Tag Archives: California

The difference between a blue sky and a dynamic background in bird photos is amazing

Brown pelican on the southern California coast

Most of the time, when we photograph birds in flight, we simply capture an image of a bird against a blank blue sky. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll get a cloud or two in the background, too. If you can capture flying birds in front of an interesting background, your shots can be improved dramatically.

Southern California: The Perfect Coastal Backdrop for Bird Photography

The southern California coast is a great place to capture unique photographs of birds in flight. The high cliffs offer a vantage point where instead of pointing up into the sky, you can point down at the rocky shore below. The backgrounds can include waves, spray, and the coastline. These dynamic backgrounds make for interesting photographs that are so much more than just plain blue skies.

Join me to photograph birds in flight in San Diego, California, Jan 22-26, 2023.

Brown pelicans circling the beach near La Jolla, California

California Birding Workshop 2023

News, Workshops/Training

Birds in Flight Photography Workshop

August 7, 2022 Jason Odell Leave a comment

January 22-26, 2023 in La Jolla, CA

Join me in La Jolla, California to immerse yourself in the art of bird photography. This exclusive instructional photo safari is limited to six (6) participants for a personal experience that you can’t get from the big tours. I offer “ask me anything” instruction during the safari to ensure you’re getting the best quality images. Because of the small group size, I’m able to offer a more intimate instructional style that allows each participant to get the knowledge they need to succeed.

Winter is the breeding season for the pelicans and cormorants in southern California, so we’ll be able to capture them in their colorful breeding plumage.

This workshop is perfect for intermediate to advanced photographers who wish to learn how to capture stunning images of birds in flight. We will have the opportunity to photograph numerous species, including pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and terns. We will also likely encounter sea lions and other wildlife on the beaches, and have the opportunity to get some nice sunsets and environmental shots.

Each day, we will download and process our images together as a group, get critiques, and learn new techniques to make your photos stand out. I will work with you to capture and process the best possible images into beautiful finished products.

Click the RSVP button to learn more, and to register! This event is limited to 6 photographers.

News, Workshops/Training

Coastal California Birding & Wildlife Workshop

November 14, 2019 Jason Odell Leave a comment

Master bird photography Jan. 15-19, 2020

Join me in San Diego, California January 15-19 to learn the secrets of bird and wildlife photography

Join me in San Diego, California for a bird and wildlife photography workshop. This exclusive instructional photo safari is limited to six (6) participants for a personal experience that you can’t get from the big tours. I offer “ask me anything” instruction during the safari to ensure you’re getting the best quality images. Because of the small group size, I’m able to offer a more intimate instructional style that allows each participant to get the knowledge they need to succeed.

This safari is perfect for beginning to intermediate photographers who wish to capture portraits of birds and wildlife, plus hone their skills on photographing birds in flight. We will have the opportunity to photograph numerous species, including pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and terns. We will also likely encounter sea lions and other wildlife on the beaches, and have the opportunity to get some nice sunsets and environmental shots.

Each day, we will download and process our images together as a group, get critiques, and learn new techniques to make your photos into fine-art masterpieces. I will work with you to capture and process the best possible images into beautiful finished products.

Itinerary and PRicing

Workshops/Training

Birds In Flight Photo Workshop: San Diego

October 3, 2018 Jason Odell Leave a comment

Southern California Bird Photography Workshop

February 10-14, 2019
San Diego, CA

Birds in Flight Photo Workshop — Master photographing birds in flight with Jason Odell February 10-14, 2019

Join me in San Diego, California to immerse yourself in the art of bird photography. This exclusive instructional photo safari is limited to eight (8) participants for a personal experience that you can’t get from the big tours. I offer “ask me anything” instruction during the safari to ensure you’re getting the best quality images. Because of the small group size, I’m able to offer a more intimate instructional style that allows each participant to get the knowledge they need to succeed.

This workshop is perfect for photographers who wish to capture portraits of birds and wildlife, plus hone their skills on photographing birds in flight. We will have the opportunity to photograph numerous species, including pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and terns. We will also likely encounter sea lions and other wildlife on the beaches, and have the opportunity to get some nice sunsets and environmental shots.

Registration closes January 10, 2019

Images, Workshops/Training

Workshop Report: Joshua Tree Desert Landscapes

April 20, 2016 Jason Odell Leave a comment

Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park, California

I’m back from a brief weekend workshop photographing landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park. We explored creative compositions and spent some time working through image processing, including the use of Luminosity Masks and Color Efex Pro. In all, everyone came away with some nice images and ideas for improving their photography going forward. I really enjoyed working with the group!

My upcoming field workshops and photo safaris are posted here.

Jason P. Odell Photography