Master the Art of Birds-in-Flight Photography
San Diego, CA | La Jolla & Surrounding Areas
January 24-28, 2027 with Jason P. Odell
San Diego's coastline is one of the most spectacular stages in North America for bird photography, and in winter, it's electric. Pelicans and cormorants are in full breeding plumage, performing their dramatic courtship displays, and the light over the Pacific doesn't disappoint. This intimate, small-group workshop is your opportunity to capture it all.
Designed for intermediate to advanced photographers, this workshop focuses on one of the most technically demanding — and rewarding — skills in nature photography: birds in flight. Over the course of our time together, you'll photograph pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns, and more, with frequent appearances by sea lions and other coastal wildlife. We'll also chase the golden hour for stunning environmental and sunset shots.
Small group sizes mean you get real, personalized attention. I offer "ask me anything" instruction throughout the day — no waiting until the end of a lecture, no questions too basic or too advanced. My goal is simple: to make sure every participant leaves with images they're proud of.
Back at base each evening, we'll download and review our shots together. You'll receive honest, constructive critiques and hands-on instruction in my complete bird and wildlife photography workflow in Adobe Lightroom Classic — including my full global bird keyword library, bird ID from photos, and my processing techniques for maximum visual impact.
What to Expect
Subject matter: Pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns, sea lions, and more coastal wildlife
Special highlight: Winter breeding plumage and courtship displays of Southern California pelicans and cormorants
Daily editing sessions: Group image review, critiques, and Lightroom workflow instruction
Bonus: My complete bird keyword set covering every species in the world
Good to Know
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite: Comfortable setting exposure and autofocus parameters manually
Activity Level: Mild — walking on sidewalks with some hills; ability to carry gear up to 0.1 mile
Location: La Jolla & surrounding areas, San Diego, CA
Nearest Airport: San Diego International (SAN)
Photo Gallery: Southern California Birds and Wildlife
Partial Species List
- Brown Pelican
- Brandt's Cormorant
- Snowy Egret
- American Coot
- American Widgeon
- Wood Duck
- Cinnamon Teal
- White Pelican
- Ring-necked Duck
- Northern Shoveler
- Heerman's Gull
- Western Gull
- Royal Tern
- Osprey
- Black Oystercatcher
Also: California Sea Lions & Harbor Seals!
General Itinerary
Note that the day to day itinerary will be flexible in order to account for weather and other conditions.
Day 1: Evening orientation and technical setup workshop at our group hotel.
Days 2-4: Field photography at one or more of the shooting locations in the morning and afternoon. Mid-day post-processing classes and image review sessions.
Day 5: Depart for home (no planned shooting, but you're free to stay and get some more practice in)
Workshop and Instructional Fees
$1899 per photographer (min 3, max 8)
What's Included
- Pre-workshop online webinar Q&A session with Jason Odell
- Hands-on field instruction and photography sessions
- How to set up your camera to capture stunning images of birds in flight
- Exposure and autofocus settings
- Camera support techniques
- Classroom Topics
- Workflow for wildlife photography
- Processing the wildlife image
- Sharpening and noise reduction techniques
- Daily image review sessions
Not Included
- Meals
- Lodging
- Transportation to the field sites
Payment & Refund Policy
A $500 deposit reserves your seat until October 1, 2026
Final payment is due on November 1, 2026
Refund policy: Deposits are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled
Final payment is non-refundable
I recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in this photo safari
