Spring 2028 - South Texas Birds & Wildlife Photo Workshops
Santa Clara Ranch.

Session 1 - April 21-25, 2028 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Session 2 - April 26-30, 2028 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Session 3 - May 1-5, 2028 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Session 4 - May 6-10, 2028 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Spring 2028 – South Texas Birds & Wildlife Photo Workshop

Santa Clara Ranch | South Texas

Experience one of North America’s premier bird photography destinations during the peak of spring migration.

Join professional wildlife photographer Hector Astorga for an exclusive, small-group photography workshop at Santa Clara Ranch in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Limited to just 5 photographers per session, this workshop provides exceptional access to the ranch’s professional photography blinds, personalized instruction, and outstanding opportunities to photograph the incredible birds and wildlife of South Texas.

Hector has photographed and guided photographers at Santa Clara Ranch for more than 16 years and also serves as the ranch manager. His intimate knowledge of the ranch, its wildlife, and the best locations and lighting conditions will help put you in position to create your best images.

Spring in South Texas

Spring is one of the most exciting times to photograph at Santa Clara Ranch. Resident species are joined by colorful migrants moving through the Rio Grande Valley.

Photography opportunities may include Painted Buntings, Green Jays, orioles, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, thrashers, Crested Caracaras, Harris’s Hawks, and many other species.

Our specialized raptor blinds provide opportunities to photograph some of South Texas’ most impressive birds of prey at close range, while the ranch’s water-level blinds allow photographers to create beautiful, eye-level images with clean backgrounds and dramatic reflections.

Beyond birds, we may encounter javelinas, white-tailed deer, armadillos, Mexican ground squirrels, rabbits, and, with some luck, one of the elusive bobcats that call the ranch home.

More Than Just a Workshop

This is an immersive South Texas photography experience.

You’ll stay directly at the Santa Clara Ranch Guesthouse, allowing us to maximize our time in the field without commuting to and from hotels. All meals are provided during your stay, so you can concentrate on one thing—photography.

Throughout the workshop, Hector will provide hands-on instruction covering camera settings, exposure, composition, working with light, bird behavior, action photography, and techniques for creating stronger wildlife images.

Whether you want to improve your wildlife photography or add some of South Texas’ most spectacular species to your portfolio, this workshop offers an opportunity to photograph them in a private setting designed specifically for photographers.

Limited to Only 5 Photographers

Small groups mean more room in the blinds, more individual instruction, and more photographic opportunities.

2028 Sessions

Session 1: April 21–25, 2028 — 5 Spots Available
Session 2: April 26–30, 2028 — 5 Spots Available
Session 3: May 1–5, 2028 — 5 Spots Available
Session 4: May 6–10, 2028 — 5 Spots Available

$3,750 per photographer

Single Supplement: $450 (Private room and bath at the Santa Clara Guesthouse)

$1,500 deposit secures your spot.

Your Workshop Includes

  • Lodging at the Santa Clara Ranch Guesthouse

  • All catered meals and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Exclusive access to Santa Clara Ranch photography blinds

  • Professional photographic instruction

  • Small group limited to 5 photographers

  • All applicable taxes

Does not include:

  • Transportation to and from the ranch. 

  • Alcoholic Beverages.

  • Gratuities.

Discover. Capture. Create.

Spend spring in South Texas photographing incredible birds and wildlife from one of the region’s premier private photography ranches.

Only five photographers are accepted for each session.
A $1500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by March 1, 2028.

 
 
Reserve Your Spot Now

PAY DEPOSIT BY CHECK (ACH) - $1500 USD

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AY DEPOSIT BY CREDIT CARD - $1500 USD + $45 USD PROCESSING FEE

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Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

  • A $1500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by March 1, 2028.

  • Deposit and tuition fees are non-refundable.

  • If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

  • For Travel Insurance Quotes visit: www.insuremytrip.com