Brazil - The Atlantic Forest
&
Lençóis Maranhenses
July 22 - August 2, 2025
On this tour, we will first spend time in the Atlantic Forest, which stretches along the eastern coast. It is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, second only to the Amazon; where approximately 2,200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians thrive. One of the best ways we can protect it in perpetuity is to support locals who make a living off the land.
After photographing the colorful, exquisite birds in the forest, we will travel to a place unlike any other on earth, Lençóis Maranhenses, where you will be mesmerized by the snow white dunes and turquoise waterbodies that stretch for miles.
Guides: Jackie Kramer & Anselmo Hoffman (https://anselmohoffmann.com.br/)
Lençóis Maranhenses
At a Glance
Dates: July 22 (July 21 - welcome dinner at 5pm) - August 2, 2025 (arrive on or before midday on July 21st).
Includes: All instruction in the field and classroom plus online Zoom orientation before & post-conference Zoom session.
Cost: $6200 (mixed single & double lodging) $2000 deposit (balance due by March 1, 2025 unless other arrangements are made) NOTE: This trip combines the Birds in the Atlantic Forest ($3550 DO) & Lençóis Maranhenses Dunes ($4100). Together, the rate is reduced by $1450.
Location: Fly into São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) on or before July 21; Pick up for the tour will be at Hampton Inn GRU or nearby hotel. Depart hotel at 8am on July 22nd.
Transportation and Lodging: You will be picked up at the Hampton Inn GRU early on July 22nd. All ground transportation will be provided. Our time will be split between two ecolodges in the Atlantic Forest, one in the Salesopolis area and the other in Tapirai. Birds and wildlife are abundant and you will discover that the grounds are very photo-friendly. Lodging is clean & safe. Lodging in Lençóis Maranhenses will be provided to participants in future correspondence. All meals, including welcome dinner, are included while at lodges.
Not included:
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Airfare to Brazil
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Airfare in country (from Sao Paulo to San Luiz airport)
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Airfare for optional small flights ($7-800 for each one hour sunrise/sunset flight over Lençóis Maranhenses)
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Hotel in Sao Paulo (before and/or after the tour)
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Meals before and after official start and enroute to locations
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Gratuity for lodge staff & guides
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Visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Beverages, snacks, & other optional add-ons.
Physical Level: Easy to Moderate. You will not need to walk long distances unless you take excursions on trails. Some walking is required at one lodge from rooms to dining area and shooting locations. Walking in the sand on dunes will be at your discretion, no lengthy excursions necessary.
Weather: Temperatures should be comfortable in the Atlantic Forest. Nights will likely be cool, warming up during the day. It will be winter in Brazil. Temperatures at Lençóis Maranhenses will be warmer, maybe even hot. Sunscreen and protective clothing is essential.
Group size: 3 min - 5 max
Birds of the Atlantic Forest
(by Jackie Kramer)
Lençois Manranhenses
(by Anselmo Hoffman)
July 21
Arrive in São Paulo. Welcome dinner at 7pm
July 22 -24
Depart at 8am to arrive by lunch at first ecolodge where we will photograph saffron toucanets, toucans, parakeets, woodpeckers, tanagers, hummingbirds, and more. We accept the gift of nature; one never knows exactly what species will be present. For the next 2 days continue to photograph birds in the early morning at the moth screen & later on hummingbirds, the toucanets, parakeets, woodpeckers, & explore the trails and beautiful plants on the grounds.
July 25
Depart after breakfast for second ecolodge where we will spend the next 3 nights. You will literally open your bedroom door to find a garden designed by a bird-loving photographer. You will instantly realize that every plant is thoughtfully selected and cared for with spectacular backgrounds. Hummingbirds, tanagers, the famous bellbird, owls, and a variety of birds in the forest as well. You may even get lucky & spot the red & white crakes, the tinamou, & elusive Marmoset.
July 28
Depart early for São Paulo to catch our flight to São Luís.
July 29
Begin the exciting journey into the magical dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses with world-renowned photographer, Anselmo Hoffman.
July 30 - Aug 2
Photographic opportunities of every kind abound - traditional camera, drones, and from small planes (optional/extra). Anselmo will guide us into the dunes for some of the most unique scenes one can experience. Details will be provided to participants at least 3 months prior to departing.
Aug 2
Depart Lençóis Maranhenses via Sâo Luis airport for home.
Gear you will need...
Camera: Participants are expected to know how to operate their equipment. If you have any new gear, it is important to become acquainted with it BEFOREHAND to get the most from the workshop.
Lenses: Telephoto zoom (100 - 500mm equivalent) will allow you to photograph the birds from a distance to a fairly close range. Mid and wide-angle lenses will be needed as well. A wide-angle zoom will be helpful.
Drones: Drones for photographing Lençois Manranhenses are optional. You must know how to operate it if you bring one.
Tripods: A sturdy tripod with a gimbal head will be helpful if you need assistance holding your camera for a long period of time.
Software: All post-processing will be done using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Jackie will share editing techniques ranging from basic image adjustments to more advanced Photoshop techniques with emphasis on removing distractions and cleaning up images. We will focus on obtaining a variety of compositions so that you have some images which incorporate the environment in a scenic manner.
Pre-workshop Zooms: An overview and orientation will be held online prior to the workshop. Feedback will be shared in the field and in review sessions during the workshop. Post-workshop Zoom will be to share your fully edited images.
One of the highlights of this adventure will be the people. You will feel right at home from the moment you arrive!
Anselmo Hoffman
Landscape & Nature Photographer, Brazil
Anselmo considers his photography a portal that connects him with nature and the world. His images convey emotion while simultaneously expressing his sense of care for and preservation of the natural beauty of our planet. Anselmo's work has received international acclaim from FIAP, IAAP, and the Photographic Society of America. He has been published in National Geographic and many other publications.
Anselmo not only knows how to navigate to and through Lençóis Maranhenses, he knows it from the perspective of a landscape photographer which is priceless.
Jackie Kramer
Jackie lives in St. Augustine and has been photographing the natural world since high school in Sarasota, FL. She is known for her rich colors and for infusion of personality in her floral and wildlife images. Jackie has received international acclaim for her images and has been published in several noteworthy magazines. Jackie also maintains an active group, Phlorography - Artistic Floral Photography, with thousands of passionate floral photographers from around the world. Phlorography is a community in which everyone and their photographic expression is valued.
