Highlights of a Wildlife Photography Workshop in Costa Rica

There’s a good reason why Costa Rica, a land of incredible biodiversity and wild beauty, is a popular destination for photographers. With its lush rainforests and a wide array of wildlife, the country offers endless opportunities to capture nature at its most vibrant. But photographing Costa Rica’s natural wonders is no casual endeavor—it’s an art, a science, and an adventure rolled into one.

This is where wildlife photography workshops come into play, offering photographers of all skill levels the chance to hone their craft while exploring some of the planet’s most stunning ecosystems. These workshops aren’t just about perfecting the technical aspects of photography; they’re about immersing yourself in nature, learning the habits of the animals you’re shooting, and discovering the stories that every frame can tell. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, these workshops are your gateway to blending creativity with conservation in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.

Our upcoming Costa Rica Photo Tour will be guided by photographer Adi Ringer. So it only seemed suitable to ask him for his personal experiences in the Costa Rican rainforests.

1. What was your initial impression of Costa Rica?

As soon as I landed, I was amazed at the abundance and density of huge plants, with massive leaves and colorful flowers all over. They were hugging the roads up the hills with occasional, natural waterfalls visible from the vehicle. And the different climate zones were noticeable as we transitioned from dry forest, to cloud forest and rain forest. And as a wildlife photographer, to see such a large variety of colorful and exotic birds was a dream come true.

On top of this, the people are friendly, the food is fantastic, and it was hard to leave the serenity and sounds of nature behind. Every wildlife and nature photographer should go to Costa Rica at least once.

2. What are highlights of photographing wildlife in Costa Rica, for you?

The best part of the trip, from a photography standpoint, was seeing all the beautiful birds and animals up-close and personal. To have toucans, aracaris, honeycreepers, euphonias, tanagers and other birds I’ve only seen in pictures from other photographers fill my viewfinder; and to be able to see every feather detail and sharp eyes is like holding them in your hands. An experience that’s hard to forget.

Find out more about what to expect from a Costa Rica photo tour

3. Are there any favorite moments you can describe of your experiences in Costa Rica?

There are so many, it’s hard to pick one. One morning, as I got out of my room at Cerro Lodge, I saw a small bird that looked like a sparrow. So, I started tracking it through my 500mm lens, when all of a sudden it turned around and it had a classic owl face. I couldn’t believe it! This tiny owl that looked like a sparrow was a Pigmy Owl! What a fantastic moment that was. And I’d be remiss to not mention the private river boat tours, still my favorite part of the tours. Seeing crocodiles, anhingas, spoonbills, kingfishers, hawks, ospreys, etc, from a quiet boat while enjoying the Tarcoles river is such a unique experience. I always look forward to doing it again.

4. What are the challenges of wildlife photography in Costa Rica?

The biggest challenge is the environmental conditions, which depending on the weather, can create challenging photography conditions like low light, bright spots between trees, bright and dark backgrounds as you pan tracking a bird, and rain. However, these are challenges that will make better photographers and create unique images. You don’t see that many images of a white-faced monkey with a baby on her back, eating a banana with a creamy background and raindrops falling around them.

5. What can people expect when they join a photo tour?

For me, a photo tour is all about having a fantastic experience. From seeing a variety of landscapes and breathtaking views, to enjoying good food, meeting great people and of course, having people that will help them bring home images they are proud of hanging on a wall. And all of it without concerns about language barriers, safety or driving in a foreign country. They can just relax, enjoy the trip and focus on taking great images to their heart’s content.

Find out why Costa Rica is particularly great for bird photography

6. Who should consider joining?

A Costa Rica wildlife photography workshop is great for anyone that loves taking wildlife photography, especially birds. There are over 800 species of endemic birds. Also, if they want to photograph interesting animals, like sloths, ant-eaters, coatis, monkeys, iguanas and reptiles, Costa Rica is the place to go. Lastly, we can’t ignore nature and landscape photography opportunities. I make sure I offer plenty of personal instruction for those that want it, which is why photographers with basic skills to advanced levels are welcome to join. Though it’s advisable to at least have a good understanding of how to use your gear, so you don’t spend all the time figuring it out and missing great opportunities.

Find out more about our upcoming Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop!

Photo Credits to Adi Ringer