Photo Tours with Natural Art Images

If you're a keen nature or wildlife photographer and you're looking for that "ultimate" photo trip, you've come to the right place! I offer a small number of photo tours each year to absolutely amazing and remote destinations with absolutely amazing subject matter. I keep my trips small in size (normally with 6 or fewer participants) so each participant receives ample attention and unobstructed shooting angles and photo opportunities. I currently offer three distinct types 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. My instructional photo tours are targeted at all serious nature photographers - from keen novices through to seasoned professionals.

2. "Photo Op" Photo Tours: My "Photo Op" tours are similar to my instructional photo tours but offer a reduced instructional component (the full day of 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 (that would be ME!). My 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 my Instructional Photo Tours.

3. "Exploratory Photo Adventures": New for the 2013 season! These guided adventures do not include any formal photography instruction. During these tours we visit the same general wildlife photography "hotspots" (such as the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia) that we do on my other tours, but instead of focusing on the "tried and true" locations we strike out to explore rarely visited inlets, bays, streams, and forests. It's best to think of these trips as "higher risk" (in terms of "bagging" a 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 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...uhhhh...different than what you'd normally think of as beach weather! ;-)

2012 Calendar of Photo Tours

1. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - Spring 2012

In spring of 2012 I am offering two unique Photo Tours of the Khutzeymateen Inlet:

Photo Tour #1. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour.

OVERVIEW: Back by overwhelming demand! This photo tour combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 5 days of fabulous grizzly bear viewing and photography in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. 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 Ð and far, far fewer photographers Ð annually gifted with the intimate experience of sharing the lives of the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (see top of page for description of my Instructional Photo Tours).
DATES: May 23 to May 30, 2012.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 1
COST: $4550 Canadian plus 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Currency converter available here.
REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

MORE INFORMATION? Download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 1.9 MB) for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour.

Photo Tour #2. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - Just the Photo Op, Please!

OVERVIEW: This photo tour offers a reduced instructional component (no full day of instruction before the trip) and 4 full days spent photographing the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Tour (see top of page for description of my Photo Op Tours).
DATES: May 29 to June 3, 2012.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 - Sorry this tour is now totally sold out for 2012.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON AVAILABILITY OF SPOTS ON THIS TRIP: Although this trip is currently sold out, with today's economic conditions trip cancellations are quite common and spots MAY become available. Please contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca if you'd like to be placed on a waiting list for this trip.

COST: $3199 Canadian plus 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Currency converter available here.
REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

MORE INFORMATION? Download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 2.1 MB) for more information and details about this amazing photo tour.

2. Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest - Autumn 2012

In the autumn of 2012 I am offering 2 Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tours. The first tour is a full Instructional Photo Tour while the second is a Photo Op style tour.

About Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest: Pursue the elusive white Spirit Bear while traveling through the spectacular and biologically diverse Great Bear Rainforest on the northern coast of British Columbia. This region is the largest remaining tract of temperate rainforest left on earth and the only one with all members of its ecosystem still thriving. We will focus on photographing Spirit Bears and Grizzlies and will opportunistically pursue and photograph other species that may present themselves to us, including coastal wolves, several species of whales including both Humpbacks and Orcas, plus many other aquatic mammals and birds. We'll do all this while traveling through the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a 71' sailboat among some of the most scenic wilderness in the world!

Photo Tour #1. Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour.

OVERVIEW: Back again for 2012! This photo tour combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 7 days of exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and photographing its inhabitants, including both Spirit Bears and Grizzly Bears. Following our day of photography instruction in Prince Rupert, BC, we will travel into the Great Bear Rainforest via floatplane. We'll then stay 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! This trip is simply an extraordinary adventure and provides unsurpassed photographic opportunities!

This is an all-inclusive trip (once one arrives in Prince Rupert, BC) that includes 2 nights of accommodation in Prince Rupert, all meals in Prince Rupert, a full day of photo instruction in Prince Rupert prior to the trip, floatplane transport to and from the Ocean Light II sailboat, and 7 full days aboard the Ocean Light II in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, Canada. Please note that this is a point-to-point trip beginning in Prince Rupert, BC and ending in Bella Bella, BC.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (see top of page for description of my Instructional Photo Tours).
DATES: September 24 to October 3, 2012.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 - Sorry this tour is now totally sold out for 2012.

COST: $4999 Canadian plus 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Currency converter available here.
REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

MORE INFORMATION? Download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 2.2 MB) for more information and details about this amazing instructional photo tour.

Photo Tour #2. Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest - Just the Photo Op, Please!

OVERVIEW: This photo tour offers a reduced instructional component (no full day of instruction before the trip) and 7 full days spent photographing the inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest, including both Spirit and Grizzly Bears. This trip is geared toward photographers who primarily want access to the area and the majestic subjects in a non-crowded environment (all the photo tours are limited to 6 individuals to ensure everyone has good shooting angles).

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Tour (see top of page for description of my Photo Op Tours).
DATES: October 3 to 10, 2012.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 0 - Sorry this tour is now totally sold out for 2012.

COST: $4399 Canadian plus 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Currency converter available here.
REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

MORE INFORMATION? Download THIS BROCHURE (PDF: 2.1 MB) for more information and details about this amazing instructional photo tour.

2013 Calendar of Photo Tours

1. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - Spring 2013

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. The sanctuary (and entire estuary) is closed to the public - only two licensed guides are allowed to lead very small groups into this majestic, globally unique ecosystem. The inlet 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.

In spring of 2013 I am offering two unique Photo Tours of the Khutzeymateen Inlet:

Photo Tour #1. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour.

OVERVIEW: This exceptionally popular 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 will travel to the Khutzeymateen via float plane. We'll then stay aboard the beautiful Ocean Light II - a comfortable 71' ocean ketch (sailboat). We will be assisted by two 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 is an all-inclusive trip (once one arrives in Prince Rupert, BC) that includes 2 nights of accommodation in Prince Rupert, all meals in Prince Rupert, a full day of photo instruction in Prince Rupert prior to the trip, float plane transport to and from the Khutzeymateen, and 5 full days in the Khutzeymateen photographing majestic grizzly bears.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (see top of page for description of my Instructional Photo Tours).
DATES: May 23 to May 30, 2013.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 6.
COST: $4899 Canadian plus applicable taxes. Currency converter available here.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON TAXATION: At the time of this writing the province of BC is changing from a single 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (or HST) and replacing it with two separate taxes. It is expected - but not currently guaranteed - that adventure tours will return to their tax status prior to the implementation of the HST (which means that the taxation on this trip should fall FROM 12% to 5%).

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

MORE INFORMATION? Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour. Brochure available in autumn 2012.

Photo Tour #2. Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen - Just the Photo Op, Please!

OVERVIEW: This photo tour offers a reduced instructional component (no full day of instruction before the trip) and 4 full days spent photographing the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen. It is geared toward photographers who primarily want access to the area and the bears 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.

Note that accommodation and meals in Prince Rupert (one night) are NOT included in the price of this tour. As 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. 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 (to ensure that the quality of their shooting time is maximized).

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Tour (see top of page for description of my Photo Op Tours).
DATES: May 29 to June 3, 2013.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 3.
COST: $3499 Canadian plus applicable taxes. Currency converter available here.

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

MORE INFORMATION? Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour. Brochure available in autumn 2012.

2. Orcas, Humpbacks and More: Aquatic Mammals of the Central Pacific Coast - Summer 2013

In the summer of 2013 I am repeating my popular instructional photo tour featuring the aquatic mammals found in the nutrient-rich waters in Johnstone Strait off the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

About Johnstone's Strait: The northern tip of Vancouver Island - and Johnstone's Strait - is a biologically diverse and species-rich wildlife area. During the summer months it is home to a wide variety of marine mammals as the Pacific Ocean delivers nutrients to the numerous channels and inlets of the region. Orcas (or Killer Whales), dolphins, porpoises, sea lions and sea otters assemble to feed on the Pacific salmon that are returning to their natal rivers. Humpback Whales and coastal seabirds feed on the nutrients stirred up by the strong tidal currents. The region offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph a diverse array of unique wildlife in a setting of tremendous beauty.

OVERVIEW: This photo tour combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 7 days of fabulous aquatic mammal viewing and photography in the Johnstone Strait region. Following our day of photography instruction in Port McNeill, BC, we will board 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. This trip is simply an extraordinary experience and provides unsurpassed photographic opportunities!

This is an all-inclusive trip (once one arrives in Port McNeill, BC) that includes 2 nights of accommodation in Port McNeill, all meals in Port McNeill, a full day of photo instruction in Port McNeill prior to the trip, and 7 full days aboard the Ocean Light II.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (see top of page for description of my Instructional Photo Tours).
DATES: August 8 to 17, 2013.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 6
COST: $4199 Canadian plus applicable taxes. Currency converter available here.

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

MORE INFORMATION? Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour. Brochure available in autumn 2012.

3. Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest - Autumn 2013

In the autumn of 2013 I am offering 2 Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest Photo Tours. The first tour is a full Instructional Photo Tour while the second is a Exploratory Photo Adventure (see top of page for description of photo tour types).

Photo Tour #1. Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest Instructional Photo Tour.

OVERVIEW: Back again for the 2013 season! This photo tour combines a full day of professional photography instruction with 7 days of exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and photographing its inhabitants, including both Spirit Bears and Grizzly Bears. Following our day of photography instruction in Bella Bella, BC, 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! This trip is simply an extraordinary adventure and provides unsurpassed photographic opportunities!

This is an all-inclusive trip (once one arrives in Bella Bella, BC) that includes 2 nights of accommodation in the Bella Bella region, all meals, a full day of photo instruction in Bella Bella prior to the trip, 7 full days aboard the Ocean Light II in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, Canada and float plane transport from the Ocean Light II sailboat to Prince Rupert (at the end of the trip). Please note that this is a point-to-point trip beginning in Bella Bella, BC and ending in Prince Rupert, BC.

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Instructional Photo Tour (see top of page for description of my Instructional Photo Tours).
DATES: September 30 to October 9, 2013.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 4.
COST: $5399 Canadian plus applicable taxes. Currency converter available here.

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

MORE INFORMATION? Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour. Brochure available in autumn 2012.

Photo Tour #2: The Great Bear Rainforest Exploratory Photo Adventure

OVERVIEW: This is a brand new photo adventure tour! During this tour we will explore less-commonly visited bays, inlets, drainages, and forests of the Great Bear Rainforest in search of Spirit Bears, grizzlies, coastal wolves, humpback whales and more! This trip offers the potential for capturing unique images of many species in locations and settings that are only very rarely visited and photographed. Please note that this trip requires participants to be physically mobile and able to carry their own camera gear over rugged terrain (such as slippery rocks or through thick forests). For the adventurous photographers with a strong desire to really "get out there!".

This is a point-to-point trip beginning in Prince Rupert, BC and ending in Bella Bella, BC. Note that accommodation and meals in Prince Rupert (minumum of one night) are NOT included in the price of this tour. Float plane transport into the Great Bear Rainforest (from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay, BC) and all food and accommodation once during the trip ARE included in the price. Note that all participants will receive detailed information and extensive photographic "tips and tricks" about the idiosyncrasies of shooting bears and other subjects in the Great Bear Rainforest prior to the trip (to ensure that the quality of their shooting time is maximized).

PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Exploratory Photo Adventure (see top of page for description of my Exploratory Photo Adventures).
DATES: October 9 to 16, 2013.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.
CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: 6
COST: $4899 Canadian plus applicable taxes. Currency converter available here.

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

MORE INFORMATION? Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca for more information and details about this unique instructional photo tour. Brochure available in autumn 2012.

What Previous Photo Tour Participants Have Said...

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

"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