Last updated: November 2026
Short answer: Physis Signature Sessions are photography experiences that Physis designs and builds into its private Costa Rica programs, such as resplendent quetzals in the highlands, king vultures from a hide, hummingbirds with multiflash, bats at night and macro in the rainforest. They are not sold as separate excursions: you choose the sessions that match your subjects, and Physis designs the route, timing and logistics around them.
What is a Signature Session?
A Signature Session is a block of field time planned around one subject, one technique and one place. Each one is chosen because it gives photographers something specific: a target species, a lighting technique or a habitat that is hard to work on your own. Combining several sessions in one trip is what turns a tour into a photography program.
- Private: only your group, at your pace.
- Designed around photography: timing follows light and animal activity, not a sightseeing schedule.
- Included in your program: sessions are part of a private itinerary, not stand-alone tickets.
- Year-round: Signature Sessions run throughout the year; what changes by season is the light, the weather and some species.
- Honest expectations: wildlife and weather are never guaranteed; sessions are planned to give you the best realistic opportunity.
Which Signature Sessions can I include?
| Signature Session | Subject | Technique | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resplendent Quetzal | Resplendent quetzal | Perched birds in low cloud-forest light | San Gerardo de Dota highlands |
| Hummingbird Multiflash | Hummingbirds | Multiple flashes to freeze wing motion | Highlands and Caribbean slope |
| Hummingbird Gardens | Hummingbirds | Natural light or flash at flowers in gardens | Cloud forest and Caribbean lowlands |
| King Vulture | King vulture | Photography from a hide | Northern lowlands |
| Great Green Macaw | Great green macaw | Large birds perched and in flight | Northern lowlands |
| Rainforest Bird Photography | Toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, macaws | Natural light with a telephoto lens | Boca Tapada and Sarapiquí |
| Caño Negro Wetland Boat Session | Wetland birds, including the jabiru | Photography from a boat | Caño Negro |
| Tárcoles River Boat Session | Seabirds, river birds and crocodiles | Photography from a boat | Tárcoles |
| Macro: Frogs & Snakes | Frogs, snakes, insects | Macro with diffused flash | Sarapiquí and Guápiles |
| Rainforest Night Walk | Frogs, snakes and other night wildlife | Night photography on foot | Sarapiquí and Guápiles |
| Bat Multiflash | Bats | Night multiflash | Caribbean lowlands |
| Tapir | Baird’s tapir | Low-light mammal photography, no flash | Bijagua, Tenorio and Miravalles |
Tell us which Signature Sessions you want
Choose your subjects and we will design a private program around them, with the right regions, season and light. Private programs start from US$4,000.
How many Signature Sessions fit in one trip?
It depends on the number of days and on how far apart the regions are. Sessions in the same region combine easily in a few days, while mixing the highlands, the northern lowlands and the Caribbean slope needs more time for travel. As a guide, a shorter program usually works best with sessions in one or two regions, and a longer program can combine several regions. See how many days you need for more detail.
How do I choose the right sessions?
- Start with your target species. If the quetzal or the king vulture is the reason for the trip, the route is built around it.
- Add a technique you want to learn or practice, such as multiflash or night macro.
- Balance early mornings and nights: night sessions are rewarding, but they need rest days around them.
- Think about companions: some sessions suit non-photographers better than others.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a Signature Session on its own?
No. Signature Sessions are designed as part of private Physis programs, so the timing, travel and accommodation around each session are planned together.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No ethical operator can guarantee wild animals or weather. Sessions are planned where and when the subject is most likely to be active, and good planning improves your chances.
Do I need special equipment?
Most sessions work with a standard wildlife kit. For multiflash sessions the lighting is set up for you, generally four flashes with triggers and stands; you bring your camera, lens and tripod. See what camera gear to bring to Costa Rica.
Related pages
- Private photography programs in Costa Rica
- Private bird photography tours
- Private wildlife photography tours
- Private macro photography tours
- How much a private photography tour costs
Design your private program
Pick your Signature Sessions, your dates and your pace. We take care of the route, lodges and logistics.
