Ecuador Bird Photography
Masterclass
Your photography and us
On all of our tours we teach photography but often in high pressure situations it’s not always possible to spend the time we would like. This tour is very different as we have a LOT of time to spend with you. The action is never fast and furious, this is a relaxing and pleasurable trip surrounded by incredible species. Before every session we will brief you on what could happen, some ideas on how to shoot it and what to look for and then we will be there to help continuously whist you are shooting. Of course this is optional, we will give you as much or as little help as you need.
Our days on this tour will be very flexible, in the lead up to the trip we will be coordinating exactly what species are around via our extensive network of local care-takers and hosts, and we will then plan each days activities. By maintaining this flexibility it means that we can ensure that there is no wasted time on the trip.
Of course there are many iconic target species, but we would hope for, and expect to be able to photograph; plate billed mountain toucans, cock-of-the-rocks, sword-billed hummingbirds and the Andean Condor - to name just a few. The photography that we do will be from open purpose built decks, hides and gardens; both at the lodge and at specific locations. Crucially none of the setups that we use will utilise artificial lights. For us this is absolutely essential; avoiding the use of flash prevents stressing the birds, and we pride ourselves on our wildlife before shot policy, but it also means that you get beautiful backgrounds, vibrant colours and the most natural looking shots. And of course it removes the stresses of using flash that most photographers feel.
During our days if we are not doing planned excursions you will be free to move around the decks and gardens and photograph at leisure whilst our dedicated photo guides ensure that you have the best settings for any eventuality. It is also possible during these times to have post processing workshops in both Lightroom and Photoshop - helping you to get the most out of every single of these fantastic species.
The wonder of Toucans
Toucans are such characters and we are blessed in Ecuador with not only a lot of different species but some great places off the beaten track to photograph them. They are such colourful and characterful birds that you will fall in love with them. We have 4 different locations for toucans and toucanets, all of which re comfortable decks where you will be at eye level or thereabouts with our spectacular visitors. Here’s a few beauties for you to see…
Spectacular Hummingbirds
The cloud forest is home to a vast number of colourful hummingbird species and the good news for photographers is that they are easy to fund and photograph because the locals love them. We don’t use any flash for our hummingbird photography, everything we do is photographed in natural surroundings with no backdrops. This means our hummingbird images look real and natural, and we can tell you there is nothing like sitting in a chair with hummingbirds flitting all around you, it’s amazing! Now we photograph too many species to name them all but the highlights are the Swordbill, the twin tailed Sylphs and Booted Racket-tails plus the warring sparkling violet ears and the tiny but cute white bellied woodstar. Let’s also not forget the spectacular Ecuador Hillstar too. All these and more are waiting for us and you will be helped every step of of the way by our experience to ensure you get amazing images….
The Amazing Cock of the Rock
A truly incredible bird and seeing the males displaying at the lek is an experience for the soul.
After a lovely short trek through the cloud forest we will enter a special open hide before dawn and await their arrival. Don’t worry you will know when they come and it’s an assault on all of your senses.
It’s a beautiful setting and we will be there to help you with the low light photography and taking images you want to hang on your wall!
Amazon Canopy Towers
An undoubted highlight of the trip are the canopy towers in the Amazon lowlands where we literally climb up to be eye level with the wildlife that lives there. It’s an amazing experience in itself and the wonderful thing is that we never know what we are going to find. We could get macaws flying by, colourful birds perching around us or inquisitive monkeys like the rare Saki (pictures below) coming to say hi.
We have two different towers, one at the forest edge and one in the forest itself. All are safe and well supported, with easy stairs to climb at your own pace. We love the towers as we’ve had some fantastic experiences in them and we are sure you will too!
A bit of macro
Whilst this is a bird photography masterclass we do a fair bit of macro and night photography too. All kinds of critters can be found and we have experts that find them for you. In the Amazon lowlands we have night walks, looking for everything from frogs to tarantulas.
And everything else
We’ve shown some amazing photos on this page but it only scratches the surface of what we can see. Andean condors we haven’t shown yet so here they are, plus a plethora of colourful birds of all shapes and sizes that we have taken on our tours. Enjoy!!!!
Accommodation and food
We are working in partnership with an incredible guiding company that we have worked with multiple times before. They own several lodges and we will be staying at 4 of them during this tour. They are typically Ecuadorian in design, wood based with ensuite showers and very comfortable. Food is wholesome family cooking and is usually taken outside depending on the weather. All in all we offer a first class package here!
The Guide Team
Lots of people run safaris, what separates our expeditions is the experienced guide team that we have, plus the Travel Trust Association bonding that protects your holiday money from supplier failure.
Andy Rouse
Andy has won over 28 major international awards, been a pro for nearly 25 years and has led photographic expeditions all over the world. He prides himself in only offering the very best destinations, and has built a reputation as one of the best photographic safari guides in the world. Put simply, if you book a WildBunch safari, you can rest assured that you will be guided by one of the best in the business. Andy’s trips are always packed with fantastic opportunities, expert guidance and a drive to get the very best for his clients, as well as being a lot of fun - you are on holiday after all!
Andy shoots with the Sony A1 Mark II, but rest assured no matter what system you use, Andy will be able to help you get the most from your system and yourself.
Away from work he is a proud husband, Dad and West Ham fan!
Luis
Our tours work so well in Ecuador because of our relationships on the ground there. Top of this is our co-guide, lodge owner, bird specialist and general all round decent guy. Luis is a friend first and foremost and throughout the tour will be there for photo advice ( he’s a fantastic photographer too ) and just being the expert birder he is.
As we go around you will see the relationships we have, it makes the tour have a relaxed and fun atmosphere throughout.
Suzie Rouse
Suzie Rouse is an experienced wildlife photographer and birdwatcher, having travelled all over the world adding to her birding life list and capturing images of some iconic species. Whilst guiding, Suzie brings her keen birdwatchers eyes and is a fantastic animal spotter. Away from the travel Suzie is a University lecturer; specialising in teaching students all about forensic imaging and photography. As part of her work Suzie has taught countless complete beginners how to image a variety of different situations.
Suzie is also a capable videographer; supporting Andy by filming and producing video content for Andy's Patreon site. Suzie also post-processes using Lightroom and complements Andy's Photoshop processing tutorials by producing her own tutorials on Lightroom.
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This is a fairly easy trip. Some days will be more relaxed than others with birdwatching and photography from the lodge decks or hummingbird gardens. However there will be some locations that involve walks to hides at altitudes of 6000 ft and above, which may be challenging, and you will have to carry your own kit and tripod. On the day that we go to the condors you will have to walk about 300 m at 12,000 ft, but it is a flat walk.
The most important thing is that you are honest about your limitations and ask us if you are unsure.
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Comprehensive pre departure information will be provided 3 months before departure. This will cover photo kit, clothing, visas, tips and anything else you need to know.
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We appreciate that for a lot of you, you have your own frequent flyer memberships and preferences. So, as we do for all our safaris, once you book we will tell you when and where you need to be and give you some flight recommendations.
We will then arrange pickup's etc to the team hotel if necessary, or transfers at the airport if you are coming direct. This is now standard policy for all of our expeditions.
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We are always very honest with all our clients and when you come on a tour with us you will always know everything, warts and all!
For this trip we will be making the most of the species that are around - however due to the unpredictability of wildlife, we cannot guarantee any species. However rest assured if it is one of our most wanteds then we will frequently have multiple back-up plans in place!
All his clients know that Andy and his guide team try their absolute best to get everyone the best photographic opportunities possible, but of course this can be out of our control as the wildlife has other ideas. So whilst we look for everything we can, we absolutely cannot guarantee in anyway shape or form that you will see any of these. It can rain. It can be cloudy. The wildlife can be elusive. You must come with this realistic expectations, we do not make false promises. What we can promise is that the team will work 150% to give you the best chances and best experiences possible. That is GUARANTEED!
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Rest assured that this safari is backed by the Travel Trust Association (TTA). The TTA is an independent trade organisation of tour operators that we are proud members of. The TTA provides guarantees for your booking with us in two forms.
The first is that all monies are deposited to a trustee managed trust bank account and any payments to / from them have to be authorised at several levels.
Secondly your booking is protected by the TTA Safe Seat Plan and Supplier Failure Cover, both of which are insurance policies to protect your money from fraud and supplier failure.
We include the costs of these policies automatically in your booking fee, so that you can have total financial confidence in us, and your booking with us, as a trusted and reputable tour operator.
Further details of our TTA membership can be found by clicking here
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The tour is open to both photographers and non photographers. This is a very laid back and relaxed trip, and suits photographers who want a combination of different species in natural settings. When we are at the lodge you will be free to roam and photograph the birds that you find; of course the feeders will be well stocked should you wish to sit on the deck by the feeder with an Ecuadorian hot chocolate!
Our tours are inclusive, anyone is welcome irrespective of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. We just ask that you come with a smile and a love of wildlife.
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Of course we cannot predict this as the world is changing. The temperatures and weather that we can expect will vary heavily on the altitudes that we are at. With it being the cloud forest though it can be wet, so good lightweight waterproofs are essential, along with plenty of layers. In short it’s unpredictable!
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Vegetarian and vegan are simple and the food is incredible at our lodges!
We can usually cater for most dietary requirements so please get in touch with any questions and we will be happy to help.
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We have led 7 safaris so far to Ecuador with no problems whatsoever. The areas that we visit are deemed safe by the FCO. We find the people exceptionally friendly - and the local dogs are too! In short please do not worry about this, we are nowhere near the big cities and operate a very safe and fun environment.
Travel Trust Association
Now we know that there are a lot of people out there offering photographic tours, however rest assured that this safari is backed by the Travel Trust Association (TTA). The TTA is an independent trade organisation of tour operators that we are proud members of. The TTA provides guarantees for your booking with us in two forms.
The first is that all monies are deposited to a trustee managed trust bank account and any payments to / from them have to be authorised at several levels.
Secondly your booking is protected by the TTA Safe Seat Plan and Supplier Failure Cover, both of which are insurance policies to protect your money from fraud and supplier failure.
We include the costs of these policies automatically in your booking fee, so that you can have total financial confidence in us, and your booking with us, as a trusted and reputable tour operator.
Further details of our TTA membership can be found by clicking here.
