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Embark on an unforgettable wildlife photography adventure in the Thracian Lowlands and the Maritsa River basin, based around Dimitrovgrad and my expertly designed photography hides. This workshop extends into the Eastern Rhodopes, where you can explore hides specialized for photographing raptors and mammals.

 

Winter transforms the landscape into a serene and starkly beautiful environment, drastically altering the behaviour and activity of the local fauna. Even if you’ve visited in other seasons, winter offers a completely new perspective with its unique light, scenery, and wildlife dynamics. The area features a mix of flat fields, wetlands, and riparian forests, making it a rich and diverse photographic location.

 

Why Join This Workshop?

• Exceptional Lighting: The low winter sun provides excellent photography conditions throughout the shorter days.
• Diverse Wildlife: From small songbirds to majestic golden eagles, and terrestrial predators like jackals, foxes, and wolves.
• Comfortable Hides: Professionally constructed hides ensure warmth and convenience.
• Tailored for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wildlife photographer, this workshop offers tailored guidance and opportunities to hone your skills.

 

Workshop Details

Duration and Group Size

• Optimal Duration: 4-8 full photography days, ensuring enough time to experience all hides and revisit your favourite spots.
• Group Size: 3-6 participants for a personalized and focused experience. Larger groups are accommodated with slight adjustments to the schedule and hide rotations.
• Flexible Options: Workshops longer than 8 days can be arranged for those seeking a more immersive experience.
  
  Participants visit as part of pre-registered groups for the same duration. Individual bookings for workshop groups with available spaces are welcome, however, often participants gather other fellow photographers to join together as an exclusive group. Custom extensions or specific locations for particular target species may be accommodated, please contact for discussion. Ad hoc one- or two-day hide visits are occasionally possible for photographers with their own transportation.
   

Daily Schedule

• Morning: Start before sunrise, entering the hides by 6:30–7:00 AM to capture the golden hour. Predator hides require early quiet setup, while forest feeders allow for slightly later entry without affecting bird activity.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a full day in the hides with a snack, nibbles and hot drinks provided. We stay until sunset and even beyond, as mammals often emerge in the twilight.
• Evening: Return to the hotel and enjoy a hearty dinner at a restaurant, where we review the day’s captures, and plan for the next day’s sessions.

Locations and Highlights

• Thracian Lowlands and Maritsa River Basin: The base of operations with hides offering close encounters with a variety of birds and predators. Check out our Hides section for more information on each hide.

• Eastern Rhodopes: A renowned hotspot for raptors, where you can photograph golden eagles, griffon vultures, and black vultures, as well as jackals, foxes, and the elusive wolves.

• Ponor Mountain Hide: Ideal for golden eagles, ravens, and potentially foxes or wolves. The hide is spacious, heated, and the atmosphere is magical during snowfall.

 

Departure & Return Locations:

• Sofia International Airport (SOF) is the preferred airport for arrival for the winter tour. Multiple airlines opperate many times a day.
• Plovdiv Airport is another option, however, currently flights operate only from the UK: Ryanair from London Stansted, Manchester, and Birmingham, Wizzair from London Luton and Jet2 from Belfast.
   

Equipment and Preparation

Photographic Gear

• Lenses: Prime lenses (300-600mm) and versatile zooms (150-600mm, 100-500mm). Teleconverters are highly recommended. Wide-angle and 70-200mm zoom lenses are essential for the pelicans, if taking the Kerkini lake extension.
• Tripods: Essential for most hides. Some hides are equipped with metal bases for attaching photo heads.
• Other Gear: Binoculars, macro lenses.

Clothing

• Temperatures usually range from 5°C to -15°C. Bring:
  • Thermal layers, warm jackets, waterproof pants, and sturdy boots.
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, and gaiters for extra protection.
  • Hand warmers and portable heat packs.

Additional Essentials

• Flashlights or headlamps for early morning setups.
• Waterproof lenscoats/raincoats for camera gear.

Optional Extensions

Lake Kerkini (Northern Greece): Extend your workshop with a visit to this stunning wetland. Capture iconic Dalmatian pelicans from both shore and boat sessions.

Transition Opportunities: During airport transfers, brief detours can be made to photograph the photogenic spotted nutcracker, adding variety to your portfolio.
 

 

Price Includes

• Accommodation in separate (single) rooms
• Photographer Tour Guide
• All transportation to and from airports and hides
• Full Board Meals
• Fees for hides
   

Price Excludes

• Flights
• Insurance
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Any additional activities not listed on the itinerary
• Tips

 

Reserve Your Spot

Spaces are limited to maintain the quality of the experience, so early booking is recommended.

Book Your Workshop Now!

 

 

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