Wildlife & Nature Photography Field Day With Bobby Stormer + Sony

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.