Another Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshop at Kerkini Lake is in the past and our group of photographers shot some unique images!
After two tough years that the workshop had to be cancelled due to pandemic with Covid-19, “The Kingdom of the Pelicans 2023” had a total success. The number of participants was at the minimum due to last time cancellation by some photographers that couldn’t travel as they got sick, but I am waiting for them at the 2024 Workshop!
Weather was great! We had three days with the lake being calm and one windy day, while temperature was perfect, close to 5-10 Celsius, allowing us to enjoy the early morning shooting from the boat and the searching for images around the lake until the sunset. Overall, the weather conditions provide us with opportunities to create a lot of different images.
A calm Kerkini Lake means that we have a lot of opportunities to shoot pelicans with reflections. These images, photos and videos, have a striking beauty for the viewer.
Dalmatian Pelicans have a greatness and silliness, and sometimes you can decide if these animals are more funny than magnificent. A King and a Clown at the same time!
Our group, with my instructions, created some stunning images and learned how to interact with wildlife in an ethical way. This is more important than getting a great shot. We capture images of animals, so more people will see the importance of protecting them and help. That is the goal.
Besides the Dalmatian Pelicans, as it happens every year, we also had the opportunity to shoot some White Pelicans, a great addition to the participant’s portfolio. White Pelicans have a great Elvis look and as their number is small in the winter time, they are easier to isolate!
More than that, we watched and had some great images of flamingos, which live in Kerkini Lake in the winter. Flamingos are birds that move and fly with grace, and you will for sure fall in love with their unique look. Although, they make a lot of noise, it is always a great wildlife subject to shoot!
Apart from the photography side of the Workshop, we also had a great time! We tasted the local Greek cuisine and even attended Anastenaria, a barefoot fire-walking ritual, which has its routes to ancient times.
And don’t forget the photography talks and image critique that we had everyday by the fireplace, with coffee/tea or some nice red wine.
We have just had a thoroughly enjoyable workshop with Vaios in the Lake Kerkini National park. It was well-organised by Vaios who gave all the support required throughout. We came away with some great images and memories. We would recommend it to anyone looking to capture images of the magnificent Dalmatian Pelicans and learn more about wildlife photography.
John & Gill
That’s it for my “The Kingdom of the Pelicans” nature and wildlife photography workshop for 2023! In 2024 I am returning to Kerkini Lake for this winter Photography Workshop! Take a look here and, why not, book your spot (2-6 photographers)! I will be more than happy to shoot with you! If you want to visit Kerkini Lake for one day, see here, and check back my website as a spring workshop will be announced soon.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and follow me on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, where you will see more images of nature, wildlife and landscape from Greece and the planet. And if you would like to support me, you can buy prints or my calendar!
See you out there!
* All images in this post were created during The Kingdom of the Pelicans 2023 (16-19 January).
