Ethical Wildlife Photography
The well-being of wildlife is always the highest priority during these workshops. All photography sessions are conducted using ethical practices that minimize stress and disturbance to animals while promoting sustainable wildlife photography.
Participants must agree to the following principles:
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Maintain respectful and safe distances from wildlife.
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Never chase or pursue animals for photographs.
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Move away immediately if an animal appears distressed by our presence.
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Never bait, lure, or attract wildlife using food, scents, calls, or any other methods.
Any attempt to bait or lure wildlife will result in the immediate termination of the workshop without refund.
Available workshop dates are limited and often fill quickly. Please review all terms and conditions before booking.
Workshop Requirements
Participants are required to provide their own camera equipment. Matt primarily uses Nikon equipment and may have limited knowledge of the custom settings of other camera brands; however, photographic principles remain the same regardless of equipment. Instruction will be tailored to help you make the most of your gear and create wildlife images you can be proud of.
Participants should also be physically capable of hiking Class 1 terrain for approximately 3–4 hours in varying weather conditions.
Booking Information
Minimum Booking Requirement: A minimum of two full days notice is required for all guided tours.
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due one week prior to your scheduled workshop dates.
Sunrise Photography Session
Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
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Meet at an agreed-upon location approximately 45 minutes before sunrise.
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Sunrise times vary seasonally, ranging from approximately 5:30 a.m. in spring and early summer to 8:00 a.m. during winter months.
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Clients are responsible for arranging and covering all travel expenses, including flights, accommodations, and transportation to and from photography locations.
Sunset Photography Session
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
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Sunset times vary seasonally, ranging from approximately 4:30 p.m. in winter to 9:00 p.m. in summer.
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Participants should plan to remain on location for approximately 30 minutes after sunset while shooting light remains.
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Clients are responsible for arranging and covering all travel expenses, including flights, accommodations, and transportation to and from photography locations.
For rates, available dates, and workshop inquiries, please contact:
Email: baldingeagleimages@gmail.com
Post Session Editing
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A post session editing workshop is also available after each outing.
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Clients will schedule a time with Matt Lucas (Balding Eagle Images) to go over their images and provide editing tips.
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Editing sessions last up to an hour
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Clients are free to contact Matt Lucas (Balding Eagle Images) for photo critiques upon my availability.
Cancellation Policy
By purchasing a private workshop, clients acknowledge and agree to provide a minimum of one week's notice for any cancellation.
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Deposits are non-refundable and serve to reserve your workshop dates.
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Cancellations made with less than one week's notice will result in the full workshop balance becoming due.
Workshop Terms and Conditions
This agreement is entered into between Matt Lucas (Balding Eagle Images) and the Workshop Client and will be signed in person at the commencement of the workshop.
1. Wildlife Location Confidentiality
Clients agree not to disclose specific wildlife locations learned during or after the workshop. Protecting wildlife and maintaining the integrity of natural habitats is essential. Failure to agree to this condition will result in cancellation of the workshop.
2. Schedule Changes
Workshop schedules may be modified due to circumstances including, but not limited to, weather conditions, illness, or unforeseen events. Refunds will not be provided for delays or cancellations resulting from such circumstances.
3. Liability for Personal Injury
Matt Lucas (Balding Eagle Images) shall not be held liable for any injury sustained by the Workshop Client during classes, workshops, field excursions, or guided tours.
4. Equipment Liability
Matt Lucas (Balding Eagle Images) assumes no responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of photographic equipment or personal property during the workshop.
5. Wildlife Sightings
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Clients understand that they are paying for Matt's time, expertise, instruction, and guidance. Animal behavior and locations cannot be controlled, and no refunds will be provided due to a lack of wildlife encounters.
6. Weather Conditions
Workshops operate in a variety of weather conditions unless safety concerns arise. Hazardous road conditions may necessitate schedule changes or cancellations. During winter, workshops may be cancelled if snowfall exceeds approximately 5–10 cm and travel conditions become unsafe. No refunds will be provided due to weather conditions or unfavorable lighting.
7. Wildlife Baiting and Luring
The use of bait, scents, calls, or any other methods intended to attract wildlife is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in immediate cancellation of the workshop without refund.
8. Respect for Wildlife
Clients agree not to chase, touch, capture, harass, or attempt to interact physically with wildlife.
9. Participant Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for supplying all necessary camera equipment and appropriate clothing suitable for seasonal weather conditions and outdoor activities.
10. Travel and Accommodation
Meals, lodging, airfare, and transportation to and from workshop locations are not included.
11. Drinking/Smoking
Clients will not drink alcohol or smoke (vapes, cigarettes, cannabis, etc.) during the entirety of the workshop. Any participation in the above noted substances will result in immediate cancellation of the workshop without refund.
12. Respecting other Participants
All clients will respect the time and space of other participants of the workshop. Any verbal or physical harassment will absolutely not be tolerated and will result in immediate cancellation of the workshop without refund.
By signing below, the Workshop Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all workshop policies, terms, and conditions.
Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________________
Name Printed: _______________________________________________________
Private Guided Tours for One or Two Participants
Join professional wildlife photographer Matt Lucas of Balding Eagle Images for an immersive wildlife photography experience designed to help you improve your skills while prioritizing ethical wildlife practices.
Depending on the season, wildlife subjects may include bald eagles, shorebirds, warblers, foxes, porcupines, raccoons, deer, reptiles, amphibians, and many other species. Every excursion is unique, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
What can be guaranteed is that you can expect to have one-on-one coaching throughout the experience where participants will learn a variety of photography techniques specific to nature and wildlife photography. Clients will be shown lesser-known, but equally beautiful locations throughout mainland Nova Scotia. Whether or not the wildlife shows up, clients will be treated to an informative and immersive trip within nature. Not only does being in nature provide wonderful benefits to one’s mental health, but other photographic opportunities, like macro or landscape photography, will also be available.
Wildlife Photography Workshop
Experience
