Dalmatian Pelican Photography Workshop

Join me for an unforgettable Dalmatian Pelican photography workshop! This intimate experience is limited to just four photographers, ensuring ample space and personalized guidance. With two expert guides—myself and a local guide—you’ll receive constant support for capturing stunning images of these magnificent birds up close.

Single Occupancy: $2300.00
Double Occupancy: $2200.00
Group A January 19th-22nd
Group B January 22nd-25th

There are animals that look at you, and there are animals who look past your physical self and manage to probe the deep recesses of your frail human consciousness. This Dalmatian pelican is definitely the latter. There is something primal in the bird and myself that creates a cautious uncertainty coupled with a childlike curiosity. A shared state of being. This bird seems to ask, “Who are you?” But it isn’t interested in my human name. It seems to be a much deeper, “Who are you?” A question I often ask myself, but when this massive bird asks it feels otherworldly and I don’t know how to answer and then I realize there is no answer and the bird understands this too. 
Mark Smith

Getting There

We will be picking you up at SKG Thessaloniki Airport for departure to the lodge. Your flight needs to arrive by 1:00 pm or 13:00. Group A your flight should arrive on January 19th before 1:00 PM. Group B your flight should arrive on January 22nd by 1:00 PM.

Your return flight should also leave sometime in the afternoon or evening. This was you get one final morning with the pelicans. Think of it as your final chance to say goodbye to these magical birds. Group A, your flight home should be on the 22nd. Group B, your flight home should be on the 25th.

What’s Included

• Airport transfers
• Lodging
• All meals, snacks, waters, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Boat excursions
• Guide services

Not Included

• International airfare
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips
• Travel insurance

Gear Recommendations

• Two camera bodies
• Lenses: 24-70mm, 70-200mm, and 300mm prime if available
• No tripods; monopods optional
• Plenty of batteries and memory cards
• Laptop for offloading photos

Clothing

We will be here during the winter and it can get quite cold by my standards at least. Early morning temperatures can be 44 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. Dress accordingly. I like to wear wool under layers, down pants and a down jacket. I also suggest some type of boot that keeps your feet very warm. Gloves are a good idea too as are hand and feet warmers.

Sample Itinerary (Please note, any portion of this can change.)

Day 1: Arrive at SKG Thessaloniki Airport by 1:00 P.M. We will pick you up and transfer you to the lodge. Once everyone is checked into their rooms, we will have a great welcome dinner and go over what to expect the following morning.

Day 2: We will get up early to arrive on the lake with the pelicans before sunrise. Coffee and snacks will be provided while we are on the boat. After our first session with the pelicans we will arrive back at the lodge for brunch. Discuss the mornings shoot and relax until our afternoon session which could be another boat trip or we might shoot the pelicans from land. The land based shooting provides a vey unique experience and perspective because the birds are so close! After the afternoon session we will head back to the lodge for a great dinner and then its off to bed.

Day 3: Repeat of day 2 but we will slightly alter our shooting session to focus on anything that was missed the day before.

Day 4: : We will get up early to arrive on the lake with the pelicans before sunrise. Coffee and snacks will be provided while we are on the boat. After our first session with the pelicans we will arrive back at the lodge for brunch and then depart for your international flight back home from SKG Thessaloniki Airport.