Animal Metamorphosis: A Tropical Weekend Adventure In Florida
Join us for a weekend of creativity, inspiration, and discovery as we explore the magic of animal metamorphosis in the breathtaking beauty of Florida.
Zoo Tampa - Discover Our World Together
Imagine embarking on an extraordinary weekend adventure in Florida while much of the country is in the grip of winter,
where your primary focus is editing and painting animals.
(Optional) - ZooTampa on Friday January 10th where we will explore the amazing animals at this WAZA approved zoo, photographing these enchanting animals, alongside a wealth of other captivating mammals and stunning birds. This exclusive tour is meticulously organized and promises an experience that is both immersive and exhilarating. This unique experience centers around the art of editing and painting animals, offering you the perfect creative escape.
Animal Metamorphosis A Trophical Weekend - Limited Space
• 1 hour of private mentoring ($250 value) for each attendee scheduled at your convenience. Does not expire.
• Transportation to our location in Florida is not provided. We are staying in Sarasota, FL and for those going to the zoo, the zoo is in Tampa. We will car pool to ZooTampa for those that want to go. Car pooling is first come first served.
Information On This Experience
• 1 hour of private mentoring ($250 value) for each attendee scheduled at your convenience. Does not expire.
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Join us for an unforgettable weekend seminar in the vibrant city of Sarasota, Florida, where creativity meets natural beauty. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers a perfect blend of tropical charm, stunning beaches, and rich cultural experiences. As an optional part of this unique seminar, we’ll venture to ZooTampa, one of the nation’s leading zoological parks, renowned for its commitment to animal conservation and immersive exhibits. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph an incredible array of wildlife, from majestic mammals to exotic birds, all set against the lush, tropical backdrop of Florida’s natural beauty. Whether you’re capturing the essence of these magnificent creatures or simply soaking in the warmth and wonder of Sarasota, this weekend promises to be both inspiring and rejuvenating.
Reviews From past Attendees
"My trip to a remote area of Maine with Judy was an unforgettable adventure. She organized a private charter for our group of six, featuring a registered Maine guide who expertly navigated us close to puffins, seals, and even an eagle! We also learned a little bit about lobstering, and life in a working fishing village, which made the experience all the more richer. Judy's guidance on camera settings and photo editing was invaluable for someone like me with little experience photographing birds in flight. Our accommodations in a stunning house within a quaint fishing village allowed us to witness eagles frequently by the harbor. Judy’s adventurous spirit and her knack for connecting with locals provided us with exclusive tips leading to hidden seascape photography spots that are either lesser-known or inaccessible to the general public. With only a few locations in the US to photograph puffins, Judy undoubtedly found the best spot and delivered an unparalleled experience."
Amy Masi, MD Photographer
"What an amazing experience Judy Reinford created! A chance of a lifetime to get to photograph Puffins without leaving the US. She arranged an amazing small lobster style boat experience that gets you right up near the Puffins on their private nesting and breeding island. We had fantastic chances to photograph in all sorts of conditions. We also got to see not only Puffins, but Terns, Guillemots, Razorbills, Eiders and I even got 3 Oyster catchers flying by! Even fat harbor seals and an Eagle posing majestically on a rocky outcropping. The surrounding towns offered more amazing experiences, great food ( lobster of course!) beautiful craggy landscapes, working harbors and boats. The house was perfectly sized for the group, offering plenty of space as a group and comfortable accomodations. As an experienced bird photographer myself, Judy still has so much to offer all levels! I came back from it complaining I had too MANY keeper photos… lol!! I highly recommend this trip and workshop to anyone!"
Betsi Convery Luce, MA Photographer
"Photographing puffins was on my bucket list as a wildlife photographer. Not only did this trip give me the opportunity to capture these delightful birds on water and in the air but there were plenty of eagles around too! The airbnb we stayed in was so spacious and clean with lots of rooms: a large kitchen and dining area, a living room with a tv and plenty of seating, and a porch with a gas fireplace. So cozy! We had some time to venture into nearby towns to sightsee, shop and eat lobster. Gotta have lobster while in Maine! The boat captain was very accommodating and friendly, taking us on a fun adventure with the puffins, and even giving us a glimpse into the world of lobster fishing. I came home with more than 9,000 images of puffins and eagles. I am delighted with the results!"
Kristy Steeves, OH Photographer
Map Of General Area
Terms and Conditions
Canceling And Refund Policy
Canceled 180 days or more before January 1, 2025: full refund if your spot can be filled minus $150 admin fee.
Canceled 179 - 90 days before January 1, 2025: 50% refund if we can fill your spot minus $150 admin fee.
Canceled 90 - 1 day before January 1, 2025: no refund unless we find a replacement guest. Then you will receive a 50% refund. Transferring your workshop to someone else must be pre approved due to the nature of the schedule.
Cancelation Of Workshop
The workshop can be cancelled due to medical emergency, family emergency or unsafe travel. If this happens you will receive a full refund. Any incurred expenses for your travel to and from the workshop are not covered by Judy Reinford Photography. We suggest you purchase travel insurance.
Travel
Judy Reinford Photography is not liable for any airline or travel cancellations or delays. Please note that arriving at the workshop one or more days late will not entitle you to any refund.
Weather
Weather conditions are unpredictable, and safety is our top priority. This experience includes five private chartered boat trips to photograph puffins in a secluded location. The Captain reserves the right to cancel any outing due to dangerous or inclement weather. There may be opportunities for one or more individuals to join a later boat, but as all rides are limited to six passengers plus a first mate and captain, the likelihood of everyone getting on a makeup boat for missed morning trips is slim. If multiple people want to participate in a makeup trip, names will be drawn at random. Any trips canceled due to weather and not rescheduled will be refunded at the end of our week-long adventure. Please note, refunds will not be provided for trips missed for personal reasons. Your registration includes up to five boat trips, weather permitting.
Insurance
It is highly recommended to purchase travel and medical insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind and protection against unforeseen circumstances. This coverage can provide essential assistance in the event of travel delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventure without worry.
Photography
By attending this workshop, you consent to being photographed or videotaped by our team. These images and videos may be utilized in future promotional materials to showcase and advertise our events. Your participation helps us share the excitement and value of our workshops with a broader audience, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Liability
You are attending this workshop at your own risk.
Judy Reinford
Judy Reinford M. Photog., M. Artist, CR., CPP, MAI
Judy's passion for photography began when she was just six years old. She vividly remembers spending hours in the darkroom with her grandpa, the gentle glow of the red light casting a warm hue over the developing images. There was something magical about watching photos come to life in the developing tray. Her grandpa’s instructions, “don’t turn the light on,” and the silent anticipation as the image emerged, left a lasting impression on her. That early experience in the darkroom sparked a fascination with the art of capturing moments and transforming them into visual stories.
In 1989, Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She began her career in photography at Hess’s department store, photographing everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Judy's interest in pet, equine, and zoo photography developed through her involvement in PPA print competitions. This led to a passion for fundraising and donating her finished work to zoo gala silent auctions. She is currently on the board of The Lehigh Valley Zoo Gala Committee, underscoring her dedication to animal conservation.
Judy's studio specializes in pet and equine photography, offering on-location or studio sessions (though they haven't had a horse in the studio yet—just dogs). Her services include digital mixed-media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. Over the past three years, horses have become a significant passion for Judy. She resumed horseback riding in the summer of 2020 and finds photographing these gentle giants, either alone or with their owners, a rewarding experience.
Her teaching seminars have gained national attention, attracting attendees to PPA Community Partners and Photography Guilds across the country. Even small events have seen participants flying in from afar. Achieving the titles of Master Photographer and Master Artist through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was an exciting and challenging journey for Judy. PPA offers these prestigious degrees to recognize the significant achievements of its members. Determined to attain both degrees simultaneously, she completed the rigorous process in less than three IPC competitions, a remarkable feat.
In 2023, Judy embraced the future by becoming an educator in the field of AI, teaching the positive aspects and potential of this technology. She is excited to explore how AI can enhance creative processes and push the boundaries of traditional photography and digital art. This new area complements the extensive Photoshop techniques already covered in her online and in-person workshops. I see the future of photography and art evolving rapidly with the integration of advanced technologies like AI. These tools are opening up new possibilities for creativity and expression, allowing artists to push boundaries in ways that were previously unimaginable. I believe that AI will become an integral part of the artistic process, enhancing our ability to create, edit, and share our work.
In this evolving landscape, I hope to be someone on the cutting edge of these advancements, helping to educate and guide students in using AI in a safe and beneficial way. My goal is to demonstrate the positive potential of AI in art and photography, helping others to see the good it can bring to our creative endeavors. By incorporating AI into my workshops and teachings, I aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to leverage these technologies effectively, fostering a new generation of artists who are both innovative and responsible.
PPA 2026 Diamond Photographer Of The Year
5 Time Diamond Photographer
5 Time GIA Nominee
ASP IOD Image Of The Year 2025
ISAP Photographer Of The Year 2024
ASP Images Of Distinction, Best In Show Spring 2024
IPC 2024 Double Gold Medalist
2019-2022 PPA International Diamond Photographer Of The Year – Photographic Open
2023 PPA North Carolina Photographer Of The Year
2023, 2022 & 2020 Animal Image Makers - Best Equine Image
2023 Animal Image Makers - Best In Show
2023 Animal Image Makers - Master Of Animal Imaging
2021 Animal Image Makers - Accredited Professional Of Animal Imagery
PPNC Photographer Of The Year 2023
TXPPA Best Other Domestic Animal 2023
ASP 2nd Place Best Animal Portrait 2023
5 Time (2019- 2023) ASP State Elite Award
2021 MPI International Image Challenge - Digital Art Photographer Of The Year
2020 MPI International Image Challenge - Fine Art Photographer Of The Year
2020 - PPA International Platinum Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2019 WPPI Second Half Competition Third Place Animal Portrait
2019 ASP Bronze Medallion
2020 Imaging USA - Image Excellence Award
2019 ASP District Award 2019
Imaging USA - Craftsman Degree
2018 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Photographic Open
2018 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2018 ASP State Elite Award
2018 - PPA Northeast First Place Animal Portrait
2018 Imaging USA - Master Photography Degree and Mast Artist Degree
2017 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year –Photographic Open
2017 - PPA International Platinum Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2016 - PPA International Silver Photographer Of The Year –Photographic Open
2016 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
