Essential Autofocus Tips for Photographing Birds and Action with Fujifilm X-Photographer Dan Bailey

Being proficient with autofocus is perhaps the most challenging skill you can learn to master as a photographer. In order to increase your success rate, especially with subjects that move, you’ve got to practice a lot, you have to know your gear, and you need to have an efficient, optimized camera workflow.

In this concise workshop, taught by pro action shooter and FUJIFILM X-Photographer Dan Bailey, you’ll learn how to utilize the essential components of the focus system on the FUJIFILM X Series cameras, so that you can get better results when shooting action and moving subjects.

In addition, Dan will present his pro tips and techniques that are guaranteed to increase your skills and confidence when tracking and photographing things that move, which will help increase your chances for capturing sharp images every time.

Whether you shoot birds, sports, wildlife, kids, pets, adventure, or any other kind of real-life scene, knowing how to navigate your camera’s focus system, and knowing how to work around its limitations, will make you a better all-around photographer. The workshop will be followed by a guided photo walk with Dan. Sign up for both, to get the most out of the experience. A Fujifilm Tech will be on hand to answer questions and will have the latest Fujifilm X and GFX series loaner gear available. Water bottle & hats provided, and all users are welcome! (Limit of 15)

Empire Gulch with David Tonnessen

Difficulty: Moderate (Mostly flat walking trails on some uneven and rocky terrain)
Las Cienegas is a 45,000-acre national conservation area with high desert grasslands, riparian strips and perennial streams, marshes, and juniper-oak woodlands. You will meet at Empire Ranch and bird the significant riparian areas along Cienega Creek. Here we can find riparian-associated species including Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, and Summer Tanager. Drive time to meeting location from festival venue is about 50 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 8 participants.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Greg Lavaty

Sleep-in Special: Paton Center for Hummingbirds with David Tonnessen

Difficulty: Easy (Some wheelchair accessibility. Will include short walks on mostly flat walking trails)
The famous Paton Center for Hummingbirds is known for its backyard birds and scenic location. Wally and Marion Paton first began inviting birders into their yard shortly after moving to Patagonia in 1973, and after their passing, the center was acquired by the Tucson Audubon Society with generous help from the American Bird Conservancy and Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. It is a place to explore and experience the special birds of southeast Arizona and it is dedicated to the celebration and conservation of hummingbirds—and all of southeast Arizona’s astounding biodiversity. Violet-crowned Hummingbirds are common and the many feeders attract a wide array of bird species. Drive time to meeting location from festival venue is about 70 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.  Limited to 8 participants.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lois Manowitz

Mt. Lemmon Area with David Tonnessen 

Difficulty: Moderate (possibly some steeper slopes or more rocky/rooted trails)

We’ll start at the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground to search for birds of oak woodland such as Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Bushtit, and Scott’s Oriole before heading up to higher elevations and new habitats. A stop in Bear Canyon puts us in a beautiful canyon where we’ll search for Mexican Jay, Plumbeous Vireo, and Grace’s Warbler among others in the sycamores and pines. Depending on timing and activity we may visit other locations as well. Drive time to initial meeting location from festival venue is about 40 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.  Limited to 8 participants

Grace’s Warbler by Jim Burns

A Bird Photography Adventure with Mike Amico at Sabino Canyon

Guided by seasoned bird photographer and OM SYSTEM Tech Expert Mike Amico, this casual hike at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area welcomes both nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Mike will offer insights into capturing breathtaking bird photos and fine-tuning camera settings for optimal results. Join us for a fun photo walk amidst nature, where we’ll appreciate the outdoors and experience beautiful bird moments together. Photographers using any camera system are invited. Birders without a camera are welcome too! OM SYSTEM will provide loaner equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 8 participants.

Verdin by Mick Thompson

Birding & Photography with Hunt’s Photo at Madera Canyon with Simon Tolzmann and Christopher Smith

Arizona Woodpecker by Mick Thompson

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (1-2 miles of bumpy/rocky trail depending on activity of birds and the desire of group)

Enjoy a mix of birding and photography with leaders representing your favorite photography retailer, Hunt’s Photo. Some of the special species found here include Arizona Woodpecker, Broad-billed, Anna’s, Rivoli’s, and more species of hummingbird are possible, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Elegant Trogon just to name a few. $8 Coronado National Forest parking pass not included. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 10 participants.

Arizona Woodpecker by Mick Thompson

De Anza Trail at Santa Gertrudis with Jake Thompson of Arizona Birding Guides

Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat walking trails on some uneven terrain, up to 3 miles total)

We’ll take a stroll through the riparian forest along the Santa Cruz River following the historic De Anza Trail. This is a fantastic location for three types of kingbirds (Cassin’s, Tropical, and noisy Thick-billed) along with a wide variety of other desert riparian species like Inca Dove, Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, and Blue Grosbeak. We’ll hope and try for Green Kingfisher. Drive time to the meeting location from the festival venue is about 70 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.  Limited to 10 participants.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo by Martin Molina

Birding & Photography with Hunt’s Photo at Madera Canyon with Simon Tolzmann and Christopher Smith

Broad-billed Hummingbird by Rhett Herring

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (1-2 miles of bumpy/rocky trail depending on activity of birds and the desire of group)

Enjoy a mix of birding and photography with leaders representing your favorite photography retailer, Hunt’s Photo. Some of the special species found here include Arizona Woodpecker, Broad-billed, Anna’s, Rivoli’s, and more species of hummingbird are possible, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Elegant Trogon just to name a few. $8 Coronado National Forest parking pass not included. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 10 participants.

Broad-billed Hummingbird by Rhett Herring

Birding & Photography with Hunt’s Photo at Rose Canyon Lake with Simon Tolzmann and Christopher Smith

Olive Warbler by Shawn Cooper

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (Little more than a mile walking on a dirt path, along with some incline on paved road)

Enjoy a mix of birding and photography with leaders representing your favorite photography retailer, Hunt’s Photo. Notable birds found at this location include Painted Redstart, Greater Peewee, Red-faced Warbler, Olive Warbler, and if we’re lucky, maybe a Common Black Hawk. $10 vehicle entry fee not included. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 10 participants.

Olive Warbler by Shawn Cooper

Festival Celebration in the Nature Expo

This is the last two hours of the festival Nature Expo! Prepare for your next birding adventure by talking with your favorite birding guides from around the world. You’ll have a chance to win some special door prizes and receive our final update on festival bird sightings before your last day of field trips. A cash bar will be on-site along with free appetizers.