This workshop starts before the sun rises and doesn't end until the sun sets! There is no better way to start your day than photographing bald eagles in that golden morning light. Watching groups of majestic bald eagles is unforgettable and one of the most incredible experiences you can have!

Join me for a private 1-on-1 Bald Eagle Photography Workshop this January and February in St. Louis. I was born and raised in St. Louis and have scouted these locations extensively, which are local secrets and unknown to most. These locations along the river provide ever-changing conditions that can be moody with rolling fog, lighting up the river a fiery orange light, the perfect backdrop to capture a bald eagle swooping in to catch their breakfast! Learn how to take advantage of any condition and go home with not only a memorable experience, but unique images you will be proud to share.


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TRIP DATES

DATES AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONE-ON-ONE

January 19 - February 10, 2026

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TRIBE SIZE

Private 1-on-1 Sessions

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DIFFICULTY LEVEL

All experience levels are welcome

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HIKING REQUIREMENTS

This workshop will require very little hiking

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ITINERARY

Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

Prior to the start of the workshop, we will have a zoom classroom session. I will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images. I want you to be fully prepared so you can capture as many unforgettable moments as possible.

Bald Eagles Sunrise to Sunset!

Our workshop begins right before dawn. We will get settled in and go over camera settings before the sun begins to rise so we are ready to capture the bald eagles in that perfect morning light. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to use high ISO during low morning light. The locations we will be visiting have large numbers of bald eagles and plenty of activity all day, allowing us to continue shooting through the early morning, making sure we fill those memory cards!

A classroom session begins directly after an early lunch. We will edit some of your shots together and you will learn my entire editing workflow and how I process my bald eagle images using Lightroom, Photoshop and Topaz Labs. After class, we will grab our camera gear and head back out to chase some more bald eagles and shoot until sunset.

You will leave this workshop with the knowledge to capture any bird perfectly in the field and how to bring that image to life with new editing techniques!

The amount of time designated to shooting in the field and editing in the classroom are completely up to you! If learning shooting technique is more important, we can spend more time in the field or if learning editing is more important, we can spend more time in the classroom. All editing sessions will be screen recorded so you always have them to review!

* We will be chasing conditions and constantly monitoring the weather. The itinerary may change based on what conditions are during the workshop.

Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

We will hold some of our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on photographing bald eagles during incredible light, we will prioritize being in the field over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will have a classroom session editing your images and answering any questions you may have. These will also be screen recorded for you to be able to finish your images at your leisure.


WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning your shoots

  • Scouting and evaluating conditions

  • How to put yourself in the best position to capture bald eagles

  • Composing an image to grab the viewer's attention

  • Composing an image with a Bald Eagle to show scale and tell a story

  • Choosing the right lens and filters for the job

  • How to shoot with a plan or vision for editing

Capturing your image

  • Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images

  • Exposure control - how to use ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed in different scenarios

  • Focusing to capture pin sharp Bald Eagles

  • Low Light Shooting - how to shoot with high ISO and capture sharp images in low light

  • Shooting at the correct ISO - how to shoot with the ISO for clean, properly exposed images

  • Learn how to use continuous back button autofocus

  • Learn how to use Wildlife Eye

    Tracker (if applicable on your camera)

Bringing the image to life

  • Lightroom and Photoshop - learn my post-processing workflow

  • Topaz Al - learn how to use Topaz Labs Software to sharpen and denoise

  • Luminosity Masks

  • Dodging and Burning

  • High ISO Editing - how to edit out noise in higher ISO images

  • Understanding layers and masks

  • Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions

  • Creating Orton glows and painting with light


 
Bald Eagle Mississippi River Sunrise Fish Catch Ryan Oswald Photography
 

My goal is to leave you feeling confident, motivated and passionate about your photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! I will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible locations and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you a combination of Lightroom, Photoshop and Topaz Labs workflows and methods that will allow you to create some powerful images. I decided to keep the groups small and intimate, thus allowing me to focus and give you much more 1-on-1 attention.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Nearest Major Airport

St. Louis, MO

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Meeting Location

Hotel near shooting location

1 hour drive from St. Louis Airport


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

 
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Lodging & Accommodations

Lodging is not included. Each student is responsible for their own accommodations.


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Transportation

Flights and car transportation are not included.


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Meals/Snacks

Meals will often be on the go as we chase light, you will be responsible for your own food.


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Travel Insurance

With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.


Cost: $750 per day

I will be with you every step of the way and you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!

Sign Up Today to Chase Bald Eagles from Sunrise to Sunset!

 
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* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.