Bird Photography Bootcamp: Golden Hour Migration at Cape May Point
Select a Date
Join Ivey Kennedy and Bobby Stormer for a Bird Photography Bootcamp sunset migration photowalk at Cape May Point State Park and Hawkwatch.
We'll begin with a brief presentation on the variety of migratory birds that pass through the area with Park Naturalist Matthew Pelligrine.
Afterwards, we'll explore the park and surrounding habitats in search of these migrating raptors, shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and more. With the afternoon transitioning into golden hour, we'll focus on using changing light and the surrounding environment to create dynamic bird photographs. Additional topics include covering birds in flight, autofocus and camera settings, exposure, composition, anticipating behavior, and working creatively.
Possible sightings may include hawks, falcons, harriers, eagles, osprey, terns, egrets, herons, skimmers, warblers, and other migrants passing through Cape May. As always with wildlife photography, sightings are never guaranteed—and you never know what migration may bring!
We'll also discuss fieldcraft and ethical bird photography while making the most of one of Cape May's most exciting times of day. Sony loaner gear will be available!
RECOMMENDED GEAR TO BRING:
• Camera body
• 400mm+ telephoto lens
• Memory cards
• Extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Water and bug spray
• Comfortable outdoor clothing (layers) and shoes/boots
Ivey Kennedy
Based in Colorado, Ivey Kennedy is a self-taught wildlife photographer whose passion for birds has taken her across North America’s most stunning ecosystems. Guided by patience, observation, and a deep respect for animal behavior, she captures wildlife in its most authentic form and brings those moments to life through her refined editing skills, known for enhancing color, mood, and the emotional impact of each image. Ivey teaches photographers how to truly understand their subjects, creating opportunities for meaningful and ethical encounters. She shares this knowledge with an engaged audience, using her imagery to inspire conservation and a deeper connection with nature. On her tours, participants not only experience unforgettable wildlife moments but also learn how to translate them into powerful, visually striking photographs. Ivey’s goal is for every guest to leave inspired, informed, and equipped to create images that feel as alive as the moments themselves.
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.
Select a Date
Get a FREE $10 Token Back
Good towards in-store purchases.
Bring your cameras! This is part of our Bird Photography Bootcamp Creators Challenge where attendees can submit their best shots from any BPB 2026 photowalk or boat tour for a chance to win a Unique Photo Gift Card!
Click for Prizes & Entry
Join Ivey Kennedy and Bobby Stormer for a Bird Photography Bootcamp sunset migration photowalk at Cape May Point State Park and Hawkwatch.
We'll begin with a brief presentation on the variety of migratory birds that pass through the area with Park Naturalist Matthew Pelligrine.
Afterwards, we'll explore the park and surrounding habitats in search of these migrating raptors, shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and more. With the afternoon transitioning into golden hour, we'll focus on using changing light and the surrounding environment to create dynamic bird photographs. Additional topics include covering birds in flight, autofocus and camera settings, exposure, composition, anticipating behavior, and working creatively.
Possible sightings may include hawks, falcons, harriers, eagles, osprey, terns, egrets, herons, skimmers, warblers, and other migrants passing through Cape May. As always with wildlife photography, sightings are never guaranteed—and you never know what migration may bring!
We'll also discuss fieldcraft and ethical bird photography while making the most of one of Cape May's most exciting times of day. Sony loaner gear will be available!
RECOMMENDED GEAR TO BRING:
• Camera body
• 400mm+ telephoto lens
• Memory cards
• Extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Water and bug spray
• Comfortable outdoor clothing (layers) and shoes/boots
Ivey Kennedy
Based in Colorado, Ivey Kennedy is a self-taught wildlife photographer whose passion for birds has taken her across North America’s most stunning ecosystems. Guided by patience, observation, and a deep respect for animal behavior, she captures wildlife in its most authentic form and brings those moments to life through her refined editing skills, known for enhancing color, mood, and the emotional impact of each image. Ivey teaches photographers how to truly understand their subjects, creating opportunities for meaningful and ethical encounters. She shares this knowledge with an engaged audience, using her imagery to inspire conservation and a deeper connection with nature. On her tours, participants not only experience unforgettable wildlife moments but also learn how to translate them into powerful, visually striking photographs. Ivey’s goal is for every guest to leave inspired, informed, and equipped to create images that feel as alive as the moments themselves.
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.