Just a short journey from Rome lies one of central Italy’s most important coastal wetland and nature areas: Circeo National Park. With its exceptional variety of habitats packed into a relatively small area — from coastal lagoons and freshwater lakes to Mediterranean forests, dunes, agricultural landscapes and the rugged Circeo promontory — the park offers outstanding opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Home to more than 260 recorded bird species, including breeding, migratory and wintering birds, Circeo is one of the most interesting birding destinations in central Italy. Its coastal wetlands and reedbeds attract a remarkable variety of waterbirds throughout the year, while the surrounding Mediterranean habitats provide opportunities to photograph species in a wide range of natural settings.
This three-day bird photography workshop is designed to explore some of the most rewarding locations within the park, combining field photography, birdwatching and classroom sessions with wildlife photographer Chiara Talia and zoologist and ornithologist Andrea Senese of K’Nature.
Field sessions will combine photography walks along easy, accessible trails with dedicated stakeouts, allowing participants to explore different photographic approaches while observing birds in their natural habitats. Early-morning outings will also make the most of the soft Mediterranean light and the increased activity of wildlife around dawn
The workshop is suitable for wildlife photographers of all experience levels, as well as birdwatchers who enjoy photographing the species they encounter in the field. It is an opportunity not only to develop photographic skills, but also to spend three days exploring the rich birdlife of a Mediterranean landscape in southern Europe, with a focus on observation, identification and understanding bird behaviour. Through a combination of practical field sessions and theory, we will explore how to read natural habitats, understand bird behaviour and create stronger, more ethical wildlife images. Topics will include camera settings, composition, light, working with wildlife, image selection and post-processing, alongside dedicated insights into the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the species we encounter.
The workshop is built around the idea that better wildlife photography starts with a better understanding of wildlife itself. By combining photographic expertise with zoological knowledge, we aim to give participants not only the technical tools to improve their images, but also a deeper understanding of the animals and environments they are photographing.
Around two weeks after the workshop, participants will also join an online follow-up session with the instructors, dedicated to reviewing four selected images from each participant. The photographs will be discussed from technical, compositional and post-processing perspectives, as well as in relation to the natural history and behaviour of the species photographed.
Day 1: Arrival at the accommodation* at 10:30 and introduction to the workshop. The first theory and practical session focuses on the fundamentals of bird photography, including camera settings, approaching wildlife, composition and preparation for field activities. Free lunch. In the afternoon, the first field photography session explores the habitats of Circeo National Park, combining bird observation with the practical application of the techniques covered during the morning session. After sunset, an introductory classroom session focuses on the relationship between natural history and wildlife photography, with particular attention to local habitats, target species for the season and ethical approaches to wildlife photography. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Dawn photography session in the main habitats of Circeo National Park. After breakfast, the day is dedicated to some of the park’s most interesting birdwatching and wildlife photography hotspots, ranging from coastal wetlands and dune habitats to Mediterranean landscapes. Field sessions include species identification, bird behaviour and practical guidance on effective photographic techniques. Free lunch. After sunset, a training session at the accommodation focuses on reviewing the images taken during the day, post-processing and further insights into the ecology of the species observed. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Dawn photography session followed by a final field outing exploring the natural habitats of Circeo. The final workshop session includes image review, discussion with participants and further insights into photographic techniques and the experience gained during the weekend. Free lunch. End of the event.
After the workshop: Around two weeks after the event, participants join an online follow-up session with the instructors, dedicated to reviewing and discussing four selected images from each participant. The photographs are assessed from technical, compositional and post-processing perspectives, together with insights into the natural history and behaviour of the species photographed.
Participants travelling from Rome will coordinate their journey with the tour leaders through a shared carpooling arrangement. The same arrangement will be used for the return journey to Rome at the end of the workshop.
Chiara Talia is a wildlife photographer specialising in bird photography. After graduating in Veterinary Medicine and completing a Master’s degree in Wildlife Conservation, she combined her scientific background with her passion for photography, developing an approach grounded in an understanding of animal behaviour and a strong commitment to responsible wildlife photography.
Her images have received international recognition and have been featured in publications worldwide. As an educator, she has taught more than 200 students through courses, workshops and masterclasses dedicated to wildlife photography.
Chiara collaborates with leading brands in the photography and nature sectors and is the founder of one of Italy’s largest social media communities dedicated to bird photography, with more than 55,000 followers.
Andrea Senese is a zoologist and ornithologist and co-founder of K’Nature. For many years, he has designed and led birdwatching and wildlife tours for both Italian and international travellers. He regularly accompanies wildlife enthusiasts, mainly from the United States and Northern Europe, to some of Italy’s most important natural areas, while also leading Italian groups to wildlife destinations across Europe and beyond.
Alongside his work in ecotourism, Andrea is involved in wildlife monitoring and conservation projects covering a range of taxonomic groups. His work combines scientific research, environmental education and public outreach, with a particular focus on sharing a deeper understanding of biodiversity and wildlife with those taking part in his tours and field activities.
Booking is confirmed by payment of a deposit via bank transfer, which reserves the participant’s place. The workshop will be confirmed once the minimum number of participants has been reached. Once the event is confirmed, the remaining balance will be due according to the payment details provided by the organisers.
Overnight option:from €610 per person
The fee includes:
- participation in the workshop;
- scientific and photographic guidance throughout the event by an ornithologist and a professional wildlife photographer;
- field photography activities and theory and practical classroom sessions;
- accommodation at the partner property (single-room option available on request);
- half-board accommodation, including breakfasts and dinners;
- online post-workshop session dedicated to reviewing images taken during the event.
The fee does not include:
- lunches;
- travel to and from Circeo National Park and local transport during the workshop. The tour leaders will assist participants in coordinating carpooling arrangements, where possible, including journeys to and from Rome. This is intended as a shared travel arrangement among participants and no transport service is provided or included in the workshop fee;
- anything not expressly listed under “The fee includes”.
For further information and bookings, please contact the organisers.
1. What level of experience is required?
The workshop is suitable for participants with different levels of experience, from beginners to more advanced wildlife photographers and birdwatchers who enjoy photographing the species they encounter.
The theory sessions cover the essential foundations of bird photography, including camera settings, light, composition and ethical approaches to photographing wildlife. Field sessions are adapted to the individual experience of each participant: beginners receive practical guidance on using their equipment and approaching wildlife, while more experienced photographers can focus on more advanced aspects such as technique, animal behaviour, composition and post-processing.
The small group size, together with the presence of a professional wildlife photographer and an ornithologist, allows for individual guidance throughout the workshop.
2. What camera equipment do I need?
For bird photography, a telephoto lens of at least 300–400 mm is recommended. Longer lenses in the 500–600 mm range can be particularly useful in the more open habitats of Circeo National Park. Binoculars are also recommended for observing and identifying the species encountered during the field sessions.
If you do not have dedicated wildlife photography equipment or are unsure what to bring, feel free to contact us before the workshop. We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable equipment for your needs.
3. How physically demanding is the workshop?
Field activities mainly take place along easy and accessible trails, with no specific hiking or fitness requirements. Participants should nevertheless be comfortable walking for several hours at a time and, importantly, with early starts for dawn photography sessions, when bird activity and light conditions are often at their best.
4. What happens in case of bad weather?
The schedule is flexible and field activities may be adapted according to weather conditions. Alternative locations, changes to the order of activities or additional classroom sessions may be introduced when necessary. The priority is always to provide the best possible experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
5. Where will we stay?
Participants will stay at a farmhouse accommodation located in the Circeo National Park area, conveniently close to several of the main birdwatching and photography hotspots. The surrounding grounds and natural areas near the property also offer opportunities for bird observation and photography, allowing participants to make the most of the location beyond the scheduled field sessions.
The package includes half-board accommodation, with breakfast and dinner. Depending on the group’s logistics, dinners may be served at the agriturismo or at a nearby partner restaurant or trattoria.
6. What happens if the minimum number of participants is not reached?
The workshop requires a minimum of 6 participants to be confirmed. If the minimum number is not reached by the registration deadline, the workshop will not be activated and any deposit already paid will be refunded in full.
Participants will be informed once the minimum number has been reached and the workshop is officially confirmed. The remaining balance will then be due according to the payment instructions provided by the organisers.
Minimum number of participants: 6
Registration is open until 10 October 2026.
Once the minimum number of participants has been reached, all registered participants will be contacted and informed that the workshop has been confirmed.
Places are limited in order to maintain a small group size and ensure personalised guidance throughout the field activities.
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