General

What skill level do I need to be? Do I need to have professional equipment?
You don't need professional camera equipment for our tours. We welcome all levels of photographers, from beginners to professionals, and our tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of camera equipment. Our experienced guides will help you make the most of your photography experience, regardless of the gear you bring.

How many participants are on each tour?
Depending on the tour, it can be anywhere from five to no more than ten participants. Our 5 to 1 student to instructor ratio ensures that everyone receives personalized guidance and attention.

Do you provide transportation?
While transportation is provided on the majority of our tours, please review the individual tour pages for specific details as there may be exceptions. In most cases, you won't need to rent a car.

Is travel insurance important?
Traveling is always unpredictable. Travel insurance protects you against the unexpected. If you were to get sick, injured, or have a medical emergency, would you be able to accept the financial loss? Travel insurance can help you with those concerns and more. I recommend you check out insure my trip. They will give you quotes for several different companies. https://www.insuremytrip.com/

What do I pack or not pack?
I send a specific pack list for each trip. Here are some things you DO NOT need to pack: suits, dress shoes, and high heels. Yes, I have had people bring these things.

Do you have any travel tips?
Click here to see my article on that subject.

Photo Tour & Workshop Specific

What is your favorite thing about the tours?
I enjoy the participants the most.

Our shared passions for nature and photography bring us together, creating a sense of friendship that's truly special. Witnessing awe-inspiring moments and being able to share them with like-minded individuals is an extraordinary experience. We've shared countless laughs and funny adventures that still bring a smile to my face whenever I think about them. I consider each participant a friend, and I often find myself reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of this community.

Alaska Bears

Are bears dangerous?
Yes, all wild animals can be dangerous but bear attacks are rare. It’s unlikely to encounter a bear attack when there are three or more individuals present, and incidents involving four or more people are virtually unheard of.

We also carry bear spray and one of the guides carries a gun. We have never used either one. The camp hasn’t used either one in 30+ years.

I have been photographing bears for several years and I have never felt any danger. I have decades of bear experience so I am always watching their behavior.

Bears have a lot of interesting behaviors which leads to incredible photographs.

What is unique about your bear tour?
What sets our bear tour apart is the unparalleled opportunity it offers, and we say this with all humility. The key to this extraordinary experience lies in being in the best place at the best time. Nature is in a constant state of flux, with conditions changing not just annually but from week to week and even day to day. This variability extends to the movement of salmon, a crucial factor in attracting bears to specific locations.

We have the advantage of being right where the action is either by boat or on land. If one location isn't yielding the desired results, we can swiftly transition to another hotspot. This flexibility grants us access to more bears and their diverse behaviors.

Click here to read my article on bears.

This article has tips on the different types of bear trips you can do with and without a guide for different budgets.

How many bears have you seen in one day?
We usually see several per day. My record is 28. The reason the number is so high is because we go to the best locations in the world. We also fly to where the action is. One location may have several bears and the following week zero. So it is important to be able to access multiple locations at the right time.

Alaska Land and Sea

What makes this trip special?
Alaska is truly exceptional. Twenty years ago, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting this remarkable place, and it exceeded all my expectations. Inspired by that experience, I spent the last decade meticulously crafting a tour that showcases the very best of Alaska, a journey that's nothing short of exhilarating.

This tour is the result of over 20 years of research, involving personal investments exceeding $25,000 in solo trips and explorations of top-notch boat companies and bear lodges. It encapsulates the essence of Alaska in four distinct days, spread across two different locations, each on a private boat.

One location offers breathtaking encounters with eagles, sea otters, and stunning scenery, allowing our groups to capture thousands of eagle and otter images daily. Additionally, we have access to a nearby beach teeming with eagles and their nests.

The other location is equally spectacular, as we venture into the renowned Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, we explore glaciers and look out for majestic Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and Killer Whales (Orcas). Both places are a haven for tufted puffins, horned puffins, sea lions, seals, and various other marine creatures, providing fantastic opportunities for landscape photography.

The beauty of our tour lies in the small, private boats we use. It grants us the privilege of getting close to wildlife and accessing areas that larger boats simply can't reach. Most of the wildlife encounters are so close that they fill the frame with a long lens (400 mm or more). 

Our journey also includes visits to multiple glaciers. The thrill of Alaska lies in its unpredictability – you never know what surprise awaits around the corner or might cross your path.

Aurora (Northern Lights)

How often do you see the aurora and do you guarantee it?
While we don't provide a guarantee for witnessing the aurora, our approach significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. We carefully select prime locations and schedule our trips during the optimal times of the year, maximizing our chances of observing the aurora in all its splendor.

Number of years photographing the aurora: 8

Nights the aurora has been out and active: Every single night the aurora has been out when we were there, regardless of the solar cycles.

What’s the catch? Cloud Cover. The aurora could be active but the clouds can block some or all of the view.

We have done eight trips (seven nights each) = 56 Nights. Out of the 56 nights we have lost five.

Five of the eight tours we had no cloud cover. One of the eight tours we lost one night. Two of the eight trips we lost two nights.

So every night you have a 92% chance of success. That’s every night. So you should see the northern lights several times each trip.

Why do you go in March?
This is when the Aurora is most active. It also is one of the best months for a clear sky.

What is the temperature like in March?
Daily high temperatures: 17°F to 34°F, rarely falling below -3°F or exceeding 47°F.l

Daily low temperatures:  -5°F to 10°F, rarely falling below -26°F or exceeding 25°F.

Let’s be honest, it can get cold. It is low humidity so the numbers are not as cold as it seems, but proper dress is required. We also try to go later in the month as it is warmer in late March than early March. We provide a suggested equipment and clothing list prior to the trip.

What is your knowledge of astronomy?
For me personally, very little but that is why I have a co-leader on this tour. John Chumack is an expert astronomer and astro photographer. He has done work with NASA, Time Magazine and several other publications.

Why is Fairbanks Alaska one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights?
Fairbanks’ location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, Fairbanks’ low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights. All combined these variables make the Fairbanks region an outstanding destination for possible aurora borealis viewing. There are some other places under the belt like Iceland but they have high humidity so the clouds are often in the way.

Great Smoky Mountains

When do you visit the Smoky Mountains?
I have visited in both spring and fall. Both seasons have their pros and cons.

April is the height of spring. Rivers and waterfalls are flowing at peak rates. The dogwoods are out and look incredible. It is also the peak time for wildflowers. We also see lots of black bears and turkeys. White-tailed deer are also around but do not have large antlers this time of year.

October is peak fall foliage. Everything looks extra special with fall color. For wildlife we see less bears than April. It is the beginning of the rut for the white-tailed deer. They look great and have big antlers. The drawback for October is traffic. It can be rough. I avoid Cades Cove on Saturday and Sunday.

Maine Coast Trips

Downeast vs Acadia National Park

I have two different tours along the Maine Coast: Acadia and Downeast (Bold Coast) Maine. Both are beautiful coastal locations for landscape photography.

What are the differences between the two?

Puffin boat trips:
Acadia: 1 Puffin Trip
Downeast: 2 Puffin Trips

Whales and lighthouses by boat:
Acadia: One sunset landscape photography tour
Downeast: We have a private boat tour that takes us out to see multiple lighthouses, seals, eagles, and a chance of whales.

Distance from Bangor Airport:
Acadia: 1 hour
Downeast: 2 hours

Lighthouses:
Acadia: 1
Downeast: 3+

Shopping:
Acadia: Yes but not part of tour
Downeast: No

Countries:
Acadia: United States only
Downeast: We visit Campobello Island (Canada). You need a passport.

Time of Year:
Acadia: We go in June before tourist season kicks in
Downeast: June or July but it is not that crowded

Landscape Photography: Both are really great

Wildlife Photography: The Downeast trip is better

Summary:
Acadia National Park is more accessible and touristy. There are multiple gift shops, great restaurants, and gas stations. Acadia has world famous locations like Cadillac Mountain, which you can drive up for sunrise. 

Downeast has more wildlife and more boat rides. It is a little harder to reach since it is farther from the airport. It also is less touristy. Gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, ATM’s are less common than Acadia. This trip visits Campabello Island in Canada, which requires a passport. This trip also features Quoddy Head Lighthouse, which is the Easternmost Point in the U.S.

Wildlife: All trips go to the same island for the puffins. For the downeast trip we visit the island twice and add an additional whale watch.

This is all weather permitting.

Florida

We visit several locations in Florida. I have been photographing wildlife there for several decades.

Snakes: They are around but we hardly ever see them. Average one per trip.

Alligators: At some locations we see several. They are all over Florida. Alligators can be dangerous and most are afraid of people. We just walk around them at a safe distance. They are fun to watch and photograph.

Mosquitoes: They are not a problem in the winter.

Why is Florida great for bird photography?
Florida is a haven for bird photography enthusiasts, and there are several compelling reasons why it's such a fantastic destination. One notable aspect is the remarkable proximity that can be achieved with the birds. Many of them seem almost indifferent to human presence, allowing for close-up shots at just a few feet away.

Florida's appeal for bird photography extends beyond accessibility. The state boasts a rich biodiversity and hosts many unique bird species in substantial numbers. Found here are Roseate Spoonbills, Burrowing Owls, Purple Gallinules, Snail Kites, and nesting Bald Eagles. These captivating species provide abundant opportunities for capturing stunning and distinctive photographs.

Is this a good trip for me?
If you love wildlife and bird photography yes. If not, I recommend you skip it.

Why the winter?
The birds are in large numbers and less spread out. The average temperature is in the 70’s. No bugs.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton

I have been photographing both Yellowstone and Grand Teton and the surrounding areas for 30+ years.

Why Grand Teton National Park?
In my own experience, I've found that the wildlife in the Tetons is equally impressive when compared to Yellowstone. In fact, for certain species such as Moose, it surpasses Yellowstone. Additionally, the Tetons offer a more striking display of fall colors and reflections.

What is your favorite time to visit?

January: Yellowstone in the winter is incredible, and this is the best month to visit for winter photography.

September:
Fall color and elk and moose are in the rut which leads to dramatic behavior. The crowds are greatly diminished.

Why not summer?
Peak crowds, less wildlife, and hot weather. If there is a roadside bear, traffic can be backed up for several hours.

Why not October?
It is past peak for fall color in most of the park and a good portion of the park facilities are closed or closing. There is a high probability of road closures also due to snowstorms. The advantage is lower priced lodging and less people.

New England Fall

When is peak?
Peak is always subject to change but 95 % of the time it is October.

First week: Northern Maine, NH , Vermont, Berkshires

Middle of the month: Acadia, Quabbin (MA) , Lakes Region NH, Southern Maine and NH, Eastern MA, Southern VT

Late October: Southern CT, Coastal MA (Cape Cod, but not great for foliage)

Suppose peak is early or late?
Not everything turns at once. There are always a few good areas if you know the area very well and are willing to drive. Remember that overall peak usually occurs north to south.

There are two exceptions:
a.) Higher elevations turn first
b.) Coastal areas turn later (warm ocean breeze delays foliage)

The Southwest (Bryce, Zion, Valley of Fire, Arches, & Canyonlands)

Are the hikes too challenging on your southwest tours? Our southwest tours are led by two experienced guides, catering to varying fitness levels, ensuring flexibility and inclusivity.

Why do you visit in November? The fall foliage is at its peak and there are less people during this month. The temperatures are cooler.

Do you visit The Narrows in Zion? I heard that can be challenging. Yes, we do visit The Narrows and the water level is low during the time we visit (November). We have two leaders that will offer two different options. One will visit the Narrows and the other will lead particpants along dry river banks adjacent to the water. Both excursions offer incredible views with beautiful fall foliage.

Aren’t Zion and Arches extremely crowded? Yes, but not in November.