a sweet film, a romantic film, but also kinda important; a film that makes you aspire to higher ideals, that gives you hope and confidence in the institutions of government.  I suppose it is a fantasy – God knows, the last four years have shaken these institutions to their very core, over here as much as in the States – but The American President can make you believe again.

There you go. Ten films that just make me happy if I'm down, or cement that happiness if I'm already in the mood. All of these films, you’ll notice, are also very, very good; not some kind of “guilty pleasure” (if such a thing exists; don’t pleasure-shame!). Funnily enough, it’s the quality of the films that adds to their charm; I appreciate the craft as much as the plot or theme or performances.  Like when I watch American President (or, more accurately, The West Wing) and I just enjoy seeing people good at their jobs be good at their jobs, then watching a well-made film makes me happy because I like seeing people good at their jobs be good at their jobs.

Anyway. Tear yourself away from Twitter, stop refreshing fivethirtyeight.com, pour yourself a drink, and – hopefully – make yourself happy this weekend. Unless you voted for Trump, then you can get in a bin.

[talesmaniac89]

Fatherhood

Summary: Dad!Crowley & Daughter!Reader - Crowley comes home to find his daughter playing hide and seek.

Word Count: 1877

Triggers: None, just father/daughter fluff

Y/N = Your name ¦ Y/E/C = Your eye colour ¦ Y/H/C = Your hair colour

Note: So, as promised, a little fluff after yesterday’s angst in Phone Call. This was fun to write so might do more little one shots featuring this duo!

—

Crowley had been called a lot of things through his well over 300 years alive, or well… Somewhat alive. Demon, sure constantly. Bastard, pretty much his middle name. Vindictive, who wasn’t? Son of a bitch, well, they’d clearly met his mother. King of Hell, soulless, heartless, crazy… Hell the list went on and on… But father, that was not a title he’d ever thought he’d hold again.

Fatherhood never suited Crowley. Therapists would likely say it was his own issues with his wench of a mother, or possibly his lack of a father figure or some similar obnoxious bullshit. He himself however just believed there wasn’t room for children in his existence, more now than back then. Emotions were chains and children were an extra weight on those chains made to slow you down on your rise to greatness. And he wanted to be great. Roman emperor level great, except of course without the backstabbing, iron poisoning and inevitable loss of power.

Plus, as all the stupid souvenir t-shirts said… He’d been there, done that, and completely screwed up his first child. His philosophy was simple, really. Child-rearing wasn’t one of those get back up on that horse kind of moments. If you failed the first time around you shouldn’t try again.

So, when Juliet, his favourite trusted hellhound, brought a crying infant back with her after reaping the ripe soul of a dealtaker, Crowley was clearly… Well, in a bind was putting it mildly. The hellhound was somewhat smitten with the baby girl. Taking a protective stance in front of the child if anyone but Crowley tried to come near and curling up around her to calm her hiccuping sobs.

Having just had pups Juliet was still a bit… Motherly. Which was probably why she brought the baby with her. The child had been the only family of the latest soul added to his collection. So, with her motherly instincts, and having just claimed the soul of the baby’s single mother, Juliet had probably been unable to help herself. Honestly, considering the woman had squandered her deal and sold her soul on a wish to be in a very specific TV show, which didn’t really pan out for her career wise… She clearly didn’t have the knack for planning ahead, and from what Crowley knew, which was a lot more than he often let on, she had been a horrible mother.

Still, bringing the child back to hell… It was more than he’d expected from his hellhound, but as always, she constantly surprised him.

And so, Crowley had been faced with a dilemma. It wasn’t just a pup. It was a baby, a human baby. A living, breathing, innocent child that really didn’t belong in hell, not even in his more… Luxurious private slice of it. Yet, he didn’t want to leave the kid with the Winchesters. They weren’t really the poster boys for a healthy upbringing and he doubted they could provide the kid with the apple pie life of a perfect made for TV family.

Sure, he could leave her at some stranger’s door in a some strange version of ding dong ditch… But he’d been there himself, the traded for three pigs type of been there. And though that might have been back in the 17th century in rural Scotland he knew for a fact, seeing some of the poor sods that walked past his not-so-pearly-gates, that the “modern” foster care system wasn’t all daisies and teddy bears either.

Crowley was evil, sure, and cruel, definitely, but he wasn’t a monster. At least not past the tiny little fact that he was a literal demon. So he had taken it upon himself to raise the child. After all Juliet had seemed like she would rip the head off anyone who tried to take her new human shaped pup away from her. And Crowley very much preferred his head where it was.

It was like something out of a rejected sit-com script. Crowley, King of Hell, leader of the crossroads demons, and now a single father. And that, that was how hell got its princess, a full five years ago, though only those closest to the king knew of her existence.

—

“I’m home,” The words that over the last few years had been coming easier each time he spoke them now rolled off Crowley’s tongue as if they were the most natural words in the world. As if hell had somehow, after hundreds of years, actually become his home due to the little girl who waited for him there whenever he was out on business. Loosening his tie he raised his eyebrows in slight confusion when he didn’t hear the distinct sound of tiny feet rushing to greet him.

“(Y/N) where are you hiding now you little chipmunk?” Crowley fully lost his patented king of hell tone as he looked around the hallway, knowing the little princess couldn’t be far away. A warmer smile than he ever offered to anyone else easily lighting up his face and deepening the smile lines around his eyes to make the man truly look like the father he was trying to be for the small child that had turned his life upside down.

“Hmmm… I know she’s hiding somewhere,” He said to the room, pretending he wasn’t able to sense her presence behind the decorative curtains further down the long hallway. The small childish giggle he was rewarded with better than any amount of riches he could possibly wish to get.

Walking toward her he made a show of looking under tables and behind pictures on the wall and teasing more poorly suppressed high pitched laughs out of the apple of his eye. Adding a few small surprised noises and confused head scratches to the mix for comedic relief he slowly made his way over to where his little girl was hiding. The bulge in the curtain larger than her little shape should have been, which meant she’d once more dragged Juliet along with her. The hellhound was practically her domesticated house pup by now and seemed to have taken well to the role as nanny.

“I wonder, could the little chipmunk be hiding behind the curtains?” He asked the empty hallway in front of him when he was only a few steps away from where the five-year-old was doing her very best to stand completely still. Which, for a five year old was the equivalent of rocket science.

“Nooo,” The laughed denial only making Crowley beam brighter at his little ninja before playing along.

“Oh really? Well, then she must be in the other room,” The King of Hell pretended to take a few steps forward and did a quick turn back towards the curtains with a shocked gasp as (Y/N) gleefully laughed at his little performance. She was the only audience a father would ever need. Even if the Winchesters didn’t appreciate his little jokes, she always laughed and played along.

“Wait a minute,” Crowley said as he tip-toed over towards the expensive velvet curtains. “I’m pretty sure curtains can’t talk,”

“This one can! It’s Mr. Curtain!” The small darling voice of his little girl was shaking with laughter and as he looked at the movements in the curtain it was easy to tell the whole girl was shaking right along with it.

“Really now, well Mr. Curtain, but… What’s this lump here then?” He reached out of the curtain with a curious gesture and his princess squealed in her hiding place. “It kind of looks like it’s (Y/N) shaped. You didn’t eat my little girl did you Mr. Curtain?”

“Noooo, I jus’ had ice cream,” The small voice giggled as Crowley placed his hands on the curtain, pretending to measure up the part of the curtain where she was hiding.

“Ice cream before dinner?That doesn’t sound like something Mr. Curtain would do. No, you know what I think?” Crowley let his hand reach for the side of the curtain with a warm smile as he crouched to be at the same height as his baby girl.

“What?” (Y/N)’s voice had that cute little lilt it always got when she was truly curious. And she was always curious… Ah, the struggles of raising small children.

“I think this little lump is actually my princess!” Crowley said with a laugh as he pulled back the curtain to reveal his adopted daughter. Her surprised squeal automatically brightening the room and Crowley’s day as he caught her up in a big hug whilst Juliet nudged at them both with her snout. A bit jealous of the interaction as she felt as if she was just as big a part of the tiny little family as the two other members and just as entitled to a hug or at least an ear scratch.

“Daddy!” (Y/N) squealed as her little arms went around his neck to hug him back as hard as she could. Which honestly wasn’t very hard at all, but she always put all the strength in her little body into it.

“What have you been up to today pet?” Crowley said, standing up and lifting his princess with him as he focused on her brilliant (Y/E/C) eyes and her slightly messy (Y/H/C) hair from her time behind the velvet curtain.

“Walkies with ‘Ette!” She said, arms still around his neck as she looked down at the hellhound which he had yet to understand if she could see or not. Children all had a bit of magic in them, so it wouldn’t surprise him if she could. “Then Mr. Curtain ate us,”

“Really, did he gobble you up on your walkies?” Crowley asked with over-acted shock as he shifted the little girl so she was against his side like a little monkey. Teasing out another little laugh with a small tickle before carrying her easily towards the living room to ensure she got her dinner and possibly rewatch Moana, or whichever Disney movie she was obsessed with at the moment.

“Yes! You saved me from Mr. Curtain daddy!” Her big bright eyes widened as she nodded profusely, happy that her father was playing along with her little story.

“Did I? So is daddy your hero then?” Crowley said, his heart swelling like it always did when he held his world in his arms. Because shortly after Juliet had brought the little ray of sunshine into his life that was exactly what she’d become. His world.

“Yes! My daddy is the bestest hero!” Her little smile beamed up at him with so much love and admiration is nearly made the demon’s no longer beating heart burst. Her little hands holding onto each other as she gave him another big hug whilst he opened the door to the colorful and warm living room where he was just a father, and never the King of Hell.

To think he could love someone so much. With his little princess, his darling (Y/N), around everything was always fine. No matter what the world threw his way during the day.

It didn’t matter to him if the whole world saw him as a villain. Because to his little girl, Crowley was a hero.

Please do let me know if you wish to be removed from the tag list

Tags:  @auszimbo @upon-a-girl @gallifreyansass @mogaruke @skybinx-blog  @delisp @jensen-jarpad @supernatural-jackles @deathtonormalcy56 @27bmm @wildfirewinchester @just-another-busy-fangirl

Also tagging a few Crowley fans I know ‘cause I’m shameless that way: @roxy-davenport @crowley-you-sinnamon-roll @scheherazades-horcrux, @ajacentlee, @chelsea072498 @annabellerosemasters @alangel1895

[pinkanchorlovestuff-blog]

2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

Please inform others about this publish:

The post 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops appeared first on Android Blog.

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2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

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[psychedelic-killer]

2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

Please inform others about this publish:

The post 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops appeared first on Android Blog.

[softsadsheep-blog]

2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

Please inform others about this publish:

The post 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops appeared first on Android Blog.

[shawnmendesandtomholland-th-blog]

2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

Please inform others about this publish:

The post 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops appeared first on Android Blog.

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2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

Please inform others about this publish:

The post 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops appeared first on Android Blog.

[fakenctfan-blog]

2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops

The 2020 Costa Rica Workshops Are Bought Out!

Get On The Waitlist ASAP!

WOW – All the workshops (6 weeks / 60 individuals) bought out in less than 36 hours! In case you still want in, we highly advocate jumping on our waitlist (type at the bottom of this web page). Whereas all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless waiting on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall via every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The sooner you join the wait record, the better your probability of getting a spot.

The Journey Of A Lifetime!

I’m excited to announce our new 2020 Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!  This once-in-a-lifetime photograph workshop will happen on Costa Rica’s lovely Osa Peninsula, a location Nationwide Geographic calls, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” A powerful claim, however just some hours on website is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. The truth is, I feel the Nationwide Geographic statement might not do it justice!

As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to various unimaginable places, however I’ve to inform you – I’ve never skilled an setting that was so extremely goal wealthy and numerous as the Osa Peninsula. This is really a workshop experience that you will all the time keep in mind! Once I went to guage the situation for a possible workshop, I by no means dreamt I might find yourself capturing over 14,000 pictures in slightly below every week’s time!

What can you see and photograph? Though there are never any ensures with wildlife, it’s very possible you’ll see fairly a couple of of the species listed under – heck, you may even see all of them after which some! The truth is, the Osa Peninsula harbors 2.5% of the biodiversity on the planet, although it solely covers less than 1/1000th of 1% of the surface area of the earth! There are over 463 species of birds and 140 species of mammals – think of it as Disneyland for wildlife photographers! For just a small pattern of what I captured, take a look at the Costa Rica gallery here.

Here’s a short record of a few of the more widespread species you’re more likely to encounter.

Howler Monkeys White-Confronted Monkeys Squirrel Monkeys Spider Monkeys Sloths (two / three toed both stay within the area) Anteaters Toucans Scarlet Macaws (largest inhabitants in Central America) Tree Frogs (numerous – however especially the Pink-Eyed Tree Frog, probably dart frogs as nicely) Lizards / Iguanas Parrots / Parakeets Numerous Raptors (Caracaras, Widespread Black Hawk, And so on) Snakes (professionally dealt with) Numerous Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Gray Tanagers are right at the resort!) Hummingbirds (tons of fun)

And that’s only a style – you by no means know what you’ll see!

As for the workshop itself, the aim is twofold. First, I would like YOU to fill your reminiscence playing cards with as many unimaginable photographs as attainable within the time we have now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to make that occur. Second, I need to train you as much as I can about wildlife images.

As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the pictures I capture annually are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and in terms of getting critters in your reminiscence playing cards, I have a wealth of ideas and tips up my sleeve that may make it easier to accomplish that aim. Additionally, and as lots of you already know, educating images is what I do – simply take a look at my in depth collection of blog posts and movies to get an concept of how I convey myself and my info.

In this workshop, I’ll not only make it easier to get the shot, however I’ll additionally share ideas and tips you should use to seize the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll take a look at every part from digital camera and tech settings to artistic methods – it’s the whole package deal, and I feel you’ll actually take pleasure in it. At every wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and help in capturing these wall-hangers! Additionally, while I’ll take a shot here and there, in the course of the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photographs, however for YOUR photographs. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the trainer was more curious about his or her own photographs than that of the individuals – that is NOT the case here. YOUR pictures are the precedence for everyone involved.

In addition, we’ll even have skilled guides along to assist locate wildlife – and let me inform you, their capacity to seek out wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t simply advertising hype). I delight myself on my potential to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to disgrace. They know the world and may persistently find and hone in on wildlife of all types. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about each facet of the rainforest; from fauna to flora, they will inform you all about it. Oh, and they’re a blast to hang around with – you’re gonna love ‘em!

Finally, our residence base shall be Crocodile Bay Resort – and it’s just unbelievable! The property itself is gorgeous, and the truth is, you possibly can (and do) see nearly every animal I discussed on the record above. Some of my greatest photographs have been captured right there at the resort, and a few of our capturing will take place there. Heck, on our final morning there I was capturing howler monkeys that have been less than 20 ft from my rest room window. (The truth is, I was barely involved they could try to be a part of me!) Plus, the employees there’s jaw-droppingly outstanding. Everyone seems to be super-friendly and all the time makes you are feeling welcome. I wish all resorts have been this good!

Right here’s the rundown from start to end:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose Costa Rica

On the primary day, you’ll fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (most flights arrive within the late afternoon or evening) and luxuriate in a night on the lovely Double Tree lodge. It’s an unimaginable facility and provides you the right alternative to take a seat back, loosen up, hang out by the pool, and get a great night time’s sleep.

Day 2 Arrive At Crocodile Bay Resort

That is the place the fun really begins! You’ll fly over on a small 12 seat “puddle jumper” within the morning, enjoying unimaginable views along the best way. (Maintain your cameras out!)

We’ll meet you at the lobby and get you checked in instantly. Once your gear is dropped off, we hit the convention middle the place I’ll have a presentation that covers the way to photograph the wildlife of Costa Rica. Wildlife images in Costa Rica is usually a problem and I would like you to be completely prepared when the action begins unfolding in your viewfinder. When the superb moments happen, I would like you to know EXACTLY what to do to safe the shot. In any case, you don’t need to miss an unimaginable photograph since you weren’t absolutely instructed beforehand!

After the presentation, it’s time for a scrumptious lunch and then an afternoon photograph stroll so you’ll be able to turn into snug with the brand new methods discussed in the presentation.

Day three – Full Day Of Capturing

Immediately we’ll head out to the countryside very first thing within the morning  and uncover some unimaginable wildlife with our skilled guides. We’ll take pleasure in touring in a set of 4WD automobiles that can get us in all places we need to go. All through the day, we’ll be driving via totally different places and stopping along the best way once we see fascinating wildlife (some days, it’s so lively we stop every 10 to 15 minutes). There’s no telling what we’ll see on a given day, however the variety is unimaginable.

Alongside the best way, our guides will give a blow-by-blow of the forest and surroundings we’re driving by means of. We only ask that you simply maintain your jaw off the ground of the truck

Day 4 – Reptile And Amphibian Day (often with some birds and mammals too!)

Immediately we’re up shiny and early again and off to one in every of my favorite places where we’ll uncover even more wildlife! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph quite a lot of snakes (wild snakes which might be within the arms of knowledgeable handler and released once we’re completed), numerous frogs (probably even poison dart frogs), and a large number of birds as properly.

It’s on the prime of a mountain overlook and the variability will maintain your shutter snapping your complete time. I captured a few of my favourite photographs on this location and it’s by far considered one of my favourite spots!

Day 5 – Optionally available Excursions And Afternoon Picture Evaluation

The morning of this present day is set aside for many who need to do their very own non-compulsory excursions by means of the resort (not included within the workshop worth, however very reasonably priced). We frequently have individuals who need to target a selected species or groups of animals (just birds, simply monkeys, and so on.) and this lets you work immediately in the direction of that objective – or you’ll be able to take the morning off should you choose. I may also use this morning to help anybody who has technical problems with their gear. (Occurs greater than you assume!)

Lunch is on the resort and we’ll spend a part of the afternoon doing a gaggle image critique, answering tech questions, and fixing any images points. If we end early, we’ll take a stroll across the resort in late afternoon and see if we will turn up something exciting

Day 6 – Morning And Afternoon Shoot

On day 6 we’re back at it again beginning on the Osa Interactive Gardens where we’ll uncover ample macro prospects together with potential hen and mammal opportunities. This website is usually colorful frogs, lizards, and bugs (especially butterflies), but you never know what you’ll uncover!

From there, it’s again to the resort for a delicious lunch after which again out on the street for more! In the afternoon, we’ll hunt for monkeys, birds, and anything we will discover along the best way. Deliver additional memory cards!!

Day 7 – Boat Tour

We prime off our final full day of capturing with a three hour boat tour on the Sierpe river. We embark on a pair of pontoon boats and slowly glide down the river, always stopping for the wildlife we uncover along the best way. The shoreline is loaded with critters and the shutters fly continuously!

The wildlife along the river is accustomed to the boat visitors and sometimes allows an incredibly shut strategy. You’ll need additional memory playing cards for this present day!

Day eight – Fly again to San Jose and home

You’ll be up vibrant an early right now in your flight back to San Jose and then residence.

Q&A

What dates are you getting in 2020?

Might 29 – June 5 – Bought Out June 6 – 13 – Bought Out June 16 – 23 – Bought Out July 17 – 24 – Bought Out July 25 – August 1 – Bought Out August four – 11 – Bought Out

What’s the talent degree?

This trip is greatest fitted to photographers who have at the very least some expertise with their cameras and have accomplished no less than a some wildlife images. Costa Rica is among the most challenging places on the planet and while I can information you although the robust stuff, remember that we do have 10 individuals so it’s essential that you’ve some experience beneath your belt.

First, you ought to be snug with working your digital camera. You also needs to be acquainted with – and capable of change – the next choices on your digital camera:

Publicity Modes

Publicity Compensation

AF Modes / Areas

Metering Modes

Drive Modes

As well as, it is best to perceive what shutter velocity, F/Stop, and ISO do.

Briefly, the objective of this trip is to teach wildlife images, not the fundamentals of images.

For those who’re not sure if in case you have the right talent set, contact us.

Are the animals tame?

Nope. Many individuals assume that is kind of like a zoo experience where we head out to a location and the animals are just dripping off the timber. That’s not the case – this a wildlife workshop, not an tour to the zoo

If you need a zoo-like experience, this journey isn’t for you.

Nevertheless, in case you like and settle for the the thought of photographing wild animals, you’ll have an unimaginable time! Positive, we will’t predict what we’ll see or once we’ll see it, however the area is loaded with wildlife and it’s all the time a blast!

What’s included?

All meals / meals (offered at / from the resort – on full days, the resort packs us a cooler, you get to select what you need them to pack)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging throughout the workshop as outlined above. Observe you possibly can come early / stay later however your package deal only consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

What’s not included?

Your flights from house to San Jose and from San Jose again house.

Alcoholic drinks

Excessive baggage charges

Gratuities / ideas

Airline fees / insurance / passports / private bills

Any further tours, actions and so on. not expressly mentioned in the workshop

Any further nights accommodations that happen beyond the time-frame of the workshop dates (but it is cool to stay an extra day or two)

Laundry (there’s an on-site laundry service)

Any emergency providers, if crucial. (There has never been an evacuation in the historical past of the resort, rest straightforward).

Any meals you determine to have outdoors of the resort.

Some other bills not explicitly coated in the “What’s Included” part above

Can my spouse / member of the family come and keep at the resort?

Sure. For a further $1500 your spouse or family member can share your lodging all through the workshop, nevertheless, they will be unable to hitch you on any workshop activities. That stated, consider there are tons of different activities on the resort, or they will simply sit back and loosen up when you’re collaborating in the workshop.

What number of members are in the workshop?

With a view to give you the greatest expertise attainable, we’re limiting the number of individuals to only 10 individuals. Reserving shall be finished on a primary come, first serve basis – nothing is held until a deposit has been positioned.

What ought to I put on?

The weather in Costa Rica is scorching and humid. Like actually scorching and humid. Like, Florida in July, solely hotter and more humid. And it likes to rain at the least as soon as a day. So, I like to recommend avoiding something cotton – it just gained’t dry and it will really feel scorching and icky (that’s the technical term BTW). I like dry-fit fashion shirts (I have some from Eddie Bauer that work nicely) and shorts (Columbia makes some good options with their “Omni Wick” and “Quick Dry” water shorts). You’ll be able to put on lengthy pants in the event you like, nevertheless, be sure that they are of the lightweight and quick drying variety.

Once I go, I take the next:

Shorts (notice – many individuals choose light-weight lengthy pants) Brief Sleeve Dry-Fit fashion shirts Lengthy Sleeve Dry Fit fashion shirts (for solar safety if we’re out on a sunny day – shirts with SPF safety are really helpful) Non-cotton undergarments (critically, sweat-soaked underwear sucks) Lightweight hat 2 pairs of light-weight climbing footwear (preferably waterproof) Light-weight raincoat Lengthy socks (we typically use rubber boots offered by the resort and you’ll need a pair of long socks)

What should I deliver for photograph gear?

Remember this can be a devoted wildlife journey, so that you’ll undoubtedly want your huge glass. Using full frame, you’ll need no less than 400mm, nevertheless, I HIGHLY advocate 500mm ~ 600mm or extra. One of many tremendous zooms is an effective selection like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. When you occur to have an enormous prime that’s even higher – I exploit my 600 F/4 all the time and it works out extraordinarily properly.

I also HIGHLY advocate a macro lens – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anyplace from dime to greenback measurement. Stick to a focal length of 100mm or longer. (Notice – in a pinch you possibly can definitely get by with most tremendous zooms for macro work).

I also highly advocate taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s all the time attainable an excellent landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 can be simply superb.

Since it can be wet at occasions, you also might want some kind of “rain jacket” in your gear (or at the least borrow a towel out of your lodge room).

As well as, you’ll doubtless need a tripod and monopod (I used both quite a bit, but if I had to decide one, it might be the monopod).

With regards to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you possibly can muster, ideally one thing from the final 3~4 years. We end up in a variety of tough lighting situations, typically requiring good dynamic range and good excessive ISO. So, the newer, the higher. Any current Nikon or Canon is simply high quality.

Oh, and don’t overlook additional memory cards and batteries!

What sort of non-photography gear ought to I take?

You’ll want your laptop computer / card reader for positive – we take a TON of pictures and also you’ll need to offload them at night time. I’d additionally advocate a further backup system, corresponding to an exterior onerous drive or giant reminiscence card (I exploit a large SD card for backup and maintain it on my individual always).

You’ll also want:

Bugspray (the bugs really aren’t dangerous in any respect – more often than not you gained’t need it, however doesn’t harm to have it)

Knee pads (optionally available)

Small reflector (non-compulsory)

Sunscreen (High SPF – the solar might be brutal)

Do I want to speak Spanish?

By no means. I find out about a dozen words in Spanish and I obtained along simply positive. Everybody you’ll cope with speaks English.

Is it protected there?

Completely. Everyone seems to be tremendous friendly and never as soon as did we really feel “unsafe” in any method.

Is there a whole lot of climbing?

No, not on this workshop. Most of our images is completed near the automobiles, with some strolling at the resort. Nothing too strenuous in any case.

Is the world full of vacationers?

Nope, under no circumstances. Positive, there are visitors there, but I was amazed at simply how few vacationers have been within the area. It’s one of the causes I needed to go to this location – no “competition” for critters!

Will there be alternatives aside from wildlife?

Simply to be 100% clear – this can be a wildlife images workshop, so the critters take precedent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t seize a nice panorama or two when you’re down there. The truth is, the docks are an unimaginable location for sunrise.

What’s the climate like?

We’re going to be down there in  (Might-Sept), so it’s scorching however not as dangerous as it gets from Dec-April. Nonetheless, anticipate scorching and humid circumstances with rain probably. The good news is that we’ll probably have an excellent bit of overcast that may permit us to shoot all day in respectable mild.

Is any of this topic to vary?

Sure. We might choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based mostly on weather, unexpected circumstances, or simply higher alternatives so that you can get a better choice of pictures. The first objective is for YOU to get as many great photographs as attainable, and any schedule change can be based mostly on meeting that objective.

What’s the worth?

The worth is $4985 per individual (or $4307 for double occupancy) with a deposit of $1500 per individual due upon reserving (Word, for those who e-book within 90 days of the trip, your complete cost is required upon reserving.) Again, this is fairly inclusive and consists of:

All meals / food (offered at / from the resort)

Non-alcoholic drinks (offered at / from the resort)

Lodging all through the workshop as outlined above. Word you’ll be able to come early / keep later however your package deal solely consists of the nights for the workshop

Ground transportation

Flights from San Jose to the resort and again to San Jose

For single occupancy, you’ll have your personal personal room

Word that you may be answerable for the flight from your own home to San Jose Costa Rica. Examine together with your favorite airline for current charges.

Additionally observe that the rate for double occupancy (two workshop members sharing a room) is lower per individual, coming in at $8614 for two ($4307 every). So, get a good friend to do the workshop with you and also you each save!

What if I have questions?

Ship ’em to us by way of our contact type and we’ll get again to you as quickly as you possibly can. Word that this is only for questions – to sign up, use the shape under.

How do I enroll?

Fill out the form under to start out the signup course of should you’re able to e-book / put down your deposit. Thanks!

Our 2020 Costa Rica Workshops are bought out. Should you nonetheless need in, we extremely advocate jumping on our waitlist (type under). While all the spots are presently spoken for, we are nonetheless ready on deposits and we all the time have a few that fall by way of every year (as well as two or three sudden cancellations between now and the workshop). The earlier you join the wait listing, the better your probability of getting a spot.

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