Alyce Bender
Seminar – November 1, 2025

Alyce Bender (https://www.abenderphotography.com/) is a professional nature photographer, writer, educator, and adventurer. Camera in hand since childhood, her fascination for photography developed into a career after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Her passion for wildlife and the natural environment compels her to connect others with nature through sharing both visual art and in-field experiences that promote conservation, creativity, and ethical photography.

She is a Tamron Ambassador, contributing writer/photographer for the Journal of Wildlife Photography, and partner photographer/mentor for the non-profit Girls Who Click. Her work has been featured in group and solo shows across the U.S. as well as in domestic and international publications from the U.K. to Japan. When leading tours, Bender’s goal is to help photographers of all levels explore and expand their personal vision and naturalist skills ethically. When not in the field, she offers a variety of educational and mentorship programs, both in person and virtually.

Alyce will present 4 separate programs discussing the following topics:

Alyce’s program is sponsored by Tamron.

Location

The Fall Seminar will be held at Stamford Center Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, Ontario. 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tickets

The ticket price for seminar on November 1 is $70 CDN and includes lunch and refreshments. Ticket sales will open at the beginning of June.

Small Scale Wildlife Photography:
Creating Unique Wildlife Images with a Macro Lens

Not all wildlife is covered in fur, stands eight feet tall, or has three-inch claws. With over 900 thousand species of insects on this planet, one of the most accessible wildlife photography opportunities a photographer has is that of the insects around them. In this class, we will explore the world at our feet, in our gardens, and out in the field by focusing on macro wildlife and insect photography. Participants will learn how to find subjects, composition and lighting considerations, and how to choose the correct settings for their subject. Post-processing images will be touched on as well.

The Diverse Landscape:
Capturing Landscapes and All They Have to Offer

Grand landscapes have long drawn the photographer’s focus. From the mountains to the oceans, landscapes are all around. But how can we diversify our landscapes beyond just changing the environment? In this session, we will explore various landscape photography genres spanning from the traditional to intimate small scene and creative landscapes. Participants will learn about gear selection, maximizing traditional landscapes, how to see beyond the “Epic” view, and making the most of your time in the field

Impressionistic Photography:
Using Creative In-Camera Techniques to Create Artistic Images

In this session, we will explore the world of Impressionistic Photography. Topics covered will include pre-visualizing scenes, selecting camera settings, in-field techniques, and a few tips on post processing these special images. This will give participants the basic tools to start experimenting on their own in the field to create unique images even in popular shooting locations or with common backyard subjects.

Putting Nature First:
An Introduction to the Seven Principles

There are seven general principles that, when implemented, can help ensure we as nature photographers are putting nature first. In this session, Bender, a Nature First Ambassador for the Texas Region, will introduce participants to the Nature First Principles and how they apply to both landscape and wildlife photography. I will also discuss why these principles are important to nature photographers and the positive impacts that following these principles can have for both photographers and nature.

The seminar is sponsored by Tamron and would not be possible without their support.