Beyond the Wild Freeze: Beauty in Motion Blur Storytelling with Todd Nettelhorst ⋆ Tucson Bird Alliance Skip to content
Categories: Community Event

Beyond the Wild Freeze: Beauty in Motion Blur Storytelling with Todd Nettelhorst

Beyond the Wild Freeze: The Beauty of Motion Blur in Storytelling with Todd Nettelhorst

Tuesday, December 2nd, 11am (AZ time)

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
Step beyond the freeze and explore the breathtaking beauty of motion blur in bird, wildlife, and nature photography. This dynamic presentation reveals how movement can become a powerful
storytelling tool—capturing the grace of a soaring bird, the rhythm of a rushing stream, or the energy of a wind-swept landscape. Learn to master techniques like panning to follow birds in flight,
intentional camera movement to create painterly forest scenes, and long exposures that transform waterfalls, waves, and animal motion into ethereal visual narratives. With expert insights into
shutter speed, light control, and creative composition, you'll discover how to turn ordinary moments in nature into extraordinary art. Featuring real-world examples and practical tips, this session is
perfect for photographers ready to elevate their nature work with emotion, artistry, and story-driven blur.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

 How to use motion blur to add mood, movement, and emotion to your bird, wildlife, and nature images
 When and how to apply panning, long exposures, and intentional camera movement effectively
 Shutter speed techniques tailored for various natural subjects—birds in flight, moving water, swaying grasses, and more
 Tips for working with natural light and using ND filters in bright outdoor scenes
 Recommended gear setups for capturing dynamic motion blur in the field
 Post-processing strategies that enhance motion while keeping your edits authentic
 Inspiring real-world image breakdowns to show the power of motion blur in storytelling

Perfect for any photographer seeking to bring more atmosphere, artistry, and emotional depth to their outdoor photography.

INSTRUCTOR
Todd Nettelhorst is a passionate educator and award-winning photographer dedicated to empowering others to discover their creative potential through photography. With years of professional experience and a knack for storytelling, Todd has cultivated a teaching approach that combines technical expertise, artistic insight, and an infectious enthusiasm for the visual arts.
Specializing in workshops, classes, and mentorship programs, Todd has guided photographers of all skill levels in mastering their craft, from understanding the fundamentals of composition and lighting to exploring advanced techniques and developing a unique artistic voice. Whether in the classroom, on location, or during one-on-one mentorships, Todd fosters an engaging and supportive environment that inspires creativity and growth. Beyond teaching, Todd brings a wealth of professional experience in various photography disciplines, including portraiture, events, commercial projects, and fine art. This hands-on expertise provides students with invaluable insights into both the creative and business aspects of photography. When not mentoring or teaching, Todd continues to explore his own artistic journey, sharing the stories of the world around him through his lens. His ultimate goal is to inspire others to see the beauty in everyday moments and equip them with the tools to tell their own stories visually.

Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link a couple of days prior to the event.

Registration for this event is free.

Photo Credit: Todd Nettelhorst

Register Here

Date

2025-12-02

Time

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost

Free

Trip Features

All Levels
Zoom (virtual)

Location

Zoom (virtual)
Todd Nettelhorst

Presenter

Todd Nettelhorst

Paton Center for Hummingbirds- test embed form

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Cars- Moving Forward Together

Tucson Bird Allaince is able to accept donated vehicles. We use teh proceeds from donated cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, boats, motercycels and even airplanes to help fund our mission. Tucson Bird Allaince partners with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to help run our vehicle donation program. CARS is a nonprofit that has been processing vehicle donations for nonprofits since 2003. 

 

Donate Stocks or Give Through your IRA

Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

If you would like to donate stocks to Tucson Bird Alliance, please use our Stock Donation Form

After completing and signing the form, please: 

  • Send one copy to your broker (only your broker can initiate the stock transfer)
  • Email a copy to efreese@tucsonbirds.org or mail to
    Tucson Bird Alliance
    Attn: Erica Freese
    PO Box 91770
    Tucson, AZ, 85752

Gifts through your IRA

If you are 73 years of age or older, your gift may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year in which the check is issued and is excluded from your taxable income.

Please provide your broker or financial institution with the following information:  

Legal Name:  Tucson Audubon Society (DBA Tucson Bird Alliance)

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Ways to give through a donor-advised fund (DAF)

  • Make an outright gift now by recommending a grant to Tucson Bird Alliance.
  • Make recurring gifts with ease so that your contributions can make an immediate difference when needed most. 
  • Create a succession plan to recommend that Tucson Bird Alliance receives all or a portion of your DAF’s value upon it’s termination. 

You can select the option that best suits your philanthropic and financial goals. Contact your DAF administrator to recommend a grant to Tucson Bird Alliance and use the following information: 

Legal Name: Tucson Audubon Society (DBA Tucson Bird Alliance)  

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

If you make a contribution to Tucson Bird Alliance from your DAF, please let us know at efreese@tucsonbirds.org along with the date the request was sent, grant or reference number, name of the issuing institution, and gift amount. We value the opportunity to thank you. 

Workplace Giving & Corporate Matching

Workplace Giving

Contact your HR department to see if your company’s giving program includes Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon Society).  With this option, you can have your contributions automatically deducted from your paycheck. You choose how much and how often you’d like to give. 

Corporate Matching

If your company has a matching program, you can make your donation go twice as far! Use the information below to fill out your company’s matching gift form. 

Organization: Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon Society) 

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

Tucson Bird Alliance Vermilion Legacy Society

There are many types of Planned Gifts to Explore: Gifts left by bequest in a will or trust, charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations for your IRA or 401k.

Please consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and financial advisor to determine the right legacy choice for you. 

If you include Tucson Bird Alliance in your estate plans, we hope you will let us know. Please fill out the form below and send it back to us at efreese@tucsonbirds,org.