2025 Great Gray Owl Photography Tour
Capture the Majesty of the Great Gray Owl: A Four-Day Photography Tour
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the great gray owl with this exclusive four-day private photography tour. Renowned for my award-winning great gray owl images, I invite you to join me in the field as I share my expertise, insights, and years of experience. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, this tour is designed to enhance your skills and give you the opportunity to photograph these mesmerizing birds.
What You’ll Learn and Experience:
- Behavior and Techniques: Understand great gray owl behavior, learn how to approach them ethically, and capture stunning in-flight shots.
- Compositions That Impress: Discover how to create compelling compositions in the field that highlight the beauty and majesty of these elusive owls.
- Personalized Guidance: As a highly acclaimed wildlife photographer, I’ll provide hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level and goals.
A Typical Day in the Field:
- Start before sunrise to capture the magical morning light and observe owl activity at its peak.
- Break for lunch and resume searching for owls in the afternoon, continuing into the golden light of early evening.
- Each day is fully customizable to suit your ability, interests, and energy level.
Seasonal Highlights:
Late February and early March is the owls’ mating season, a time when they are more active during daylight hours. While great gray owls are notoriously elusive, I will scout the area before the tour to increase the likelihood of sightings. If no owls are present in the area during scouting, participants will have the option to cancel and receive a full refund.
Ethical Wildlife Photography:
Your safety and the well-being of the owls are my top priorities. I will guide you in observing and photographing them respectfully, minimizing stress and disruption to their natural behaviors.
Location:
This tour takes place in the scenic Lac La Biche region of Alberta, Canada, a haven for wildlife and natural beauty.
Join the Adventure:
Whether you’ve been photographing for years or just received your first camera, this tour offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills, learn from an expert, and create lasting memories while capturing stunning images of the great gray owl.
Book your spot today and embark on an unforgettable wildlife photography journey!
2025 Tour Dates
March 4 - 7
March 18 -21
Costs
$2995 per person
Maximum three participants per trip
A $750 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid in full by December 31, 2024
The entire time we are in the field, I will emphasize ethical wildlife photography practice. Both your safety and that of the owls are of primary importance when we are in the field and I will continually observe the owls we are encountering to look for any signs of stress.
What is included:
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodations
- In-field photography tips and teaching
- Light snacks and a limited selection of refreshments each day
- A light brown bag lunch each day
What is not included
- Transportation to and from Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada
- Accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner each day
What level of physical activity is required?
- You will need to be able to carry your own camera gear for 200-500 meters in cold weather and uneven terrain.
What will the weather be like?
- Weather is unpredictable Temperatures tend to be around -30C in the morning and around -4C later in the day but can vary greatly.
- An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour.
What should you bring?
- Warm clothes and footwear to be outside up to -20C for long periods of time. Dress in layers, however there will always be access to the tour vehicle to warm up.
- Plenty of batteries as they drain quickly in cold
- A lens that has reach to at least 400mm, 600mm is ideal
- Tripod is optional, but is not required. Donna will not have a tripod.
Daily Itinerary (subject to change)
7:00 am - pick up at accommodations
7:30 - 8:00 am - arrive at first location
8:00 am - 12:00 pm - look for owls and travel to other locations as needed
12:00 - 2:00 pm - lunch and return to accommodations if necessary
2:00 pm - pick up at accommodations
2:30 - 3:00 pm - arrive at first location
3:00 - 5:30 pm - look for owls and travel to other locations if needed
5:30 - 6:00 pm - return to accommodations
- Before December 31, 2024 refund amount - full refund of the amount paid at the time of cancellation less the non-refundable deposit - up to $2245
- After February 15, 2025 - no refund
For all tours, each participant will be required to sign a Release of Liability and an Assumption of Risk Waiver before the start of the tour. You may be asked to sign a photo release form (optional).
NOTE: While we will make every attempt to find the wildlife during the tour there is NO guarantee that we will. Inability to find wildlife does not warrant a refund.