In the Field
Sojourns In Nature tours will put you in the right place at the right time to produce top quality images of Earth’s natural wonders alongside professional and award-winning nature photographers, Gustav W. Verderber and Rob Servranckx. Imagine a retreat in the Green Mountains of Vermont when the northern forest is aflame with fall color, or in Newfoundland where, in a single day, you’ll photograph whales, icebergs, and caribou, or on safari in Kenya…where you do nothing but indulge your passion for nature photography with a professional photographer by your side to coach you and enable you to produce publishable and award-winning images like the pros.
Whether you’re a beginner, amateur, or pro, or perhaps you’re an environmental educator or a teacher interested in using your images as interpretive or educational tools, or you’re simply someone who wants to get up close and personal to the action, we’ll put you there.
Our tour itineraries keep us in the field, where we belong. Box lunches are the norm and sometimes breakfast must wait until after the caribou safari and dinners are put off until well after sunset when, finally, after an extraordinary day, photographing the bull caribou with his harem at dawn seems like it occurred two weeks ago.
And yet, our programs are very affordable since we avoid all frills and keep the necessary costs – including our own fees – to a minimum. We use local guides and operators who are native to the area and clean, yet modest, accommodations (though with all the necessary creature comforts). Moreover, I invariably choose operators who, under no circumstances, endanger, harass, or otherwise disturb or risk the well-being of the environments, animals, and plants we observe and photograph.
As a naturalist with an M.S. in zoology and over three decades of teaching biology, zoology, and ecology at the post-secondary level, I am able to infuse all of my field programs with insights into the natural history of the environments we visit. I have a fundamental understanding of all of Earth's major environments from alpine tundra to coral reefs. Not only does this information make the experience more interesting and fulfilling for all involved, it makes us better nature photographers.
The Green Mountain Nature Photography Workshop is a forum for kindred spirits with a passion for nature and photography to meet, share techniques, ideas, and learn by doing what we love to do most of all – being in and photographing Nature. We meet at the Lakeview Campground in Eden, Vermont, a homey setting where our host, Deb Godin, sees to all of our needs so that we can apply ourselves exclusively to our passion.
Digital photography has dramatically extended the creative possibilities of photography and has expanded the potential for every photographer to realize their own unique photographic vision. Though, to achieve that vision, serious photographers must first deal with a daunting selection of digital camera bodies and features, choose from various software applications for converting, processing, and cataloguing our images, and become familiar with a host of new techniques for managing light and color that were not applicable to film. Rob’s expertise in computer technology, his superb grasp of the digital medium together with my 25 years in the field will, above all, enable you to make informed choices about what equipment and techniques you’ll need in order for you to produce publishable nature photos and find your own unique photographic style that will set your images apart from everyone else’s. There is no exclusive outfit or technique; the gear you carry into the field and the way you approach your photography is determined by your subjects, what you intend to do with your images, how far you wish to take your photography (are you hoping to quit your day job?), and, of course, your budget. This workshop will help you make the right choices and can potentially save you a great deal of money by preventing you from needlessly purchasing expensive, though inappropriate equipment.
The discussion format of the workshop allows for a free flow of information among the participants and encourages everyone to contribute their own unique, innovative skills and ideas. Again, while Rob and I have our way of doing things, we recognize that there are other equally effective approaches and very often, participants of our workshops and tours have taught us a thing or two. These workshops are a synergy of enthusiastic beginners, amateurs, masters, and pros with a common purpose – to help one another achieve their full potential as nature photographers and to have fun doing it.
Photography Workshops
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Green Mountain Nature Photography Workshop (June 2010) |
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The Avalon Tour (Summer 2011) |
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The Blue Ox Moose Tour (September 2010) |
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Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour (October 2010) |
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Arizona Light and Color Tour (May 2010) |
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Kenya Photo Safari (July 2010) (FULL!) |
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The Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour (July/August 2010) |
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Participant's Comments
"Gus,
We really wanted to thank you for such a wonderful trip! Your guidance and photographic expertise were invaluable! It was wonderful making your acquaintance, and adding a new friend to our list of special people we have had lead us on tours! Needless to say, the trip with Andy with only the three of us was an incredible afternoon, and the trip to Machias Seal Island to photograph the puffins was a "life-time" experience! Thank you again for your superb leadership and for being an incredibly great leader! Hope our paths can cross again. It would always be delightful to be "in the field" with you anytime! I'm looking forward to learning Photoshop (your guidance and tutelage should make it easier) so I can print off some of my fantastic Puffin pics.
Your truly grateful friends, John & Paula Parrish."
Dr. John W. Parrish, Jr., Emeritus Professor
Georgia Southern University
Author: Birds of Georgia
Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Tour Participant, 2010
“The workshop was a wonderful introduction. Best of all, I never felt like a raw beginner in your class. You adapted your guidance to each person.”
Margot Hall, Spruce Peak Workshop Participant, June 2010
"I met you at Cape St. Mary's, NF in summer '07. You were waiting in the Nature Center for some light and I had just come in from having my mind blown out on the "rock". I had just started birding, and was contemplating getting into photography. You were very kind and we had a nice chat.
When I got back that night to my uncle’s house in Placentia I immediately jumped on his computer and checked out your website, and was blown away!
Just wanted to touch base and thank you for the inspiration."
Ed Schneider
Nature Photographer
"I can’t believe how much I learned during the week and how much I still remember! I’ve been using the techniques that I learned and am having much better results with my workflow and final pictures. I truly enjoyed learning about Vermont’s many plants and animals. The workshop has inspired me to learn more about the natural history of the northeast.
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What I loved most about this program was that it took my photography to a new level in so many ways. I evidently gained more knowledge and confidence, but I also gained a lot of respect for the patience required to get absolutely superb shots. This respect is so deep in me now that I actually feel calmer when photographing this way.”
Kelly Schulze
Milk-Tester-Soon-To-Be-Photographer
Monkton, VT
Green Mountain Workshop Participant (June 2007)
"The workshop was a fabulous experience for me. The hands-on approach to each area of photography we learned helped to reinforce techniques because we were able to practice them over and over. To be able to spend as much time as we needed to get the shot just the way we wanted it, without being rushed was also great. The workshop was well organized, packed with so much information and yet was relaxed and fun at the same time. The experience fulfilled my expectations and then some.
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You guys were the best. You were both professional, yet relaxed in your approach. You never appeared to be better than any one of us and were very generous with your time and experience. Your knowledge, work ethic and attention to detail made the workshop a pleasure to take. I learned so much from you. Your photographs weren’t bad either!!!
… this was truly the best workshop I have ever attended.”
Sue DeMaio
Photojournalist
Newington, CT
Green Mountain Workshop Participant (June 2007)
"Just thought you might like to know that I took 1st and 2nd place for Travel Photo of the Year at my camera club’s year-end competition last week. Both images were made on your photo tour – 1st place was of the icy dock with rising mist off the pond where we camped in VT while 2nd place was a picture of Bridal Veil Falls in NH. The awards luncheon is next weekend. Hope you are doing well. Take care and have a great weekend!"
Horst Staudner
Research Scientist
Weehawken, NJ
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"The tour was everything I had hoped for. I also hope that you and I will collaborate on trains, skis, life and such for a long time. Yer a good man, Gustav."
Eliot Scher
Retired Teacher
Carmel, NY
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"If a tour touches your soul as this one did, you can bet you will have the time of your life. We were sad to leave and wish we could have shared many more weeks with Gustav and the group."
Carol Seago
Job Developer
United States Forest Service
Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour
"Gustav was a great teacher. He was thorough, thoughtful, and fun! He knows photography!"
Robert Anyon
Attorney
San Francisco, CA
Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour
"The Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour was great! Gustav got us to perfect locations at the correct times. He offered suggestions on subject, framing, lens selection and then let us have all the time we needed at each location."
Scott W. Oglevee
Architect
Dover, MA
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"I found Gustav to be a highly
principled, educated, knowledgeable, skilled, entertaining, and generous seminar leader. We now look upon Gustav as
a friend, and would have no reservations in recommending him to you."
Donald Davies
Photographer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant.
"Gustav was very knowledgeable and when he didn't know something he wasn't afraid to admit it and find out the answer. (Many instructors would not admit ignorance.) He was easy to get along with and made the workshop fun."
Valerie Sparling
Wildlife Biologist
State of Florida
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav was always available and working to be sure everybody was comfortable. He is obviously concerned that participants get what they want out of the trip and he is very knowledgeable, easy-going, and enthusiastic."
Ellen P. Holtman
Associate Professor of Biology
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav - thank you for an enjoyable introduction to a truly unique habitat. The range of experiences, organisms, and trips were wonderful!"
Dr. Wendy Ryan
Dept. of Biology
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav - thanks for the trip! It was an excellent way to see so much of a beautiful place."
Stacey Hoeltje
B.S., Biology
Mt. Laurel, NJ
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Great trip! Great time! Learned a lot!"
Randall L. Detra, Ph.D.
Columbus, OH
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"I must say that you are very knowledgeable about the Florida Keys. You are good at what you do, obviously enjoy it, and it was a pleasure to work with you. You are always welcome here."
Dr. Dan Gallagher, Director
Pigeon Key Foundation
Marathon, Fl
"Greatly exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of subjects from whales to wildflowers. A super learning a experience."
Sanford Morris
Curriculum Coordinator
Oakfield, NY
Boreal Coast Tour Participant
"It is amazing what you were able to teach us in such a short time. I have a totally new perspective on my photography."
Sanford Morris
District Curriculum Coordinator
Oakfield-Alabama CSD
Photo Camp-In Participant
"You are an excellent teacher, Gustav. As a professional trainer, I'm very picky about the courses I attend, and quite critical of the delivery. You made the subject challenging, interesting, and fun, and your enthusiasm made me look forward to each new day... it takes a lot to get me to awaken at 4:30!! You're very patient with my fumbling, mistakes, and repeated questions. Your knowledge of animals, insects, and flowers is a valuable aspect of this course. You know where to find interesting shots and can help students know what they're photographing. You've led me to consider photographing subjects... I never would have noticed before. So, the course was very broadening for me."
Roy Harkow
Trainer
Weston, MA
Green Mountain Nature Photography Participant
"Gustav showed me how to do things with my camera that I didn't know were possible, and he provided me with a strong foundation to build on. His talks were fact-filled, well presented, and to the point, and he checked with me to ensure that I understood the points he was covering before moving on. He was knowledgeable not only about many aspects of professional photography, but about wildlife as well. He also provided good, practical information about how to use equipment in a natural setting--which tripods work well and why, how to pack the equipment and carry it, how to get sharp shots at the limits of your telephoto lens, techniques for filming from a canoe, how to set up a blind and film effectively from it, and where to get coffee in Northeast Vermont at 4:30 am. (Yep, that last one was pretty important.) He made me aware of things I wouldn't otherwise have known, such as the need to calibrate the exposure meter in my camera (mine was off somewhat), what kinds of films work best in varying situations, and some very interesting techniques for getting natural-looking macro shots with a flash. I was always entertained, not only by his presentations, which were professional and engrossing, but also by the activities, like rowing a canoe out to the middle of a lake to film ospreys at dawn. As for being personable, Gustav and I spent most of five days together, and I've rarely enjoyed myself as much with anyone. He was friendly, open, knowledgeable, and helpful, and I came out of the class liking him a great deal."
Paul Fussell
Technical Writer, Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Richmond, CA
Field Internship Participant
"I left in awe of Gustav's talent and genuine concern for our environment. He shared his knowledge and experience with all participants and made us all feel involved in the experience regardless of our level of proficiency. The presentation of Gustav's "Sojourns in The Wild" was indeed a highlight - a very beautiful, moving hour filled with Gustav's magnificent images."
DiAnne M. Doss
Urbana, Ohio
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
