Naturesmart

Photo Workshops & Tours

Wildlife Photography Tours

Each year, Stan Tekiela is proud to offer several world-class Wildlife Photography tours and workshops. Here’s your chance to learn about wildlife photography from a professional with over 40 years of experience who has led hundreds of trips.

Costa Rica: Wildlife and Birds | March 2027

An incredible journey led by renowned author, wildlife photographer, and naturalist Stan Tekiela through the jungles of Costa Rica.

Bald Eagles & Sea Otters | March 2026

Join award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela for this amazing opportunity to capture images of Bald Eagles and Sea Otters in stunning Homer, Alaska.

Bird Photography in the Choco-Andes | October 2026

Join naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela on an incredible photography trip through Ecuador’s eastern and western Andes; explore some of the country’s most biodiverse and scenic regions.

Florida Birds | Early Spring 2026

Join award winning author, naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela for an incredible tour of the great state of Florida. Travel from the Gulf Shores to the Atlantic side of Florida, visiting many birding hotspots along the way.

Western Grebe | May 2026

Join award winning author, naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela for an exceptional opportunity to capture fantastic images of Western Grebes, Rushing, Weed Dancing, and more.

Common Loon | June 2026

The author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela is proud to offer a world-class loon photography tour. Each year, over a dozen loons nest at the lake, offering a opportunity to capture these icons of the north amidst its natural habitat. Every day is a new opportunity to experience an array of loon behavior: flying, landing, preening, and taking off.

Black Bears | September 2025

Author, naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela is proud to offer a one-of-a-kind Black Bear photography tour and workshop. His experience as a wildlife biologist will help ensure a successful photo tour/workshop, allowing you to capture amazing images of these magnificent animals in the wild.

Galapagos Islands: Endemic Wildlife Tour: Cruising the Eastern Route | Summer 2025

Embark on a journey led by renowned author, photographer, and naturalist Stan Tekiela through the islands that have long intrigued outsiders with their endemic flora and fauna, geological activity, and unusual terrain. Accompanied by an onboard naturalist guide, this small-group cruise expedition offers a front-row seat for exploring the eastern islands.

What customers are saying about Stan's tours

Steve T. Huntington Woods, MI

"If you've followed the photography of Stan Tekiela, you've probably asked yourself that. I decided to find out and signed up for one of his 'tours.' It was an opportunity to spend time shooting with the guy I consider to be the finest wildlife photographer working today. Whatever your photo skills, Stan tailors the outing to your goals in a low-pressure, flexible learning environment. He quickly scoped out my skill level and adjusted his dialogue with me accordingly. In addition to sharpening your photography chops, you'll learn that Stan is also a world class naturalist, with an encyclopedic knowledge of North American fauna. It's quite a package, quite an experience and I highly recommend it."

JoAnn Illinois

"When you meet someone who can show you a new and very different view of the world's extraordinary natural beauty, you know you are going to have an amazing experience. Stan Tekiela's photo nature tours are just that. First, without Stan's extensive knowledge of nature and animal behavior, I wouldn't have been able to able to capture such amazing images. He prepared us ahead of time when something was about to happen. We were taught so much about wildlife behavior and therefore, at the critical moment, we captured such beautiful and exciting shots. I left for home knowing that I really exceeded my photography goals. I am so grateful to Stan who taught me how one needs to learn more than just the technical skills of photography in order to capture the beauty of nature in photos. I can't wait for the next workshop!"

Steve C. Brooklyn Park, MN

"Stan's tours are special opportunities.The wildlife views are astonishing. Stan's guidance helps you both see and photograph birds in new and vivid ways. But they are also wonderful times on Minnesota water. He could have called the tours "workshops" or "master classes" but I'm glad he didn't. The comfort of his boat, his hospitality and my friendly companions made it easier to attend to the birds and open my mind. I got better pictures than I expected, a big bump in my skills each time plus great memories."

David H. St. Paul, MN

"This is my second photo tour with Stan's Nature Smart Photography Tours. What I appreciate about Stan's tours is that you get much more than a chance to capture great images, which of course you do. You also learn about the environment, the biology and the behavior of the subjects you are photographing. Stan educates as he guides, which helps you anticipate what the grebes, loons and other wildlife are going to do, so that you are prepared when that great shot presents itself. I have excellent images of loons, western grebes and red necked grebes with their babies being carried and being fed by their parents, as well as early morning and sunset images that capture the mood of the experience. These tours are an exceptional value and I am looking forward to more of them with Stan."

Jason K. Pleasant Valley, IA

"Not only did I walk away from Stan's Loon Photography Tour with once in a lifetime photographs, but also with an unforgettable experience. There us something magical about being on the water listening to the calls of the loons. or seeing them drift off into a beautiful sunset. Neither of these experiences would have happened for me without Stan's guidance and superior knowledge of these amazing birds and their surroundings. Stan's easy going, non-intrusive technique to guiding made for a relxing outing reulting in amazing photographs and memories. Without hesitation I can say Stan is the man!"