Brazil - The Atlantic Forest
June 27 - July 4, 2026
The Atlantic Forest which stretches along the eastern coast is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, second only to the Amazon. Home to 2,200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, the remaining forest in this area provides critical habitat. One of the best ways we can protect it in perpetuity is to support locals who make a living off the land.
At a Glance
Dates: June 27 (welcome dinner at 7pm) - July 4, 2026 (arrive on or before midday on June 27th).
Includes: All instruction in the field and classroom plus online Zoom orientation before & post-conference Zoom sessions.
Cost: $3580 double occupancy ($500 single supplement) $1000 deposit (balance due by December 15, 2025)
Location: Fly into São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) on or before June 27; Pick up for the tour will be at hotel near airport (Hampton Inn or nearby hotel). Depart hotel at 8am on June 28th.
Transportation and Lodging: You will be picked up at the hotel near GRU early on June 28th & dropped off at the same hotel the evening of July 4th. All ground transportation will be provided. Our time will be split between two ecolodges: One in the Salesopolis area and the other in Tapirai. Birds and wildlife are abundant and you will discover that the grounds are very photo-friendly. Lodging is clean & safe. All meals, including welcome dinner, are included at lodges from lunch on June 28th through lunch on July 4th.
Not included: Airfare to Brazil, hotels in Sao Paulo before and after the tour, meals enroute to locations, gratuity for lodge staff & guides, visa fees, travel insurance, beverages, snacks, & other optional add-ons.
Group size: 4 (min) - 6 (max)
Physical Level: Easy. You will not need to walk long distances unless you take excursions on trails. Some walking is required at one lodge from rooms to dining area and shooting locations.
Weather: Temperatures should be comfortable. Nights will likely be cool, warming up during the day.
Image Gallery
Gear you will need...
Camera: Participants are expected to know how to operate their equipment. If you have any new gear, it is important to become acquainted with it BEFOREHAND to get the most from the workshop.
Lenses: Telephoto zoom (100 - 500mm equivalent) will allow you to photograph the birds from a distance to a fairly close range.
Tripods: A sturdy tripod with a gimbal head will be helpful if you need assistance holding your camera for a long period of time.
Software: All post-processing will be done using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Jackie will share editing techniques ranging from basic image adjustments to more advanced Photoshop techniques with emphasis on removing distractions and cleaning up images. We will focus on obtaining a variety of compositions so that you have some images which incorporate the environment in a scenic manner.
Pre & Post-workshop Zooms: An overview and orientation will be held online prior to the workshop. Post-workshop Zoom will consist of image reviews of fully edited images, although feedback will be shared in the field and in review sessions during the workshop.
One of the highlights of this adventure will be the people; starting with a knowledgeable, friendly, local, and multilingual guide. You will feel right at home from the moment you arrive!
About Jackie
Jackie lives in St. Augustine and has been photographing the natural world since high school in Sarasota, FL. She is known for her rich colors and for infusion of personality in her floral and wildlife images. Jackie has received international acclaim for her images and has been published in several noteworthy magazines. Jackie also maintains an active group, Phlorography - Artistic Floral Photography, with thousands of passionate floral photographers from around the world. Phlorography is a community in which everyone and their photographic expression is valued.
