Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Cindy Kassab

“After some time, I was finally able to share an image of an osprey from the workshop with Christopher Dodds in Vero Beach, Florida. Chris is an incredible leader who carefully selects the best boat captain to ensure a great experience on the water. As we gently glided along in the small boat, he had an amazing eye for opportunity—pointing out scenes and moments that helped us capture the strongest, most meaningful images.

I’ve also had the privilege of joining him on other workshops, including Eagles Galore in Homer, Alaska, and Puffins Galore in Quebec. I often tell my friends that whenever I sign up for one of Chris’s workshops, I know I’ll come home with some of my best images. His many years of wildlife photography experience are clearly reflected in the stunning work throughout his portfolio. I’m already looking forward to participating in more of his workshops in the future.”

— Cindy Kassab | Washington, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Tony Pianalto

“This was my 3rd workshop with Chris and as always Chris improvised to make it happen for us.  Anyone who photographs outdoors and especially wildlife knows that weather and lighting are key to having good results.  We can’t control the weather but we can adjust to the lighting we’re given.  What Chris did on all three of my trips is adjust to both of these for every morning and afternoon shoot.  The Osprey trip was a perfect challenge - the first two days wind and storms prevented us from being on the lake to photograph the ospreys so Chris shifted our location for both the morning and afternoon shoots to minimize the weather impact of rain and wind.  Not to say we didn’t have to wait out a deluge of rain for an hour but 20 minutes after it blew by we were back out for the last 45 minutes of perfect light. For the first two days we got to shoot a wide variety of cranes, spoonbills, egrets, storks, anhingas, limpkins, ibis, hawks, swamp hens, terns and stilts.  Both days we were treated with the brilliant roseate spoonbills flying in towards us to pick up nesting material. But then the prize for me was Friday morning on the lake at sunrise for the osprey. In a mile and a half stretch we saw over 100 nests and at least 150 osprey.   Between Chris and the boat owner they held the boat at the best angle for the osprey to be lit perfectly.  After filling 2-1/2 128GB cards it was time to leave the perfect osprey shoot. In the last 20 years of my photography this was by far the most photos I’ve taken over a three day period.  If you want to get your absolute best excellent bird photography opportunities I highly recommend the Birds of Pelee and Ospreys of Florida.  I own the 300,400 and 600mm lenses but I used the Sony 400-800mm lens for both trips and the zoom capability, excellent stabilization and weight make it the perfect lens for both these workshops.  Thanks Chris!”

— Tony Pianalto | Kansas, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — George Schlossnagle

“This is my second workshop with Chris. Chris is a great instructor and a fantastic trip leader. He combines an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife with more than 40 years of experience photographing it, which allows him to consistently put you in the right place at the right time—with the right guidance—to capture exceptional shots.

Just as importantly, Chris genuinely cares about his participants and their success; he’s always looking for ways to make your experience more productive and rewarding. Florida, in particular, is an incredibly target-rich environment. While this workshop focuses on ospreys (and I came away with many fantastic osprey images), I also left with great exposure to dozens of other species.

5/5 — would absolutely do it again.”

- George Schlossnagle | Maryland, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Jennifer Bellon

“With any other trip leader, the workshop would have been a bust.  We had a record 6 inches of rain in a day and half.  But Chris pivoted quickly to help us find us other locations and subjects to shoot.  In the end, I was super pleased with my images and had a great time. Chris is the ultimate professional.  He is highly knowledgeable about both photography and bird behavior, but even more importantly, he helps to make it an inviting and fun learning environment for photographers at all levels.  A strong two thumbs up!”

— Jennifer Bellon | Massachusetts, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Five stars!!

Special Thanks!

I recently joined Chris on his Osprey Galore tour in southern Florida. Not having been on this type of photo tour before, I did not know quite what to expect. I can honestly say it was well worth the time and money and one of the best photographic experiences I’ve ever enjoyed. Chris runs a very organized photo experience to say the least, but keeps the pace and daily routine very relaxed and informal, making everyone feel comfortable and able to get the most out of their photographic experience. His body of work and experience in the field, has made him not only a world class photographer, but an extremely knowledgeable outdoorsman, greatly adding to the entire experience. I particularly enjoyed how instruction, tips, and techniques were tailored to the experience level of each photographer individually. There was no pressure to compare images, nor did Chris spend a great deal of time taking his own shots. Instead he devoted his efforts to not only putting us in the very best position to achieve a meaningful shot, but continually answered any and all questions throughout the day, reminding us of small details that were very helpful, regardless of anyone’s level of expertise. It is rare to find this level of photographic expertise coupled with such a comprehensive knowledge of the natural surroundings, all shared in a very friendly and engaging manner. I learned a lot, enjoyed my time thoroughly, and came home with some incredible images I would never have achieved on my own. You can’t ask for much more than that. I will be joining Chris again in the near future for another photo tour. Five stars!!

Brian Shul Gallery One

I highly recommend Christopher Dodds

Being a novice photographer, I initially hesitated to sign up for a class with a professional wildlife photographer. I'm glad I overcame my apprehension; Chris is incredibly approachable and his workshop was immensely productive and, more importantly, a blast.

My photos improved more during the Ospreys Galore workshop than they have for years. And I'd be remiss if I didn't give proper credit to Chris;

1. With his extensive knowledge of the shooting location, he positioned us where the subjects, light, and background were best

2. With his "whisperer-like" ability to predict the subjects' next move, we were ready to catch the action, and

3. With his succinct technical recommendations, we were able to get better captures in the field and then polish the end product in post-production.

After witnessing how Chris operates his workshops (particularly how much he genuinely cares about the satisfaction of his participants) not only would I highly recommend him, but I am looking forward to joining him on more and more of his trips.

Carlos Carreño Miami, Florida, USA

I was blown away at the quality of my images because of Chris Dodds' help and techniques

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

I have joined Chris on several trips and look forward to future adventures with him

I recently joined Chris on his Ospreys Galore Photo Safari and Expedition. This was actually the second year in a row that I have joined Chris for this photo safari. Including myself, there were three repeat clients for this experience. All three repeat clients are from Florida. I have a chance to photograph ospreys year round but I have found this to be THE BEST EXPERIENCE to photograph ospreys in their natural environment. I agree with Chris that Lake Blue Cypress is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. The lake is surrounded by land that is designated as  conservation land. That means no development and pristine environment around the lake. Cypress trees ring the lake and I have never seen as many ospreys in one place.

One of the things I particularly like about being with Chris is his genuine concern for the safety and well being of his clients. On this last trip we had some weather passing through the area. Chris delayed going out in the pontoon boat until the stronger weather had passed. He also talked about the possibility of rain showers and made sure everyone was prepared even though it did not rain on us while we were out.

 Chris’ knowledge and expertise was evident in getting us close to the ospreys. Most of my images taken during the three days were taken at less than 300mm. I was able to get in-flight and very close up images hand holding a 500mm lens, but most of my images were taken with a 70-200mm lens with a 2X extender. I didn’t need the big lens to get very good images.

 While we were all shooting Chris would be keeping an eye out for all of us. He tailored his field instruction for each individual. His insight into the latest thinking on shutter speeds with DSLRs was especially invaluable to getting crisp images. Chris even shared his camera equipment with people to give them some experience with the latest equipment.

 I have joined Chris on several trips and look forward to future adventures with him.

Jim Boland Titusville, Florida, USA

I can honestly say that both my skill level and knowledge base increased from my trip with Chris Dodds

Your Osprey photo safari was 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, Florida, USA

I was totally blown away

On the morning of June 14, my 62nd birthday, we took the ferry to Bonaventure Island and made the 1.8 mile walk up the big hill. I had been a bit worried about making that walk up and down for five straight days, but Chris was right: “Take it slow and it is an easy walk.” When we arrived at the gannetry, I was totally blown away. So so many birds at arms length. Dozens, even hundreds of gannets in the air at all times, many carrying huge loads of nesting material, many landing just yards away. That day, the photographic action was nonstop, but it was not a birthday present, for the succeeding four days were equally exciting. And as each day came and went, I visualized and created many new and different images. I felt like a painter locked in a huge warehouse with hundreds of blank canvases and an unlimited supply of paints. I was in bird photographer’s heaven.
That evening Chris and I met the five remaining members of the group. Weather permitting, we planned to spend four hours in a large Zodiac photographing the gannetry and the cliffs from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Though it was rough on the two mornings that we went out very early, we had some great flight and scenic opportunities. Then the skipper of the Zodiac, would drop us of on the island and we would make the climb to the birds.

I have been to Antarctica. I have been to Kenya. I have been to Tanzania. And I have been going to Bosque for the past 13 years. All of those places offer great photographic opportunities. But no place that I have been has ever offered as consistent and spectacular action as Bonaventure during Chris Dodds' Gannets Galore Workshop


Chris is an excellent photographer and a skilled teacher. Chris is a passionate and caring leader as well as an excellent leader and an all around nice man.

Arthur Morris Indian Lake Estates, Florida, USA