KEEPING NATURE TOURS

Among Marshes and Moriche Palms
Feb 20 | 2025 | Casanare

Discover the world of photography in the wild heart of Casanare.

Advanced Photography Workshop | Buenaventura Nature Reserve – Casanare

Imagine experiencing an adventure where you’ll learn photography amidst the vast landscapes of Casanare. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to capture the iconic plains scenery, the wetland birds of Casanare, and the diverse wildlife that thrives within the different hatos (traditional ranches) united in the mission to conserve the biodiversity of Colombia’s Orinoquía.

These hatos have joined forces for biodiversity conservation, embodying how photography and conservation tourism can come together to prioritize the lives of species inhabiting the Orinoquía. During this journey, we’ll stay in a rural environment adapted with all comforts, based on a conscious model that minimizes ecosystem impact.

You’ll have the chance to master the theory behind exceptional photography in our in-depth classes and put your learning into practice in hands-on photography sessions. Capture birds in flight, such as the spectacular Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), and mammals like the charming capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

What are you waiting for? Join this adventure of endless savannas and fiery sunsets—a photographic journey filled with moments ready to be immortalized. We look forward to sharing this experience with you!

  • You’ll learn advanced remote photography techniques focused on Casanare’s local wildlife.

  • Capture breathtaking moments of birds in flight within the mystical ecosystem of the Orinoquía.

  • Embark on an adventure in search of mammals like capybaras, honey bears, and anteaters.

  • Travel with biologists and nature photographers, and make the most of their experience to answer all your questions.

  • Learn nature photography through our theoretical and practical methodology, applying what you’ve learned on the spot.

  • Masterclass: Composition and Color Theory in Nature Photography by Jhonattan Vanegas.

  • Masterclass: Exposure and Sharpness by Jhonattan Vanegas.

  • Masterclass: Macro Photography by Jhonattan Vanegas.

  • Online Masterclass: Nature Photography Editing by Jhonattan Vanegas.

  • Practical lessons within the workshop, focusing on birds in action and wild fauna.

  • Group field sessions led by professional nature photographers as part of the workshop.

 
  • Rynchops niger (Rayador).
  • Eudocimus ruber (Ibis Escarlata).
  • Odocoileus virginianus (Venado cola blanca)
  • Busarellus nigricollis (Gavilán Cienaguero).
  • Jabiru mycteria (Jabirú Americano).
  • Neochen jubata (Ganso del Orinoco).
  • Amazonetta brasiliensis (Pato brasileño).
  • Anhima cornuta (Arauco).
  • Himantopus mexicanus (Cigüeña americana).
  • Platalea ajaja (Espatula rosada).
  • Phaetusa simplex (Gaviotín Picudo).
  • Buteogallus meridionalis (Gavilán Sabanero).
  • Athene cunicularia (Búho Sabanero o Murruco).
  • Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Chiguiro – Capibara).
  • Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Oso palmero).
  • Tamandua mexicana (Oso hormiguero).
  • Caiman crocodilus (Babilla).
  • Cámaras compactas Bridge: A versatile choice for those who prefer not to carry heavy gear. With this camera, you can apply all the skills you’ll gain in this photography workshop. It’s perfect for bird and herpetology photography.

  • Telephoto Lens (minimum 400mm): Bird photography demands high-quality equipment. We recommend a lens that allows you to capture distant species with optimal quality.

  • Macro or Close-Up Lens: Macro lenses are invaluable for herpetology photography. If you don’t want to invest in a dedicated macro lens, consider an adjustable reversing ring that fits your kit lens, enabling you to take macro shots during this workshop.

  • Wide-Angle Lenses (16mm – 24mm): Take advantage of this opportunity to capture the stunning sunsets and starry nights of the eastern plains. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the full essence of Casanare.

 Jhonattan Vanegas

Biologist, Herpetologist and Nature Photographer

One of the best photographers of amphibians, reptiles and wildlife in Colombia. He leads workshops and photography tours. He is a biologist and macro photography expert, full-time nature photographer and leading Colombia tour guide.

He has published 14 scientific articles that contribute to the knowledge and conservation of different species in Colombia. His photographic work has taken him to explore all corners of the Colombian territory. His photographs have been published in magazines such as Enfoque Visual, RowZine, Catalog of Amphibians and Reptiles of Colombia among others. He has won the environmental complaint category in the Agenda del Mar photography contest (2022). He uses photography and biology as tools to promote conservation through different initiatives, which allow him to make a contribution to the understanding of the behaviors and interactions of species with ecosystems. These two passions have allowed him to take a different look at the unknown and hidden scenery that exists under the mysterious landscapes of the mountains and plains, in order to create a bridge between memory and nature.

Day 1 | February 20 | Yopal, Casanare | Welcome to Casanare

We’ll start in Yopal, departing for Buenaventura Nature Reserve on a 7-hour journey. Upon arrival at Hato Altagracia, we’ll settle into our accommodations, ending the day with dinner and rest.

 

Day 2 | February 21 | Buenaventura Reserve | Savanna Tour

After breakfast, we’ll begin with two masterclasses: Composition and Color Theory and Macro Photography by Jhonattan Vanegas. After lunch, we’ll head to the wetlands for a boat tour to photograph birds. At sunset, we’ll return and take advantage of the night to search for amphibians and reptiles. Dinner and rest.

 

Day 3 | February 22 | Buenaventura Reserve | Evening Folk Show

Following breakfast, we’ll continue with masterclasses on Exposure and Sharpness and Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, guided by Jhonattan Vanegas. After lunch, we’ll start a walk across the savanna to spot birds and mammals. We’ll return at sunset for dinner and rest.

 

Day 4 | February 23 | Buenaventura Reserve | Wetland Photography Day

We’ll rise early for breakfast and begin an exciting walk to the wetlands, dedicating the day to a boat tour in search of the best images of birds and mammals like capybaras and otters. We’ll have lunch in the field. At sunset, we’ll return and explore the night in search of amphibians and reptiles. Dinner and rest, with an option for a night walk.

 

Day 5 | February 24 | Buenaventura Reserve | Last Adventure in the Savanna

After an early breakfast, we’ll walk to the nearby wetland. We’ll return for lunch and rest before our second tour across the savanna. At dusk, we’ll return to our accommodation for dinner and rest.

 

Day 6 | February 25 | Yopal, Casanare | Farewell to the Workshop

We’ll wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare to return to Yopal, concluding our photography workshop filled with unforgettable experiences and unique photo opportunities.

 

OUR WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation for 5 nights and 6 days (shared lodging).
  • Full meals (6 breakfasts – 6 lunches – 6 dinners).
  • Round-trip transportation from Yopal to Hato Altagracia.
  • Local transportation for all activities.
  • Boat tours through the wetlands.
  • Snacks and hydration.
  • Day and night tours on the various trails and wetlands of Hato Altagracia.
  • Photography of the activities carried out at the Hato.
  • An online photography leveling workshop before the trip, led by Jhonattan Vanegas.
  • A theoretical and practical bird photography workshop with Jhonattan Vanegas.
  • A theoretical and practical photography workshop led by Jhonattan Vanegas.
  • Themed souvenirs for workshop attendees.
  • Medical assistance card.

 

OUR WORKSHOP DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Transportation from your city of origin to Yopal (Casanare).
  • Any expenses not listed above.
  • Alcoholic beverages during the tour.
  • Gratuities for local guides and staff during your stay.
 

RECOMMENDATIONS DURING THE WORKSHOP:

We will begin an immersive photographic adventure in nature where you will discover and tell your version of your story through your photographs. We have some recommendations that will be very useful when choosing your equipment depending on the approach you want to explore. We want to travel comfortably and protect our equipment. We’ll give you some tips on what to keep in mind.

  • Follow instructions: Above all others, the most important rule to live by while exploring is to observe and follow all instructions given by the tour leader or staff.
  • Protect yourself from the sun at all times: During explorations we will be exposed to high and low temperatures or humid tropical climates. It is recommended to bring all the elements that protect from the sun such as caps or hats, collars, sunscreen and long-sleeved t-shirts.
  • Review the Basic Concepts: You must know and handle the basic concepts of manual photography (aperture, speeds, ISO, focal length). If you do not understand these concepts, we recommend taking our basic photography course, in which you will receive an Introduction to Photography before the photography tour.
  • Protect your equipment from humidity: Reduce the impact of changes in temperature. Try to keep the battery out of the camera, this can reduce electronic damage and prolong its charge. Carry dry bags that allow you to keep your equipment isolated from weather conditions. It is always advisable to carry silica gel, this element absorbs moisture. After work days you can put your equipment in the dry bag and add enough silica gel to absorb the moisture retained by your camera.
  • Take care of your belongings: All of our favorite destinations are safe for travel. You should always be vigilant and take care of your valuable items whenever you are in busy bus stations, city streets or markets.

INCLUDED SERVICES

WORKSHOP DATE AND DETAILS

  • Location: Nature Reserve Buenaventura (Yopal – Casanare).
  • Date: February 20 – 25, 2025.
  • Duration: 6 days | 5 nights.
  • Starting Point: Yopal (Casanare).
  • Ending Point: Yopal (Casanare).
  • Start Time: 09:00 am.
  • End Time: 01:00 pm.
  • Physical Demand Level: 3 (Moderate).
  • Minimum Group Size: 9 people.
  • How to Get There: You can reach Yopal by plane or by land from any city in Colombia.

VALUE OF YOUR NEXT JOURNEY

CHOOSE YOUR CURRENCY ON THE RIGHT

$ 1.210

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