A Personalized Approach to Snowy Owl Photography Workshops & Tours

Adventure through the winter of northern Michigan, alongside an Award-winning wildlife photographer as your photography guide and instructor, in the greatest place in the United States for snowy owls. Some say even the best place on Earth. If it were up to us, we would go with World! The U.P. of Michigan (Upper Peninsula or UP for the locals) is world renowned for the snowy owl population during the cold weather months.

On this photography workshop & tour, designed for photographers of all levels, you will focus on producing unique snowy owl imagery while sharpening your photographic mindset and skills. There are opportunities to photograph bald eagles as well. The majority of our animal encounters will be right near the road. You may find the need to walk along the road to get into a better position, but it won't be through deep snow unless you want to do a short hike. We are never very far from the vehicle, so you can return at any time if it gets too cold. Most of the day will be spent traveling back and forth along various sections of the roads, or driving to sections where wildlife has just been spotted.

A trip to Wisconsin to photograph up to a dozen short-eared owls is available as an add-on to Snowy Owl Tour participants for $300. If you are doing back-to-back Owl Tours in Minnesota and Michigan, then the Short-Eared Owl Add-on is only $200 for 1 full day of shooting. It is an amazing place to see multiple short-eared owls in close proximity to each other. The workshop participant record for short-eared owls in 1 frame is 6!

Activity level: The vast majority of the photographs will be taken in close proximity to the vehicle. If desired, the ability to hike approximately 1 mile throughout the day for short excursions to different areas.

Ethical and Responsible Birding Practices
We adhere strictly to ethical wildlife guidelines. During this workshop, we will not feed, bait, lure, call, or otherwise disturb the owls or any animals we photograph. Our priority is always the well-being of the wildlife and the integrity of their natural behavior.

This owl photography tour is not limited to photographers. Anyone interested in seeing owls and other wildlife up-close are welcome to join the tour. Camera phones are acceptable for travel companions, but consumer photography gear is not. Travel companions will pay only $1000, instead of the $1500 for additional photographers in your group. Due to the proximity to wildlife, pets are not allowed on the photography workshop. Thank you for understanding.

Tour groups are limited to 5 people. The small group size will allow everyone plenty of room for personal space and photographic gear. It will also allow plenty of time for One-on-One photographic instruction. The majority of our animal encounters will be right near the road. You may find the need to walk along the road to get into a better position, but it won't be through deep snow unless you want to do a short hike. We are never very far from the vehicle, so you can return at any time if it gets too cold.

Groups of 4 or more can be accommodated and should contact me directly to make reservations.

Private workshops or tours are also an option. Message for details.

Highlights

★ A unique photography experience
★ A chance to photograph multiple snowy owls
★ Small group size to allow for individual instruction
★ Additional days may be added to any photography tour. The rate is dependent upon how many photographers are in your group.
★ A portion of the proceeds from each photography tour is donated to help protect snowy owls. The donation will be made in my late brother‘s name.
★ We have spent 2 decades scouting locations to help maximize the time spent taking pictures. All owls are wild, and as such, no guarantee can be made that owls will be present. However, every time we have had a tour, we have seen owls in multiple locations.
★ Participants should meet for pickup at the Chippewa County International Airport (CIU). Pick up and drop off at other airports like Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, MI can be arranged for a nominal fee.

Sample Itinerary
• Arrive Sunday afternoon/night in Sault Ste Marie, MI
• Breakfast at the hotel - Monday - Friday
• Depart hotel 60 minutes prior to sunrise
• Shoot all morning until lunch
• Lunch
• Shoot all afternoon until sunset
• Travel back to hotel
• Dinner
• Meet for 1 hour review of photography and group discussion or free time
• Fly out on Saturday

What is included:

★ 5 full days of photographing snowy owls, plus other birds and various wildlife
★ Airport transfer to/from Chippewa County International (CIU) Airport
★ Daily transportation to/from photography sites
★ Professional instruction before, during and after daily photography excursions
★ Group photography discussion and review
★ Tours are rain, snow or shine

What is not included:
• Travel arrangements to/from Sault Ste Marie, MI
• Hotel Accommodations
• Meals
• Photography gear
• Winter clothing
• Travel insurance
• Hotel incidentals and sundries

What to expect after registering:

• After your deposit is processed, you will receive a Booking Confirmation Email that has Hotel Information, including discount codes and direct links, as well as Airport Information and Meal Information
• 120 days prior to the workshop, the remaining amount is due, and you will receive the 120 Day Email that includes Things to Bring, Airport Pick up Information, as well as my Cold Weather Photography Checklist
• 30 days prior to the workshop, you will receive the 30 Day Email that includes What to Pack, Travelling with Photography Gear, and Pick up Information again.
• 3 days prior to the workshop, you will receive a quick email to touch base that includes the Airport Pick up Information, and my Contact Information, again.