Frequently Asked Questions

     What is the cost of a day tour?

• The fee for a day tour varies based on the number of people in your group up to 4 people.  If you do not have four people in your group I may be able to partner you with others.  This will reduce the cost per person.  To determine the fee, please call or email me and we can work out the exact cost.  772-713-1216.  rbielefeld@comcast.net.

     What equipment do I need to bring on a day tour?

• Equipment needed can vary by day tour.  However, in general, I suggest bringing the fastest fps camera body you have available.  Lens-wise I suggest the longest focal length you can work with.  We routinely shoot with 600mm or more.  It really depends on the type of images you are trying to make.  If full-frame bird images are what you are after bring a body and lens combo that gets you to at least 600mm.  I also suggest you bring a tripod with a gimbal head, a head lamp, and dress appropriately for the forecast weather conditions.  If you need anything like waders or hip boots I will let you know during our personal discussions about the tour.  Some of the tours require a bit of walking so having a way to transport your gear that you are comfortable with can be a must (e.g., a backpack).  Any other questions about the recommending equipment please contact me.  rbielefeld@comcast.net.  

     Where are you located?

• Whistling Wings Photography is based out of Sebastian, FL.  However, I do tours in various areas of the state of Florida as well as workshops in Montana and Spain.

     What time does a tour start and end?

• Almost all my tours start around sunrise.  Half-day tours tend to end around 11am.  Full-day tours almost always are comprised of a morning session, a break in the afternoon during the harsh light hours, and a session in the evening.  We generally shoot until sunset unless it is cloudy.  Evening only half-day tours start as soon as the light is good and run until sunset unless it is cloudy.

     Where is the best place to stay for a day tour?

• If you need a hotel, the best location varies by tour.  Please contact me to determine where a given tour is based and the best place to stay for that tour.

     How many people do you take on a day tour?

• I generally limit my tours to 4 total photographers (max. is 5).

     Should I tip the guide?

• A tip is always greatly appreciated.  I do my best to keep my fees at the lowest level I can and still stay in business.  Why?  Because my goal is to get as many people out to photograph nature as possible and making my tours affordable to as many people as possible is the best way to do that.  So, tips help keep me in business.

     What should I wear for a day tour?

• I am a firm believer that camouflage outer wear helps get birds and other wildlife closer to the photographer.  Heck, I camouflaged my entire pontoon boat and outfitted it with a complete blind system for this reason.  So, for many of my tours I recommend wearing camo or at least earth-toned clothes.  No bright colors please. 

     Do we still go out if the weather is not perfect for photography?

• As much as I wish every day had perfect weather for photography, this is just not the case.  If the weather is just too poor to have any chance of getting good images we will not go.  Also, if there is any danger associated with going out to shoot in the current weather conditions we will not go.  Otherwise I tend to at least give it a try.

     How do I sign up for a day tour or workshop?

• Email or call me to sign up.  772-713-1216.  Email:  rbielefeld@comcast.net

     What is your cancellation policy?

• Please go to the Policies section of my website located in the footer for details.

     Do you require a deposit for a day tour?

• Yes, unless the tour date is within a few days.  I require a 50% deposit to hold a tour date.

     Are there bathrooms available during your day tours and workshops?

• Generally I try to have a bathroom at least within easy access of where we will be shooting.  My pontoon boat does not have an on-board toilet and sometimes we will be a significant distance for formal restroom facilities.

     Do you provide water and snacks during your day tours?

• I try to have water and small snacks available during day tours.

     Are you insured?

• Yes.

     Do you provide photography instruction during your day tours?

• I will provide some instruction during day tours, but if your goal is to learn from me during a tour, please let me know this ahead of time.  The best time to learn is during workshops or by taking my Bird Photography 101 tour.