The Bavarian Forest: Wild Germany

Photograph indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Bavarian Forest in Germany together with the Bohemian Forest in the Czech Republic form the largest unspoilt woodland area in Europe. In the beautiful woodland landscape, wildlife such as Brown Bears, Wolves, and Lynxes still roam free.

This trip takes you up and close to many of the indigenous animals there. Where we take you, the animals live in a protected area. This allows them to live naturally, whilst still allowing us to have good opportunities to observe and photograph them – a real wildlife photographers heaven!

The area itself is very beautiful too, and if you like you can also explore the woodlands and take beautiful landscape photographs. To get your mind off photography altogether, the region is also known for its glass (art) and there are numerous local glass manufacturers and museums you could visit. These are all optional of course; the heart of the tour will be photographing wildlife.

Accommodation

We will stay in a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, ensuite facilities, and free wifi. The quiet hotel is located right at the border of the forest with beautiful views over the surrounding hills and woodlands. And if you like, there's a hiking trail starting right from the doorstep of the hotel!

The hotel has its own Sauna and Spa, and if you like you can also make an appointment for a beauty treatment or massage.

Dinner (Bavarian style) will be served in the cosy hotel restaurant.

Duration

You can adapt the duration of this tour to your own wishes; anything from 2 to the full duration of the trip is possible. Arrival and departure dates can be chosen freely.

Program Summary

Arrival

Arrival at the hotel the evening before the workshop start: group dinner and an introductory presentation with tips and an explanation of what to expect.

Day 1 – Day X

Daily shooting sessions in the forest. Optionally you can visit some of the other local sights:

  • Take a hike on one of the many footpaths through the forest or climb one of its mountain tops.
  • Walk through the tree tops at an elevated foot path.
  • Visit the local glass manufacturers and museums.
  • Many other excursions possible.

In the evening there will be time for a short presentation and/or image review sessions.

Return

The day following the last day of the workshop: return homewards.

Participant images and feedback

Read what our participants thought about this tour and view some of their images on our Bavarian Forest workshop forum.

Subjects

  • Taking beautiful wildlife images of:
    • Brown Bears
    • Lynxes
    • Wolves
    • Wisents
    • Elks
    • Wildcats
    • etc.
  • How to best set-up your camera for shooting wildlife
  • Tips on composition
  • Tips on how to improve your images at time of shooting
  • Tips on how to improve your images during post processing

What to Bring

Required

  • Camera
  • Tele and/or super tele (zoom) lens
    (300mm or more is recommended,
    400mm for full frame cameras)
  • Fully charged battery + spares
  • Memory cards
  • Chargers
  • Patience; while we can guarantee sighting of the animals, it is certainly not a zoo and it can therefore sometimes take a while for the animals to show themselves

Optional

  • Beach-Rolly or other cart to carry your gear (see my blog for a review of the Beach-Rolly)
  • External storage
  • Laptop
  • Additional lenses (e.g., a macro or wide angle lens)
  • Tele converters
  • Flash

Booking Information

Dates

  • Please contact us for information
  • Fee: Please contact us for information
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced
  • Group Size: Small, maximum 5 participants
  • Fitness: Average, quite long walks with some steep climbs

Included

  • Guaranteed opportunities to photograph beautiful wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Direct learning from a professional photographer and instructor in an intensive hands-on environment
  • Reduced size class for personal attention, regardless of skill level

Excluded

  • Transport (carpooling may be possible)
  • Hotel stay
  • Fees for optional activities

Inform about this Workshop

General Terms & Conditions / Additional Terms & Conditions for Workshops & Tours