My first group of the season—Amber, Kathy, Vick, and Kelly—came to Lake Kerkini from the United States for the Dalmatian Pelicans, and these days became the perfect blend of strong shooting, smooth conditions, and a genuinely warm group dynamic.
Kerkini delivered in full
Winter showed up just enough to give us that Kerkini mood without becoming extreme.
- First morning: around -5°C
- The next two mornings: close to 0°C
Cold enough to feel it on the boat, but manageable and productive. The light was consistently rewarding: low winter sun, clean air, and the kind of clarity that helps white feathers keep real texture and depth. And the trip started with a gift: the first day delivered one of the strongest sunsets I’ve seen in months—the kind of sky that pulls everyone outside and turns “let’s just rest for a bit” into “grab your camera.”
More Than 50,000 Photos in Total
By the end of the trip, the group produced over 50,000 photographs in total—a direct result of how active the Pelicans were and how engaged everyone stayed throughout the sessions.
Kerkini also delivered plenty of other winter wildlife around us—cormorants, grebes, ducks, and constant background activity that made the lake feel full and alive. The one species we didn’t see as expected were the flamingos, which had moved to other areas due to the high water levels during our visit.
Close Pelicans, Tight Portraits, and Plenty of Video
The pelicans were the heart of everything. We photographed hundreds of Dalmatian Pelicans, and we also had some wonderful moments with Great White Pelicans — a few remain on the lake through winter instead of migrating to Africa.
- Tight portraits with crisp detail in the eye, pouch, and feather structure
- Very close flight passes that allowed different framing and strong visual variety
- Plenty of video, with proper sequences that capture behavior and atmosphere—not just quick clips
We also spent a short break shooting from the shore, which gave a different perspective and a welcome reset from the boat rhythm.
All Sony — Common ground
Another big advantage on this trip: everyone was using Sony. That made the technical side faster, because we were speaking the same “camera language.”
We could immediately compare menus and settings, and we spent time actively helping each other. Instead of four separate setups to troubleshoot, it felt like one shared system—if someone found a better approach, everyone benefited immediately.
The Hotel Atmosphere and the Bigger Community
The friendly energy didn’t stop when we left the lake sessions. Evenings at the hotel were full of laughter and long conversations, and the vibe became even richer because other photography groups were staying there at the same time. Photography became the common language—an easy reason to start conversations, exchange experiences, compare approaches, and share stories from different backgrounds.
A Strong Start to the Season
Amber, Kathy, Vick, and Kelly: thank you for the energy, the humor, and the generosity you showed one another – and me. With over 50,000 frames, pelicans, great light, and evenings filled with photographers exchanging stories, this was precisely how I want the season to begin.
I’m sure we’ll meet again—maybe in Alaska, somewhere in the US, or in Africa. Who knows? Wildlife photography is our shared passion, so I’m confident we’ll be out there together again on another adventure.
For anyone interested in visiting Lake Kerkini, there are still available dates in February, or you can secure your spot early for January–February 2027. Contact me through email or my contact form.
All images in this post were shot on an iPhone 17 Pro Max—proof that a phone can be a seriously capable camera when the light and the moment come together, especially for behind-the-scenes shots.
