Exclusive Shorebird Festival Lodging & Photography Workshop at Odyssey Lodge May 5th-11th
All inclusive pricing: $7200-$8400 per person depending on selected lodging accommodations for a 6 night stay
Stay at Odyssey Lodge & Capture the Magic of the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
Every May, tens of thousands of migrating shorebirds sweep into Kachemak Bay in one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Alaska. This spring, immerse yourself in the experience from the quiet side of the bay at Odyssey Lodge, your private, all-inclusive base for birding, photography, and coastal adventure. Join us for a guided photography experience crafted around the height of the Shorebird Festival. Whether you're expanding your wildlife portfolio or picking up a long lens for the first time, this workshop meets you where you are. You will learn how to capture fast-moving flocks, isolate intimate moments, and compose striking images with the bay’s dramatic landscapes. From exclusive shoreline access to guided photo sessions at sunrise, we’ve created the perfect package for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers of all skill levels.
What’s Included
Guided photography outings
Shorebird behavior insights to help anticipate action
Editing tips and optional image-critique sessions
Access to scenic trails, shoreline viewpoints, and private lodge grounds
Small group size for personalized guidance
What You’ll Learn
How to capture crisp, fast-moving birds
Creating depth in wide-open landscapes
Settings for variable light + flying birds
Reading tide cycles to time your outings
Composing dynamic wildlife images
Making the most of shifting coastal light
Ethical wildlife photography practices
What To Bring
Camera with long lens (300-800mm ideal)
Dry bags or weather cover for gear
Waterproof boots or waders
Warm layers for early mornings
Extra batteries and memory cards
Binoculars or spotting scope
Laptop for editing (optional but helpful
Why Stay at Odyssey Lodge During the Shorebird Festival?
The Best Views, Without the Crowds
Across the bay from Homer, Odyssey Lodge offers rare privacy and front-row access to tidal flats, coastal trails, and forest edges—prime habitat for migrating shorebirds. Wake to the sound of sandpipers, step outside your cabin, and be shooting within minutes.
Small Groups, Personalized Experience
Our limited capacity ensures a calm atmosphere and hands-on support from staff who know the bay, the tides, and the wildlife rhythms.
Enjoy Lodge Amenities
Enjoy state of the art lodge facilities such as a wood burning sauna, recreation room with pool table and video displays, exercise gym, and golf simulator during your stay.
A Nature Retreat Designed for Explorers
With comfortable cabins, handcrafted meals at our restaurant The Meandering Goat, and sweeping views across the water, the lodge is both peaceful and adventure ready. After your morning shoot, return to hot coffee, warm breakfast, and a cozy place to edit and recharge.
Meet Your Instructors
Zack Patton
Ayden Keller
Zack Patton grew up in Southern California and moved to Alaska in 2013, drawn by a love of adventure and hands-on work. With his family, he settled in China Poot Bay and spent eight years building Odyssey Lodge from the ground up. Since its grand opening, he has served as General Manager for the past two seasons.
Trained in photography and film, Zack traded the studio for the rugged life of remote construction, developing passions for building, cooking, and creative craftsmanship. He’s also a dedicated wildlife and landscape photographer. Over time, he has become an avid birder, skilled outdoorsman, and experienced wilderness guide, sharing the beauty of Kachemak Bay with visitors from around the world
*Rates based on double occupancy and include price of workshop. For single person rates call 907-505-8007.
Ayden Keller grew up on the East Coast before moving to Germany at age eight, spending most of his teens abroad. He returned to the U.S. to finish high school and later played basketball at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
After selling his car to buy camera gear, Ayden discovered his passion for wildlife photography. He’s driven by the desire to give animals a voice through visual storytelling and to inspire protection of their habitats.
For the past two years, Ayden has lived in Alaska, working as a naturalist and guide for Odyssey Lodge during its first seasons of operation while continuing to develop his craft in the wild.