Zootography Workshop - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Join Tamron Image Master and professional nature photographer, David Akoubian, for 2 part event.

Friday, October 4th, 5:30 PM at Pixel Connection

Friday he will talk about how to get involved in wildlife photography and take it to the next level. David will discuss the techniques to create environmental portraits of wildlife as well as simply recording images for natural history. Learn the importance of composition and how it can add a higher level of appreciation by the viewer when photographing wildlife.

David will discuss taking the stress out of exposure, allowing the photographer to create images during wildlife excursions. Become a “story teller” with your wildlife images. David will talk about doing wildlife photography on any budget and the importance of “necessities” when shooting for the sharpest images possible. Learn the importance of preparing for a wildlife excursion while doing simple preparations at home therefore maximizing your enjoyment of once in a lifetime excursions.

Saturday, October 5th, 10:00 AM at Cleveland Zoo

Saturday morning we will meet up at the Cleveland Zoo and briefly discuss tips on how to apply what David spoke about the night before. In addition to David, staff from Tamron and Pixel Connection will be on hand to provide hands-on support. David will lead the group to several exhibits during our time at the zoo and there will be time to roam around on your own.

Attendees will meet Pixel Staff at a meeting spot in Nature Nook Pavilion were we will have a booth set up, please refer to the Zoo map for directions. David, Pixel Staff and Tamron representatives will be leading the event, offering hands-on assistance, and will be available to answer any technical questions you may have to ensure you capture sensational images.

Your ticket purchase includes

Admission to Friday evening class

Zoo entry

Access to selection of FREE loaner Tamron lenses

What to Bring:

• Valid ID (Required to borrow a lens)
• Your camera(s) with extra memory cards and Batteries
• A variety of lenses (Telephoto, Zoom, Prime, Macro, etc.)
• Tripod/Monopod; suggested, but not required
• Weather appropriate clothing, we will be outside!
• Comfortable shoes, we'll be doing a lot of walking!
• Snacks and Water: Outside food and drink are allowed on Zoo premises. Glass, disposable straws and lids are not permitted. Food and drink options are available, please consult map for dining locations.

* Please Note: The Cleveland Zoo does not allow photography of the Cleveland Metroparks/Zoo logo

For all questions/concerns about Zoo policies, please visit Cleveland Zoo's FAQ page.

*Guests are welcome to stay past this workshop's end time, however Pixel Staff and Tamron representatives will be only be onsite until this events 2pm end time. All lens rentals must be returned by 2pm to our meeting place at Nature Nook Pavillion.

Please do not wait to purchase your ticket, this event has limited tickets available. TICKET SALES END SEPTEMBER 27th, 2024.

Bear Woods Photography is the photography of David Akoubian. David resides in the mountains of North Georgia with his wife Evelyn.

David has been a photographer since 1972 but his career in photography started in 1992. David learned his craft originally as a painter and from his father. Early in his career traveled with, learned from and taught beside some of the masters of nature photography including John Shaw, Art Wolfe, Galen Rowell, Bryan Peterson, Pat O'Hara, and Rod Planck. David has been teaching photography since 1994 in the classroom and leading workshops around the United States. His focus remains on the Southeastern United States, where he calls home, but does workshops and lectures all of the United States.

David's clients have included, but are not limited to Coca Cola, PNC Bank, Tamron, Sirui, Lensbaby, The Nature Conservancy, and Gibbs Gardens. His photographs and articles have appeared in publications such as Nature Photographer, Audubon Magazine, Blue Ridge Country, Birder's World, Outdoor Photographer, Backpacker Magazine, and many local publications. His work his appeared in several feature books in addition to instructional guides on scenic locations. David works with several organizations volunteering his photography among them, Angels on Horseback and the Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia. David is a Tamron Image Master, a Kase Filter Ambassador, and a f-stop Gear Ambassador.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, United States