Photo Tours with Natural Art Images - 2020 to 2022

We specialize in world-class photo tours on British Columbia's spectacular Pacific Coast.

Our photo tours feature the absolute best wildlife subjects that BC's coastal wilderness can offer, including Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Spirit Bears, Gray Wolves, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and a whole lot more!

All our photo tours travel to remote wilderness locations FAR OFF THE BEATEN PATH and that are difficult to access. These aren't "roadside" photo tours - most are to remote wilderness locations with no road access. We keep our trips small in size (normally with 6 or fewer participants) so everyone receives our full attention as well as unobstructed shooting angles and photo opportunities.

3 PHOTO TOUR CATEGORIES: We currently offer three distinct categories of Photo Tours - Instructional Photo Tours, Photo Op Photo Tours, and Exploratory Photo Adventures. For detailed descriptions of these categories just go here....

ETHICS STATEMENT: ALL of our photo tours conform to strict ethical wildlife photography guidelines. These guidelines are designed to put the welfare of our subjects FIRST and, as such, we collectively refer to them as the Wildlife FIRST Principles of Photographer Conduct. You can review the four simple principles that form the basis of the Wildlife FIRST code of wildlife photographer conduct here...

See immediately below for an overview of our 2020 photo tours. Or, jump directly to our...

• 2021 photo tours or our
• 2022 photo tours

And, if you're curious about the actual photography on our photo tours (you know...things like where we shoot from, the "style" of photography on our photo tours, recommended photo gear, etc.) you may find the document we distribute to our clients before each photo tour quite insightful. If you want to take a look, just download this PDF:

• Photography on the BC Coast - A Wildlife Photographer's Guide (PDF: 4.9 MB)

2020 Photo Tours...At a Glance!

All of our originally scheduled photo tours for 2020 have been suspended by a combination of travel restrictions, public health orders and commercial tourism bans by Coastal First Nations - all related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, on July 13, 2020 we added a modified version of our "Humpbacks, Orcas, Sea Lions and More: Marine Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast 2020" specifically designed with a comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation strategy - and specifically designed to produce GREAT photos of Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, and a whole lot more! Details immediately below!

2020 Photo Tours...IN DETAIL!

Humpbacks, Orcas, Sea Lions and More: Marine Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast 2020

SIMPLY SPECTACULAR...AND CAREFULLY DESIGNED WITH A COMPREHENSIVE COVID-19 MITIGATION PLAN IN PLACE!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This special trip has been designed from the ground up to conform to and exceed all COVID-19 mitigation protocols issued by the Government of British Columbia and the Federal Government of Canada. It is open only to those residents of western Canada who are willing to follow a pre-trip health checklist and protocol carefully designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Those with potential interest in this trip will receive detailed documentation about the steps we will be taking with you to minimize your chances of exposure to COVID-19 during this trip (upon your first enquiry about the trip).

OVERVIEW:

If you are tired of being cooped up and are looking for a WONDERFUL opportunity to capture dramatic images of marine wildlife in a spectacular setting THIS is the trip for you! This Photo Op Photo Tour offers 7 days of fabulous marine mammal viewing and photography in the Johnstone Strait region of northern Vancouver Island aboard the beautiful Ocean Light II - a comfortable 71' ocean ketch (sailboat). We will be assisted by a professional whale and aquatic mammal guide during our 7 days of cruising the picturesque waters off the northern tip of Vancouver Island. In past years this trip has provided superb opportunities to photograph Humpback Whales, Killer Whales (or Orcas), Gray Whales, Steller Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and more. And, it is an area which produces opportunities to capture those stunning (and usually rarely encountered) "animalscapes".

This photo tour begins and ends in Port McNeill (northern Vancouver Island), British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? This is all-inclusive trip (once you arrive in Port McNeill, BC) includes all meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, a week aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat, a great crew and cook, photography guide, great camaraderie, tons of AMAZING photo ops and more!

A sampling of the type of images that can be captured on our Marine Mammals photo tour can be found in my "Marine Mammals" photo gallery.

CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).
• PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill
• DURATION: 9 DAYS (including arrival and departure days), including 7 full days aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).
• DATES: August 29 - September 6, 2020 including arrival and departure days. Evening of August 29 through to the morning of August 6 aboard the Ocean Light II.
• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 4 (our normal capacity is 6 guests, but this has been reduced to 4 to ensure our ability to conform to social distancing protocols).
• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 3.
• COST: $5999 CAD plus 5% GST.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour is not excessively physically demanding and there is little or no hiking involved. On this trip we will be shooting images from both the deck of the Ocean Light II as well as from a 19' Zodiac. To fully enjoy and participate in the shooting sessions in the Zodiac there are a few physical tasks you should be able to perform. These include:

• Being able to easily move between the sailboat and the Zodiac. This involves climbing up or down a 5' vertical ladder.
• Shooting your camera from within a Zodiac. This involves multiple tasks, including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical.

On some occasions it WILL be possible to stand in the Zodiac when shooting, but you will be shooting while sitting or kneeling far more frequently. A degree of flexibility and/or suppleness can make your time in the Zodiac far more productive and enjoyable!

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Just download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 3.7 MB) or contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour. Our first step will be to arrange a phone call to discuss the logistics associated with this unique trip!

2021 Photo Tours...At a Glance!

Here's our current schedule* of Photo Tours for 2021:

1. The Pacific Rim Explorer (late March - early April 2021)
2. Spring in the Southern Great Bear Instructional Photo Tour (mid May 2021)
3. Spring in the Southern Great Bear Photo Op Photo Tour (late May - early June 2021)
4. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour (late May 2021)
5. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Photo Op Photo Tour (late May - early June 2021)
6. The Khutzeymateen Explorer (mid June 2021)
7. Marine Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast (mid August 2021)
8. Summer in the Southern Great Bear - The SUPER VOYAGE! (late August - early September 2021)
9. Into the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour (September 2020)
10. Into the Great Bear Rainforest Exploratory Photo Adventure (late September - early October 2021)
11. Autumn in the Queen Charlotte Strait (mid October 2021)

*Please note that we ARE working on producing one or more additional photo tours for 2021...if they come together details will be available here no later than autumn 2020.

2021 Photo Tours...IN DETAIL!

For the 2021 season we're back with all our classic photo tours, albeit with a few new twists! And...we're extremely pleased to announce TWO BRAND NEW TRIPS FOR 2021:

• The Khutzeymateen Explorer (June 2021)
• Autumn in the Queen Charlotte Strait (mid October 2021)

To view detailed views of ALL 2021 Photo Tours just scroll down!

1. The Pacific Rim Explorer 2021

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR 2021!

OVERVIEW:

This one gives you just a great way start April - and kickstart your season's wildlife photography! This exciting instructional photo tour focuses on the spectacular coastal wilderness in the Barkley Sound region on the western side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. We begin the trip with two nights at the beautiful Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, BC, including a full-day of professional photography instruction. Then we board the Passing Cloud (a 70-foot classic wooden schooner) and spend 5 full days navigating more than 300 islands and islets in the southern portion of Pacific Rim National Park. And...YES, we will be spending time in the famous Broken Group of islands!

Our targeted photographic subjects include Black Bears, Sea Otters, both Grey and Humpback Whales, Stellar Sea Lions, countless species of seabirds, and both land- and seascapes of unsurpassed beauty!

This trip features extremely short daily transit distances of our luxurious home base (The Passing Cloud), which translates into spending just a ton of time in the field capturing photos! Think of this trip as a one-of-a-kind "floating photography workshop" mixing great subject matter, top-notch photography instruction, and absolute first-class accommodation (and food!) in a beautiful wooden schooner you'd be on the right track!

This photo tour begins and ends in Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? This is an all-inclusive trip once you arrive in Ucluelet, BC on Day 1 of the trip. It includes two nights of accommodation at the Black Rock Resort, a full day of professional photography instruction, 5 full days aboard the Passing Cloud 70-foot classic schooner, a great crew and chef, wildlife guides, photography guides, all park user fees, and more! It's a real full-meal deal!

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour is not excessively physically demanding - it requires only a moderate level of physical fitness along with good mobility. We will be walking/hiking on trails and beaches while on this trip and we will be shooting images from the deck of the sailboat, from within a Zodiac, and on shore. To participate in this trip you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Be able to hike up to 1 km (up to 0.5 miles) on uneven, slanted and potentially slippery terrain and/or over some obstacles that could be up to a meter or slightly more high (e.g., large fallen logs) - all while carrying your own camera gear.
• Be able to easily move between the sailboat and the Zodiac. This involves climbing up or down a 5' vertical ladder.
• Be able to easily move from the Zodiac and a beach and/or rocky shoreline. This involves being able to climb over an obstacle (the side of the Zodiac!) approximately 1 meter high to or from a surface that may be unstable or slippery. This requires some balance and mobility.
• Be able to shoot your camera from within a Zodiac. This involves multiple tasks, including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical.

Note that on some occasions it WILL be possible to stand in the Zodiac when shooting, but you will be shooting while sitting or kneeling far more frequently. A degree of flexibility and/or suppleness can make your time in the Zodiac far more productive and enjoyable!

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

2. Spring in the Southern Great Bear Instructional Photo Tour 2021

BACK AGAIN FOR 2021...WITH AN ADDITIONAL DAY IN THE GREAT BEAR!

About the Great Bear Rainforest: At over 64,000 square kilometers (25,000 sq. mi.) the Great Bear Rainforest is the largest tract of temperate coastal rainforest left on planet Earth. Here the coastal mountains meet the Pacific Ocean - the area is cut by hundreds of steep-sided inlets/fjords and there are countless islands. This true wilderness is rarely visited by humans and is stunningly beautiful in itself. And, it is literally teeming with wildlife, including Grizzly Bears, Black (and Spirit) Bears, coastal Gray Wolves, Wolverines, Sea Otters, American Martens, Bald Eagles, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Sea Otters, Harbour Seals, Steller Sea Lions, many species of waterfowl and seabirds, and more!

OVERVIEW of THIS Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tour:

The Spring in the Southern Great Bear Instructional Photo Tour 2021 combines a day of professional photography instruction with eight days of photography in a very special and very wild pristine wilderness. You will be provided with the opportunity, the conceptual and creative tools, and the techniques needed to capture striking images of spectacular scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. Our "targeted" subjects will include Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Humpback Whales, Coastal Gray Wolves, Sea Otters, land- and seascapes, and more. And, we'll do all this while traveling into the depths of the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a classic and spacious 70-foot schooner, the Passing Cloud.

Spring is a wonderfully exciting time to be in the Great Bear. Coastal plants are in full bloom, bears are grazing in river estuaries, whales are returning to nearshore waters, and the entire ecosystem is literally coming to life!

The southern portion of the Great Bear Rainforest has generally the same assemblage of wildlife species as the more northern regions. However our intended route provides us with the opportunity to explore more exposed "outer" islands. This gives us a greater chance of seeing and photographing several species of wildlife, including coastal Gray Wolves, Sea Otters, Steller Sea Lions and Fin Whales than on a typical northern Great Bear trip. But please note that on this trip our chances of encountering a Spirit Bear are lower than in the northern Great Bear trips we run in the late summer and early autumn.

WHAT'S NEW FOR THE 2021 VERSION OF THIS TRIP? For the 2021 season we added one more day aboard the Passing Cloud (in the Great Bear) to this trip. This additional day gives us the opportunity to visit more areas and gives us more route options. And, for those considering joining us on this trip from distant locations like Europe or Australia, it makes this trip even more appealing! ;-)

This is a multi-faceted trip, focusing not only on the bears, but on all the inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest - and the entire ecosystem in which they thrive. While the bears are an integral part of this trip, we will be approaching this trip with an attitude of finding and capturing any form of natural beauty and natural art we can find. This may include many species of wildlife and birds, intertidal scenes, landscapes, seascapes, and more!

This photo tour begins and ends in Bella Bella, BC.

What's Included? Most everything after your arrival on Day 1 of the trip. So that means meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, bear guides, photography guides, and all First Nation, Conservation and Stewardship fees. Of course great camaraderie and tons of great photo ops are included as well!

How does this Great Bear Rainforest photo tour differ from our autumn "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tours? There are three main differences between the trips. First, this one is in the spring (and our "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tour is in late summer/early autumn). Second, on this spring trip we stick to the more southerly portions of the Great Bear Rainforest than on our autumn Great Bear photo tours. Third, on our "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tour we stick to the inner channels and inlets of the Great Bear Rainforest (i.e., the "Inner Great Bear"). On the spring trip we spend time in the Inner Great Bear AND we venture out into the more exposed and "saltier-and-sandier" outer islands and islets of the "Outer Great Bear". While the overall assemblage of wildlife species is very similar in the southern and northern regions of the Great Bear (both are within the Inner Great Bear), by venturing out into the Outer Great Bear on this spring trip we will have a better chance of seeing and photographing coastal Gray Wolves, Sea Otters, Sea Lions and Fin Whales. However, during the spring trip our prospects of seeing and photographing a Spirit Bear is somewhat lower than on our autumn Into the Great Bear Rainforest photo tours.

Important Note: ALL of our Great Bear Rainforest photo tours are about exploring, seeing, and photographing all the riches of the Great Bear Rainforest. They are not dedicated to photographing any single species of wildlife (such as Spirit Bears or Coastal Gray Wolves). We cannot guarantee that participants will return with Spirit Bear or Gray Wolf photos. But we can guarantee that we will do our absolute best to ensure they will see - and photograph - as much of the biological diversity of the Great Bear Rainforest as possible!

The majority of the images in my very popular "Bears" photo gallery and in my "Animalscapes" photo gallery were captured in the Great Bear Rainforest - feel free to check them out to see what the Great Bear to offer to the keen photographer!

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill.

• DURATION: 10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 8 nights/9 days in the Great Bear aboard the Passing Cloud.

• PROVISIONAL DATES: May 11-21, 2021, including arrival and departure days. May 13-21, 2021 aboard the Passing Cloud.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 2.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Bella Bella, BC): $8199 CAD plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Bella Bella, BC. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and good mobility. We will be walking/hiking on trails or beaches a number of times on this trip and we will be shooting images from the deck of the sailboat, from within a Zodiac, and on shore. To participate in this trip you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Be able to hike up to 2-3 km (up to 2 miles) on uneven, slanted and potentially slippery terrain and/or over some obstacles that could be up to a meter or slightly more high (e.g., large fallen logs) - all while carrying your own camera gear.
• Be able to easily move between the sailboat and the Zodiac. This involves climbing up or down a 5' vertical ladder.
• Be able to easily move from the Zodiac and a beach and/or rocky shoreline. This involves being able to climb over an obstacle (the side of the Zodiac!) approximately 1 meter high to or from a surface that may be unstable or slippery. This requires some balance and mobility.
• Be able to shoot your camera from within a Zodiac. This involves multiple tasks, including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

3. Spring in the Southern Great Bear Photo Op Photo Tour 2021

A NEW VARIANT FOR 2021...AND WITH AN EXCITING NEW TWIST!

OVERVIEW of THIS Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tour:

The Spring in the Southern Great Bear Photo Op Photo Tour 2021 provides you with seven days of photo ops in a very special and very wild pristine wilderness. You will be provided with the opportunity and resources needed to capture striking images of spectacular scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. Our "targeted" subjects will include Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Humpback Whales, Coastal Gray Wolves, Sea Otters, land- and seascapes, and more. And, we'll do all this while traveling into the depths of the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a classic and spacious 70-foot schooner, the Passing Cloud.

THE EXCITING NEW TWIST? In 2021 we're tweaking our intended route to overlap that of our highly successful 2019 "Summer in the Southern Great Bear" photo tour where we had excellent luck with both bears and wolves! We can't guarantee Coastal Gray Wolves on this trip, but we're doing all we can to maximize our chances of finding and photographing them!

This photo tour begins and ends in Bella Bella, BC.

CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill.

• DURATION: 9 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 7 full days in the Great Bear aboard the Passing Cloud.

• DATES: May 29-June 6, 2021, including arrival and departure days. May 30-June 6, 2021 aboard the Passing Cloud.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: TBA.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Bella Bella, BC): $6899 CAD plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Bella Bella, BC. Currency converter available here.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Just download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 4.0 MB) or contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - IPT 2021

4. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour 2021

THE ABSOLUTE ULTIMATE GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE!

About the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary: Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary is located at the tip of a long, remote and pristine inlet on the northern coast of British Columbia. Much of the area is closed to the public - and only two licensed guides are allowed to lead very small groups into the heart of this majestic, globally unique ecosystem - The Khutzeymateen Estuary. The sanctuary is home to about 50 resident grizzlies, with many more passing through during the year. This remote piece of wilderness is set within one of the planet's few remaining completely intact temperate rainforests and offers a stunning, verdant backdrop to observe and photograph wild grizzlies as they interact with one another as they have for millennia. The bears themselves grant visitors with a very rare privilege: they allow humans fully and completely into their rich and behaviourally diverse daily lives. Be one of under 200 people - and far, far fewer photographers - annually gifted with the intimate experience of sharing the lives of the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen.

OVERVIEW of THIS Khutzeymateen Grizzlies Photo Tour:

Back again for 2021! This one is - quite literally - the Khutzeymateen "full meal deal"! This photo tour combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 5 days of fabulous grizzly bear viewing and photography in the world-famous Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. Following our day of photography instruction in Prince Rupert, BC, we travel to the Khutzeymateen via float plane. Our floating basecamp is the beautiful Ocean Light II - a comfortable 71' ocean ketch (sailboat). We will be assisted by one of the world's best professional bear guides during our 5 days of working intensely with the spectacular Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen (in the most magical setting imaginable)! This trip is simply an extraordinary experience and provides unsurpassed photographic opportunities!

This photo tour begins and ends in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? This is an all-inclusive trip (once in Prince Rupert, BC on Day 1) that includes 2 nights of accommodation and all meals in Prince Rupert, a full day of wildlife photography instruction in Prince Rupert prior to the trip, float plane transport to and from the Khutzeymateen, certified bear and photography guides, and 5 full days in the Khutzeymateen photographing majestic grizzly bears.

Many of the images in my very popular "Bears" photo gallery were captured in the Khutzeymateen - check them out to get a feeling for what the Khutzeymateen offers up!

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Terri Shaddick (Huh? Who's Terri? Info here...)

• DURATION: 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 5 nights/6 days in the Khutzeymateen aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: May 22-29, 2021, including arrival and departure days. May 24-29 in the Khutzeymateen aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 (SOLD OUT). Please note that when trips sell out very early (as this one has) cancellations are not uncommon. Please contact me (seminars@naturalart.ca) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list (i.e., cancellation list) for this trip. Or, if you are interested in participating in the 2022 version of this trip, just follow this link for details getting on the 2022 Priority Booking List (giving you first right of refusal for available spots) for this amazing trip.

• COST: $6999 CAD plus 5% GST. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour is not excessively physically demanding and there is no hiking involved. However, to fully enjoy and participate in the trip there are a few physical tasks you should be able to perform. These include:

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - Photo Op 2021

5. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Photo Op Photo Tour 2021

OVERVIEW of THIS Khutzeymateen Grizzlies Photo Tour:

Think of this one as "Khutzeymateen Lite"! This "photo-op" style photo tour offers a reduced instructional component (no full day of instruction before the trip) but with 4 full days spent photographing the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen. It is geared toward photographers who primarily want access to the area, the bears, and the overall experience in a non-crowded environment (all the photo tours are limited to 6 individuals to ensure everyone has good shooting angles) and who may not have the time for the longer instructional photo tour.

This photo tour begins and ends in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? Accommodation and meals in Prince Rupert before your time in the Khutzeymateen are NOT included in the price of this tour. But, like with the full instructional photo tour, float plane transport into (and out of) the Khutzeymateen and all food and accommodation once there ARE included in the price. A certified bear guide, photography guide, and all sanctuary and conservancy fees are also included. Note that all participants will receive detailed information and extensive photographic "tips and tricks" about the idiosyncrasies of shooting bears in the Khutzeymateen prior to the trip.

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Terri Shaddick (Huh? Who's Terri? Info here...)

• DURATION: 5 NIGHTS/6 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 4 nights/5 days in the Khutzeymateen aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: May 28 to June 2, 2021, including arrival and departure days. May 29 - June 2 in the Khutzeymateen aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 1.

• COST: $5499 CAD plus 5% GST. Currency converter available here.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

6. The Khutzeymateen Explorer Photo Op Photo Tour 2021

NEW FOR 2021: THE FAMOUS KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLIES - AND A LOT MORE!

OVERVIEW of THIS Khutzeymateen Photo Tour:

This trip starts with a "full dose" of the Khutzeymateen Grizzlies - after arriving in the beautiful Khutzeymateen by float plane we'll spend June 18 through June 20 in the heart of the Khutzeymateen photographing spectacular Grizzly Bears. Then, on June 21, we'll travel out the Khutzeymateen Inlet aboard the Ocean Light II and to ANOTHER spectacular estuary system to photograph grizzlies. By mid-day on June 22 - and while travelling toward Prince Rupert - we'll go after marine mammals like Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, and more! Evening on June 22nd will see us anchoring in a quiet harbour, followed by a Zodiac excursion in search of wildlife, including marine mammals, Black Bears, Grizzlies, Coastal Gray Wolves, migrating sea birds, and more! On the morning of June 23 we'll be motoring towards Prince Rupert, always with an eye or two out for marine mammals and sea birds! By early afternoon (and after a hearty lunch) you'll be departing the Ocean Light II in Prince Rupert with memory cards chock full of stunning images (and some great memories) of this classic coastal BC experience!

This photo tour begins and ends in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? Pretty much everything after you arrive in Prince Rupert on Day 1 of this great trip! That means one night of accommodation and meals in Prince Rupert, float plane transport into the Khutzeymateen, and all food and accommodation once in the Khutzeymateen. A certified bear guide, photography guide, and all sanctuary and conservancy fees are also included. Note that all participants will receive detailed information and extensive photographic "tips and tricks" about the idiosyncrasies of shooting bears in the Khutzeymateen prior to the trip.

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill.

• DURATION: 6 NIGHTS/7 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 5 NIGHTS/6 DAYS aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: June 17 to June 23, 2021, including arrival and departure days. June 18-23 aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 (SOLD OUT). Please note that when trips sell out very early (as this one has) cancellations are not uncommon. Please contact me (seminars@naturalart.ca) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list (i.e., cancellation list) for this trip. Or, if you are interested in participating in the 2022 version of this trip, just follow this link for details getting on the 2022 Priority Booking List (giving you first right of refusal for available spots) for this amazing trip.

• COST: $6499 CAD plus 5% GST. Currency converter available here.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

7. Humpbacks, Orcas, Sea Lions and More: Marine Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast 2021

THIS ONE IS...MIND-BLOWING!

OVERVIEW:

This Photo Op Photo Tour offers you 7 full days of fabulous marine mammal viewing and photography in the Johnstone Strait region of northern Vancouver Island aboard the beautiful Ocean Light II - a comfortable 71' ocean ketch (sailboat). We will be assisted by a professional whale and aquatic mammal guide during our 7 days of cruising the picturesque waters off the northern tip of Vancouver Island. In past years this trip has provided superb opportunities to photograph Humpback Whales, Killer Whales (or Orcas), Gray Whales, Steller Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and more. And, it is an area which produces opportunities to capture those stunning (and usually rarely encountered) "animalscapes".

This photo tour begins in Port Hardy, BC and ends in Port McNeill, BC, Canada.

What's Included? This is another all-inclusive trip (once you arrive in Port Hardy, BC) and includes all meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, a week aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat, a great crew and cook, photography guide, great camaraderie, tons of AMAZING photo ops and more!

A sampling of the type of images that can be captured on our Marine Mammals photo tour can be found in my "Marine Mammals" photo gallery.

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Terri Shaddick (Huh? Who's Terri? Info here...)

• DURATION: 8 NIGHTS/9 DAYS (including arrival and departure days), including 7 nights/8 days aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: August 12-20, 2021 including arrival and departure days. August 13-20 aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 5.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Port Hardy, BC): $5999 CAD plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Port Hardy. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour is not excessively physically demanding and there is little or no hiking involved. On this trip we will be shooting images from both the deck of the Ocean Light II as well as from a 19' Zodiac. To fully enjoy and participate in the shooting sessions in the Zodiac there are a few physical tasks you should be able to perform. These include:

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

8. Summer in the Southern Great Bear 2021 - The SUPER VOYAGE!

OUR FIRST SUPER VOYAGE VISITS THE "OTHER SIDE" OF THE GREAT BEAR!

About the Great Bear Rainforest: Imagine long, sinewy inlets and fjords cutting through pristine rainforest and bissecting massive peaks. Imagine that the inlets, estuaries, and forests are chock-full of wildlife, including salmon, Humpback Whales, Harbor Seals, Steller Sea Lions, dozens and dozens of species of birds, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Coastal Gray Wolves, and, of course, the rare white Spirit Bear. Imagine touring through this globally-unique ecosystem in a beautiful sailboat where, no matter the weather, you are always warm, always dry, and always comfortable! And imagine sharing this tour with a very small number of other like-minded photographers who, like you, love nothing more than creating memorable images of locales that only very, very few have ever visited. And now you've conjured up exactly what you get on ALL our Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tours!

OVERVIEW of THIS Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tour:

This one is it - our first ever 10-day Great Bear Rainforest SUPER VOYAGE! For 2021 we've extended our "normal" Summer Great Bear trip by an extra day to give us MORE time in the Great Bear. This means we can visit more photographic locations and have more route options than ever before. As always, our "targeted" subjects will include Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Humpback Whales, Sea Otters, possibly coastal Gray Wolves and Spirit Bears, landscapes and seascapes, and more. And, we'll do all this while traveling into the depths of the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a classic and spacious 70-foot wooden schooner, the Passing Cloud.

This photo tour begins and ends in Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? Most everything after you arrive in Bella Bella beginning on Day 1. So that means meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, bear guides, photography guides, and all First Nation, Conservation and Stewardship fees. Of course great camaraderie and tons of great photo ops are included as well!

How does this summer Great Bear Rainforest photo tour differ from our autumn "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tours? First, on this late August trip we stick to the more southerly portions of the Great Bear Rainforest than on our autumn Great Bear photo tours. Second, on our September and October "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tours we stick to the inner channels and inlets of the Great Bear Rainforest (i.e., the "Inner Great Bear"). On this August trip we spend time in the Inner Great Bear AND we venture out into the more exposed and "saltier-and-sandier" outer islands and islets of the "Outer Great Bear". While the overall assemblage of wildlife species is very similar in the southern and northern regions of the Great Bear (both are within the Inner Great Bear), by venturing out into the Outer Great Bear on this spring trip we will have a better chance of seeing and photographing coastal Gray Wolves, Sea Otters, Sea Lions and Fin Whales. Our chances of encountering and photographing the rare white Spirit Bear are most accurately and candidly described as "quite decent" but slightly lower than on our September and October "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tours.

Important Note: All of our Great Bear Rainforest photo tours are about exploring, seeing, and photographing all the riches of the Great Bear Rainforest. They are not dedicated to photographing any single species of wildlife (such as Spirit Bears or coastal Gray Wolves). We cannot guarantee that participants will return with Spirit Bear or Gray Wolf photos. But we can guarantee that we will do our absolute best to ensure they will see - and photograph - as much of the biological diversity of the Great Bear Rainforest as possible!

CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour AND Exploratory Photo Adventure! (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill.

• DURATION: 10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 9 nights/10 days in the Great Bear aboard the Passing Cloud sailboat (a 70-foot classic wooden schooner).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: August 24 - September 3, 2021, including arrival and departure days. August 25 - September 3 aboard the Passing Cloud.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 (SOLD OUT). Please note that when trips sell out very early (as this one has) cancellations are not uncommon. Please contact me (seminars@naturalart.ca) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list (i.e., cancellation list) for this trip. Or, if you are interested in participating in the 2022 version of this trip, just follow this link for details getting on the 2022 Priority Booking List (giving you first right of refusal for available spots) for this amazing trip.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Bella Bella, BC): $8999 CAD plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Bella Bella. Currency converter available here.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

9. Into the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour 2021

OUR CLASSIC AUTUMN GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST PHOTO TOUR!

OVERVIEW of THIS Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tour:

Think of this one as the autumn Great Bear "full meal deal" photo tour. It combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 7 days of exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and photographing its inhabitants, including Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Humpback Whales, Spirit Bears, and a whole lot more! Following our day of photography instruction we will travel through the Great Bear Rainforest aboard the beautiful Ocean Light II - a comfortable 71' ocean ketch (sailboat). We will be assisted by professional bear guides during our 7 days of intensely working our way through the Great Bear Rainforest! While this is not a "Spirit Bear" photo tour, it is our photo tour where we put in the greatest effort to find (and photograph) - and have had our most success in "bagging" - the rare white Spirit Bear. This trip is simply an extraordinary adventure and provides unsurpassed photographic opportunities!

This trip begin is currently scheduled to begin in Terrace, BC and end in Prince Rupert, BC.

What's included? 2 nights of accommodation in Terrace, all meals, a full day of photo instruction prior to the trip, transport to the Ocean Light II (our floating and mobile base camp!), and 7 full days aboard the Ocean Light II in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, Canada.

What are YOUR chances of seeing a Spirit Bear on this trip? Very good! Of ALL our Great Bear Rainforest trips we dedicate the MOST time to finding and photographing Spirit Bears on THIS trip. So if seeing and photographing a Spirit Bear is a priority to you, THIS is the best trip for you!

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (go here for a description of our photo tour types).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Terri Shaddick (Huh? Who's Terri? Info here...)

• DURATION: 9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 7 nights/8 days in the Great Bear aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• DATES: September 20-29, 2021, including arrival and departure days. September 22-29, 2021 aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 1.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Terrace, BC): $7999 Canadian plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Terrace. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and good mobility. We will be hiking during 2 or 3 days while on this trip and we will be shooting images from the deck of the sailboat, from within a Zodiac, and on shore. To participate in this trip you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Be able to hike up to 2-3 km (up to 2 miles) on uneven, slanted and potentially slippery terrain and/or over some obstacles that could be up to a meter or slightly more high (e.g., large fallen logs) - all while carrying your own camera gear. In most years our best Spirit Bear photography ops come from selected locations on islands. Access to these locations is by walking only.
• Be able to easily move between the sailboat and the Zodiac. This involves climbing up or down a 5' vertical ladder.
• Being able to easily move from the Zodiac and a beach and/or rocky shoreline. This involves being able to climb over an obstacle (the side of the Zodiac!) approximately 1 meter high to or from a surface that may be unstable or slippery. This requires some balance and mobility.
• Shooting your camera from within a Zodiac. This involves multiple tasks, including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

10. Into the Great Bear Rainforest Exploratory Photo Adventure 2021

EXPLORE AND PHOTOGRAPH THE HIDDEN RICHES OF THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST!

OVERVIEW of THIS Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tour:

This Exploratory Photo Adventure is about seeking out and photographing wildlife and coastal scenes in new and much less-visited regions of British Columbia's spectacular coastal Great Bear Rainforest. Our "targeted" subjects that we'll actively seek out will include Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, possibly coastal Gray Wolves and Spirit Bears, landscapes and seascapes, and more.

The easiest way to think of this one is this: just take our standard "Into the Great Bear Rainforest" photo tour (described above), remove the day of instruction, add one extra day in the Great Bear, and then add just a tad of "gnarly"! This photo tour covers the same general portion of the Great Bear Rainforest as the Instructional version of the trip, but we will be exploring some of the much less commonly visited inlets and estuaries in search of the best wildlife subjects and scenes the Great Bear can offer!

This trip will include some hiking on uneven (and slippery!) terrain, so those considering coming on this trip should have good mobility, a moderate-to-high fitness level, and a good sense of balance. While this trip will not be focused SOLELY on finding and photographing the rare white Spirit Bear, we will be dedicating some time to capturing images of these amazing creatures in areas they are regularly encountered. We will be assisted by highly capable professional bear guides as we work our way through the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest! This WILL be a highly memorable experience!

This photo tour is currently scheduled to begin in Prince Rupert, BC, Canada and end in Terrace, BC, Canada.

What's Included? Most everything after you arrive at the trip's start point on Day 1. So that means meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, bear guides, photography guides, and all First Nation, Conservation and Stewardship fees. Of course great camaraderie and tons of great photo ops are included as well!

What are YOUR chances of seeing a Spirit Bear on this trip? Good to very good! Of ALL our Great Bear Rainforest trips we dedicate the SECOND MOST time to finding and photographing Spirit Bears on THIS trip. So if seeing and photographing a Spirit Bear is a priority to you, then our Into the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour is our BEST trip for you. And THIS one would be your SECOND BEST choice!

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour AND Exploratory Photo Adventure! (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill

• DURATION: 9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 8 nights/9 days in the Great Bear aboard the Ocean Light II sailboat (a 71-foot ocean ketch).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: September 28 - October 7, 2021, including arrival and departure days. September 29 - October 7, 2021 aboard the Ocean Light II.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 (SOLD OUT). Please note that when trips sell out very early (as this one has) cancellations are not uncommon. Please contact me (seminars@naturalart.ca) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list (i.e., cancellation list) for this trip. Or, if you are interested in participating in the 2022 version of this trip, just follow this link for details getting on the 2022 Priority Booking List (giving you first right of refusal for available spots) for this amazing trip.

• COST: $8199 CAD plus 5% GST. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour requires an above average level of physical fitness and both good mobility and balance. In all likelihood we will be hiking while on this trip and this hiking may include sections in creeks with slippery, rocky bottoms. We will be shooting images from the deck of the sailboat, from within a Zodiac, and on shore. To participate in this trip you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Be able to hike up to 4 km (up to about 3 miles) on uneven, slanted and potentially slippery terrain and/or over some obstacles that could be up to a meter or slightly more high (e.g., large fallen logs) - all while carrying your own camera gear. In most years our best Spirit Bear photography ops come from selected locations on islands. Access to these locations is by walking only.
• Be able to easily move between the sailboat and the Zodiac. This involves climbing up or down a 5' vertical ladder.
• Be able to easily move from the Zodiac and a beach and/or rocky shoreline. This involves being able to climb over an obstacle (the side of the Zodiac!) approximately 1 meter high to or from a surface that may be unstable or slippery. This requires some balance and mobility.
• Be able to shoot your camera from within a Zodiac. This involves multiple tasks, including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

11. Autumn in the Queen Charlotte Strait

NEW FOR 2021: FABULOUS MARINE MAMMALS, MIGRATORY BIRDS - AND MORE!

OVERVIEW:

This Photo Op Photo Tour offers you 6 full days of fabulous marine mammal and migratory bird viewing and photography in the Queen Charlotte Strait region of northern Vancouver Island aboard the classic Passing Cloud - a comfortable 70' schooner. We will be assisted by a professional marine ecology guide during our time cruising the picturesque waters between the northern tip of Vancouver Island and the BC mainland coast. The route of this trip overlaps that of our August Marine Mammals trip but we intend to do more exploring of the many islands and islets of the mainland coast. We anticipate superb opportunities to photograph Humpback Whales, Killer Whales (or Orcas), Gray Whales, Steller Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and more. Our autumn dates ensure we'll have more migratory birds traveling through the region (and a reduction in marine traffic in the area).

This photo tour begins in Port Hardy, BC and ends in Port McNeill, BC, Canada.

What's Included? This is another all-inclusive trip (once you arrive in Port Hardy, BC) and includes all meals, accommodation, all travel during the trip, 6 nights/7 days aboard the Passing Cloud schooner, a great crew and cook, photography guide, great camaraderie, tons of AMAZING photo ops and more!

A sampling of the type of images that can be captured in this region can be found in my "Marine Mammals" photo gallery.

CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour and Exploratory Photo Adventure (go here for a description of our photo tour types).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill)

• DURATION: 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 6 nights/7 days aboard the Passing Cloud sailboat (a 70-foot wooden schooner).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: October 12-19, 2021, including arrival and departure days. October 13-19, 2021 aboard the Passing Cloud.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 3.

• COST: Trip with single accommodation room (in Port Hardy, BC): $5599 Canadian plus 5% GST. Subtract $75 CAD for shared accommodation in Port Hardy. Currency converter available here.

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Detailed brochure available in autumn of 2021 - or contact me now at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this spectacular photo tour.

2022 Photo Tours...

Our 2022 Photo Tour listings will be posted here in late January or early February of 2021.

We will begin accepting bookings for our 2022 trips as soon as they are posted here. Those who like to plan ahead may contact me at any time and request a spot on our 2022 Priority Booking List. Those on this list will be given first right of refusal on a specific trip after the trip details are made available and we begin accepting bookings.

Please note that there will be separate Priority Booking Lists for each trip we offer and enquiries will be ranked on a first-come, first-served basis. For instance, the FIRST person contacting me about our 2022 Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour will be the FIRST person offered a spot on the trip in January/February of 2021. And the second person contacting me will be offered the second spot on the trip, et cetera.

SO...if you would like to be placed on the 2022 Priority Booking List please:

1. Send me an email using the email links for any of the trips listed below:

• Pacific Rim Explorer Instructional Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Spring in the Southern Great Bear Instructional Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Khutzeymateen 5-day Instructional Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Khutzeymateen 4-day Photo Op Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Marine Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Summer in the Southern Great Bear Instructional Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Into the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request
• Into the Great Bear Rainforest Photo Op Photo Tour: 2022 Priority Booking List Request

2. In that email, please include your FULL contact information, including snail mail address, email address, and best phone number(s) to contact you.

Once we receive your request we'll get back to you letting you know where you are on the list.

Finally, please note that we ARE working on producing some new trips (beyond those listed above) for 2022. If you would like information on these exciting new trips as soon as its available, just email me using this link: 2022 New Trips Info Request.

Thanks and we hope to see YOU on one of our great photo tours in 2022!

Our 3 Categories of Photo Tours

We currently offer three categories of Photo Tours:

1. Instructional Photo Tours: These photo tours combine a full day of professional photography instruction with multiple days filled with fantastic photo opportunities of dramatic subjects, including wild Grizzlies, Spirit Bears, Orcas, Humpbacks and more! Besides the classroom-style instruction provided at the beginning of the tour, participants will receive instruction in the field and, on some tours, evening seminars. Our instructional photo tours are targeted at all serious nature photographers - from keen novices through to seasoned professionals.

2. "Photo Op" Photo Tours: "Photo Op" tours are similar to our instructional photo tours but offer a reduced instructional component (the full day of pre-trip classroom-style instruction is omitted). They offer access to amazing photographic opportunities in a small, intimate group of like-minded individuals and with experienced guides and a dedicated photographic guide. During Photo Op photo tours photographic coaching and/or instruction on issues related to both image capture and image processing is available upon request. Our Photo Op tours are designed more for the intermediate-to-advanced (and professional) photographer not wishing formal instruction. These tours are very popular with those who have previously attended one or more of our Instructional Photo Tours.

3. "Exploratory Photo Adventures": First introduced in 2013, these guided adventures visit the same general areas that we do on our other photo tours (such as the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia), but instead of focusing on the "tried and true" locations we strike out to explore rarely visited islands, inlets, bays, streams, and forests. It's best to think of these trips as "higher risk" (in terms of "bagging" ANY single specific species) but "higher potential reward" (in terms of getting shots of species in locations and settings not commonly photographed). In short, these trips should appeal to the adventurous types who really like to "get out there". Those with a strong and sole desire to photograph a specific species (e.g., a Spirit Bear) at the expense of other photographic opportunities should probably not participate in these exploratory trips. Those considering these trips should be physically mobile, able to carry their own photography gear over rough terrain (such as slippery rocks or through thick forests), and be comfortable with the thought of working outside in weather that could be considered challenging. Note that the exact physical fitness requirements for each Exploratory Photo Adventure are detailed under the specific trip listing and description. Note also that Exploratory Photo Adventures may or may not have an instructional component depending on the trip (i.e., they may be Instructional Exploratory Photo Adventures or Photo Op Exploratory Photo Adventures).

Our Wildlife Photography Ethics - Wildlife FIRST!

Wildlife conservation is the primary reason for my involvement in wildlife photography. I have a high respect for - and near reverence of - the subjects I photograph. I believe they have an inherent right to exist that is independent of my "use" of them - or to their utility to mankind. They are not props. As a logic extension of this philosophy, I place the welfare and value of my subjects above the value of any photograph of them. This value system - that the welfare of the wildlife comes FIRST - was the driving force in the development of my Wildlife FIRST! principles of photographer conduct to guide MY actions in the field and during all the photo tours of Natural Art Images.

For purposes of clarity, these guidelines apply strictly to wildlife photography, i.e., the act of capturing images of completely free-ranging wild animals in natural (non-captive and non-confining) environments.

The four simple ethical principles governing my actions state that:

1. I engage in passive wildlife photography only. This means I strive to capture images of wildlife behaving as naturally as possible and without any actions on my part that could guide the subjects toward desirable settings and/or backdrops or elicit specific "poses".

2. I do nothing intentional to alter or influence the behaviour of my subjects for the purpose of photography. This includes NOT intentionally influencing their distribution in space OR their behaviour. This translates into NOT engaging in any form of luring or baiting (or any other form of food supplementation). Additionally, I won't use any sound to alter the behaviour of the subject for the purpose of photography, including using predator and/or prey calls, song or vocalization playbacks, vocal clicking, or making any other sound to cause the subject to alter its ongoing behaviour and look at me/us.

3. While conforming to and working within any legal guidelines determining minimum allowable approach distances, I always allow the wildlife subject - regardless of the species - to determine the distance it is comfortable with between itself and me. This principle serves to reduce stress on the subject - and also allows the capture of photographs of the subject behaving in a more natural, and often more interesting, fashion.

4. I strive to always consider both the individual and collective effects my photographic activities can have on the subject(s). This includes being aware of the total time spent with the subjects. In practice this means I (or we) will often break contact and withdraw from the subject, especially if there is any indication that our presence is impacting on the subject's behavioural routine (including activities such as feeding, resting and/or sleeping, caring for its offspring, etc.). This consideration is always important and may become even MORE important if multiple photographers or groups of photographers are working with the same subject.

Those participating in the photo tours of Natural Art Images are expected to conform to these principles of photographer conduct.

All images on this website, including those contained within PDF brochures or other marketing materials for my photo tours, were captured following these Wildlife FIRST! principles of photographer conduct.

So...Who is Terri Shaddick?

The short answer to this question is real easy - Terri is just like me...only different!

The longer and more accurate answer is this: Like me, Terri is an active wildlife photographer with a passion for the welfare and conservation of the subjects she photographs. And, also like me, she is highly technical to the point of being ALMOST geeky! But...she has an extremely strong creative side to her. Unlike me, Terri shoots Canon (though she has a deep understanding of the workings of all current Nikon cameras). And, also unlike me, Terri is young! And...I may not have mentioned this yet...Terri is a very talented wildlife photographer (I'll let you decide if that's like me or not!). You can view samples of Terri's work - and learn more about her - right here: www.wildelements.ca

Terri and I officially joined forces before the 2016 photo tour season. She accompanied me and co-lead all of my 2016 photo tours and in 2017 began leading a number of photo tours. Terri's strong technical background, her creative side, and her inherent desire to help others makes her a great photo tour leader. And, like me, she always puts the welfare of her clients (and THEIR photos!) ahead of her own.

I'm fully confident that once you go on a photo tour with Terri you'll be thinking "Wow...was he ever lucky to find her" (and you'd be right!).

Cheers...

Brad

What Previous Photo Tour Participants Have Said...

Here's a small sampling of what previous attendees of our Photo Tours have thought of their experiences:

"The time we spent in the Khutzeymateen was the trip of a lifetime - the combination of the bears, scenery, the boat and your guidance and coaching was beyond compare. I learned so much from you and the other photographers (and the bears) that I'm still processing. Thanks again for a wonderful photographic experience!" Dennis W., June 2017

"I just got back from the Khutzeymateen Instructional trip, and it was a trip of a lifetime. The days were packed with unique photographic opportunities that I have not experienced anywhere else in the world, and it was amazing because we had the bears, and the Khutzeymateen, all to ourselves. The small group made it possible to easily work from within the zodiac with long lenses and allow everyone the opportunity to get the shot. The instruction day is very useful for photographers at all levels, and in addition to general photography instruction, offers tips on shooting in the unique conditions of the Khutzeymateen (zodiac, rain, etc.). Throughout the trip Brad was always available to answer questions. Thank you to Brad and the crew of the Ocean Light II for providing me with the experience of a lifetime, I look forward to the next one." Terri S., June 2015

"The Spirit Bear trip (Instructional) was an experience that is very difficult to put into words. Magnificent, superb, breath taking, astonishing, are mere words that barely come close to what you actually feel while on this trip. The days are packed full with wonderful opportunities for photography, with a tremendous amount of information, and all the while having a whole lotta fun! The entire trip is extremely well organized, while flexible when needed. The hospitality is top notch and the photography is some of the best you will ever have the opportunity to shoot.
With having such a small group, you get a strong sense of personal one-on-one service, there is always someone able to answer questions whether it be about cameras or what kind of tree that is. Brad and his team make this trip an experience that one will not soon forget. This was my first trip and I've already booked my second; and I expect there will be a third and fourth and more! Thank you Brad for giving me the memory of a lifetime!" Goldie A., November 2011

"Beautiful locations, amazing wildlife photo opportunities, topflight photo instruction, fun loving people. I learned a lot, witnessed wildlife behavior in an unspoiled natural environment, and was well taken care of around the clock. I came away with new photo skills to apply to my passion for wildlife photography, experiences that I will remember for a lifetime, an even deeper appreciation for protecting the remaining unspoiled areas, some images that I think are pretty cool, and a boat load of new friends." Patrick M., November 2011

"Participating in one of Brad's photo tours has so many positives, it's difficult to succinctly name them all. From having the opportunity to experience the beauty of Canada's west coast ecology to benefiting from Brad's many talents, your tour fee is more than rewarded. During a photo tour, Brad goes out of his way to answer questions from guests, including, but not limited to, appropriate camera settings, photographic advice, photo software applications and local biology. I have been on two of his photo tours and I have learned and experienced so much about photography and wildlife that I have signed-up for a third photo tour." Clint B., November 2011

"Fabulous experience. Well organized and Brad is always on top of things. The Ocean Light II is very comfortable and we were well fed. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Brad is a very accomplished photographer and knows his field. Very knowledgeable about about camera gear, etc." David F., November 2011

"The trip to the Khutz has made my 2010 unforgettable. It was an unbelievable learning experience and a once in a lifetime adventure at the same time. I will forever be moved having been so close to such a magnificent natural world. I simply cannot thank you enough." Brian B., December 2010

"In the fall of 2009 I participated in one of Brad Hill's photo instructional tours to the Great Bear Rainforest. What an experience! The combination of best in class instruction combined with a world class adventure is something I will never forget. More importantly, something I'm already signed up to repeat." Ray R., October 2009

"The grizzly bear workshop in the Khutzeymateen was the experience of a lifetime, and the bears were incredible. Brad's class in wildlife photography was worth the price of the trip in itself!" Durwood E., June 2008

"It's been several years since my photo tour to the Khutzeymateen with Brad Hill. I'm still editing and processing (reprocessing even) the photos I took, reliving the experience, and enjoying it all over again. Unforgettable!" Matt D., March 2010

"Photographing Grizzlies with Brad Hill in Canada's Khutzeymateen Bear Preserve was an amazing and life-altering experience. Brad is extremely generous sharing his wealth of knowledge. It is impossible not to feel infused with his photographic wisdom and respect for the region's bears and other wildlife. Tom, Jenn and Sarah quickly make you feel safe and at home in the Ocean Light II, their beautiful sailing ship. For any photographer who really wants an intense Grizzly experience let Brad be your spirit guide." Peter G., June 2009

"A fantastic trip to see the bears and the very scenic Khutzeymateen. The Ocean Light II and crew were superb, as was Brad Hill's advice on the photography which was invaluable to all." Malcolm B., June 2009

"My wife and I had the pleasure of attending one of Brad's photo tours in the Khutzeymateen Valley. The first full day of our trip consisted of an informal yet very well structured seminar where Brad brought a wealth of personal experience to the classroom covering aspects of digital nature photography ranging from the artistic to the more technical. I walked away from that seminar with concepts and techniques that I have used on every photographic outing since then...
We then traveled to the Khutzeymateen Valley via float plane where we witnessed grizzly bears roaming free and unmolested against the backdrop of pristine rain forest and snow covered mountains. The bears would often allow our Zodiac to approach close enough for encounters yielding some very dramatic and intimate images. I will always consider this one of the most amazing experiences of my life." David S., June 2008