Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River, Nebraska

Central Nebraska has long been recognized as the premier gathering place for Sandhill Cranes, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for photographers to witness one of the largest concentrations of these majestic birds in the world. Each spring, thousands of cranes funnel along a stretch of the Platte River, roosting in shallow waters at night and feeding in surrounding fields during the day to prepare for their migration north. On this guided safari, participants will spend several days under the expert instruction of nature photographer Sean Quintilian, capturing the cranes in flight at sunrise, observing their feeding behavior in the fields, and photographing their return to the river at nightfall. The workshop will emphasize techniques for birds in motion, capturing dramatic silhouettes against the rising sun, and creating dynamic compositions that showcase the scale and beauty of this natural spectacle. Additional sessions will include photographing Greater Prairie Chickens from private blinds and observing prairie dogs in their natural habitat.

Participants will enjoy comfortable accommodations at a nearby hotel, with all ground transportation from the local airport provided. The safari offers a mix of private blinds and public lands, giving photographers unparalleled access to the birds while ensuring ethical and safe wildlife practices. Sean Quintilian’s years of experience guiding these trips will provide participants with practical insights on camera settings, lighting, and composition to maximize their photographic results. With careful planning and expert guidance, photographers will leave with a rich portfolio of images, capturing both the grandeur of the crane migration and the charm of the surrounding prairie landscape.