A Golden Glimpse of Pink Amidst the Storm: Roseate Spoonbill Cover Image

The first day (April 8) of the second Florida Workshop certainly threw us a curveball! Mother Nature decided to put on a dramatic show: It rained, the wind howled, and the sky crackled with thunder and lightning. Not exactly ideal conditions for Osprey photography from an open, aluminum pontoon boat in a lake!

Undeterred, we pivoted and made our way to the Roseate Spoonbill rookery, hoping for a break in the weather. As they say, patience is a virtue, especially for wildlife photographers. For a good portion of our time there, the skies remained stubbornly grey, the air thick with humidity.

But then the clouds parted. A glorious golden light bathed the scene for just a few fleeting moments: The kind of light that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary, painting the lush green foliage in warm hues and illuminating the delicate pink of the Roseate Spoonbills.

And that's when Mother Nature offered her prize – a reward for those who had braved the weather and remained vigilant. In that brief window of golden light, the rookery came alive. It was a breathtaking spectacle, a reminder that even amidst the harshest conditions, beauty can emerge if you are simply present and ready to witness it.

This image, captured during that precious interlude, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected gifts that nature can bestow. It wasn't the day we had initially envisioned, but it was truly memorable, filled with the raw energy of a storm and the delicate beauty of the Spoonbills bathed in golden light. Sometimes, the most rewarding moments are the ones you least expect.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in Dramatic First Light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 4, 2025, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 3,200, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Perfect Portraits of Black Vultures on a Stormy Day

Nature photography rarely goes exactly as planned, and the first day of the second workshop (April 8) proved that point! The forecast was a dramatic mix of thunderstorms, lightning, and blustery winds – not the ideal conditions for a peaceful pontoon boat cruise on the lake. Safety first, of course, so we headed off for Spoonbills and kept a close eye on the weather radar, hoping for a break in the weather.

Our patience paid off. Amidst the swirling weather patterns, the radar hinted at a window of opportunity; a hidden surprise awaited us after the first wave of rain! A significant gathering of Black Vultures had congregated around a large puddle. These birds might not be everyone's idea of a glamorous subject, but their dark plumage holds a unique beauty and intricate detail.

This unexpected gathering presented a fantastic opportunity. The low, diffused light following the rain was perfect for photographing their deep black feathers. Forget harsh shadows that can obscure detail; this soft, even illumination allowed us to truly capture the subtle textures and nuances within their dark plumage.

While the vultures were constantly moving, their temporary focus on the puddle allowed for a close approach until a few other photographers decided to approach from different angles, a la stalking wolf pack and scared them off. This proximity and the exceptional lighting conditions yielded a few precious moments to capture striking portraits. It was a masterclass in seizing the opportunity and understanding how specific weather conditions can dramatically enhance the final image, revealing the often-overlooked beauty in even the darkest subjects. Sometimes, the most rewarding shots come when you least expect them!

Black Vulture Portrait (Dendrocygna autumnalis, Dendrocygne à ventre noir, Suirirí piquirrojo, BLVU). From my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress on April 8, 2025, at Fellsmere, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @790mm. ISO 20,000, f/8 @ 1/2,500s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

The Magic of Bokeh: Elevating Your Bird Photography

Bokeh, that dreamy blur, that soft kiss of out-of-focus foreground and background. It is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful tool.

Take this willet I photographed during my recent Florida Workshop. If I lowered the camera far enough, I created a soft & dreamy out-of-focus foreground. Some might see that as an obstacle or something to avoid. But for me, it became an advantage. That smooth, blurred foreground acted like a natural frame, drawing your eye inexorably to the sharp detail of the bird itself. It created a sense of depth, almost like the willet was emerging from a gentle mist or sandstorm.

And that is the magic. When you intentionally let the foreground and background melt away into a creamy bokeh, you are not just making a pretty picture; you are isolating your subject, stripping away distractions, and allowing its form, posture, and essence to take center stage. That soft blur can whisper of the environment without shouting, providing context without clutter.

It is about guiding the viewer's gaze, telling a story with selective focus. It transforms a simple snapshot into something more evocative that resonates with the quiet beauty of the natural world. So the next time you're out there, don't shy away from that out-of-focus element. Embrace it. It is the secret ingredient to elevating your bird photography.

Willet Portrait (Tringa semipalmata, Chevalier semipalmé, Playero aliblanco, WILL). From my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress on April 9, 2025 at Sebastien, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @71,120mm ISO 10,000, f/11 @ 1/2,500s. Manual exposure.

Green Heron Calling in Flight Sony 400-800 with Sony 1.4X Tele-converter

A distinct, loud guttural "skeow" broke the silence as we waited for this Green Heron to take flight from a perch it landed on in front of us a few moments earlier. I tracked it flying directly across my frame as it took flight and called—the fleeting moment when you get the shot or don't. Thankfully, the new Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x teleconverter attached to the Sony a9 mark III was already poised and ready.

What struck me immediately was the sheer versatility of this setup. Going from 560mm to 1,120mm with a 1/4 turn of the zoom ring while maintaining exceptional image quality is a game-changer. There was no time to swap lenses; frankly, I wouldn't have wanted to. The integrated zoom allowed me to track the heron smoothly as it flew, adjusting my composition on the fly.

And the autofocus? Absolutely tenacious. Even with the added magnification of the teleconverter, the focus locked onto the heron's eye instantly and held firm as it zipped past: crucial for capturing birds in flight, where even the slightest hesitation can mean a missed opportunity. The resulting images are tack sharp, revealing the intricate details of its plumage. The detail retention and auto-focus speed are remarkable.

This encounter perfectly illustrates the power and flexibility of the Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x. It's a setup that allows you to react quickly, achieve incredible reach, and capture breathtaking sharpness, even in challenging situations. This lens is a serious contender for wildlife photographers who demand the best and need to be ready for anything. It's not just about getting closer; it's about capturing the moment with stunning clarity.

Be sure to take a look at my other blog posts from my trip to Florida with only a Sony a9 mark III, the new Sony 400-800 and both teleconverters (1.4X and 2X):

FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

Red-shouldered Hawk and the freedom of the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom lens

Green Heron Calling in Flight (Butorides virescens, Héron vert, Garcilla Verde, GRHE). From my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @1,036mm ISO 3,200, f/13 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Red-shouldered Hawk and the freedom of the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom lens

Huge thanks to my eagle-eyed friend and workshop regular, Susan A., for spotting this magnificent red-shouldered hawk! Her sharp observation made this incredible shot possible.

As I mentioned in my last blog post (Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida), I've been rocking a minimalist setup during my Florida workshops: the ever-reliable Sony α9 Mark III and the seriously impressive new Sony 400-800 mm zoom. Let me tell you, this duo is a dream!

What truly impresses me is the seamless transition it allows – from capturing the wider environment to a tight, detailed portrait while maintaining exceptional balance in hand and, most importantly, uncompromising sharpness. This adaptability transforms challenges into opportunities in the unpredictable world of avian photography.

When it comes down to it, the ultimate test is sharpness. The Sony Zoom has genuinely blown me away. The exquisite detail in the hawk's plumage and the raw power in its gaze are testaments to the optical mastery within this lens.

Read my mini-review of the new zoom lens here: FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus, Buse à épaulettes, Busardo de hombro rojo, RSHA). April 5, 2025, during my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

I am live and buzzing in the Florida sunshine, ready for the start of my Ospreys Galore Workshop tomorrow! I just landed yesterday, and this morning, I was out before the sun rose and the dew fully lifted. And let me tell you, the light? Absolutely glorious. The wind? Just a whisper, and in the perfect direction. And the subjects? Spectacular roseate spoonbills. Pink perfection against the early morning glow.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in spectacular first light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 4, 2025, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 4,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image

I made a rather deliberate choice for this trip: JUST the revolutionary Sony a9 III and the brand-spankin'-new Sony FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS. Just one incredible camera body and one incredible zoom lens. And after this morning’s session, any lingering doubt I might have had has completely vanished.

Getting here was a breeze, literally. Travelling with a single, lightweight, small camera bag (an 18-litre bag with room to spare) felt unbelievably liberating. No more juggling multiple cases, no more strategic repacking in airport security. It was a refreshing reminder that less truly can be more, even before you click the shutter.

But this morning… this morning was the real confirmation. Those spoonbills, with their vibrant plumage and elegant movements, were simply breathtaking. And having the reach and versatility of that 400-800mm lens allowed me to capture them in ways I could only have dreamed of with a more restrictive setup. Whether I was framing a tight portrait of their unique bill or capturing a closer scene of them landing directly toward me, the camera and lens delivered. And the a9 III’s speed and responsiveness? It’s like the camera anticipates the action.

There’s a certain joy in simplifying your tools. You become more attuned to your surroundings and more focused on the moment. You’re not fumbling through a bag of lenses, second-guessing your choices. You’re present, you’re ready, and you’re making the most of the gear you have.

Seeing those spoonbills in that perfect light, knowing I had the right tool for the job, was pure magic. This single-lens approach isn’t a limitation; it’s a focused freedom. And after such a spectacular start, I’m even more excited to see what the rest of my Florida adventure holds. Stay tuned!

Osprey Calling with fish in first light

After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Blue Cypress and board the pontoon boat for what is always a magical ride through the Osprey-filled Blue Cypress trees that grow in the water as the sun begins to cast its magical first drops of light. On the last morning of the first Ospreys Galore Workshop (April 7), I heard the celebratory calling of this Osprey showing off its fresh catch to its mate, and Captain Don quickly did his part and got us in position to make a series of images before leaving the bird in peace.

Join me next April for this magical adventure: Ospreys Galore and so much more Aril 5-7 & 8-10, 2025. Learn More HERE.

OSPREY in flight with fresh catch (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop on April 7, 2024, at Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full-frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Osprey in flight with fresh catch

An Osprey with a freshly caught fish from my recently concluded Ospreys Galore workshop in Florida.

Brown and white, with nearly six-foot wingspans, ospreys are formidable birds of prey that feed exclusively on fish. Also known as fish hawks, they hover over rivers, lakes, and seacoasts as they search for prey. Once they spot a tantalizing flash, ospreys plunge feet-first into the water, often with a great splash, and seize their slippery catch in sharp talons. On the flight home, they usually hold the fish facing forward, reducing wind resistance.

OSPREY in flight with fresh catch (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop on April 9, 2024, at Sebastian Inlet, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full-frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Red-shouldered Hawk

I love exploring the hidden canals controlling Lake Blue Cypress's water level during the afternoons of my Ospreys Galore (and so much more) Workshop in Florida. This image was made during the first workshop on the afternoon of April 6 as this Red-shouldered Hawk flew a short distance between two trees.

The Sony a9 III has proven to be a remarkable action camera; the autofocus is a step beyond that of the Alpha 1, and the 120 fps Raw capture is a game changer.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus, Buse à épaulettes, RSHA) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure. Full frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK

Roseate Spoonbill pretty in Pink

A Roseate Spoonbill lands directly in front of me during my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop (and so much more) in Florida.

One of the most spectacularly beautiful large wading birds is the roseate spoonbill, a resident of the Gulf Coast from east Texas to southern Florida. Named for its bright pink plumage and long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, the bird feeds in a manner all its own. It swings its extremely sensitive bill from side to side in shallow water, snapping it shut on small fish, shrimp, and insects that it detects by touch.

Like other members of the ibis family, roseate spoonbills are usually found in flocks. The birds nest in colonies among shrubs and mangroves, often sharing island rookeries with herons, egrets, and other waders. Spoonbills fly in long lines at dusk, their slender necks extended as they head to their roosts.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in spectacular light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, ROSP) from my OSPREYS GALORE WORKSHOP at Stick Marsh in Fellsmere, Florida ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm. ISO 1,600, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.Full frame image.

Boat-tailed Grackle in flight

Who would have thought that a Boat-tailed Grackle would be one of my favourite images from our Stick Marsh excursion to the Roseate Spoonbills in Fellsmere, Florida?

High winds and heavy rain were predicted for the morning of April 10 at Lake Blue Cypress during my Ospreys Galore Workshop, so Captain Don and I decided it best to keep everyone safe and skip the boat. We all headed to the Roseate Spoonbill colony for an epic shoot; this Boat-tailed Grackle decided to fly in and land directly in front of me. Choosing my favourite from the nearly 250 images made with the new Sony a9 III at 120 frames per second took some time!

Boat-tailed Grackle in flight (Quiscalus major, Quiscale des marais, BTGR) April 10, 2024 from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Fellsmere, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm ISO 5,000, f/4 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Join me in Florida for my Ospreys Galore (and so much more) Workshop next April 5-7 or 8-10. Learn more HERE.

Peregrine Falcon in Golden Light

Peregrine Falcons don’t nest in Florida but can be seen during seasonal migrations. We often get to see them during my Ospreys Galore Workshops every April.

Fun Fact: “Peregrine” means wanderer. Northern breeders migrate from the Arctic tundra to South America.

Peregrine Falcon in golden light (Falco peregrinus, Faucon pèlerin, PEFA) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO5,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK

Snail Kite in Flight

This Snail Kite is undoubtedly one of the more bizarre raptors of the world, but it is emblematic of the Everglades, so much so that for years, it was called the Everglades Kite. We often see them hunt Apple Snails while exploring the waterways during my Ospreys Galore Workshop in Florida.

OSPREY Showing off a Fish for breakfast in golden light (Rostrhamus sociabilis, Milan des Marais, SNKI) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 2,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK

Osprey showing off Fish for Breakfast in Golden Light

Being out on the boat on Lake Blue Cypress and in position at sunrise is one of my favourite ways to start a morning. Add the melody of calling Ospreys proudly announcing their arrival with breakfast and the first drops of golden light….with an Osprey showing off its fresh fish; it doesn’t get any better!

Due to a medical accident, one spot is still available from April 5-7. You can learn more or sign up for my Ospreys Galore Workshop on Lake Blue Cypress HERE.

OSPREY Showing off a Fish for breakfast in golden light (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 4,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full-frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Dodds a few weeks ago in Florida when I signed up for his Osprey workshop. The sign up process and pre workshop communication was excellent and concise. I must admit that as I drove over from Tampa to the hotel I was a bit uneasy after looking at Chris’s images wondering if he was approachable, patient, and a good teacher with someone like me who didn’t have a lot of experience shooting wildlife before. We met in the hotel lobby , chatted for 30 minutes or so and thankfully Chris put my concerns to rest. I went to bed that night knowing that the next few days would be an adventure.

I can honestly say that Chris Dodd’s workshop for Ospreys far exceeded my expectations. Chris is a great guy, very happy to answer your questions and the best thing of all, fun to shoot with. I learned a lot, met a new friend and best of all was blown away at the quality of my images because of Chris’s help/techniques. I cannot wait to meet Chris somewhere else in the wild and experience another awesome outdoor shooting experience. Thank you Chris, I hope to see you again soon!”
— Mark Weaver Tampa, Florida, USA

Another Crappie Osprey Picture - Osprey in flight in golden light with a Black Crappie

An Osprey in golden light with a freshly caught Black Crappie to feed its babies during my Ospreys Galore Workshop at Lake Blue Cypress in Florida.

One spot is still available for my April 5-7 Ospreys Galore Workshop after a last-minute medical cancellation.

The common English names of the black crappie are: calico bass, crappie, crawpie, grass bass, moonfish, oswego bass, shiner, speck, speckled bass, and strawberry bass. Other common names are kalikoabborre (Swedish), marigane noire (French Canadian), mustapilkkuahven (Finnish), perca-prateada (Portuguese), sort crappie (Danish), svart solabbor (Norwegian), and svart solabborre (Swedish).

Another Crappie Osprey Picture - Osprey in flight in golden light with a Black Crappie (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR & Pomoxis nigromaculatus, marigane noire) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony 200-600mm Lens (@560mm) ISO 2,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Osprey Showing off a Fish

This Osprey announcing its arrival with fresh fish for its new babies was made during my Ospreys Galore Workshop on Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach in Florida. The is still one spot left due to last-minute medical cancellation (a fractured femur that led to three days in hospital, rods, plates and screws and a whole lot of physio. Get back on your feet soon, Joe!).

Learn more & Sign up for Ospreys Galore HERE

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Learn more & Sign up for Ospreys Galore HERE /

OSPREY Showing off a Fish (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 640, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

“Hi Chris, Thank you for the magical photography experience on Lake Blue Cypress. The opportunity to witness and capture images of this annual ritual of the osprey life cycle was truly a privilege. The setting and expertise of you and the captain were perfection, with the weather and wind in remarkable compliance for the ideal opportunities for memories of a lifetime. Thank you again for putting together this wonderful experience. Honestly, I am in awe of the photos that came out of my camera— you set me up for success! Thank you so much for this!”
— Marsha Lomis (Ontario, Canada)

Osprey flying with a fish & Ospreys Galore Last Minute Opening

I just had a cancellation, which opened up one spot for my April 5-7, 2024, Ospreys Galore Workshop on Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida. This is always a fun and productive workshop in a remarkable location with an incredible density of nesting Ospreys bringing fish back to feed their babies. Learn More about my Ospreys Galore Workshops every April HERE.

OSPREY Flying with a fish (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm ISO 800, f/4 @ 1/6,400s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Amongst the many great things about leading photo safaris and teaching workshops are the people I get to meet and spend time with. Geoff sent along this great note after attending my Ospreys Galore workshop/safari a few years ago and I thought I would share it. A million thanks, Geoff!

"Osprey safari: An incredible opportunity.

I recently attended the Osprey safari offered by Chris Dodds, and I was positively thrilled with the excursion. The people in our small group were fantastic.  The environment was magical. The photographic opportunities were amazing and abundant. Every part of the physical expedition was most impressive, but what I was really taken with was the panoply of knowledge Chris demonstrated throughout the trip. Whether identifying various birds dozens of yards away simply by call, or exuding masterful control over the camera, Chris was able to display his expertise and offer assistance when needed. Chris is very amiable and approachable. No matter what skill level a photographer has, Chris always made one feel important with his one on one attention and did so without any air of condescension. It was very much like shooting with great friends with your own personal tutor to turn to if needed. I can honestly say that both my skill level and knowledge base increased from my trip with Chris. Thanks again Chris."

- Geoff Powell Vero Beach | FL | USA