QUESTION FOR YOU...
Are you missing the best birds-in-flight photos?
Birds in flight are among the most thrilling subjects to photograph… and among the most technically frustrating for many wildlife photographers.
Whether it’s autofocus issues, exposure chaos, missed composition opportunities, or struggling to make the bird “pop” in the image, most photographers walk away from flight photography feeling like it’s a matter of luck.
This workshop is here to show you that sharp, well-composed, emotionally engaging photos don’t happen by luck. It’s skill.
And you can master it.
“The real value here isn't learning settings, but learning what matters with birds in flight and why. Now I can focus on things like composition and light and that shift alone has changed my photography."
DAN M.| SANTA FE, NM
Great flight shots aren't luck — they're learned.
LET'S DIG INTO THE DETAILS
Here's how it all shakes out...
MODULE ONE
Reading Nature's Clues
Light, wind, and weather don't just shape the skies — they shape your photographs. Learn how to read this natural forces so you can anticipate bird behavior and turn unpredictable conditions into your advantage.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- Understand how birds fly — and why this knowledge is essential for every wildlife photographer
- Read the wind to predict flight patterns with greater accuracy
- Recognize how weather systems influence movement and use those cues to capture your best shots
MODULE TWO
Composition & Choosing the Right Backgrounds
The difference between a snapshot and a powerful image often comes down to background and composition. Learn how to choose settings that highlight your subject, simplify the frame, and create photographs that truly stand out.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- Master the 80/90 Elimination Strategy to cut through distractions and focus only on what elevates your images.
- Discover how to work with any kind of light to create dramatic, high-impact photos.
- Use depth-of-field and contrast to make your subject stand out with clarity and impact.
- Harness environmental storytelling to add depth, context, and emotion to every frame.
MODULE THREE
Camera Setup & Technical Mastery
Your camera should feel like an extension of your instincts — not a barrier. Simplifying the technical side helps you stop overthinking and start photographing with clarity and confidence.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- The best autofocus modes for each major camera brand — and why they give you an edge.
- How to shift from reactive to proactive photography, so you're always ready to capture the moment.
- Why back button focus is essential for birds-in-flight photography — and exactly how to set it up.
MODULE FOUR
Manual Makes Everything Easier
It seems like automated modes should make photographing birds in flight simpler — but in reality, they often create more problems than they solve. This module shows you how to take full control of your camera, so you can simplify your process and consistently get the results you want.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- How to choose the right aperture to create the look, feel, and impact you want in every image.
- The 1-2-4 method I use in my own work and teach on every workshop — making action settings simple and repeatable.
- Why Auto ISO behaves unpredictably and how it works against you in birds-in-flight photography.
MODULE FIVE
The Complete System in Action
Knowledge only matters if you can use it when it counts. In this module, we’ll bring everything together — composition, light, weather, settings — and walk through how it all works in the field, so you’re fully prepared for real-world shooting.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- A step-by-step review of how to apply everything you've learned when photographing birds in flight.
- The most common mistakes photographers make — and how to avoid or fix them before they cost you the shot.
MODULE SIX
Artistry & Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, it’s time to push beyond the rules. This module is about refining your vision, experimenting with creative approaches, and developing the artistry that makes your work truly stand out.
Here's what you're going to learn:
- When and how to break the rules to create fine art-style images that feel uniquely yours.
- How to scout locations and prepare before you even step into the field.
- Practical exercises and challenges designed to sharpen your skills and build lasting confidence as a photographer.
Ready to master birds in flight?
“Annalise has this rare ability to make complicated things feel simple without talking down to you. She meets you where you are and makes sure you understand the ‘why’ behind every setting and choice."
CATHERINE S.| RALEIGH, NC
"So many of these other classes are repeats of what is free online. This is an actual workshop in a course, and Annalise is one of the few pros who can actually teach."
DIANNE S. | ST. PAUL, MN
have questions?
I Have Answers
who is this course for?
This course is for passionate photographers of all skill levels who are tired of almost getting the shot and want to finally feel confident photographing birds in flight.
If you’ve invested in good gear but feel like your results don’t match your effort, or if you’ve tried piecing together advice from YouTube only to end up more frustrated than focused, you’ll feel right at home here.
How Is This Different Than What I can Get on YouTube?
Free advice can be helpful, but it rarely results in a system that produces consistent results every time. This course gives you a complete, field-tested system: how to set up your camera, read the light and weather, anticipate bird behavior, compose for impact, and build confidence shot after shot.
Instead of piecing things together, you’ll walk away with a proven framework that saves you time and frustration. And, you'll be learning from a full-time, professional wildlife photographer, not an "influencer" with a nice camera.
How Long Do I Have to Complete the Course?
As long as you need. This is a completely self-paced course, which means you can work through the modules on your own schedule, whether that’s a weekend binge or spreading it out over months. And because you’ll have lifetime access, you can revisit the lessons and exercises anytime you want a refresher.
Many photographers return to certain modules again and again as their skills grow, picking up something new each time.
I've struggled with birds in flight before, what if this is too advanced for me?
This course was designed for beginners looking to start out on the right path, as well as serious hobbyists ready to bridge the gap between “almost got it” and consistently strong results.
We start with the essentials and build step-by-step into more advanced artistry. Even if you’ve been frustrated in the past, you’ll find clear explanations and practical exercises that make the process approachable and repeatable.