NEW ZEALAND MOREPORK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

We’ll begin our adventure with a short, 30-minute drive to a private piece of land, where the Morepork birds reside. This peaceful and secluded location will provide the perfect setting for our workshop.

Upon arrival, we’ll take a few moments to prepare for the day ahead. We’ll then make our way to the nearby bush, where the Morepork habitat thrives. The bush area is being restored with restoration planting and trapping , so we’ll take time to discuss the background of the land and its owners and wildlife.

Before venturing deeper into the bush, we’ll go over important safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This will include tips on navigating the terrain and staying safe while in the wild. Think of it as your crash course in surviving the wild, but with way less danger than you’d find in a jungle movie.

We’ll dedicate the next 15 minutes to getting our camera settings dialled in, ensuring everyone’s gear is ready for the shoot. I’ll walk you through the best settings for wildlife photography in low light conditions, helping you optimise your equipment for capturing sharp, stunning images of the Morepork.

We’ll begin our search for Morepork, exploring their natural habitat and discussing their diet, behaviour, and typical resting/roosting places. We’ll talk about the common locations where these magnificent birds reside and the unique challenges they present when photographing them.

If and when we locate a Morepork, we’ll take the time to quietly observe it from a distance, ensuring the bird feels comfortable in our presence. This will allow us to capture the bird naturally without disturbing its behaviour. During this time, I’ll discuss composition techniques, tips on framing the perfect shot, and how to adjust camera settings for optimal results.

We’ll take a short break in the bush to enjoy some refreshments and share our thoughts. This will be a great opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned so far, discuss challenges, ask any burning questions, and maybe laugh about the one time your camera accidentally focused on a tree branch instead of a Morepork. It’s all part of the journey! 

After the break, we’ll continue our photography session, applying the insights and techniques we’ve discussed. We’ll wrap up the session with a final review of our shots, offering feedback and tips for improvement and have a short walk back to the car.

We’ll conclude the workshop and head back to Te Awamutu, reflecting on the day’s experiences and our newfound skills in photographing Morepork ethically in their natural habitat.