Bialowieza, the last bisons
Workshop in collaboration with Namaa Travel Photography
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Where
Poland
Price
Finished
Participants
From 6 to 8
The virgin temperate forest of BIALOWIEZA, on the border between Poland and Belarus, today represents all that remains of the immense forest that once covered the entire European continent. This primeval and uncontaminated place – a Polish National Park since 1921, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and a Biosphere Reserve since 1993 – is home to the largest European oak forest and, above all, is home to 41 species of mammals, including the last herds of free-roaming European bison. This majestic animal has risked extinction several times in Europe, but is now protected and its population is slowly expanding, now numbering around 1000 specimens. In addition to the bison, there are numerous birds that have chosen Bialowieza as their home, including the majestic sea eagles, a bird of prey with an incredible wingspan of over 2.5 metres.
I invite you to discover with me a remote and fascinating corner of Europe: the forest on the border between Poland and Belarus, a place where time seems to have stopped and nature reigns supreme.
An intense and evocative photographic adventure, designed for those who want to experience winter in an authentic way, in the muffled silence of one of the oldest forests on the continent. For three days we will move discreetly within the snowy environment, accompanied by an expert local guide and by me, Daniele Dell’Osa, a photographer specializing in wildlife. We will station ourselves in strategically positioned photographic hides to observe and photograph the majestic flight of the sea eagle and other species that inhabit this unique area. The period chosen for the workshop coincides with one of the best times for sighting: the winter quiet, when nature slows down and offers extraordinary moments to those who know how to wait and observe carefully.
I will be by your side throughout the workshop, ready to follow and advise you in both the photographic and experiential phases. This journey is suitable for all levels of experience: both beginners and those who want to perfect their technique.
A few weeks before departure, there will be an evening on Zoom to get to know the group, discuss photographic goals, and answer all your questions. During the trip, we will also stay in touch via WhatsApp, so we can share every moment and get practical information. After the trip, there will be a review session on Zoom, where we will review your shots together to give feedback and technical suggestions. Those who wish will be able to join a private Facebook group, where they can share their photos and receive advice even after the event.
Price of the trip
Finished
Included
- 4 nights with breakfast in a high-class guesthouse in Bielowieza.
- All group transportation by car/minivan from Warsaw Airport to Bielowieza and back, including all local transfers. All costs included.
- Photographic workshop with accompaniment and support in the field.
- Photographic hide equipped for observing sea eagles and forest fauna.
- Park guide at our disposal for all days of stay.
- Virtual classroom session of post-production and review of shots with your photographer.
- Standard health and baggage insurance.
Not included
- International flight: departures to Warsaw from the main Italian airports, price starting from € 200 depending on the advance booking.
- All meals.
- Health insurance including trip cancellation (highly recommended).
- Tips and gratuity.
- Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.
Itinerary
Day 1
International flight from the main Italian airports to Warsaw. Group meeting with the photographer. Collect the car and depart for Bialowieza (approx. 3h). Arrival, room check-in and first photographic briefing on the workshop.
Overnight stay in Bialowieza.
Day 2
Early in the morning, meeting at the hotel with our Park Guide, Marek. Explanatory briefing on the behavior to be observed during the outings. Immediately after, departure for the Bialowieza Forest. Together with Daniele and Marek we will move to the points where the bison are sighted. The animal is tame, indeed fearful, at the same time it must be respected and not made to irritate, the approach will therefore be cautious and prudent. The entire day will be dedicated to exploring the forest and its magic. Overnight stay in Bialowieza.
Day 3
Today will be the day of the sea eagles: together with Daniele we will take place in a hide equipped with all the necessary equipment and located in a strategic position to observe the sea eagles. The bird of prey is as majestic as it is elusive, so it will be necessary to adopt all the behaviors that will be taught to us. It will also be possible to spot buzzards, goshawks, and various species of woodpeckers and other passerines.
Overnight stay in Bialowieza.
Day 4
Second day in a different cabin more focused on the sighting of forest mammals: wolves, martens, weasels, small rodents, as well as other avifauna. Upon group request (organized in advance) it will be possible to repeat the observation of sea eagles from the previous day.
Day 5
Possibility of last photographs of the forest with Daniele, after breakfast return to Warsaw in time for flights to Italy and end of field services.
NOTE
Depending on the weather conditions, it will be possible to change the order of DAY 2-3-4, to give our participants the maximum opportunity to take pictures.
Get inspired by the shots from the last trip to Poland
