Photo Expedition to New Mexico: Cranes and Geese of Bosque del Apache

This Reefs to Rockies photo expedition is more than a trip. It is a fully immersive nature photography workshop designed to help you return with compelling images and the skills to recreate them. Led by award-winning photographer guide Cheryl Opperman, this small-group journey offers hands-on instruction, personalized feedback, and extended time with one of North America’s most powerful wildlife spectacles.

We specialize in total-immersion photography. That means unhurried mornings and long hours in the field to observe behavior, study light, and photograph creatively. Each winter, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other waterfowl gather along the Rio Grande at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. At dawn, the refuge comes alive as birds lift from their roosting ponds in thunderous “lift-offs,” filling the sky with motion, sound, and possibility – an extraordinary subject for photographers.

Logistics are intentionally simple, with flexibility built into each day to respond to weather, light, and bird activity. Small group size allows space to slow down, refine technique, and remain with scenes as they evolve. Evenings are relaxed, with time to rest, review images, and prepare for the next morning’s light.

WHY BOSQUE DEL APACHE?

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 57,000 acres in central New Mexico and is one of the most important wintering areas for migratory birds in North America. From late fall through winter, massive concentrations of sandhill cranes, snow geese, ducks, and raptors create unmatched opportunities for photography.

Photographic subjects include pre-dawn silhouettes, mass lift-offs, intimate crane family interactions, flight patterns against glowing skies, and close-range portraits in beautiful winter light. You’ll work on composition, exposure in challenging conditions, autofocus techniques for birds in flight, storytelling, and creative use of atmosphere, reflections, and motion.

This expedition is ideal for photographers who want repetition, patience, and extended access to one of the continent’s most dramatic wildlife events.

ACCOMMODATIONS & FIELD EXPERIENCE
Our home base is in Socorro, New Mexico, conveniently located near Bosque del Apache and other productive wildlife areas. You will stay in a comfortable, no-frills hotel chosen for comfort and proximity to the refuge and early morning access.

Photography days begin before sunrise and focus on extended sessions in the field, returning to town midday and heading back out for afternoon and sunset light. Locations are selected daily based on bird movement, weather, and photographic potential.

ABOUT YOUR PHOTO EXPEDITION LEADER: CHERYL OPPERMAN
Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer who has photographed on all seven continents, capturing unforgettable images of wildlife, natural landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Her work has appeared in The Denver Post, National Geographic Society publications, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

She’s earned top honors from organizations including the International Photography Awards, Nature’s Best Photography, and the National Wildlife Federation. A sought-after educator and keynote speaker, Cheryl leads with passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned shooter, her teaching style inspires confidence and creativity.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Sun, Dec 6): Arrival & Welcome Dinner ~ Cheryl will greet those arriving at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (airport code ABQ) and drive to Socorro, our home base for the trip. Participants may choose to either fly into ABQ to meet the group on December 6 or drive directly to Socorro on their own. Everyone will meet in Socorro for a welcome dinner this evening to kick off the expedition and review plans for the days ahead.

Accommodations: Hotel in Socorro, New Mexico
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Important Note: If meeting the group at the airport in Albuquerque, plan to arrive by 3 pm today.

Days 2–4 (Mon, Dec 7–Wed, Dec 9): Bosque del Apache Photography Workshops ~ Three full days devoted to photography at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and other nearby locations. Expect early mornings for sunrise lift-offs, followed by additional field sessions as conditions warrant. These days are all about crane and geese flight, behavior, light, and atmosphere with Cheryl providing in-the-field instruction and guidance throughout.
Accommodations: Hotel in Socorro, New Mexico
Meals: Breakfast daily provided by the hotel

Day 5 (Thu, Dec 10): Departure ~ Today is primarily a departure day. Depending on conditions and interest, there may be an opportunity for a final optional morning session. The trip ends in Socorro, with participants either driving home or returning to Albuquerque International Sunport Airport for flights onward.
Meals: Breakfast provided by the hotel

Important Note: If departing from Albuquerque, schedule your flight for 2 pm or later.

DETAILS

Price – Self-drive option: $3,195* per person based on double occupancy accommodations.

Price – Transportation included option: $3,495** per person based on double occupancy accommodations.

Private Room Option – Add $295*** to the rates above if you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations.

Includes: accommodations (two people sharing a room); daily photography instruction and in-the-field guidance by photo workshop instructor Cheryl Opperman; special use permits and entrance fees; meals as listed (4 hotel breakfasts and 1 dinner); field drinks and snacks; on-the-ground trip coordination and support throughout the expedition; and conservation donation.

Excludes: flights (if applicable); room upgrades; travel insurance (quotes available); meals not listed (lunches and 3 dinners); pre- and post-trip accommodations; gratuities; optional activities; and personal expenses.

*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of booking. With this option, you will meet the group in Socorro with your own transportation for the trip.

**If you chose the “transportation included” option, your trip start at ends at Albuquerque Sunport International Airport.

***If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, but we aren’t able to find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.

Group Size: 4–6 participants + Cheryl Opperman

Level of Difficulty: This trip is designated as easy to moderate. Participants should be comfortable standing for extended periods in cold winter conditions and walking short distances on flat or uneven terrain. No strenuous hiking is required.

Important Information: The itinerary has been built to allow flexibility to accommodate weather, light, and wildlife activity. Every effort will be made to carry out all activities as planned and advertised; however, trip leaders reserve the right to make alterations, deletions, or modifications to the itinerary deemed necessary due to circumstances beyond their control.