Gulf Coast
Join top nature photographers Mike Forsberg and Melissa Groo for an unforgettable bird photography workshop on the Gulf Coast, capturing the iconic whooping crane and other incredible wildlife.
A Bird photographer's dream
2026 Dates TBD | Location: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Tuition: $3,995 | Deposit: $1,000
Deposit due upon registration, full tuition due 120 days before the workshop. Workshops limited to 7 participants.
Summit’s Gulf Coast workshop is the perfect bird photography workshop, offering a rare opportunity to capture the rare whooping crane in its natural habitat. Led by renowned nature photographers Mike Forsberg and Melissa Groo, this workshop provides hands-on guidance and expert insights. Perfect for passionate bird and wildlife photographers, you’ll experience unforgettable moments in the field while honing your skills alongside industry leaders.
the iconic whooping crane
Photographing the whooping crane with Summit is an extraordinary experience that puts you face-to-face with one of the rarest and most majestic birds in the world. From the comfort of a boat, you’ll have the chance to capture these iconic cranes as they feed and interact in their natural habitat, often landing as close as 50 feet away. The intimate setting allows for stunning, detailed shots that few photographers ever get the opportunity to take. With expert guidance from world-class photographers, you’ll learn how to compose and capture these birds in a way that tells a powerful visual story, making this a once-in-a-lifetime photographic experience.
At Summit Gulf Coast You Will
Learn from World-Class Bird Photographers
Led by renowned nature photographers Melissa Groo and Mike Forsberg, this workshop offers expert instruction in bird photography, all within the supportive Summit community of industry professionals and passionate photographers.
Photograph the Rare Whooping Cranes Up Close
Capture the rarest cranes in the world, with opportunities for intimate, close-up shots as these majestic birds may land within 50 feet of your boat—an unparalleled photographic experience.
Explore the Rich Winter Birdlife of the Gulf Coast
In addition to whooping cranes, you'll have the chance to photograph a wide variety of winter bird species that inhabit the stunning landscapes between the salt marshes and the sea.
Meet Your Instructors
Michael Forsberg
Melissa Groo
Chris Steppig
Past Student Work
Frequently asked questions
No! Summit Workshops is available to any photographer, regardless of what brand of camera you use. We often have camera gear available to borrow, free of charge, but you are not required to use that gear or any specific brand.
Tuition includes activity fees, location fees, all instruction, planning and logistics. It does not cover hotels, travel, and most meals.
Our workshops are for shooters of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. We all learn from and help one another, that is what makes the Summit Community so special.
Our image critiques are constantly mentioned as being the most important/valuable component of our workshops. It's not only a chance to get your work reviewed, but also to see your peers' images. It is not structured as a competition, but a growth experience. So do not feel it has the be your best of the best or how it might stack up to others. You get to hear the opinions of the faculty and everything you will hear from them is 100% meant to help you. They are also anonymous and meant to be constructive and useful to your professional growth.
We ask each student to submit 3-5 images taken while at the workshop. We typically send the link out the afternoon before the image critique, which gives you the evening to get your images in.
Lodging & Classroom
Discounted rates have been secured for students at the Inn at Fulton Harbor. We will send out lodging information after you have secured your booking.
