Each participant is provided with their own dedicated flash setup station, ensuring ample photography time without the need to share equipment. This is a rare offering among hummingbird photography workshops. Additionally, the workshop location allows you to photograph just steps from your lodging, eliminating the need for long drives or hikes.

We strongly recommend that all participants stay at the lodge. While Tucson may seem nearby, the drive to the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon takes about an hour each way. The road includes winding sections through the canyon and can be tiring to travel multiple times.

Our days begin around 6:00 AM and usually end between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Commuting from Tucson would mean early departures, late returns, and missing out on valuable time to rest or review your images. Staying at the lodge allows you to be fully present and ready each day, with photography opportunities just steps from your cabin.

Lodging is included in your registration to make your experience more convenient, comfortable, and complete.

Often, yes. If you register and then contact the lodge right away, it is usually possible to add extra days to your stay. Room continuity is more likely if you are not attending the first of two back-to-back workshops. Certain cabins, like Cabin 3 and Cabin 5, are reserved for specific purposes, but most others are flexible.

After you register, we will share the contact information for the person we work with at the lodge. You can then reach out directly to arrange your extended stay. The sooner you make your request, the better the chances of getting the cabin and dates you want.

For hummingbirds, I recommend using a zoom lens in the 400–600mm range. You’ll be photographing from fairly close—often within 10 feet of the feeders—so you don’t need extreme reach, but you do want something that gives you enough working distance to keep a good composition and avoid disturbing the birds.

Personally, I often use the Tamron 50–400mm. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and gives me great flexibility throughout the day when I want to switch between hummingbirds and other wildlife that might show up. That said, there are a lot of good options out there. The 100–500mm, 100–400mm, and 150–500mm are also popular choices among participants.

If you’re bringing a second camera body, I’d suggest pairing it with a mid-range zoom—something like a 70–200mm or 70–300mm. It’s great for spontaneous shots of other birds, wildlife, or even scenic moments that unfold while you're focused on the feeders.

Lastly, if you’re interested in doing any night photography or want to capture wider landscape scenes, a wide-angle lens can be a nice addition, especially during the fall when we sometimes get monsoon activity.

Commonly photographed species include:

• Broad-billed Hummingbird

• Rivoli's (Magnificent) Hummingbird

• Black-chinned Hummingbird

• Rufous Hummingbird (during migration)

Yes, comfortable, quality lodging at the historic Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon is included. This allows for convenient access to photography stations and the natural beauty of the area.

The workshop covers:

• Traditional flash-based hummingbird photography to freeze wing motion

• High-Key (light style, white background) photography

• Low-Key (moody, darker style) photography

• Post-processing techniques, including in-person demonstrations and on-demand tutorials

• Ethical use of low-powered flash photography with birds

Yes, the Magic of Hummingbirds workshop offers a variety of photography opportunities beyond hummingbirds, especially given the rich biodiversity of Madera Canyon. During the September workshops, participants can photograph nectar-feeding bats, such as the Lesser Long-nosed and Mexican Long-tongued bats, using off-camera flash and LIDAR technology.

The Santa Rita Lodge's Wildlife Area is equipped with various feeders and a water feature, attracting a diverse array of birds and mammals. Bird species you might encounter include:

• Elegant Trogon

• Elf Owl

• Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

• Painted Redstart

• Acorn Woodpecker

• Mexican Jay

• Gould's Turkey

• Gambel's Quail

• Bridled Titmouse

• Arizona Woodpecker

• Black-headed Grosbeak

• Summer and Hepatic Tanager

• Bell's Vireo

• Pygmy Owl

• Mexican Whip-poor-will

• Whiskered Screech Owl

• Zone-tailed Hawk

Mammals commonly seen include: 

• Coatimundi

• Arizona Gray Squirrel

• Rock Squirrel

• Coues Whitetail Deer

• Raccoon

• Black Bear

Additionally, the lodge's location provides access to over 100 miles of hiking trails in the Santa Rita Mountains, offering scenic vistas and opportunities to photograph the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

The workshop is rated as Level 2: Easy to moderate. Participants should be in good health and able to walk on flat or gentle inclines for short periods, stand for up to an hour, and transport their own gear to and from their cabins and photography stations.

No, photographers of all skill levels are welcome. The instructors provide guidance on camera settings, flash usage, and post-processing techniques, ensuring a supportive learning environment for everyone.

You’ll need to bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera that can be mounted to a tripod and set to manual mode. We’ll provide the flash trigger you’ll use during the workshop, so there’s no need to bring your own.

Here’s a basic checklist of what to bring:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera body

• A sturdy tripod

• Memory cards and extra batteries

• A lens suitable for hummingbird photography (see our lens recommendations above)

• A wide-angle or mid-range lens if you’d like to photograph scenery or other wildlife

• A laptop (optional, for image review and editing)

“Bridge” or “point-and-shoot” cameras are generally not compatible with the multi-flash setup we use and may limit your experience.

After you register, we’ll send you a detailed gear checklist along with other helpful pre-workshop information to make sure you feel fully prepared. And if you ever have questions about your equipment, we’re happy to help.

No. Each participant has their own dedicated multi-flash setup for photographing hummingbirds. You’ll never have to wait your turn or compromise on your shooting time.

Yes. While flash-based photography is central to this workshop, you’re welcome to photograph using only natural light when preferred. Some participants enjoy mixing both styles.

Yes. The workshop includes image reviews, post-processing instruction, and optional critique sessions. These take place indoors during the slower midday hours when the birds are less active.

Yes, the Santa Rita Lodge has Wi-Fi. However, cell service can be limited depending on your provider. Most major carriers have at least some coverage in the area.

Yes. While the schedule is full, we’ve built in breaks so participants can rest, review images, or enjoy the peaceful setting of Madera Canyon.

Yes, non-photographer guests are welcome to join you at the lodge. While they won’t participate in the photo instruction, they can enjoy the natural surroundings, birdwatching, and relaxation.

In May, expect comfortable mornings and warmer afternoons with plenty of sun. In September, you may experience occasional monsoon rains and slightly cooler temperatures. Be prepared with layers and a light rain jacket.

It’s optional. Some participants bring a laptop for image review and editing during downtime. Others prefer to wait until they return home. If you plan to participate in post-processing sessions, bringing your computer is recommended.

Yes. Lisa and her team provide guidance on editing hummingbird images, including flash cleanup, background work, and enhancing your images without over-processing.

Yes. While neither Lisa nor Kim owns an Olympus system, they’ve become quite proficient with it. They use custom cheat sheets and consult with Olympus experts when needed. Most workshops include at least one Olympus user, and the team has consistently helped them get great results.

Each Magic of Hummingbirds workshop is limited to 8 participants. We keep the group size small on purpose so that every guest receives personal attention, plenty of shooting time, and a comfortable, supportive learning environment.