Photography in Nature: Capturing the Best of Costa Rica | Gustafson Photo Safari

About this trip

Turtles hatch on a secluded beach, resplendent quetzals glide through a cloud forest, and the green macaw’s insistent call breaks the silence of the rainforest, here in Costa Rica at the ends of the Earth. Costa Rica’s vibrant flora and fauna offer photographic opportunities you will see nowhere else. This small, friendly country is home to a great diversity of habitats including the lowland tropical rainforest, an outstanding venue to capture shots of a lifetime! The forest is alive with striking plants and colorful flowers, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of bird life including toucans, parrots, jacamars, hummingbirds, and motmots. Images from Costa Rica that inspire a full chapter in To the Ends of the Earth Volume 3 The Natural World include a newly hatched green sea turtle entering the surf for the first time, a two-toed sloth peering through green vines as it clings to its perch on a rainforest tree, and a lemon yellow eyelash pit viper relaxing on a thin branch. With tips, techniques and personal instruction from a top digital photography expert, Todd Gustafson, you will return with an amazing portfolio of colorful images and a new sense of wonder about the tropics.

Highlights

Macro photography sessions with local flowers, insects, and poison dart frogs.
Demonstrate wildlife photo shooting methods with local birds and animals.
Practice photographing fast moving objects and the use of flash set-ups during a hummingbird photo session.
Discover close-up and light management techniques with tropical plants and orchids.
Understand the story behind every photograph with site lectures on local wildlife, traditions, and history.
Discuss results of applied techniques and present suggestions during evening feedback sessions.
Enjoy free time to practice techniques for a personal appreciation of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Meet your leader

Todd Gustafson

Todd Gustafson is a professional nature photographer and founder of Gustafson Photo Safari. Todd grew up in Tanzania and has won numerous photography awards. His work has been featured in many international publications and museum exhibits, including a display in a permanent exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History, publications by the United Nations, and product guides for NIKON Corporation, where he works as a clinician/teacher. Todd is also a highly accomplished trumpet player and has degrees in music education and trumpet performance.

San José

Nov 28, 2022

Upon arrival into San José, please proceed to clear Immigration & Customs and exit the airport secure area, where you will meet with your Holbrook Representative for your transfer to the hotel. This afternoon enjoy time on your own to photograph the famous gardens at Hotel Bougainvillea. Check-in starts at 3:00 pm. At 6:00 pm there will be an orientation to the program by Todd Gustafson and your Costa Rican Group Leader followed by Welcome Dinner at the hotel. There is no specific arrival time required, however, if you wish to participate in the Orientation and dinner, we suggest arriving no later than 4:30 pm.. If you would like a pre hotel night, arrangements can be made for an additional cost.

Dinner included

Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea

Tortuguero

Nov 29, 2022

After an optional early morning photography around the gardens, transfer to the dock for the boat trip to Tortuguero. Breakfast will be en route. Upon arrival enjoy lunch and settle into your room. This afternoon take a boat ride in Tortuguero National Park, photographing species such as iguanas, monkeys, and a variety of birds.