Bird Photography Retreat Vero Beach Florida – Shoot Learn Soar with Lou Coetzer

Osprey with fish Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

Bird Photography Retreat Vero Beach Florida – Shoot Learn Soar with Lou Coetzer

Osprey with fish Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

1/1

Where beginners and seasoned photographers rediscover the joy of mastery.
A Bird Photography Retreat
in Vero Beach -
Master the Art of
Seeing Differently

Shoot. Learn. Soar

January 2026

Vero Beach, Florida

Book Your Vero Beach Date

Limited to 6 photographers • Refund Guarantee if no visible progress

Local Photographers - the no-accommodation option still includes full participation, daily shoots, reviews and money-back guarantee

Transform Your Photography in Paradise
Jump to Dates & Pricing

Shoot. Learn. Soar. From First Focus to Flight - Why this Matters

Vero Beach | Sebastian Inlet | Stick Marsh

Rediscover the thrill of bird photography - from sunrise sessions to golden reflections. Learn to anticipate, compose, and capture the untamed beauty of Vero Beach.

From First Focus to Flight – Why This Matters

Photography is a lifelong conversation between curiosity and skill.
My youngest mentees — my grandchildren — taught me that curiosity is the best teacher; my oldest mentee, John Mostert (86), proves that learning never ends.
Between them lies everyone who joins these workshops: absolute novices finding their first sharp frame and experienced shooters ready to see the world anew.

This retreat is for you if you’ve ever thought:
• “I love birds but my photos never look alive.”
• “I want to understand action and light without the jargon.”
• “I used to be inspired … and want that feeling back.”

No experience required – just curiosity and a love for wild things.

"If you can not explain it to a 6 year old child you do not know it yourself."

- Albert Einstein

Our teaching philosophy – making the complex simple so you can master

it in the field.

Who this is for

“Bird lovers who want crisper action sequences.”
“Photographers returning after a break—results from Day 1.”
“Anyone who learns better in the field, not on YouTube.”

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Osprey Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Laughing Gull Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Brown Pelican Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Osprey Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

1/5

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Roseate Spoonbill Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Golden-fronted Woodpecker Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Turkey Vulture Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Beginner and senior photographers learning bird photography with Lou Coetzer – First Focus to Flight

Roseate Spoonbill Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

1/5

Osprey Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

Trusted by Professionals - Results that Speaks for Themselves

“The workshop brought me a level of excellence I had never dreamed of. He makes it SO simple. Just doing what he says leads to extraordinary results.”

— Mark Elder, Retired Corporate Attorney (New York)

Kicking You Out Of Your Nest (AI Editing /The New Lens)

AI Editing – The New Lens of Possibility.

AI editing isn’t about replacing the photographer — it’s about revealing what we couldn’t see before.

Used intentionally, it becomes a new lens through which you re-evaluate every frame, every detail, every moment of light.
During this session, Lou demonstrates how AI transforms limitations — noise, shadow, distance — into creative possibility.

Proof in the Pixels — AI Editing Transformation
Compare originals with their enhanced counterparts — before and after AI refinement — to see how clarity and emotion coexist when technology serves vision.

Same moment · Different seeing · Technology meets artistry.

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Reddish-Egret Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Osprey in flight Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Turkey Vulture Portrait Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Reddish-Egret Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

1/4

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Reddish-Egret display Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Osprey in flight Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Turkey Vulture Portrait Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

AI Editing Before and After – bird in flight image refined using Lou Coetzer workflow

Reddish-Egret display Sebastian Inlet Stick Marsh Florida USA

1/4

Same frame, clearer detail—learn the workflow step-by-step

Vero Beach_5th Aug-10th Aug_2025_06787_DxO-2_DxO-2_DxO.jpg

Taking Flight (Joe G's Story)

Re-imagine what’s possible when timing, behaviour and light come together.
With a clear, simple field method, you’ll stop guessing and start anticipating — and your images will show it.

From “rusty” to action — Day 1
“I consider myself an intermediate photographer. I hadn’t picked up a camera in 6 months and it was my first time using mirrorless. On Day 1 with Lou in Vero Beach I captured a full osprey catch sequence — sharp frames from dive to exit. Over the next few days, I kept getting incredible images.” — Prof Joe G

Why this matters
Lou’s method blends fundamentals, modern camera setup, and an efficient editing workflow so results arrive fast — even if you’re new to mirrorless or feeling rusty.
Beginners and experienced photographers can both apply the system and get professional-quality sequences from Day 1.

Osprey catch sequence photographed by workshop participant Joe G – Vero Beach Bird Photography Retre

Taking Flight-Osprey lifting Prey out of water Sebastian Inlet Florida

Osprey catch sequence photographed by workshop participant Joe G – Vero Beach Bird Photography Retre

Taking Flight-Osprey lifting Prey out of water Sebastian Inlet Florida

Osprey catch sequence photographed by workshop participant Joe G – Vero Beach Bird Photography Retre

Taking Flight-Osprey lifting Prey out of water Sebastian Inlet Florida

Osprey catch sequence photographed by workshop participant Joe G – Vero Beach Bird Photography Retre

Taking Flight-Osprey lifting Prey out of water Sebastian Inlet Florida

1/6

Joe trained right here in Vero Beach - see his Day 1 results below

Soar - Practical Bird Photography

Local photographers - the no-accommodation option still includes full participation, daily shoots, reviews and money-back guarantee

Every dawn and dusk becomes your classroom.

Read light & behaviour to predict flight paths.
Anticipate action → pre-focus → capture the sequence.
Review mid-day to improve same-day results.

This will include how to:

Learn to set yourself up for success.
Discover and push the sweet spot of your camera's ISO capabilities.
Position yourself for light, think exposure and depth.
Use maximum shutter speed to freeze motion and shoot DOF.
Use minimum shutter speed to portray motion via blur and zoom.
Play the accordion between wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

See dates & pricing

Lou Coetzer mentoring participants during bird photography session at Vero Beach workshop

Royal Tern Rolling after exit. Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

Lou Coetzer mentoring participants during bird photography session at Vero Beach workshop

Royal Tern Rolling after exit. Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

Lou Coetzer mentoring participants during bird photography session at Vero Beach workshop

Royal Tern Rolling after exit. Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

Lou Coetzer mentoring participants during bird photography session at Vero Beach workshop

Royal Tern Rolling after exit. Sebastian Inlet Florida USA

1/9

A Retreat for Soul

Between sunrise and sunset, the retreat becomes a reset — a space to breathe, reflect and reconnect with why you photograph.
It’s a gathering of friends who see the world through wonder — a shared conversation between art and nature.

You’ll stay at the exquisite Las Palmas Vero Beach, a stunning 4,500 sq ft private home nestled on a serene 10-acre royal palm tree farm. With expansive open spaces, lake and pool views, and luxurious touches throughout, this elegant AirBnB-style retreat offers both comfort and inspiration.

Inside you will find:

5 spacious bedrooms, including two master suites with en-suite bathrooms
A family-friendly layout with king, queen, and twin beds to suit various needs
A 20x40-foot pool with built-in spa overlooking a lush palm grove
Modern decor, natural light, and quiet corners for editing or relaxing
A dedicated office and day room, ideal for work or quiet reflection

Veronica, your hostess, ensures everyone feels at home, provided with hearty, delicious meals, comfortable, and cared for.

Lou, your mentor and revolutionary photographer, will guide you with energy and passion.

The Money-Back Guarantee

Our Commitment to Measured Results

Your growth is my personal investment.

This Money-Back Guarantee isn’t a retail return — it’s a professional promise based on results we can both see and measure.
If, after fully participating, you don’t see clear progress in your field results, I’ll refund your fee in full.
This is a mutual commitment to effort and outcome — not a transaction.

Read the full Money-Back Guarantee terms on our Workshop page

Secure booking • Clear refund policy • No hidden fees

Roseate Spoonbill symbolizing trust and guarantee at Vero Beach bird photography retreat

Roseate Spoonbills Stick Marsh Florida USA

Roseate Spoonbill symbolizing trust and guarantee at Vero Beach bird photography retreat

Roseate Spoonbills Stick Marsh Florida USA

Roseate Spoonbill symbolizing trust and guarantee at Vero Beach bird photography retreat

Roseate Spoonbills Stick Marsh Florida USA

Roseate Spoonbill symbolizing trust and guarantee at Vero Beach bird photography retreat

Roseate Spoonbills Stick Marsh Florida USA

1/6

Workshop & Booking Details, Secure Your Spot

The Mentorship DNA — On Location

Every element of this retreat comes directly from the Seeing Beyond the Obvious Mentorship Program — same principles, same breakthroughs — lived in the field.

“Before Lou’s IP, ‘f’ stood for frustration. After, it stands for fun — and for flying, feeding, fighting and performing! You made the whole experience exciting from shot to edit.” — Steph Vermeulen, Clinical Psychologist (SA)

What You'll Experience
• Small, focused groups with personal coaching.
• Daily shoots in coastal and wetland habitats.
• Midday reviews and AI workflow guidance.
• Time to ask, apply and grow without rush.

You'll Learn To
• Read light and anticipate action.
• Capture crisp, dynamic sequences.
• Use AI tools and composition as one integrated process.

What's In It For You
• Professional-level images and renewed creative energy.
• Practical clarity you can use anywhere.
• Confidence to see differently — and enjoy it again.

“If you fully participate and don’t see clear progress in your action images,

we’ll refund you. (See Guarantee ^)

Workshop Dates

January 2 - 6, 2026 (4 nights)
January 6 - 11, 2026 (5 nights)
January 2 -11, 2026 (9 nights)

Workshop Fees

USD$ 3,595.00 - 4 nights per person
USD$ 4,500.00 - 5 nights per person
USD$ 5,900.00 - 9 nights per person for couples or guests sharing

Local Photographers Fees (No Accommodation option)

USD$ 2,845.00 - 2 - 6 January, 2026
USD$ 3,600.00 -6 - 11 January, 2026