New Mexico Hummingbirds

At a Glance

Location

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Tuition

$4,995

Dates

July 24 – 27, 2028

Fitness Level

Easy

Availability

Limited to 6 Guests

Collections

Short Escape
US National Parks and Wilderness

New Mexico Hummingbirds Photography Workshop

Name: New Mexico Hummingbirds
Start: 2028-07-24
End: 2028-07-27
Location: New Mexico Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds sipping from flowers in the Mesilla Valley

July 24 – 27, 2028

Hummingbirds on native wildflowers, natural light & clean backgrounds
Optional lesson with high-speed flash and black studio backdrops
3:1 guest-to-Pro ratio for hands-on guidance and feedback

Chase the glittering speedsters of the Chihuahuan Desert around Las Cruces, New Mexico. This workshop focuses on freezing motion and revealing iridescent color using natural light. With the Organ Mountains as a dramatic backdrop, we’ll work with native blooms and thoughtfully placed feeders to create clean, natural backgrounds. Expect practical lessons on autofocus, shutter speeds, lighting, and composition (plus our signature image reviews during the midday heat). You’ll leave with a portfolio of crisp hummingbird portraits and dynamic flight shots.

Why Las Cruces? Hummingbirds use the spring-fed oasis at the bottom of the Organ Mountains as a dependable desert pit-stop on their north–south journeys. The shaded canyons and reliable water create a rare microhabitat where the Chihuahuan Desert meets cooler foothills — offering shelter from wind, abundant nectar, and easy access to water in one compact area.

Over 260 plant species are recorded along the Dripping Springs trails, which is precisely why the hummingbirds concentrate here. Our timing is spot-on, too: in southern New Mexico, numbers swell from late July into early autumn as migrants like rufous—alongside local black-chinned and passing broad-tailed and calliope—follow bloom cycles after the monsoon rains. Nearby gardens burst with desert willow, penstemons, and sages, whose tubular flowers align perfectly with peak migration.

Your Pros

Wayne Suggs

Khandan Nirmal

Itinerary

About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

July 24, 2028: Airport Pickup, Evening Hummingbird Photography

Arrive at El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas before 12:00 PM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

We’ll collect you from the airport or your airport hotel for the one-hour drive north to Las Cruces. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we’ll head into the Organ Mountains for our first evening hummingbird session.

July 25, 2028: Hummingbird Photo Techniques

We’ll depart pre-dawn to be in position as first light hits the Organ Mountains. Expect peak hummingbird activity at native wildflowers; we’ll refine tracking autofocus, work with both fast and slow shutter speeds, and use diffusers to tame glare on shimmering, iridescent color. After a late-morning break, we’ll hold a midday image review. Around 3:30 PM, we’ll head back out as temperatures ease and winds drop, targeting side-lit and backlit opportunities through golden hour.

July 26, 2028: High-Speed Flash or Natural Light Photography

Today, choose between an optional high-speed flash session — using a controlled, low-power, multi-speedlight set-up to create clean black backdrops and razor-sharp wing detail — or continue in natural light. The rhythm mirrors day two: on location at first light, a midday image review, then back out around 3:30 PM for golden hour through sunset.

July 27, 2028: Morning Image Review Session

After breakfast and before departure, we’ll run an extended, hands-on image review until midday, covering curating a final set, fine-tuning color and specular highlights for iridescence, comparing natural-light and flash edits, sharpening delicate plumage, and cleaning backgrounds.

Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on July 27, 2028.

Testimonials

Jim N.

Bosque del Apache '25

Wayne is an extraordinary instructor: knowledgeable, articulate and not the least bit dogmatic.

Brian M.

Bosque del Apache '25

It was a great workshop with incredible instructors. The experience of seeing the birds in an incredible natural environment was unmatched.

Paul D.

Bisti Badlands '25

Wayne & Matt delivered on providing the type of instruction I have become accustomed to as a customer of Muench Workshops. Personally, I think they represent some of the finest instructions capable in delivering enthusiastic and thorough instruction.

Amanda T.

New Mexico Land of Enchantment '25

Wayne is exceptional- he is patient, kind, obviously a master of his craft, and generous with his time, support, and advice. He gives everyone the time they need, meets us at our level, and helps us to consider everything from composition, to light, to post-processing.

Amanda T.

New Mexico Land of Enchantment '25

Wayne knew the area so well, which allowed him to pivot quickly with the weather, giving us great opportunities at each turn. We lucked out with some INCREDIBLE light and I walked away with images I am proud of and memories I won't soon forget (those stars!!).

Gallery

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses, hummingbird, blue flowers, flower buds, green background, hovering bird, delicate petals

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, los cruses new mexico rufous hummingbird bird, hummingbird, red powder puff flowers, green leaves, brown and white bird feathers, flying bird, sharp beak touching flower, soft beige background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses rufous, hummingbird, purple flower, green leaves, beak, wings in motion, blurred background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses, hummingbird, hovering bird, orange trumpet flowers, green leaves, blurred background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses, hummingbird, yellow and orange trumpet shaped flowers, green leaves, natural background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, black and white, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses rufous, hummingbird, close up, flying, blurred wings, monochrome, soft background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses, hummingbird in flight, red tubular flowers, green flower buds, blurred beige background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, sunset sunrise, new mexico hummingbird bird los cruses calliope, hummingbird in mid flight, green head feathers, red throat feathers, brown and white body feathers, long pointed beak, pink and red flowers with fine filaments, soft beige background

muench workshops photo, usa, dripping springs natural area, wildlife, los cruses new mexico black chinned hummingbird bird, hummingbird, purple throat patch, hovering, red powderpuff flowers, green leaves, thin branches, plain background

Behind the Scenes

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, group of people, photographers with tripods, cameras with telephoto lenses, white sun hats, white shade canopy, green bushes, grassy ground, rocky terrain, mountains in background, bright sunny sky, bird flying

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, two people sitting on chairs, hats, camera equipment on tripods, dry grass and desert shrubs, rock formation, cloudy sky with sun rays

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, bird in flight, three cameras with lenses, dry grass, wildflower, rocky ground, green vegetation

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, two people, camera equipment, softbox lights, black backdrop, covered stone patio, outdoor setting, plants on backdrop, stone floor

Fitness

Easy: Must be able to walk up to 300 feet (90 metres) on level but uneven gravel paths. Expect extended periods seated on camp-style chairs.

Flights

Arrive at El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso before 12:00 PM on July 24, 2028. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on July 27, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $450 supplement.
Scheduled airport transfers.
All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
All permits and park fees.
All transportation during the workshop.
Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

Travel to and from El Paso, Texas.
Unscheduled airport transfers.
Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
Items of a personal nature.
Alcoholic beverages.
Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Single rooming is available for a $450 supplement.

Payment Terms

Your deposit of $2,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
The balance is due not later than March 1, 2028.
All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photography techniques will I learn on this workshop?

You'll learn to freeze motion and reveal iridescent colors using natural light, refine tracking autofocus, and work with both fast and slow shutter speeds. You'll also have the option to practice high-speed flash photography for creating clean black backdrops and capturing razor-sharp wing detail.

Is this workshop refundable?

Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, you get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee and are made by the original payment method.

What is the group size for this workshop?

The workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunity for one-on-one guidance from the two professional photographers leading the workshop.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to photograph?

You'll have the chance to photograph a variety of hummingbirds, including rufous, black-chinned, broad-tailed, and calliope, as they visit native blooms and feeders in the Organ Mountains. The area is a vibrant microhabitat with abundant nectar sources, making it ideal for capturing these speedy birds.

What should I bring in terms of photography gear?

Bring a camera with a fast autofocus system and lenses suitable for wildlife photography, such as a telephoto lens around 300mm or longer for close-up shots of hummingbirds. A tripod and gimbal head can also be helpful.

Do I need travel insurance for this workshop?

While travel insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances. Consider coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel delays.

What is the best way to get to the workshop location?

You should fly into El Paso International Airport (ELP) in Texas, arriving before 12:00 PM on July 24, 2028. We recommend arriving early, possibly the day prior, to avoid missing any part of the workshop due to travel delays. We will provide transportation from the airport to Las Cruces.