Canadian Rockies Winter

Jan 16-24, 2028 - Coming Soon

This 9-Day Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop will transport you to the most awe-inspiring landscapes of ice, snow, frozen waterfalls, rushing rivers, and jagged peaks. Experience the frozen bubbles of Abraham Lake, hike through canyons lined with ice formations, capture mirror-like reflections in the open water, and photograph majestic mountains coated in deep snow.  If skies are clear and conditions look good, we'll be on the lookout for the Northern Lights!  Workshop includes all lodging and ground transportation.

Tuition

  • $5600
  • Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

  • 4 Students per Instructor
  • Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

  • Kevin McNeal
  • Shane McDermott
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop

Highlights

  • Winter is an ideal time to visit the Canadian Rockies. The snow and ice magically transform the landscape, the light angles stay low, and the crowds are gone.
  • Dates are timed for best chances of seeing ice bubbles on Abraham Lake along with prime winter conditions in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Photograph frozen waterfalls, secluded canyons, water reflections, snowy mountain peaks and much more!
  • Enjoy a small group of 8 participants and 2 pro instructors.
  • If skies are clear, we'll be on the watch for the aurora borealis!  Dates are carefully selected to avoid excessive moon interference.
  • Leave the stressful winter driving to us! All transportation and lodging are included so you can focus on photography.

Itinerary

Winter conditions in the Canadian Rockies are harsh and unpredictable. Changes to the itinerary may be made based on weather and current conditions to help maximize your photography.

  • Day 1: We meet at our hotel near the Calgary International Airport at 7PM for a mandatory orientation session.
  • Day 2: After breakfast, we pack our bags and start heading north towards Nordegg.  We check into our overnight accommodations and venture out onto the ice of Abraham Lake in search of eye-catching bubbles, cracks, and formations.  Conditions are perfect with clouds overhead that light up  with fiery hues at sunset.
  • Day 3: We are out early for our sunrise shoot on Abraham Lake. This time we go out to a spot which often has the largest ice bubbles and the most pronounced buckling.  We then do a short hike over to a frozen waterfall canyon before heading back for a late breakfast and shower. We hold a short image critique and then venture back out on the ice for our sunset shoot. We even stay out into the twilight hours to play around with creative lighting of the ice structures.
  • Day 4: It's our final sunrise on Abraham Lake.  Once the light gets harsh, we head back to Nordegg, pack up our stuff, and start the incredibly scenic drive up to Jasper.  We'll be stopping for lots of photo ops along the way with amazing canyons, mountains, frozen waterfalls, wildlife, and more! Once in Jasper we check in to our hotel and then head out for our sunset shoot.
  • Day 5: We have the entire day to explore the vast areas of Jasper National Park. We'll plan our itinerary based on the weather and conditions.  But expect a full day of photography!
Canadian Rockies in Winter Abraham Lake Photo Workshop Lake Louise Banff
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop

Itinerary cont.

  • Day 6: We are up well before dawn for our sunrise shoot.  After breakfast, we pack our gear and start heading south towards Banff.  Again, expect to stop a lot along the way for many photo ops!  Once we get settled in our new hotel, we venture out to one of our favorite views in the Canadian Rockies, hoping for some dramatic light and clouds. And if skies are clear, we'll be on the lookout for the aurora borealis!
  • Day 7: For sunrise we make our way to an classic view along the Bow River. It's really cold this morning so we get lots of atmospheric fog as warm light fills the scene.  We photograph several spots along the river before heading back to Banff  After lunch we head out to a canyon with incredible ice textures and finish with a sunset shoot near the outflow of a lake. We stay through blue hour to get some moody long exposures. We return to Banff and enjoy a delicious dinner.
  • Day 8: This morning we wake up to a snowstorm. So we go up into the trees to shoot snowy abstracts. After breakfast, we hold an image review session.  Later that afternoon, we have a couple short hikes that take us into some breathtaking areas, including a side canyon with amazing ice structures.
  • Day 9: We are up before dawn for a sunrise shoot with the beautiful mountains in the distance. A little atmospheric fog adds a nice ambient quality to our photos.  We check out of our hotel and drive back to the Calgary International Airport.  We should arrive no later than 3PM and you can plan your return travel anytime that afternoon.

Pricing - 9 Days

$5,600/Person + Tax

Trip Includes:

  • Eight nights double occupancy lodging. Single rooms are available for an additional $850. 1 night in Calgary, 2 nights in Nordegg, 2 nights in Jasper, and 3 nights in Banff.
  • Instruction and guiding by 2 pro photographers.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions.
  • Round trip transportation to/from Calgary International Airport in comfortable winter-equipped 4x4 SUVs.
  • Park entrance fees
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Flights to/from Calgary.
  • Meals, beverages, and snacks.
  • Instructor gratuities

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due Sept 16, 2027.
  • If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
  • Loyalty discounts are not available for this international workshop.
  • See the full Terms and Conditions.
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Morants Curve Train Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop

Logistics

  • You will need to arrive prior to 7PM on Day 1 for our meeting near the Calgary Airport (exact location given after booking). The workshop will conclude by 3PM on Day 9 where we'll drop everyone off at the airport. If you don't wish to fly home that evening, you can book another night in Calgary at your expense.
  • Due to limited supply, lodging has been pre-paid for our group and you can book double or single occupancy (see Pricing Section). We will spend 1 night in Calgary, 2 nights in Nordegg, 2 nights in Jasper, and 3 nights in Banff.
  • Expect 1-2 miles of moderate hiking each day to reach the locations we will photograph. All participants should bring a pair of micro-spikes (see gear list below). We only recommend this workshop to participants that have good balance since the snow, ice, and wind can make simple walks much more difficult.
  • You will need to be prepared for all types of weather.  It can be bitterly cold this time of year. High winds can make walking difficult and will make it feel even colder. Once you sign-up for the workshop, we will give you a comprehensive gear list to ensure you are adequately prepared for these extreme conditions.
  • We highly recommend Travel Insurance to cover any non-refundable fees and airline travel you may have in connection with the workshop.
  • Since we will be traveling together as a group, luggage space is limited. Each participant is limited to one suitcase along with their camera gear.

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range. You can utilize an ultra-wide angle lens in the 11-15mm range on this trip. However, this lens is completely optional. Having a fast wide angle lens (i.e. f/2.8 or faster) will help with night photography and aurora borealis.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Long telephoto lenses will come in handy for landscape compression and wildlife encounters. We recommend a 100-400mm for maximum flexibility.
  • Circular polarizer filters and ND filters for your wide-angle and mid-range lenses.  A 6-stop ND is the most useful one to have.
  • Extra camera batteries since they will not last very long in the cold.
  • Memory cards and cleaning supplies.
  • Cover for your camera/lens to protect against high winds and snow.
  • Camera backpack you can use while hiking along with a waterproof pack cover.
  • Laptop if you wish to download the backup your photos.

Personal Gear List

  • Warm, moisture wicking base layers for both upper and lower body. We recommend heavy-weight base layers for the cold temperatures.
  • Several warm layers like a down puffy, winter coat, and or fleece jacket.
  • Waterproof outer shell jacket (helps protect against wind and snow).
  • Warm winter boots with thick wool socks. We recommend something like Baffin Boots to keep your feet warm.
  • Waterproof snow pants with cuff that can go over your boots. If your pants do not have a cuff, make sure you get some gaitors to wear.
  • Warm gloves or mittens along with a pair of glove liners. We like to remove our bulky outer gloves when making camera adjustments and the glove liners will keep your hands from freezing.
  • Warm hat, buff, and or facemask.  These items are essential when the temperature really drops.  You will want to protect your face from the wind!
  • Micro-spikes. Make sure you get the ones with actual spikes on them (no rollers or Yak-Tracks).
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days. The light reflecting off the snow can be intense.
  • Chemical hand/feet warmers can come in handy if you get cold extremities.
  • Thermos for bringing along your favorite hot beverage.
  • Headlamp for night photography.
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Ice Waterfall Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
FAQ Page
North America Photo Tours
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop Banff Jasper Abraham Lake
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop-10
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop Banff Jasper Abraham Lake
Icy Slot Canyon Canadian Rockies Winter
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop Banff Jasper Abraham Lake
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop
Canadian Rockies Winter Photo Workshop Banff Jasper Abraham Lake
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Susan Kuning
September 15, 2026
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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.
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Steve P
August 31, 2026
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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!
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S.R. Potts
August 26, 2026
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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!
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Marcus Simon
August 23, 2026
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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!
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Lucia Souza
August 16, 2026
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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!
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SouzaLu
August 16, 2026
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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!
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Sherl Cayton
July 21, 2026
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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!
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Cindy Seavert
July 4, 2026
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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.
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Cindy S
July 3, 2026
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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.
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Subrata Sen
June 8, 2026
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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.
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Liltrave
May 17, 2026
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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.
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Cindy P
May 2, 2026
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Beautiful Patagonia Patagonia is beautiful. One of my favorite trips.
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Roberto Morgenstern
April 16, 2026
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Incredible workshops. Excellent Company. Very profesionals. Strongly recomended.
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_rmu66
April 16, 2026
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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.
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Andree Thorpe
April 1, 2026
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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.
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R D
March 31, 2026
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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.
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Lynn C
March 28, 2026
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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.
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Dean Fiergang
March 26, 2026
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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?
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Dean F
March 26, 2026
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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?
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Robert Shely
March 25, 2026
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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
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Mark Jen Hunt
March 25, 2026
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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.
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Jen H
March 25, 2026
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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.
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howard grodin
March 19, 2026
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Good afternoon, This is my second adventure with Action Photo Tours. My trip to India was an amazing experience. There are several steps before boarding an airplane and David provided me (and the group) with detailed instructions for filling out the eVisa so the process was smooth. Once we were in Delhi, we all met at the Pride Hotel and transportation was arranged so we felt safe with our bags when traveling to Delhi Airport. David and Nitish provided us with ticket information with Indiago airlines to our first jungle camp. They also provided us with a PDF checklist as security in India is much stricter than in the United States. I learned that all camera equipment is going to put into a bin for screening along with the camera case separately. Also, I already bring several 2.5-gallon clear ziplock bags that I used to place all cords, chargers, hard drives, so the scanner can see that these items are safe. At all three camps, the morning sessions were generally better for photography since the tigers and other wildlife usually were more active. However, with wildlife, anything is possible so the important thing to be prepared. We had several tiger sightings at Tadoba and Kanha national parks. We are restricted to staying on the dirt roads whereas the tigers are free to roam the wilderness. We all photographed a single male or female tiger walking in the woods and occasionally would choose to walk down the road which provided us with exciting opportunities while giving the tiger plenty of room so that it does turn away to head back into the jungle. My group with Nitish had 1 good leopard sighting at Pence but the other 2 vehicles did really did not. The overall experience of seeing these large animals up close is something that I will never forget. David and Nitish provided our group with plenty of individual instruction as requested/needed which improved our overall keeper rate. If you ever dreamed of going to India, make sure that you arrive a few days early (At your expense) so that you can go see the Taj Mahal and part of the golden triangle before starting your wildlife journey. David and Nitish are awesome to work with and made the entire experience worth the 17–20-hour flight from US to Delhi.
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Larry C
March 16, 2026
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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!
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Larry C
March 16, 2026
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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!
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Lloyd Stuart, M.D.
February 10, 2026
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Outstanding photo tours with experts. They take you to the best locations and help you with post processing. Most of their clients have been on numerous tours - me included.
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robert golub
February 10, 2026
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Just finished a winter workshop in Yosemite. Not as much snow as I hoped for, but nevertheless an outstanding workshop. The guides were incredible. Extremely knowledgeable and incredible teachers. I highly recommend Action Photo Tours.
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lstuartmd
February 10, 2026
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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.
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Mike S
November 29, 2025
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A fun year with Action Photo This has been a fun and busy year with four photo adventures with Action Photo Tours, with the most recent on the Cypress Swamp workshop. The year began with a fun N. Utah winter adventure, followed by two spectacular Milky Way workshops in the Bisti Badlands and White Pocket, and finally the Cypress Swamp. I enjoy the small group size workshop environment and look forward to exploring other APT adventures.
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snapngo
November 22, 2025
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Coyote Buttes South Sunset Tour While my husband had visited Coyote Buttes South, I had never been there. We chose Action Photo Tours because they are photography oriented and were the only guide service offering a sunset tour. Our guide Kevin is an accomplished photographer and we enjoyed talking with him about photography in this area and other locations in the US. While my husband recognized several formations from his previous trip, Kevin showed us new areas to explore. As a bonus, a group of big horn sheep appeared and almost seemed to pose for us. We stayed til dusk so that we could get great sunset photos.Before visiting Coyote Buttes South, you must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. There is a limited number of permits to be had, so you must obtain your permit several months in advance of your visit. The roads to Coyote Buttes South are covered with deep sand and are constantly changing. Do not try this route on your own in a typical rental SUV. Rather than risk getting stuck or breaking down (it does happen), working with a guide such as Action Photos is invaluable.
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Victor B
November 15, 2025
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Excellent experience I congratulate Action Photo Group for organizing these photography tours. Very well organized, excellent instructors, outstanding service, and above all, very professional.
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Rick D
October 12, 2025
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Great learning experience! Shane McDermott & A.J. Rich of Action Photo Tours were the instructors on two 5-day drone workshops I attended in Sept. & Oct in Utah. Their instruction, patience and professionalism shown in both drone workshops I attended in Hanksville and Kanab, Utah was terrific. I learned a lot about flying, capturing outstanding images & enjoying the comraderie of fellow drone enthusiasts! These workshops were very successful experiences. I look forward to my next Action Photo experience!!!Rick DavisonO’Fallon, IL
Kevin Profile

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.

Shane McDermott Cold Vert

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Artist's Statement: Through all of my wanderings, photography has remained a constant, providing the creative link between my passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will never get enough of that “Wow!” feeling when I see a stunning image rendered on my camera’s LCD and helping guide others to that same experience is the bacon in the beans for me. I am excited to start working with Action Photo Tours. Everything about their instructors, locations, deep research, proficiency and stop-at-nothing vibe shows me that I have found the company where we can all grow and have countless “wow” moments together.

From the inseparable experience of unity, the camera is not something I “look at” the world through it is an opportunity to see something in myself. Photographs are no longer lost extractions of time; they become holographic reflections of the precious whole in every part. I love to guide those passionate about photography and those wanting to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of nature. If you seek a deeper connection with yourself and the astonishing beauty of our planet, I invite you to embark on this journey of creative discovery. I seamlessly weave together the technical and artistic dimensions of photography and help students learn to cultivate a greater level of presence, perception, and perspective. I have endless patience for those who genuinely seek to unlock their unique creative brilliance and transform their passion into pixels.

Photography has been a transformative experience of Self-discovery more than it has been about great image-making. The interior landscapes of my Soul have been the primary territory of my exploration. From a place within, the landscapes and creatures of our great planet have provided amazing opportunities to learn about myself and my connection to the world.