Costa Rica Photography Workshop | Osa Peninsula Rainforest Photo Tour & Safari Experience
Experience a World-Class Costa Rica Photography Workshop in the Osa Peninsula
This is a once-in-a-lifetime photography workshop that will take place on the Osa Peninsula, located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in a world-premiere rainforest destination dubbed one of the most biologically intense places on earth by National Geographic. The pristine peninsula is bound on the northwest by Drake Bay, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Golfo Dulce. The Osa Peninsula offers breathtaking, untouched scenery, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife encompassing lush primary rainforest and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources. There are over 460 species of birds and 140 species of mammals. This is an amazing opportunity to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat.
Your host for this workshop, Greg Johnson, is an award-winning photographer with more than 30 years of photography experience. He has won many awards for his U.S. Desert Southwest Images, Aviation images, and images from his backyard on the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Greg is a thirty-five-year U.S. Air Force veteran and has traveled to more than 100 countries in his professional career. He enjoys sharing his travel experiences and helping his workshop attendees become better photographers.
Why This Workshop Is Different
Exclusive Access to the Osa Peninsula
Photograph one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth…
Personalized 1-on-1 Instruction
Work directly with a professional photographer with 30+ years
A Small-Group Photography Experience Designed for Real Results
Designed for All Skill Levels
Whether you're a beginner or advanced…
What You’ll Photograph
Capture Costa Rica’s Most Incredible Wildlife and Landscapes
Exotic Wildlife Photography
Below are two amazing images of the Eyelash Viper Greg captured on his last trip to Costa Rica, made possible by the highly experienced staff of ecologists on staff at our hosting resort, Crocodile Bay Botanika Resort. In many cases, our guides will go into the rainforest, find these snakes, and place them in a safe place for the group to photograph.
Rainforest & Landscape Photography
The Toucan in the image below was extremely cooperative; he posed for our group for 20 minutes in the same spot, allowing everyone to capture stunning images. You have to be quick, though. As you can see, the Squirrel monkey made a sudden leap for a different tree, and I was lucky to get this shot. When you attend my workshops, you will have every opportunity to bring back amazing images. Our tour guides will put you in the middle of the action, and you will see the results in the processing sessions.
While at the resort, make sure you take time to walk around the grounds. The images below were captured just steps from our rooms at the resort. You will be challenged in this workshop to learn how to quickly manipulate your camera settings in response to the wide variety of shooting conditions. No matter your level of experience, you will enjoy this workshop and receive great support and instruction in Photography and Digital Darkroom.
What You May See & Photograph in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
One of the most common questions I receive is: “What will we actually see and be able to photograph?”
Below is a representative list of wildlife I have personally photographed in this region. The Osa Peninsula is incredibly rich in biodiversity, so while this list is extensive, there is always the exciting possibility of encountering something new and unexpected.
🐒 Mammals
Spider Monkeys (highly active and expressive—great for action shots)
White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys (curious and often close to trails)
Howler Monkeys (frequently heard and seen in the canopy)
Squirrel Monkeys (small, fast-moving, and highly photogenic)
Sloths (both two-toed and three-toed species inhabit this area)
Anteaters (rare but incredible if spotted)
Coatis (often seen foraging on the forest floor)
🦜 Birdlife
Scarlet Macaws (home to one of the largest populations in Central America)
Toucans (including keel-billed varieties)
Parrots & Parakeets (frequently seen in flight and perched)
Hummingbirds (fast, colorful, and abundant)
Tanagers (Cherry, Golden-Hooded, Blue-Grey—often right at the resort!)
Various Songbirds (a wide range of species offering constant opportunities)
Wading Birds & Shorebirds (along rivers and coastal areas)
🐸 Reptiles & Amphibians
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs (iconic and a favorite for macro photography)
Dart Frogs (possible sightings depending on conditions)
Other Tree Frogs (various species with vibrant colors and patterns)
Iguanas (often seen basking in the sun)
Lizards (a wide variety throughout the region)
Snakes (encountered safely and professionally handled by expert guides)
What’s Included
Lodging in Osa Peninsula
Meals
Guided eco tours
Photography instruction
Editing sessions in
Country Air and Transfers
Guided Photo Tours
Everything You Need for a Seamless Experience
Who This Workshop Is For?
Perfect for Photographers Who Want More Than Just a Vacation
This workshop is ideal for travelers who want to combine luxury travel with meaningful photography education…
Meet Your Instructor
Learn from a Professional with 30+ Years of Experience
Greg Johnson, founder of Drive On Photography, is a seasoned professional photographer.
40+ Years of Professional Photography Experience
Capturing landscapes, wildlife, and real-world moments across more than 100 countries.Expert Instructor Focused on Real Results
Known for hands-on, one-on-one teaching that helps photographers dramatically improve in just days—not years.Proven Track Record in Competitive Photography
Multiple first-place finishes in juried competitions, with published work featured across major platforms.Global Travel & Destination Expertise
Extensive experience leading and shooting in challenging environments—from African safaris to remote rainforests.Trusted Leader with a Background in Precision & Discipline
35-year U.S. Air Force veteran, bringing structure, reliability, and mission-focused coaching to every workshop.
Limited Spots – Reserve Your Seat
Secure Your Spot in This Exclusive Costa Rica Photography Workshop
🌿 The Experience
With the support of professional eco-guides trained in locating and tracking wildlife, you’ll be placed in the best possible position to observe and photograph these incredible species. Their expertise allows us to find subjects that many visitors would simply walk past.
While this list highlights what is commonly seen, the true beauty of the Osa Peninsula is its unpredictability.
Every day brings the potential for something rare, something unexpected… and something unforgettable.
You will have professional guides along to help locate wildlife. These guides are amazing and absolutely brilliant. They provide detailed information about all the animals you will see. Their ability to find wildlife borders on the supernatural
"I can personally attest to their uncanny ability to spot wildlife from a great distance," Greg Johnson
