Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop Near Miami

A hands-on burrowing owl photography workshop led by

award-winning wildlife photojournalist Ronen Tivony, just 45 minutes from Miami.

Join Ronen for a private or small-group burrowing owl photography workshop in prime South Florida owl habitat, and come home with images you are proud of.

Location: Prime owl habitat, 45 minutes from Miami
Duration: 3-hour session (full-day available)
Skill level: All levels welcome
Format: Private 1-on-1 or small group (up to 5)

What to Expect on This Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop

This burrowing owl photography workshop puts you in the field with one of Florida’s most photogenic and charismatic birds. Florida’s burrowing owls are small, bold, and endlessly expressive. They stand their ground at the entrance to their burrows, tilt their heads, puff their feathers, and hold eye contact with your lens long enough to actually get the shot. You spend three hours, or a full day, working at close range with birds that genuinely cooperate.

Your guide is Ronen Tivony, a working wildlife photojournalist whose images have been published in The Guardian, National Geographic, and The Times UK. Ronen is also a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida, so he brings more than camera technique to the session. He brings a working knowledge of owl behavior, habitat, and seasonal ecology that helps you anticipate great moments instead of just reacting to them.

The colony is 45 minutes from Miami, easily reached from Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. Sessions start at sunrise when the light is warmest and the birds are most active.

What This Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop Covers

Camera Settings for Owl Photography

Owls move fast and Florida light changes quickly. Before you shoot your first frame, Ronen sets up your specific camera for the conditions. You will learn the right shutter speed to freeze a turning head, the autofocus mode to track a bird lifting off, and how to expose correctly for an owl against a bright South Florida sky. No guessing when the action starts.

Reading Burrowing Owl Behavior

Ronen teaches you to watch the birds the way a field ecologist does. You will learn which postures signal a territorial display, when a juvenile is about to emerge from the burrow, and how to position yourself so the frame is ready before the moment happens. Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida, and understanding their behavior is essential to photographing them effectively and responsibly.

Composition and the Decisive Moment

Ronen’s background as a wire news photojournalist built his instinct for the decisive moment. In this session you will work on environmental framing, background separation, catchlight, and negative space. The sandy habitat, native grasses, and burrow entrance become compositional tools rather than visual distractions.

Who This Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop Is For

Beginners will build a practical foundation in wildlife camera settings, learn to find and read the birds, and come home with images that genuinely surprise them. Ronen’s teaching style is clear and unhurried.

Intermediate photographers will work on anticipating behavior, tightening composition, and building consistency across a full shoot. This is where most participants make their biggest leaps.

Advanced photographers can focus on flight sequences, difficult light, or developing a cohesive series for portfolio or publication.

You do not need expensive equipment. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens in the 100-400mm or 200-600mm range is entirely sufficient. If you are unsure whether your gear is right for this workshop, ask before you book and Ronen will give you a straight answer.

Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop Rates

Sessions are kept small by design. You are getting a working photojournalist’s full attention in the field, not a place in a crowd.

Private 1-on-1 Session

The most personalized format. Everything is built around your gear, your goals, and your pace.

Half-day (up to 3.5 hours): $350 per person
Full-day (up to 8 hours): $700 per person
Multi-session packages available — inquire for pricing

Small Group Session (up to 5 participants)

The same quality of instruction in a shared setting, at a lower per-person rate.

Half-day (up to 3.5 hours): $275 per person
Full-day (up to 8 hours): $450 per person

What to Bring

Camera and your longest telephoto lens (100-400mm or longer)
Spare battery and a memory card with room to shoot
Tripod or monopod (optional — most shooting is handheld at low angles)
Water, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes

Your Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop Guide

Ronen Tivony is a wildlife photojournalist based in Florida. His images have been published in National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC, TIME, CNN, The Smithsonian, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times UK.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society, a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida, and a former Vice President of the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles.

Every session is a genuine one-on-one or small-group experience with a photographer who shoots at the level you are working toward.

Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop FAQ

Where exactly is the workshop location?

The colony is approximately 45 minutes from Miami and easily accessible from Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. Exact location details are provided after booking.

What species will we photograph?

Florida’s resident burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are the primary subject. This ground-nesting species is found in open, sandy habitat across South Florida and is active during daylight hours, making them exceptional subjects for photography. The colony used for this workshop is well-established and active year-round.

When is the best time of year for a burrowing owl photography workshop near Miami?

January through May is peak season for breeding behavior and courtship displays. Juvenile owls typically emerge in March and April, offering exceptional opportunities for natural storytelling images. The colony is present and active year-round, so sessions run in every season with reliably good results.

Do I need professional equipment?

No. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens in the 100-400mm range is all you need. Ronen tailors the instruction to your specific gear. If you are unsure whether your setup is right for this workshop, get in touch before booking.

Is this workshop suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Ronen works regularly with photographers who have never shot wildlife before. The session is paced entirely around your starting point. Many first-time wildlife photographers leave with images that genuinely surprise them.

What is a Certified Florida Master Naturalist?

The Florida Master Naturalist Program is run by the University of Florida and trains participants in Florida’s ecosystems, native species, and ecological processes. For a photography guide, this credential means Ronen understands owl behavior and habitat at a level that directly improves your results in the field. He is not just showing you where the birds are — he is explaining why they are there and what they are about to do.

What is the difference between a private session and a small group?

In a private session, everything is built around you: the location, the pace, the technical focus, and the compositional goals. A small group session (up to 5 participants) runs the same core instruction in a shared setting. Both formats are intentionally intimate.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my session?

Overcast light is often ideal for wildlife photography, reducing harsh shadows and producing even, flattering tones. If severe weather makes shooting unsafe, Ronen will reschedule at no additional charge.

Can I give this as a gift?

Yes. Wildlife With Ronen gift cards are available for any session. View gift card options here.

Book Your Burrowing Owl Photography Workshop

Peak season runs January through May and spots fill fast. Sessions run year-round. Ronen is happy to answer questions about your gear, skill level, or what to expect before you commit.

Email: wildlifewithronen@gmail.com Call or text: 786-540-9194