Where do I meet for the presentation?

The event meets at 310 Okatie Highway in Okatie, South Carolina—arrive 10–15 minutes early for parking and seating.

Is the talk suitable for beginners?

Yes. Kelley covers foundational shooting and editing techniques, but also includes tips valuable to intermediate photographers.

Will this be a field workshop?

No. It’s a classroom-style presentation with slideshow and a Q&A; there are references to local field sites but no guided shoot included.

Can I bring images for critique?

Yes. Attendees are sometimes invited to share images for quick critique during the Q&A—bring a few files or be prepared to describe them.

What is the group size?

The listing notes a group size of up to 50 people, which keeps the session energetic while still allowing personal questions.

How long is the presentation and Q&A?

The presentation runs about 45 minutes (6:00–6:45 p.m.) followed by a 15-minute Q&A, for roughly one hour total.

Beyond the Bird: Kelley Luikey’s Bird Photography Talk in Okatie, SC

Beyond the Bird: A Presentation by Kelley Luikey brings an hour of focused, practical instruction to Okatie, South Carolina. Held at 310 Okatie Highway, this talk is ideal for photographers who want to sharpen birding technique and creative vision without slogging through field workshops. Kelley Luikey, an award-winning bird photographer, breaks down the shots behind her portfolio—gear choices, framing, exposure tricks, and an editing workflow you can adapt to your images.

The setting matters: Okatie sits at the edge of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where tidal creeks, salt marshes, and live oaks create a compact classroom for coastal birdlife. Attendees leave the presentation with concrete approaches for subjects they’ll actually find nearby—egrets, herons, ospreys—and practical guidance about shooting in marsh light, backlit feathers, and reflective water. The program runs about an hour (6:00–6:45 p.m.) followed by a 15-minute Q&A, making it a perfect early-evening stop before dinner.

What makes this event stand out is its emphasis on creative intention. Luikey doesn’t just share camera settings; she explains why a composition choice will carry emotional weight, when to back off for storytelling frames, and how to craft a concise editing path that keeps images natural while elevating detail. The session balances technical tips—telephoto handling, autofocus modes, ISO strategies—with artistic moves like selective focus and negative space that make bird photos sing.

For visitors to the Lowcountry, this talk is a useful primer before hitting nearby public boat ramps and marsh overlooks or joining a guided kayak. It’s accessible to beginners and rewarding for intermediate shooters who want to refine their eye. Bring your camera for notes; while it’s a classroom-style presentation rather than a field shoot, the Q&A often turns specific about gear and local shooting spots.

Expect case studies: Kelley walks through RAW files to JPGs so you see sliders she favors and why she makes cuts. Attendees bring images for critique during Q&A, and session often points photographers to nearby practice locations and tide windows that boost shorebird activity. The event accommodates groups up to 50 people, making it lively but intimate enough for one-on-one questions. Whether you’re preparing for a guided boat trip, a kayak outing on the Chechessee, or a dawn session on the estuary, these strategies shorten the learning curve and leave you ready to shoot the Lowcountry with purpose.

About Port Royal Sound Foundation

Port Royal Sound Foundation operates the Maritime Center in Okatie, South Carolina, and delivers hands-on environmental education and guided field experiences across the Port Royal Sound watershed. The Foundation offers a mix of guided kayak tours, public programs, and family activities designed to introduce visitors to Lowcountry habitats and wildlife.

Programs include a two-hour guided Kayak Tour on the Chechessee River led by a PRSF Naturalist, a two-hour Nature Writing kayak experience that combines paddling with an inspired writing session, and a Reptile Meet & Greet featuring turtles, snakes, and alligators presented by trained Naturalists. The Maritime Center hosts Tuesday Talks — hour-long presentations on wildlife, history, and home-and-garden topics — and creative community events such as Fish Printing, where participants decorate reusable bags with fish stamps to promote sustainability.

Port Royal Sound Foundation emphasizes education, stewardship, and safe, accessible access to coastal environments. Naturalists and program leaders provide interpretation, species identification, and contextual information during each program. Family participation is encouraged; several programs welcome children and intergenerational groups.

Visitors can expect short, guided programs ranging from one to two hours, focused on exploration, learning, and hands-on engagement. The Foundation’s programs leverage local waterways and the Maritime Center’s facilities to make Lowcountry ecosystems approachable for residents and visitors. For schedules and registration, consult the Port Royal Sound Foundation website or contact the Maritime Center directly. Public program details, dates, and age requirements are maintained online to ensure accurate planning before arrival and to support safe, informed participation and conservation education.