Ohio School of Falconry – Feather and Fur Workshop

Background

From the Ohio School of Falconry Website:

Join The Ohio School of Falconry for this once in a lifetime opportunity as we team up with the Ohio Canid Center to present a very special “UP CLOSE IN YOUR VIEWFINDER 2.0: Feather and Fur” at beautiful Camp Mary Orton in Columbus, Ohio. Photographers of all skill levels (from beginners to professionals) will have the opportunity learn about this most ancient of sports as they capture photos of these amazing falconry raptors (in either perched, posed or flying settings) and wolves (in either natural or themed settings), ensuring an amazing shot from just the right angle! Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

Impression

We have been to other Ohio School of Falconry events, but not ones that were heavily weighted toward having a modeling component.

The first part of the paid workshop provides the opportunity to get some static shots of a few birds on perches placed around the park. A “warm up” if you will on some posed birds before we get into model interactions.

Next, the first modeling portion with the a pair of wolves.

The wolf pair that worked with the model:

One must remember that when working with wild animals, that they tend to want to do what they want to do. Moments are fleeting where everything works together and you get a shot that you like.

Another thing to take into account is that we are working in a group of 20 plus people, all spread out. Sometimes you get in a spot that does not give you the angle you want and you cannot take sole control of the shoot as you would if you were photographing this alone.

Patience is key and working with what you have available to you. Having limitations is good sometimes as it forces you to work harder and be creative.