Above the Arctic Circle

Sept 2-7, 2027 - Sold Out

Above the Arctic Circle is a 6-day adventure that will takes you deep into the remote Arctic environment where we'll photograph stunning mountain landscapes, wildlife, fall colors, Northern Lights, and more! You'll get to spend time with musk oxen and hopefully see caribou as they make their way over mountain passes. We'll travel through the mighty Brooks Range with endless mountain peaks! The trip is limited to 8 participants and 2 instructors and is rated Moderate for physical intensity. The workshop fee is all inclusive with meals, beverages, hotels, transportation, and photo guiding.

Tuition

$4,600/Person
All-Inclusive

Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Kevin McNeal
Wendy Casey

Physical Intensity

Images from the Dalton Highway north of Fairbanks in the state of Alaska during fall season

Highlights

Venture high above the Arctic Circle on this 6-day adventure to experience the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the far north.
Wildlife may include musk oxen, fox, caribou, dall sheep, moose, and more!
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the mighty Brooks Range surrounded by endless mountain peaks.
We'll cover lots of ground and have many different photo ops planned.
Workshop fee is all-inclusive with hotels, meals, beverages, and all transportation.
Extend your trip with our Sept 7-13, 2027 Alaska Fall Photo Workshop!
With only 8 participants and 2 instructors, we'll ensure everyone gets individual attention and quick access to their gear for wildlife shooting!

Arctic Landscapes and Wildlife Photo Workshop Alaska

Itinerary

Due to the unpredictability of weather in the high Arctic, the itinerary below is subject to change. We will optimize your time to provide the best possible photography experience based on weather, wildlife activity, and current conditions.

Day 1 (Sept 2): Guests will fly to Deadhorse (SCC), where complimentary transportation will be provided from the airport to our lodge. We recommend the Alaska Airlines flight departing Anchorage (ANC) at approximately 3:47PM and arriving in Deadhorse around 5:30PM. After checking in and having dinner, we'll hold our orientation session and cover workshop logistics and shooting techniques. If conditions are favorable, we'll take advantage of the evening light and head out for our first photography session.

Day 2 (Sept 3): We'll spend a full day exploring the North Slope, photographing the expansive tundra landscapes and searching for wildlife such as musk oxen, caribou, foxes, and migratory birds. We'll plan an extended morning photography session before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a special excursion to the Arctic Ocean before heading back into the field for an extended evening session. All meals are included at our Deadhorse lodge. If skies cooperate after dark, we'll also keep watch for the aurora borealis.

Day 3 (Sept 4): After breakfast, we'll begin our journey south across the North Slope toward the mighty Brooks Range. This is a spectacular stretch of road, and we'll take our time photographing wildlife, colorful tundra, rivers, mountains, and sweeping Arctic landscapes along the way. As we climb toward Atigun Pass, we'll watch for Dall sheep and caribou while taking advantage of the dramatic mountain scenery. We'll continue south to Coldfoot and check into our lodging for the night. If skies are clear, we'll venture back out after dark in search of the aurora.

Day 4 (Sept 5): We'll have a full day to explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding Coldfoot and the southern Brooks Range. Our exact schedule will depend on the weather, fall colors, wildlife activity, and light. We'll photograph colorful tundra, rivers, mountain landscapes, and wildlife whenever opportunities arise. We'll take advantage of the best morning and evening light and, with clear skies overnight, head back out to photograph the aurora borealis.

Day 5 (Sept 6): We'll begin our journey south toward Fairbanks, photographing the fall colors, rivers, wildlife, and expansive landscapes along the Dalton Highway. We'll make numerous photography stops along the way and cross the Arctic Circle before arriving in Fairbanks in the evening. Overnight lodging in Fairbanks is included.

Day 6 (Sept 7): The workshop concludes after breakfast. Shuttle service is provided to the airport. Or you can continue with us on our Alaska Fall Workshop.

Alaska Fall Photo Workshop Arctic Wildlife Caribou

Alaska Arctic Wildlife and Landscapes Photo Workshop

What to Expect

Due to the far northern latitude, the weather can be highly variable. We can have warmer temps and beautiful fall colors, or cold temps with early snow blanketing the landscape. Our itinerary remains flexible so we can make the most of the weather, wildlife activity, and photographic opportunities each day. We'll hold a pre-workshop zoom meeting to ensure you are setup for success.

We expect to encounter lots of wildlife during our journey. We've been able to photograph musk oxen, moose, caribou, and ptarmigan every year we've been there. Other species such as red foxes, lynx, grizzly bear, dall sheep, otters, swans, and snowy owls are occasionally seen. Having 2 camera bodies will really help as you won't have to keep changing lenses for landscape shots vs wildlife shots. Please note this is NOT a birding-focused workshop.

Accommodations in the remote Arctic are quite different from those found in most tourist destinations. Hotels are few and far between, and many primarily serve workers supporting the region's oil industry and transportation infrastructure.

Our first two nights in Deadhorse offers modern accommodations with private bathrooms and comfortable beds. The lodge includes a dining facility serving three hot meals daily.

Our next two nights will be at Coldfoot Camp, a historic outpost along the Dalton Highway. Accommodations are more rustic, with rooms housed in refurbished buildings originally used during construction of the Alaska Pipeline. Rooms are simple but clean, featuring two twin beds and a private bathroom with a shower. The camp has an on-site restaurant serving hearty meals.

Our final night will be at Pike's Waterfront Lodge, a nice boutique hotel in Fairbanks before the workshop concludes the following morning.

Logistics

This workshop uses different arrival and departure airports. Guests should fly into Deadhorse (SCC) on Sept 2 and book their return flight out of Fairbanks (FAI) on Sept 7 or later. Flights to Deadhorse typically connect through Anchorage (ANC), so do not book a round-trip ticket to Fairbanks.

For arrival on Sept 2, we recommend the Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage (ANC) to Deadhorse (SCC) departing at approximately 3:47PM and arriving at 5:30PM. Please plan your travel to Anchorage accordingly and allow plenty of time for your connection. Complimentary transportation will be provided from the Deadhorse airport to our hotel.

All rooms in Deadhorse are single occupancy only. Shared rooms are available in Coldfoot and Fairbanks. If you pay the single supplement (see pricing section below), you will get an individual room in Coldfoot and Fairbanks.

We highly recommend Travel and Evacuation Insurance to cover non-refundable expenses and medical needs during the workshop. Arctic weather can be unpredictable, and there is always a possibility that conditions could delay flights or make driving unsafe. If that occurs, our itinerary may need to be delayed or modified. Situations like these are beyond our control.

We will carry satellite communication devices for emergencies since cell service is limited or unavailable along much of our route.

The workshop fee includes all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages starting with dinner on Sept 2 and ending with breakfast on Sept 7.

If skies are clear in the evening, we'll be watching for the Northern Lights. At these northern latitudes, aurora can be visible even during relatively low geomagnetic activity. Keep in mind that early September still has significant daylight, so our best opportunities will occur during the darkest hours of the night.

Musk Oxen Arctic Wildlife and Landscapes Photo Workshop

Pricing

$4,600/Person

Trip Includes:

All ground transportation.
2 nights single occupancy lodging in Deadhorse.
3 nights double occupancy lodging in Coldfoot & Fairbanks. Single rooms are available for an additional $500.
All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages starting with dinner on Sept 2nd through breakfast on Sept 7th.
In-Field photography instruction with 2 pro instructors.
Special Arctic Ocean shuttle while in Deadhorse.
Post-processing and image critique
Pre-workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation from your home to/from Alaska.
Hotel charges if we must spend an additional night in the Arctic due to inclement weather. We highly recommend Trip Insurance!
Alcoholic beverages
Instructor Gratuities

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due May 2, 2027.
Loyalty discounts do not apply to this workshop.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Your Workshop Experience

Physical Activity

This workshop is rated Moderate. There are no long hikes planned, and most photography locations require only short walks from our vehicles. However, depending on where we find the musk oxen and other wildlife, some outings may involve walking up to a couple of miles across open tundra. Knee-high waterproof muck boots are recommended due to the boggy tundra.

Driving and Road Conditions

This workshop involves considerable driving, covering approximately 500 miles between Deadhorse and Fairbanks over several days. Much of our route follows the Dalton Highway, a maintained road with a combination of gravel and paved surfaces. While the driving is generally not as rough as on our backcountry 4x4 workshops, occasional bumps, washboard sections, and changing road conditions are possible.

We'll make frequent stops for photography, wildlife sightings, meals, and breaks along the way. Guests should be comfortable spending extended periods in the vehicle as we explore this vast and remote landscape.

Remote Travel and Medical Preparedness

We will be visiting some very remote areas. For this reason, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation coverage appropriate for the Arctic. Guests should verify these benefits with their insurance provider before departure, including coverage for emergency transportation from remote locations.

Daily Schedule and Weather

Early September in the Arctic can bring a wide variety of conditions, including beautiful fall colors, cool temperatures, rain, strong winds, and occasionally early snowfall. Our daily schedule will remain flexible so we can make the most of wildlife activity, changing light, and weather conditions.

Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body. Two camera bodies will help reduce the number of lens changes.
Fast wide angle lens in the 14-35mm range. We recommend a lens that is f/2.8 or faster for night photography.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto lenses will come in handy for landscape compression and wildlife encounters. We recommend a lens in the 100-200mm range for landscapes. A 100-400mm lens is ideal for both landscapes/wildlife. You may want something longer than 400mm for wildlife.
Circular polarizer filters
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Remote cord for your camera.
Rain cover for your camera/lens and backpack to protect against high winds and precipitation.
Camera backpack you can use while hiking.
Drone camera for aerial photography (optional but highly recommended).
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos

Personal Gear List

Waterproof outer shell jacket and rain pants.
Warm layers like fleece jackets, down jackets, etc.
Warm hat and gloves.
Knee-high muck boots for boggy terrain
Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat.
Water bottle and or thermos

Can I Bring a Non-Photographer Companion?

How Do Deposits and Final Payments Work?

For most workshops, a 50% deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is typically due approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. We will contact you in advance to coordinate and process your final payment.

For workshops priced over $10,000, the payment schedule is structured differently. A 25% deposit is due at registration, with additional payments scheduled at 9 months, 6 months, and 4 months prior to departure. Specific payment terms for each trip are outlined on the individual workshop page and in your registration details.

What Is Your Loyalty Program and How Does It Work?

We encourage everyone to become a Loyalty Member—there’s no requirement to have traveled with us before.

Simply visit our Loyalty Program page and purchase the $99 annual membership. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a personalized 10% discount code valid for most domestic workshops and day trips booked during your one-year membership period.

Exceptions: International workshops and select domestic workshops are not eligible for the loyalty discount.

For most members, the savings from just one booking more than pays for the membership.

But the biggest perk? Early access. Loyalty Members receive first notification of new workshops. If you’ve been part of our community for any length of time, you know many of our trips sell out quickly. Early access often means the difference between securing your spot and missing out.

It’s one of the best ways to stay ahead—and save money while doing it.

Why Is Lodging Sometimes Priced Separately?

For many domestic workshops, lodging is offered as a separate add-on during checkout, with both single and double occupancy options available.

We separate lodging for several reasons:

Transparency: You can clearly see the actual cost of accommodations.
Flexibility: Some participants don’t require lodging (locals, RV travelers, or those staying with friends or family).
Fair Discounts: Loyalty discounts apply to workshop tuition only—not lodging. Keeping lodging separate ensures discounts remain simple and equitable.

When adding lodging, you’ll choose your preferred occupancy (single or double) during the booking process.

What Level of Photographer Do I Need To Be?

All experience levels are welcome—from beginners to working professionals. Our mission is to help you capture your best images, no matter where you’re starting from.

At the beginning of each workshop, we’ll ask about your experience level and your goals. This allows us to tailor instruction specifically to you—whether that’s camera fundamentals, composition, night photography, or refining your editing workflow.

To get the most out of your experience, we strongly recommend reading our Ebook ahead of time. Familiarity with the basics (exposure, focus, and common camera settings) makes in-field learning more enjoyable and less stressful. We also encourage you to explore our Education page for additional resources.

Drones: If you plan to bring a drone, you must already be comfortable launching, landing, and flying safely before the workshop. Our instructors can teach photography techniques, but they cannot pilot your aircraft for you.

How Will I Know If I'll Like Your Trips?

A great way to get a feel for the experience is to hear directly from past guests.

We have 900+ five-star reviews—you can browse testimonials on both Google and Trip Advisor to see what participants consistently say about their time with us.

You can also visit our Client Images page to see the quality of photographs our participants create while on an adventure with us. Each year, we host the Action Photogs Photo Contest, where guests submit their favorite images from our trips. Viewing past contest videos is another excellent way to see the real results our clients achieve.

At some point, though, you simply have to take the leap. Many guests start with a day tour, overnight adventure, or short workshop to get to know us. Once they do, they tend to keep coming back—90% of our participants are repeat clients.

We’re confident that after your first trip, you’ll understand why.

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required?

Should I Have Trip Insurance?

See All FAQ's

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

      All reviews
 
   Google
 
   Tripadvisor
 
 
  
 
 
 
  Excellent4.9977 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent977 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9391 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent391 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9586 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent586 reviews
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ann Hopta 
 November 5, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been on three Action Photo Tour’s trips. That, in itself should say that I’m impressed and have enjoyed these trips. The leaders on all three trips were there to teach/help wherever they saw it was needed and to make sure you got memorable photos.

The most recent trip was to the Dolomites in Italy. It was a wonderful trip, well planned, and I have some phenomenal photos from it.

I would not hesitate to book with Action Photo tours again.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ahop1 
 November 5, 2026
 
 
 Verified I would travel with them again!
I have been on three trips with Action Photo Tours. On all three trips the leaders were well informed, helpful and insured we got memorable photos. Two of the trips were within the States, while the third trip was to Europe. All trips were organized, and well planned. Needless to say, I would book with them again.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pat Villa 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The two instructors were humble and helpful. Wendy and Sarah! They had to rearrange the schedule due to flooding the week prior but we still had an amazing opportunity to see a lot
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cal Huge 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I booked the tours, I wanted to learn more about landscape photography and not just look at unusual rock formations and pretty sites.  My hopes and expectations never imagined how fantastic our time with Mark would be.  His experience and knowledge of camera settings and helping me see the shot before I took it was amazing.  I learned much more than I had hoped about framing the photo and how my camera functions than I had hoped.  I am bird/wildlife photographer, and this week expanded my landscape horizons. We had some weather challenges that Mark used his super knowledge to visit places that were not planned but even better for me.  Plus, I celebrated my 84th birthday at Toroweap that was very exciting and truly memorable.  I hope to come back more.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cal H 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Verified Fantastic
When I booked the tours, I wanted to learn more about landscape photography and not just look at unusual rock formations and pretty sites. My hopes and expectations never imagined how fantastic our time with Mark would be. His experience and knowledge of camera settings and helping me see the shot before I took it was amazing. I learned much more than I had hoped about framing the photo and how my camera functions than I had hoped. I am bird/wildlife photographer, and this week expanded my landscape horizons. We had some weather challenges that Mark used his super knowledge to visit places that were not planned but even better for me. Plus, I celebrated my 84th birthday at Toroweap that was very exciting and truly memorable. I hope to come back more.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Zawlocki 
 October 31, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended the 2026 Colorado Fall Colors Workshop in early October and the locations, conditions and itinerary were fantastic! I had never been to this part of Colorado and words cannot describe the beauty.

I was even more impressed with our photography guides Shane and Kevin. They were helpful, accommodating, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I met them. Highly recommend them!

I did have an issue with the hotel room in Crested Butte, which was not the fault of Action Photo Tours. The situation was manageable but I would have been disappointed had we stayed at this location more than 2 nights. The hotel was aware of the issue but their "solution" was unusual and wasteful.  I have shared the specifics with Action Photo for future reference and they noted my comments for future tours.

I will highly recommend this workshop to my photographer friends!! The one common statement said by most of the workshop attendees while shooting in the field was “ this place is amazing!”  I couldn’t agree more!  I have never seen more grown men standing in silence with just smiles on their faces!

I still give a rating of 5 stars based on the photography experiences, which I will never forget.

I look forward to future tours with Action Photo !!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   John B 
 October 22, 2026
 
 
 Verified Beautiful Newfoundland
Photography workshop was very well planned and executed.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ed D 
 October 20, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great overnight tour of White Pocket
I did the overnight tour of White Pocket with Mark as my guide. The trip was great. Conditions for photography were very good as the large storm spawned by the hurricane had just passed through, so lots of ponds and lakes to work with. Mark was an excellent guide. He is very personable and knowledgeable about White Pocket and other sites in the area, took care of all the logistics of the overnight stay, and provided good information and instructions for photography, including night photography. Couldn't be more pleased with the trip.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Kuning 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is for people who want to be better photographers and get great shots - it's not for the faint of heart. We were up well pre-dawn each day and late each night (with a break during the day) and hiking to great locations. This company is serious about finding the great places to be at the right time of day, and then working with each attendee to improve their shots. I learned a tremendous amount on this trip from how to use my camera better for focus bracketing plus exposure bracketing to new techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop (and I wasn't a novice in these apps.) Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Steve P 
 August 31, 2026
 
 
 Verified Go where few have gone. See what few have seen.
David Swindler has built a reputation as an outstanding photographer but also runs small personalized photography workshops around the world. Recently I attended the 5 day Marble Canyon workshop in Arizona. We were able to capture spectacular sunrise, sunset and monsoon photos (still and drone) of Marble Canyon at different locations along its 65 mile path into the Grand Canyon. Base camp was Cliff Dwellers Hotel. We enjoyed clean comfortable rooms and excellent food at their restaurant. Our photography expert and guide, Shane McDermott -a professional photographer himself, was very easy going and willing to help us in anyway we needed. The workshop taught us new drone skills as well as better composition techniques for shooting stills. I am not an advanced photographer but was looking to advance my photography knowledge and experience and achieved this in spades. If you are looking for a new experience and willing to step into a place very few people have ever witnessed, then the Marble Canyon workshop with ActionPhotoTours.com is for you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   S.R. Potts 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David Swindler has built a reputation as an outstanding photographer but also runs small personalized photography workshops around the world.  Recently I attended the 5 day Marble Canyon workshop in Arizona.  We were able to capture spectacular sunrise, sunset and monsoon photos (still and drone) of Marble Canyon at different locations along its 65 mile path into the Grand Canyon.  Base camp was Cliff Dwellers Hotel.  We enjoyed clean comfortable rooms and excellent food at their restaurant.  Our photography expert and guide, Shane McDermott -a professional photographer himself, was very easy going and willing to help us in anyway we needed. The workshop taught us new drone skills as well as better composition techniques for shooting stills.  I am not an advanced photographer but was looking to advance my photography knowledge and experience and achieved this in spades. If you are looking for a new experience and willing to step into a place very few people have ever witnessed, then the Marble Canyon workshop with ActionPhotoTours.com is for you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marcus Simon 
 August 23, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a photo workshop at the Wave and Escalante near Kanab, Utah, Moab monsoon workshop, and a Marble Canyon drone workshop.  They were awesome workshops! Great instructor, locations, and people.  I highly recommend the Action Photo Tours Team!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lucia Souza 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently returned from the Mount Rainier workshop, and it was an incredible experience. From the beginning, A.J.Rich and Shane McDermott made sure everything was well organized and that we had the best opportunities to capture great images.
They carefully scout locations before the workshop and are always available in the field to answer questions about cameras, tripods, drones, and other equipment, regardless of the brand. Their knowledge, patience, and professionalism truly make a difference.
A.J.and Shane clearly love what they do, they represent Action Photo Tours exceptionally well, I highly recommend them for both  private or group workshops.
Thank you for another amazing trip, I’m proud to be part of the Action Photo Tours family and already looking forward to the next adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   SouzaLu 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great workshop with a reliable and professional company!
I recently returned from the Mount Rainier workshop, and it was an incredible experience! From the beginning, A.J Rich and Shane McDermott made sure everything was well organized and that we had the best opportunities to capture great images. They carefully scout locations before the workshop and are always available in the field to answer questions about cameras, tripods, drones, and other equipment, regardless of the brand, their knowledge, patience, and professionalism truly make a difference, A.J. and Shane clearly love what they do and represent Action Photo Tours exceptionally well, I highly recommend them for a group or private workshops. I’m proud to be part of the Action Photo Tours family and already looking forward to the next adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sherl Cayton 
 July 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a really outstanding photog workshop into Glacier National Park with AJ Rich and Kevin McNeal of Action Photo Tours.  They both went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience.  They were very helpful while in the field shooting and informative with processing procedures.  Can't wait to join them on another adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Seavert 
 July 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my first photo tour, and I am just floored with how much fun we had, how much we learned, how much sleep we lost  =].
We shot gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, Palouse Falls, barns, the Weber house, Steptoe Butte, everything was just so photogenic.  Our guides, Wendy and Ryan, were excellent.  I learned a lot in the afternoon classes as well as when we were out shooting.  We had a wonderful group of ladies, it was so much fun.  I signed up for another one, down south, for next year.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cindy S 
 July 3, 2026
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Photography Tour!
Ryan and Wendy, our guides, were fantastic, very knowledgeable, and very patient lol. We all had a really fun time. Ryan and Wendy both kept asking if anyone needed help with composition or anything. The places we went to were very cool, I felt like I was on another planet in Steptoe Butte. We packed a lot in while we were there. Everyone in our group was fantastic (we were the Chicks that Click group). I enjoyed it so much I signed up with another tour down south next year.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Subrata Sen 
 June 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 3rd trip with Action Photo Tours was along the southern Oregon /Northern California coast. They are the Swiss multi-tool of the photo-travel world. They go everywhere, all at the right times, with the most considerate, knowledgeable and organized tour leaders. I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Liltrave 
 May 17, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great tour to white pockets
My husband wanted to go to White pockets and it would have been a difficult drive for us. You must have a four-wheel-drive high clearance vehicle. The drive there is one hour on paved highway, but then another one hour on a very bumpy back road so be prepared. We met Kevin at the office in Kanab. It's out-of-the-way and hard to get to so it was nice to have someone who knows the area. Kevin was really good about pointing out areas to take pictures and advising my husband on photo opportunities in a different perspective. Kevin was knowledgeable about photography & very nice.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cindy P 
 May 2, 2026
 
 
 Verified Beautiful Patagonia
Patagonia is beautiful. One of my favorite trips.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Roberto Morgenstern 
 April 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible workshops. Excellent Company. Very profesionals. Strongly recomended.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   _rmu66 
 April 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Extremly recomended.
Wild Horses in Utah, an incredible experience. Action Photo tours is highly recomended. Been in many workshops with them and always a great experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andree Thorpe 
 April 1, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m honestly not even sure where to begin, this photography trip completely exceeded every expectation I had.
I’ve attended and assisted in many workshops over the years, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience incredible places like South Georgia, Svalbard, Antarctica, Iceland, and Greenland. But this journey to the Maasai Mara was something else entirely. It moved me in a way I didn’t expect, there were moments when I literally had tears running down my cheeks.
Everything was absolutely flawless. The organization was seamless from start to finish, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about a single detail. The depth of knowledge shared about wildlife photography was exceptional, insightful, practical, and truly inspiring.
And the team, just phenomenal. From the workshop leaders to the drivers, everyone played a part in making this experience unforgettable. The drivers, in particular, were outstanding, their skill, intuition, and ability to position us perfectly for incredible shots made all the difference.
This wasn’t just a photography trip. It was an emotional, inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with me forever. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of it.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   R D 
 March 31, 2026
 
 
 Verified A great Time!
What a great time! Very well executed flexible schedule which brought us to the right location each day. Wendy and Sara are knowledgeable and top tier guides. The hardest decision is which trip to do next with Action Photo Tours.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lynn C 
 March 28, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great Action Photo Tour to the Southern Plantations in Charleston, SC
My husband and I just finished our first photography tour with Action Photo Tours. It was excellent! Each day's activities were timed so we were in the best location at the right time. Our guide, Shane did everything possible to make our experience the best it could be. He was always available and able to answer our questions, and the group used different brands of cameras with various plug-ins. He has an incredible depth of knowledge, and he clearly loves photography and helping people. We had two classroom sessions. The first session was very informative and really highlighted a global way of looking at processing pictures. It has changed the approach I will take going forward. Shane was very positive about the pictures we had taken and then worked with us to achieve the best outcome for each picture. We will definitely try other tours with Action Photo with the hope that all the guides share Shane's level of enthusiasm for photography and desire to make the tour the best experience it can be.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dean Fiergang 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Milky Way Photography with Wendy Casey and Sarah Shumaker was an excellent trip!!!!!!  These two people hosted a perfectly executed photo tour with ample hands on assistance, and the most wonderful disposition ever!  They are true professionals, in their own photographic skills, ability to teach and communicate effectively, plan and execute, adapt to changes in weather, and cater each trip to the abilities of the group.  I hope to join them each on future trips!!!   WILD HORSES NEXT?
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dean F 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Verified Milky Way photography
Milky Way Photography with Wendy Casey and Sarah Shumaker was an excellent trip!!!!!! These two people hosted a perfectly executed photo tour with ample hands on assistance, and the most wonderful disposition ever! They are true professionals, in their own photographic skills, ability to teach and communicate effectively, plan and execute, adapt to changes in weather, and cater each trip to the abilities of the group. I hope to join them each on future trips!!! WILD HORSES NEXT?
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Shely 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just returned from an OUTSTANDING ADVENTURE led by Wendy Casey and seconded by Sarah Shumaker in the MILKY WAY AND BEYOND WORKSHOP.   At least three characteristics of this trip stood out and made it an excellent experience.   First, the Milky Way itself.  The skies cooperated and the Milky Way stood out prominently, inviting observers to consider themselves as citizens of the Galaxy for those few hours where we stood alone in peaceful night weather soaking it its lights.   Second, the Utah foreground opportunities in this workshop are simply outstanding -- almost other-worldly.  They are just made for this adventure.  And third -- the instruction.  Wendy had all participants -- even very experienced photographers -- bring their camera body, night time lens, tripod and cable release to a day-time pre-shoot session, to ensure that everyone could and did find the settings on their camera in the light, which made the participants much more efficient and effective at night, when we wanted to douse lights as quickly as possible.  If you are a Milky Way fan, try this workshop.  If you have no experience with the Milky Way, this is great way to work into it.

Bob Shely
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Jen Hunt 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for an "obsessed" photography itinerary that pushes your skills and fills your heart, look no further. I just wrapped up the March 15–20, 2026 Death Valley workshop, and it was a masterclass in both curation and community.

This wasn’t just a tour; it was a deep dive. We hit the icons like Artist Palette, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin but the real magic was in the "grind." The team’s dedication is unmatched; they coordinated a midnight departure for a 2.5-hour drive just so we could capture the Milky Way over Racetrack Playa. So cool!!! Between that and two other early-morning astro sessions, the "minimal sleep" was a small price to pay for the full heart and amazing photos I’m taking home.

A massive thank you to Ryan McGinty. His technical expertise helped me master more of my camera settings and was so patient and kind. They don't just take you to a location; they ensure you walk away with the shot and the knowledge to recreate it.

The best part of an Action Photo Tour is the kindred spirits you meet. From the endless laughs with fellow participants to the spontaneous connections made over sunrise excursions, this workshop attracts a fantastic group of creatives.

Ryan and Kevin recommend additional areas for me to explore as I was stayed three extra nights.  I’m heading back to work exhausted but with a very full heart (and numerous photos). If you want a workshop that values time, effort, and incredible locations, book with Action Photo Tours. I look forward to booking another workshop with them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jen H 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Verified Well Curated Itinerary and Fun!
If you are looking for an "obsessed" photography itinerary that pushes your skills and fills your heart, look no further. I just wrapped up the March 15–20, 2026 Death Valley workshop, and it was a masterclass in both curation and community. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a deep dive. We hit the icons like Artist Palette, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin but the real magic was in the "grind." The team’s dedication is unmatched; they coordinated a midnight departure for a 2.5-hour drive just so we could capture the Milky Way over Racetrack Playa. So cool!!! Between that and two other early-morning astro sessions, the "minimal sleep" was a small price to pay for the full heart and amazing photos I’m taking home. A massive thank you to Ryan McGinty. His technical expertise helped me master more of my camera settings and was so patient and kind. They don't just take you to a location; they ensure you walk away with the shot and the knowledge to recreate it. The best part of an Action Photo Tour is the kindred spirits you meet. From the endless laughs with fellow participants to the spontaneous connections made over sunrise excursions, this workshop attracts a fantastic group of creatives. Ryan and Kevin recommend additional areas for me to explore as I was stayed three extra nights. I’m heading back to work exhausted but with a very full heart (and numerous photos). If you want a workshop that values time, effort, and incredible locations, book with Action Photo Tours. I look forward to booking another workshop with them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Larry C 
 March 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Moab Photo Workshop - Great!
Just completed a week in Moab, Utah on Actions Photo's "Level Up Moab" workshop. This workshop was billed as being designed to help "break through creative plateaus and take full control of your photography", so in addition to getting great shots I learned some new techniques and tricks even though I’m pretty comfortable with my camera in manual mode. The instructors are great and the scenery in and around Moab is unique and beautiful. Highly Recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lstuartmd 
 February 10, 2026
 
 
 Verified Action Photo Tours is the best in the industry
These guys are excellent. Great photo tours from those doing it as a hobby to professionals. They take you to the best locations and help you with composition and post processing. I've been on several of their tours and can't wait to go on more.

Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States. He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C.. He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

Wendy Casey

Photography Instructor

Wendy Casey is a Utah-based landscape and wildlife photographer with more than 40 years behind the camera. Her photography journey began in 1982 with her first photography class. She built her technical foundation in the film era through extensive darkroom work and developing and printing her own images. That experience continues to shape the way she teaches exposure, light, camera settings, and composition.

Wendy’s photography has taken her from Utah’s dramatic red rock country and the Alaskan tundra to the vast plains of Africa. She specializes in landscape and wildlife photography, with a particular passion for wild horses and animals in their natural environments. As an exhibiting fine art photographer, she photographs with the finished print in mind, creating images designed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and be enjoyed beyond the camera screen.

As an instructor, Wendy is known for her warm, patient, and encouraging teaching style. She helps students slow down, see with intention, and take creative control of their cameras, especially through Manual mode, thoughtful composition, and field-based problem solving. Through hands-on instruction and collaborative post-processing sessions, Wendy meets photographers where they are and helps them build the confidence, technical skill, and vision to create images they are proud to print, frame, and share.

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Altiplano Adventure Photo Workshop South America

12 DAYS

Dec 8-18, 2026 - 1 Spot Left!!

Above the Arctic Circle

Sept 2-7, 2027 - Sold Out

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