Wildlife of the Outer Banks 2025

What To Expect

• This trip is done in two sections with a day in between to rest and recharge.

• We will be working with sensitive wildlife and all participants must adhere to guidelines for ethical wildlife viewing and safety.

• The first portion of the trip is driving on rutted dirt roads to view black bears. Participants must have a 4x4 or AWD vehicle to caravan between bear areas. Once at each spot we have some short walks but no heavy hiking or elevation.

• Several spots are private property where we have permission to view the bears.

• The second portion is at the shore for the wild horses and coastal birds. We may be taking private boat charter or private 4x4 to the horses, depending on where they are each day as they roam the area.

• Accommodations on the Outer Banks are very expensive as it is a beach tourist hotspot. If booking your own lodging, expect prices average $1800-3200 for a modest hotel room for the week.

Wildlife of the Outer Banks -Bear, Wild Horse & Coastal Bird Photography
Details

What is included: Seven day tour with photography instruction at hand picked scouted locations including access to private property locations. Professional wildlife tracking by trained guides with wild horse excursions by boat or specialized 4x4.

Accommodation Optional: Standard bookings do not include lodging. Upgraded Retreat bookings include shared lodging in a vacation home rental or hotel.

What is not included:  Transportation to and during the trip, meals, lodging (unless added), personal items, trip insurance, gratuities/ tips, etc.

Fitness Level: Light to Moderate - This trip includes driving on country style rutted dirt roads, 4x4 or AWD required. Participants must be able to walk on surfaces including trails or sand, a daily average of 2-4 miles on uneven terrain while carrying their camera gear.

7-Day Wildlife Photography Workshop: Outer Banks, NC
Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Black Bears – Introduction & Early Morning Session
Morning:
Our workshop kicks off with a scenic drive to one of the prime black bear habitats in the Outer Banks. Here, we’ll begin with a comprehensive briefing on black bear behavior and safety, as well as tips on how to capture them in their natural surroundings. The morning light will provide the best opportunity for dramatic shots as we observe the bears in their feeding areas. You’ll have a chance to photograph these magnificent creatures up close as they move through the coastal forest, giving you ample time to perfect your wildlife photography skills.

Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll take a break to review some of your morning shots and provide feedback. The afternoon session will involve heading to a different location within the bear’s territory. With the softer light of the late afternoon, we’ll focus on capturing the bears as they interact with their environment. This is often when they engage in unique behaviors like fishing, foraging, or interacting with their cubs. Our goal will be to capture these moments with a balance of patience, focus, and respect for the wildlife.

Day 2: Black Bears – Exploring Different Habitats
Morning:
Today we’ll explore a different part of the Outer Banks, focusing on areas where black bears are often spotted near marshes, tidal creeks, and dense thickets. The early morning mist and low sunlight create the perfect atmosphere for capturing the essence of these animals in a mystical landscape. We’ll focus on different angles and perspectives, teaching you how to make the most of your surroundings for compelling storytelling through your photos.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we’ll delve into capturing the bears in action—whether they are swimming, climbing trees, or moving through tall grasses. We’ll cover advanced techniques for photographing fast-moving animals and work on achieving sharp focus, even in challenging conditions. We'll also review your images, with individual feedback to help refine your approach to wildlife photography.

Day 3: Black Bears – Final Bear Session & Photography Techniques
Morning:
On our final day of bear photography, we’ll return to a location where bear sightings are frequent. We’ll spend the morning tracking the bears and studying their behavior to anticipate their movements. This session is all about applying the techniques you’ve learned over the past two days—capturing their expressions, body language, and interactions with their habitat. We’ll focus on both wide-angle shots that show the bear in its environment and tighter close-ups that emphasize the animal's details.

Afternoon:
After a midday break, we’ll have one last afternoon session with the bears. This session will focus on capturing the bears at a distance, using long lenses to photograph them without disturbing their natural behavior. We'll also work on blending the wildlife with the stunning backdrop of the Outer Banks, ensuring that your photos tell a compelling story of the bears' survival in this rugged landscape. After the shoot, we’ll have a group discussion to review the week’s progress and give personal feedback.

Day 4: Break Day – “Touristy” Exploration, Beach Fun, & Opportunity For Shelling (Collect seashells)
Morning & Afternoon:
Today is a break from serious photography, but we’ll still immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of the Outer Banks. We’ll enjoy some downtime exploring local sights and have a fun day at the beach. We will also have the opportunity to go shelling to look for the beautiful shells that the Outer Banks is known for. This is the perfect day to relax, recharge, and absorb everything you’ve learned so far.

Day 5: Wild Horses – Early Morning Exploration
Morning:
On day five, we’ll shift our focus to the wild horses of the Outer Banks. Early morning is the best time to photograph these stunning animals as they graze and roam along the beaches and dunes. Our morning session will focus on capturing their grace and beauty, framed by the soft golden light of sunrise. We’ll teach you how to work with natural lighting to bring out the horses’ strength and spirit, whether they are in motion or standing still against the backdrop of the coast.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we’ll head to a different location where the horses roam through more rugged terrain. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the horses in their natural coastal environment, including interactions with the surrounding landscape, such as the wild grasses and open fields. We’ll work on capturing horses in various poses, from intimate close-ups to wide-angle shots showing their natural movement.

Day 6: Wild Horses – Action & Interaction
Morning:
Today’s morning session will focus on photographing the wild horses in action, whether they’re galloping across the sand or interacting with one another. We’ll cover tips for shooting fast-moving subjects and ways to anticipate the horses’ movements to ensure you get that perfect shot. We’ll also work on incorporating environmental elements such as ocean waves, sand dunes, and trees to add depth and context to your photos.

Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon continuing to capture the horses in action, but this time with a focus on the finer details. Whether it’s the wind blowing through their manes or the interaction between different members of the herd, this session will challenge you to find beauty in the smaller moments. We’ll also have time for a photo review to help you refine your compositions and get feedback on your shots.

Day 7: Wild Horses – Final Session & Sunset Photography
Morning:
For our last full day of the workshop, we’ll revisit the wild horses in a different part of the Outer Banks to capture them in a new light. Our morning session will be dedicated to photographing the horses in more intimate settings, such as close-ups of their faces and shots that convey their personality. We’ll also spend time experimenting with different lenses and techniques to give you a variety of perspectives and compositions.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we’ll have one final opportunity to photograph the horses before wrapping up the workshop. As the day winds down, we’ll focus on sunset photography, capturing the wild horses bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. We’ll discuss how to work with natural light during the golden hour to create truly breathtaking images. Afterward, we’ll gather for a final critique and closing discussion, celebrating the images you’ve created over the course of the week.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a diverse portfolio of wildlife images, from the majestic black bears of the Outer Banks to the wild horses galloping along the shore. You’ll leave with new skills, memories, and a deeper understanding of the region’s incredible wildlife.

F.A.Q. & Terms

Cancellations Policy

The deposit amount is non-refundable. Should you wish to cancel with at least 60 days notice on a trip paid in full any amount paid over the deposit can be deferred to another trip. No refunds/transfers will be given within 60 days of the trip dates.

Travel Insurance

Guests are responsible to obtain travel insurance for this trip. You can often add this on from your airline when booking your flight or through a third party service. We are not responsible for delays, inclement weather, travel cancellations, or costs associated with weather or travel disruption.

Wildlife Participation

By joining this trip you agree to the understanding that the wildlife are wild. We will make every effort with the lodge and guides to be in hotspot locations but we cannot guarantee that our wildlife models will cooperate.

We Are On Nature’s Schedule

Our itinerary is flexible to adjust for light, weather and any other conditions that may impact our sessions.