Steve Perry's Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshops: I am considering one of Steve's trips in 2020 (not many spots left) and wondering which Hoggers might be taking this trip this...

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

I am considering one of Steve's trips in 2020 (not many spots left) and wondering which Hoggers might be taking this trip this year (or in the past) and what you're lugging along. He recommends being able to cover everything from macro to 600mm. I would appreciate any info, comments or advice.
Thanks.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

I've never been to one, and won't be on one for a long time (can't really afford it).

Based on what I remember of reading about this trip, and others he made to Costa Rica, added to what I know about the country I can say that:
- The wildlife is so diverse that covering from macro to 600mm sounds like a good idea. If you have to sacrifice or can't cover all, I would focus on lenses for your main interest. Depending what that would be.
- If he suggest covering all, I would check with him (he is even a UHH user) about hiking distances for example. To know how much is reasonable to carry around based on your stamina.
- If I remember correctly, I think there were no very long hikes involved and even part of the photography could be done in the hotel property. But again, I would check with him.

Hope you make it, you will surely enjoy it a lot!
And you must share your pics once you're back :)

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Hi Raz -

I saw this and wanted to respond. First, thanks for your interest - and yes, they are filling fast. We had 53 of the 60 spots filled within 24 hours of the announcement.

As for glass, my two most commonly used focal lengths are 600mm and 105 (macro). It's nice to have a zoom to cover some of the in-between space (the 200-500 Nikon is a good one for instance). From 24mm~200mm we don't do much since it's a dedicated wildlife trip, although you never know - there are times shorter lenses can work (however, some participants like to hit the dock on their own for sunrise shots, so you'd want a wider shot for that). However, for most trips you can leave them at home and not end up missing anything. If we're too close I just tell people to grab head shots!

There isn't much hiking on this trip, so no worries about carrying gear around all day. We travel by truck and boat and when we're on foot it's usually just with a single camera and lens combo.

I hope that helps and thanks again for your interest.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Raz Theo wrote:

I am considering one of Steve's trips in 2020 (not many spots left) and wondering which Hoggers might be taking this trip this year (or in the past) and what you're lugging along. He recommends being able to cover everything from macro to 600mm. I would appreciate any info, comments or advice.
Thanks.

I would go with what he recommends, why questioning it?

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Raz Theo wrote:

I am considering one of Steve's trips in 2020 (not many spots left) and wondering which Hoggers might be taking this trip this year (or in the past) and what you're lugging along. He recommends being able to cover everything from macro to 600mm. I would appreciate any info, comments or advice.
Thanks.

I loved this trip and especially loved getting the monkey shots. I wanted a good shot of a sloth but did not get that one. I shot almost everything with a Nikon 200-500, hand held for the most part. The monkeys move too fast through the trees to use a tripod. For the frogs and other small creatures I used my macro (except for poisonous creatures and then I used a longer lens). The Red-eyed tree frog is fun to photograph. It will be very dark for the most part as you are in a jungle setting. You also want a fast shutter speed so it can be difficult to get the right balance. A lot of processing afterward might be required to make the most of your shots. It's a wonderful trip and I highly recommend it.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I'm going back to CR again at the end of the month, not with Steve but another guide. I would recommend taking a flash and diffuser especially for the frogs and I would also use for the humming birds, if this is permitted. I guess check with Steve.. The Osa Peninsula is a wonderful spot to visit........

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Take a good flash for night-time photography and photos in the deep forest!

Briancanon

Raz Theo wrote:

I am considering one of Steve's trips in 2020 (not many spots left) and wondering which Hoggers might be taking this trip this year (or in the past) and what you're lugging along. He recommends being able to cover everything from macro to 600mm. I would appreciate any info, comments or advice.
Thanks.

We went to Costa Rica the beginning of March. I brought a 18-135mm, 70-200mm, and my 1.4x extender. I also brought a nice tripod and an extra battery. My camera is a Canon 80D. You will want a fast lens like my 70-200L. Most tours do not want you to bring flashes. It will interfere with your night vision and distracts everyone. Be sure to bring something to store it all in that is waterproof.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Actually, we filled our last spot last night, less than 36 hours after the announcement (and we had 6 weeks / 60 spots). If anyone wants in, getting on the waitlist is the best bet - there are always a couple bookings that fall through, but the sooner you get on, the better.

As for flash, I personally am not a huge fan - I think even carefully done fill-flash can look unnatural in heavily backlit scenarios and it actually has a negative effect on some wildlife (white faced monkeys get visibly angry). So, when we do use it, it's done sparingly. Some participants like to use with with macros - and the diffuser suggested above isn't a bad idea, although we do have some there for anyone to use. We also use reflectors with macros, and I often think that works out a little better.

cliburn

Get on the wait list... I did it last year and it was great! Crocidile Bay is a great spot. The local guides are excellent. And Steve and Rose make it a super experience.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Steve Perry wrote:

Hi Raz - br br I saw this and wanted to respond.... (show quote)

Hi Steve, thanks for your reply. Actually I read your email this past Tues. including the link, so I have a pretty good grasp of how you do it. I've been off the blog the past day and I see where you're now booked up for 2020. Just as well, it wasn't going to work for me after all. I'll have to wait for 2021. The reason I posted originally was to get some anecdotal comments/advice from folks like me, beyond folks like you, who had taken the trip. I'm a subscriber to all your stuff and anything you say carries a lot of weight.
Keep the great advice and meaningful information rolling.
Thanks, RT

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

juan_uy wrote:

I've never been to one, and won't be on one for a ... (show quote)

Thanks. I hope I do both.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

via the lens wrote:

I loved this trip and especially loved getting the... (show quote)

Looks like I'll be putting it off another year but I agree with everything you mention.
Thanks

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I'm going back to CR again at the end of the month, not with Steve but another guide. I would recommend taking a flash and diffuser especially for the frogs and I would also use for the humming birds, if this is permitted. I guess check with Steve.. The Osa Peninsula is a wonderful spot to visit........

I've got your info tucked away in my notes for, what looks like now, future fun - Steve's sold out for 2020.
Much appreciation.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

sb wrote:

Take a good flash for night-time photography and photos in the deep forest!

Great idea, if they allow it. Thanks.