Among humming birds, toucans, quetzals & poison dart frogs – Costa Rica February 2022

– Patrik Brolin, Enskede

Home again from my second photo tour to Costa Rica with Wild Nature Photo Adventures, once again with memory cards full.

We were a group of 8 participants, with Jan Pedersen as our leader. As usual, it was a well-balanced group, giving us all plenty of time to photograph the different species we encountered during jungle walks, without missing photographic opportunities.

We received many valuable general photography tips on a daily basis, and every single participant was given more or less individually tailored advice or challenges from Jan—a truly attentive and responsive style of leadership in my opinion.

The entire itinerary was very well designed, offering great variety in photographic subjects: many of Costa Rica’s iconic species, landscapes, night photography, macro work, and creative opportunities with hummingbirds. In addition to the planned program, Jan also arranged extra outings with local guides when conditions were too good to miss.

There were many guided walks led by highly knowledgeable local guides or Jan himself, all with many years of experience in Costa Rica. We stayed in lodges where nature was right on our doorstep, allowing time for independent photography as well. Jan consistently provided advice on where to go and what to look for.

As mentioned, this was my second trip to Costa Rica. I had an amazing photography experience the first time and wanted both to relive it and to build on ideas I had developed since then, as well as capture subjects I did not manage to photograph the first time. I had many similar photographic opportunities as on my previous trip, but what was truly surprising was how many new species we encountered on this journey, despite revisiting several of the same locations.

People and elephants share an interest in bathing. But after the bath, we differ significantly. The first thing elephants do after finishing their bath is to cover themselves in mud and dust. I believe this is to protect their skin. It creates great photographic opportunities when elephants throw mud and dust over themselves using their trunks.

All photos: ©Patrik Brolin