Shetzers Photography - Photography Tours and Photo Workshops

Bald Eagles in the Trees

2013-05-17T13:53:00.001-06:00

How many Bald Eagles do you count?

Thousands of Bald Eagles migrate to the Bald Eagle preserve outside of Haines, Alaska. As you can see the trees are filled with eagles as they rely on one of the last salmon runs of the season to prepare them for the harsh Alaskan winter.

Join us in Alaska this November. Bald Eagle Photography Workshop

Stock Image #20121117-122655A

Bald Eagles in the Trees

Portrait of an Elephant

2013-05-15T15:23:00.001-06:00

Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is known for the large concentration of elephant families that roam its beautiful landscape. Amboseli was the last park that we would visit on our African Safari and we were amazed at the number of elephant families. As elephants have the longest memories, they were very protective of their young and would frequently move the babies to the back of the herd and place several large females between the babies and our vehicle.

Stock Image #20060331-0316

Portrait of an Elephant

Pig Pen - A Bald Eagle Close-up

2013-05-14T13:07:00.001-06:00

We affectionately nicknamed this Bald Eagle “Pig Pen” as it seems to be quite the messy eater. The late salmon run on the Chilkat River near the quaint town of Haines, Alaska, provides Pig Pen much needed food during the winter months.

Stock Image #20111102-152454

Pig Pen - A Bald Eagle Close-up

Velvet-purple Coronet and Buff-tailed Coronet Hummingbirds

2013-05-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

A Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini) waits patiently for a Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) to finish enjoying the fresh nectar of a local flower. Mindo Loma, Ecuador.

Stock Image #20120605-143408A

Velvet-purple Coronet and Buff-tailed Coronet Hummingbirds

Eagles Fly By Diner

2013-05-10T12:49:00.001-06:00

An in flight grab of dinner on the Chilkoot river in Haines, Alaska. To create this image, I started with eight images capturing the eagle and merged then into a singe image producing a sequence capable of printing in excess of 60 inches long.

Stock Image #20100930-192309

Eagles Fly By Diner

Sow Bear Nursing Young Cubs with Milk

2013-05-09T10:14:00.003-06:00

A Grizzly Bear mother nurses her three young cubs in the Alaskan back country. If you look on the cubs faces you will notice the mothers milk covering their faces. I guess all young are messing eaters.

Stock Image #20080817-111742

Sow Bear Nursing Young Cubs with Milk

Morning Stroll - Bald Eagle in flight

2013-05-08T09:47:00.001-06:00

Morning Stroll – Bald Eagles make their way from their night time perch to the river banks each morning in order to feed on the bountiful salmon.

Stock Image #20101022-125551A

Morning Stroll - Bald Eagle in flight

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park

2013-05-07T16:40:00.001-06:00

The sun sets over the cliff side Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park. This lighthouse was build in 1858 of brick and is also known as Bar Harbor Lighthouse. Stock Image #20110813-192831

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park

Bald Eagle Photography Workshop

2013-05-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

November 4-10, 2013 (2 Spots Available) $2950 USD PP/DBL Maximum of 6 attendees

Join us in capturing the majesty of our nation's bird in its natural environs. This photo tour is centered on a convergence of thousands of bald eagles in southeast Alaska. Your instructor will guide you to the best locations for photographing the eagles and will provide detailed instruction on how to capture your perfect shot.

The tour begins in Haines, Alaska, with its large congregation of bald eagles during the winter freeze-up. We begin the tour with a welcome dinner as we get to know everyone and discuss the plans for the coming days. The next days you will be shuttled to and from the hotel to the viewing grounds (approximately 20 miles from town). Once on site, your instructor will utilize his first hand knowledge of the area to guide you to that perfect location for obtaining your "once in a lifetime" shot.

The workshop size is limited to six photographers so you can count on personalized attention throughout your journey. In addition to our time spent in the "field", you will learn basic photographic editing techniques and have opportunity to have your photographs reviewed with your instructors for feedback.

Please visit our Bald Eagles of SE Alaska gallery to see sample images from our preferred locations.

The tour cost includes all the following amenities:

Free transportation from Haines ferry terminal to hotel and returning from hotel to ferry
6 nights of lodging at a local hotel in the heart of Haines which is within walking distance to local shops & restaurants
6 continental breakfasts at the hotel
Transportation to and from the Bald Eagle Preserve during the workshop
Sack lunches & snacks while in the field
A welcome dinner to meet and greet your fellow photographers and your guides
A farewell dinner to discuss highlights of your trip
Instruction in the field with your photographer guides with a maximum of 3 photographers per guide
Classroom workshop on photo editing techniques (see below) • Image critique (optional)

During the workshop, we will discuss subjects in detail, such as:

Achieving the best composition
Proper Exposure for the scene
Focus techniques for that crisp image
Getting the most out of the histogram
Mastering the modes (When to shoot Manual, Aperture and Shutter Priorities)
Filters for the digital age. Split ND Filters and Polarizer’s
Taking images for HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Image workup techniques with Photoshop. Each workshop we demonstrate working up attendees images from scratch, displaying our nondestructive techniques to produce the highest quality image.
Advanced Photoshop techniques. Covering topics such as black and white conversions, masks, printing and graphic art.
Group Reviews. Every evening we review select images from each guest offering new ideas to try the next day to expand your skills and take you to the next level.

We recommend that you arrange transportation to Juneau, Alaska where you can then take a four hour ferry through Alaska’s beautiful inside passage to Haines for approximately $75.00 round trip. There are also flight opportunities into Haines and other surrounding areas. Prior to embarking on your journey, you will receive a phone consultation with your instructor for guidance on what equipment to bring, detailed questions on the locale, and general photography questions.

The cost for the tour is $2,950.00 based on double occupancy. We do offer single accommodations for an additional $500 per person.

If you have any additional questions or would like to speak to us, please contact us at 303-888-2710 and we would be happy to answer your questions.

To reserve a spot on a tour, we require a $500 deposit per reservation. Please contact us via email or telephone and we will send you an invoice for the deposit. All full tour payments must be made 90 days prior to the start of the tour.

Grizzly Bears Photography Workshop

2013-05-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

July 28-August 3, 2013 (Space Available) $4695 USD PP Maximum of 6 attendees

Join us for an adventure of a lifetime photographing Alaskan Grizzly Bears in the pristine wilderness of Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. The tour begins in Anchorage, Alaska as we meet at our hotel and get to know each other over dinner and discuss the exciting plans for the coming week and what to expect when photographing the bears.

The next morning we head out early for our charted flight (hour and fifteen minute flight time) to the breathtaking Lake Clark National Park, in the remote Alaskan back country. Enjoy the beauty of Alaska by air as we take in the views of Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Augustine if we are blessed with clear skies. As the aircraft lands on the beach we are greeted by our hosts at one of the premier lodges at Silver Salmon Creek. We are then transported by ATV with our luggage to the lodge and oriented to the area. Once settled, we will head out with our bear guide for our first day of photographing the grizzly bears/brown bears in their natural habitat either on foot or with ATV support. Why do we go to Lake Clark? Besides it being a photographer’s paradise? The bears are protected in the park and have not been hunted by man, therefore are habituated to us as we are not a threat. Because of this, they act naturally and display their natural behaviors such as sows nursing their young cubs, fishing in the streams, clam digging in the tidal flats, siblings playing with each other, males establishing dominance and a maybe a little mating. In addition, Lake Clark does not have any crowds, boardwalks, viewing platforms, etc. It’s just beautiful landscapes, scenic mountains with bears as your subjects. Once at the beautiful lodge, we will spend the next five days devoted to capturing images of these beautiful creatures in the Alaska wild, enjoying great meals at the lodge and discussing different photography techniques to improve the quality of our images. In addition to bears we might see eagles, moose, harbor seal and wolves. During the workshop, we will discuss subjects in detail, such as:

Achieving the best composition
Proper exposure for the scene
Focus techniques for that crisp image
Getting the most out of the histogram
Mastering the modes (When to shoot Manual, Aperture and Shutter priorities)
Filters for the digital age. Split ND filters and polarizer’s
Taking images for HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Image workup techniques with Photoshop. Each workshop we demonstrate working up attendee images from scratch, displaying our nondestructive techniques to produce the highest quality image.
Group reviews - Review select images from each photographer offering new ideas to try the next day to expand your skills and take you to the next level.

Most cell phones work at the lodge and internet connectivity is available if you would like to bring your notebook to review your images each night.

Our last morning at the lodge, we say goodbye to our hosts and thank them for spoiling us during the week as we await the arrival of our charter. Once on board and wheels up we will enjoy the spectacular scenic flight back to Anchorage as we conclude the tour. For those wishing to explore the Anchorage area before or after the tour, there are many photographic opportunities in this area or a short drive away. You could see the bore tide on your way to a glacier boat tour in Whittier, go fishing in scenic Seward or take the train and exploring Denali National Park. Feel free to contact us if you are looking to extend your vacation on this a trip of a lifetime. Please visit our Grizzly Bears of Alaska gallery to see sample images of Alaskan bear photography. The tour cost includes all the following amenities:

Charter flight from Anchorage to Lake Clark (50lb luggage per person)
5 days/nights of lodging at a premier lodge in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
Bear guide
Breakfast, lunch and dinner while at the lodge
All staff tips for the lodge
Lake Clark National Park daily fees
1 night accommodation in Anchorage, Alaska on arrival.
Instruction in the field with your photographer guide with a maximum of 6 photographer per guide
Classroom workshop on photo editing techniques

What is not included:

Dinner in Anchorage
Transportation to/from Anchorage
Alcoholic drinks
If weathered in at the lodge a $100 per day paid directly to the lodge for food.

Prior to embarking on your journey, you will receive a phone consultation with your instructor for guidance on what equipment to bring, detailed questions on the locale, and general photography questions.

The cost for the tour is $4,695.00 based on double occupancy. We do not offer single accommodations for this tour due to the limited facilities at the lodge. To reserve a spot on this tour, we require a $1,000 deposit per reservation. Please contact us via email or telephone and we will send you an invoice that can be paid by check or wire transfer for the deposit. All full tour payments must be made 90 days prior to the start of the tour.

If you have any additional questions or would like to speak to one of us, please contact us at 303-888-2710 and we would be happy to answer your questions.

Buff-tailed Coronet Hummingbird

2013-05-02T15:47:00.001-06:00

A Buff-tailed Coronet Hummingbird inspects a Red Angels Trumpet flower at the Guango Lodge in Ecuador.
Stock Image #20120611-100834B

Buff-tailed Coronet Hummingbird

Up Close and Personal Eagle

2013-05-01T13:18:00.001-06:00

Up Close and Personal – Ever felt that maybe close was too close? Thank goodness that our camera lenses make it possible for us to get this great close-up of an eagle head without having to be that close in proximity to it.
Stock Image #20111119-130350B

Up Close and Personal Eagle

Denali Mountain with Reflection

2013-04-30T13:25:00.001-06:00

It is rare that Denali is out for viewing as only 30% of visitors to Denali National Park see the mountain. After many attempts, I was fortunate enough to not only see it on a clear day, but to capture a perfect refection of the “Great One” as the sun painted it orange. The reflection pond near the end of the park road serves as a perfect location to capture not one but two images of the magnificent peak.

Stock Image #20100907-221533

Denali Mountain with Reflection

Winged Sentries

2013-04-29T18:00:00.001-06:00

The snow is already starting to pile up and won’t stop until it reaches record levels at the end of November. These eagles take advantage of some downed logs on the Chilkat River bed to rise out of the snow and have a good vantage point to search for their next Salmon meal.

We have one spot available in this Novembers Bald Eagle Photography workshop. More info can be found here:Bald Eagle Workshop

Stock Image #20111106-160353B

Winged Sentries

Collared Inca Hummingbird

2013-04-21T18:47:00.001-06:00

The Collared Inca hummingbird (Coeligena torquata) is very unique due to its white chest patch and white tail. This hummingbird is found in humid regions such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Stock Image #20120610-095401D

Collared Inca Hummingbird

On the Wings of Eagles

2013-04-10T10:26:00.001-06:00

While on tour, we normally tell everyone to look for the white golf balls in the trees, however, this years tour had an easier time of spotting the eagles due to the amount of snow all around. It was much easier to look for the beautiful golden brown bodies in the sea of white in the river valley.

Stages of Life

2013-04-05T10:37:00.003-06:00

One thing that always amazes us when we visit the Alaskan town of Haines, is the range of eagles that we see. From the left to the right, we see first an eagle that has fledged this year, second an eagle that has fledged within the past several years, third is an almost mature Bald Eagle and last is a mature Bald Eagle. Notice the coloring that distinguishes this magnificent bird during its life cycle.

Green Violetear Hummingbird

2013-04-02T12:38:00.001-06:00

The Green Violetear hummingbird (Colibri thalassinus) drinks the nectar from a heavily pollinated flower. The Green Violetear is a metallic green coloring with lots of iridescence and can be commonly found from Mexico to northern South America. Stock Image #20120603-160621A

Tourmaline Sunangel

2013-03-27T10:48:00.001-06:00

A male Tourmaline Sunangel hummingbird (Heliangelus exortis) grasps on to a flower while feeding on its nectar. This species is found in Ecuador and Columbia.

Next Years Hummingbird photo workshop dates have been set. Over 120 species in Ecuador !! Come join us !

Hummingbird Workshop Information

Hello Down There

2013-03-26T16:03:00.001-06:00

We all know that Bald Eagles are very large birds, however, when seeing them on the same tree with a Magpie, we realize just how large they actually are. While the magpie is not a small bird, it looks tiny compared to this eagle and cannot even hope to measure up to the Eagles 6 foot wing span.

Workshop Info

Andean Emerald Hummingbird

2013-03-22T15:38:00.000-06:00

An Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae) decides which Banana flowers nectar to enjoy. Captured with a multiple flash setup at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge located in Cloud Forest, Ecuador.

Next Years Hummingbird photo workshop dates have been set. Over 120 species in Ecuador !! Come join us !

Hummingbird Workshop information

Sword-billed Hummingbird

2013-03-20T10:15:00.001-06:00

Having the right tool for the job is critical. In this image, a Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) is able to reach the nectar of a Red Angel Trumpet flower that other hummingbirds are not. It is the only species of bird in which its bill is longer than the rest of its body. The bill of this species is just under six inches in length. Stock Image #20120611-071625

Next Years Hummingbird photo workshop dates have been set. Over 120 species in Ecuador !! Come join us !

Hummingbird Workshop

Hummingbirds of Ecuador - Brown Inca

2013-03-14T15:31:00.002-06:00

While photographing hummingbirds a Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni) visits the flower ready for its picture to be taken. The Brown Incas are found in Colombia and Ecuador.

Next Years Hummingbird photo workshop dates have been set. Over 120 species in Ecuador !! Come join us !

Photography Workshop Information

Purple-throated Woodstar Hummingbird

2013-03-13T07:40:00.001-06:00

A Purple-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox mitchellii) hummingbird enjoys the nectar of a Tiger Eye Flowering Maple, which resembles a Chinese Lantern. Stock Image #2012060-065013

Come join us next year for a workshop (Bears, Eagles and Hummingbirds)

Workshop Schedule

Andean Emerald and Purple-throated Woodstar hummingbirds

2013-03-03T16:43:00.001-07:00

Normally very aggressive birds these two hummingbirds, an Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae) and a Female Purple-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox mitchellii), share the plentiful nectar of a local flower in the rain forest of Ecuador.

Workshop Info