Certified Florida Master Naturalist | Wildlife Photography Workshops with Ronen Tivony

Join Certified Florida Master Naturalist Ronen Tivony for wildlife photography tours and workshops across Florida’s unique natural habitats.

In October 2025, I completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program at the University of Florida and earned certification as a Florida Master Naturalist. The course included dozens of classroom lectures and numerous field trips across Florida, giving me a deep, practical understanding of the state’s ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them.

Special thanks to my instructors:
• Jason Robertshaw, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Freshwater Systems class
• Hannah Campbell, Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Coastal Systems class
• Jackie Rolly, Oakland Nature Preserve – Upland Systems class

What Is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist?

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult environmental education program developed by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. It provides science-based training in Florida’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation issues through a mix of classroom sessions, field trips, and practical projects.​

To become a Certified Florida Master Naturalist, you complete three core modules:

  • Freshwater Wetlands

  • Coastal Systems

  • Upland Habitats​

Each module covers ecosystem processes, key plants and animals, human impacts, and current conservation challenges, giving graduates a holistic understanding of how Florida’s natural systems work together.

How this shapes my work
This training has become a foundation for my wildlife photography tours and workshops. I teach people not only how to capture a great wildlife image, but also why the place and the species in that shot matter. As a wildlife photojournalist, I now have a stronger, more practical understanding of how different species interact and how ecosystems function. I’m excited and grateful to share that knowledge with my audience around the world.

Want to learn with me?
Join one of my workshops or private sessions to experience field instruction that combines species identification, habitat interpretation, and ethical wildlife photography. Book a spot, invite me to speak, or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on upcoming sessions.

Where We Shoot: Florida’s Premier Wildlife Locations

As a Certified Florida Master Naturalist and Florida resident, I guide you through some of the state’s most productive ecosystems for wildlife photography. Depending on season, weather, and your goals, we may visit:

  • Everglades National Park – classic wetland habitats with alligators, herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more.

  • Wakodahatchee Wetlands (Delray Beach) – accessible boardwalk bird photography with nesting activity and close encounters.

  • Orlando Wetlands – large restored wetlands rich in wading birds, raptors, and seasonal migrants.

  • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors along a mosaic of marsh and coastal habitats.

  • Fort De Soto Park – shorebirds, terns, and coastal species in dynamic beach light.

  • St. Augustine area – opportunities to combine wildlife, coastal landscapes, and historic settings.

At each location, we discuss why specific species favor certain micro-habitats, how tides or water management affect behavior, and how to position yourself for both light and story.

Why Learn from a Certified Naturalist Photographer?

Many workshops focus only on camera settings. A Certified Florida Master Naturalist is trained to interpret Florida’s environment and communicate it clearly to others. That means your learning experience extends beyond exposure and autofocus.

On my tours and workshops, you benefit from:

  • Science-based information from the University of Florida’s Florida Master Naturalist Program.

  • Clear explanations of ecology and behavior in plain, accessible language.

  • A structured, educational approach designed for adult learners in the field.

This combination of naturalist training and professional photojournalism helps you see Florida’s wildlife the way an editor and a field biologist would: with attention to detail, story, and context.

About Ronen Tivony: Wildlife Photojournalist and Florida Master Naturalist

I am a wildlife photojournalist and workshop leader based in Florida, and a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida. My work has appeared in outlets such as National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and many others.

After decades of news and wire-service photojournalism, I shifted my focus to wildlife and conservation storytelling, with a special emphasis on Florida’s wetlands and bird life. On my workshops and private tours, I combine this editorial background with my Florida Master Naturalist training to teach behavior-based composition, ethical fieldcraft, and narrative-driven wildlife images