Wildlife and Nature Photography Field Day with Bobby Stormer (Sony)
Spend the day exploring the natural world at Trailside Nature & Science Center and Watchung Reservation during one of the most active times of year for wildlife. Designed for photographers, birders, and anyone curious about local wildlife, this experience with Bobby Stormer and Sony Rep Robbie Bulilan is centered around discovering and photographing wildlife close to home.
With spring migration underway, the area comes alive with a wide variety of species—from songbirds and woodpeckers to raptors and mammals—offering unique opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife in motion. Learn to slow down, observe more deeply, and connect with the world around you.
Trailside Nature & Science Center itself is an experience worth arriving early for. The space is immersive from the moment you walk in, featuring interactive exhibits, native plant displays, and detailed taxidermy that brings local wildlife up close in a meaningful way. The center also includes a children’s discovery area, making it a great experience for families and younger visitors as well. We encourage you to arrive early and take time to explore the center before the event begins—it’s the perfect introduction to the wildlife and environments you’ll be experiencing throughout the day.
[ 2pm - 4pm ] Learning the Land: Photographing Wildlife Close to Home
There’s no need to travel far to capture meaningful wildlife images—some of the best opportunities are right in your own backyard. Bobby will break down how to read the landscape, recognize patterns in animal behavior, and identify the subtle signs that most people overlook. From suburban neighborhoods to local parks and natural areas, you’ll learn how wildlife uses these environments—and how to position yourself for more intentional, compelling images.
In addition to field awareness, Bobby will cover key photography techniques including camera settings, autofocus approaches, working with natural light, and using composition and environment to elevate your images. The goal is simple: to help you slow down, see more, and photograph with purpose.
[ 5pm - 7:45pm ] Watchung Reservation Photowalk
Explore the woodlands, wetlands, and area around Lake Surprise. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the reservation offers a rich mix of forest, water, and edge habitats that support an incredible range of biodiversity. It also serves as an important stopover during spring migration, making it an ideal place to encounter a wide variety of bird and wildlife species.
In search of everything from warblers and woodpeckers to hawks and mammals, Bobby will guide you through the landscape while helping you identify opportunities and apply the day's lessons in a real-world setting.
This photowalk is considered mild, with mostly flat terrain and some rocky or hilly sections. Conditions near the lake may be muddy. Please come prepared with proper footwear, comfortable clothing, bug spray, water, and your camera gear.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].
*Bring your cameras!
*Meetup details will be sent via email the day prior.
*Please come prepared with proper footwear (lake area may be muddy), comfortable clothing, bug spray, and water.
Get a FREE $10 Token Back
Good towards in-store purchases.
Bring your cameras! After the workshop, submit your 5 best photos into our Creators Challenge for a chance to win!
1st Place: $200 Gift Card
2nd Place: $100 Gift Card
3rd Place: $50 Gift Card
Honorable Mentions (2): $25 Gift Card
Click here for details and entry.
Spend the day exploring the natural world at Trailside Nature & Science Center and Watchung Reservation during one of the most active times of year for wildlife. Designed for photographers, birders, and anyone curious about local wildlife, this experience with Bobby Stormer and Sony Rep Robbie Bulilan is centered around discovering and photographing wildlife close to home.
With spring migration underway, the area comes alive with a wide variety of species—from songbirds and woodpeckers to raptors and mammals—offering unique opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife in motion. Learn to slow down, observe more deeply, and connect with the world around you.
Trailside Nature & Science Center itself is an experience worth arriving early for. The space is immersive from the moment you walk in, featuring interactive exhibits, native plant displays, and detailed taxidermy that brings local wildlife up close in a meaningful way. The center also includes a children’s discovery area, making it a great experience for families and younger visitors as well. We encourage you to arrive early and take time to explore the center before the event begins—it’s the perfect introduction to the wildlife and environments you’ll be experiencing throughout the day.
[ 2pm - 4pm ] Learning the Land: Photographing Wildlife Close to Home
There’s no need to travel far to capture meaningful wildlife images—some of the best opportunities are right in your own backyard. Bobby will break down how to read the landscape, recognize patterns in animal behavior, and identify the subtle signs that most people overlook. From suburban neighborhoods to local parks and natural areas, you’ll learn how wildlife uses these environments—and how to position yourself for more intentional, compelling images.
In addition to field awareness, Bobby will cover key photography techniques including camera settings, autofocus approaches, working with natural light, and using composition and environment to elevate your images. The goal is simple: to help you slow down, see more, and photograph with purpose.
[ 5pm - 7:45pm ] Watchung Reservation Photowalk
Explore the woodlands, wetlands, and area around Lake Surprise. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the reservation offers a rich mix of forest, water, and edge habitats that support an incredible range of biodiversity. It also serves as an important stopover during spring migration, making it an ideal place to encounter a wide variety of bird and wildlife species.
In search of everything from warblers and woodpeckers to hawks and mammals, Bobby will guide you through the landscape while helping you identify opportunities and apply the day's lessons in a real-world setting.
This photowalk is considered mild, with mostly flat terrain and some rocky or hilly sections. Conditions near the lake may be muddy. Please come prepared with proper footwear, comfortable clothing, bug spray, water, and your camera gear.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].