





The author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela is proud to offer a world-class loon photography tour. His experience as an avian biologist will help ensure a successful photo tour, allowing you to capture amazing images of these fascinating birds. Stan has authored three books on loons and has been photographing loons on Minnesota’s lakes for nearly 40 years.
Each year, over a dozen loons nest at the lake. Each session offers the opportunity to capture the iconic loon amidst its natural habitat, with different-colored waters, backgrounds, and vegetation. Every day is a new opportunity to experience an array of loon behavior: flying, landing, preening, and taking off. You will have the opportunity to capture loon babies at different stages of growth, from riding on the backs of adults to venturing off on their own.
Stan has a large custom pontoon boat to get you down low to the water’s level. Not everyone can lie down due to physical conditions, so you have a choice to sit in comfortable chairs, sit on a floor for a lower perspective, or lie down prone for a low-level perspective. Padded mats to lie or sit upon and bean bags will be provided for you and your camera. A gimbal mount may be beneficial.
For those looking to get a truly unique shot, a special “camera float” is available to capture photos at full water level. Stan has built a custom floating platform that allows you to safely support your camera and lens just one inch above the water level for the most incredible images. You will have to see this to believe it.
Each day, participants will experience one morning and one evening session with a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph during a total of 5 sessions throughout the tour. Each session is 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning and evening, for approximately 6 hours daily. After the morning session on June 3rd, before 11 AM. This schedule is subject to change.
Each day, participants will experience one morning and one evening session with a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph during a total of 5 sessions throughout the tour. Each session is 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning and evening, for approximately 6 hours daily. After the morning session on June 3rd, before 11 AM. This schedule is subject to change.
Each day, participants will experience one morning and one evening session with a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph during a total of 5 sessions throughout the tour. Each session is 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning and evening, for approximately 6 hours daily. After the morning session on June 3rd, before 11 AM. This schedule is subject to change.
Each day, participants will experience one morning and one evening session with a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph during a total of 5 sessions throughout the tour. Each session is 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning and evening, for approximately 6 hours daily. After the morning session on June 3rd, before 11 AM. This schedule is subject to change.
Each day, participants will experience one morning and one evening session with a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph during a total of 5 sessions throughout the tour. Each session is 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning and evening, for approximately 6 hours daily. After the morning session on June 3rd, before 11 AM. This schedule is subject to change.
Wildlife photography can be physically demanding. It may include extreme terrain, long hikes at high altitude, damp forests with uneven roots, sandy beaches that sink beneath your boots, deep snow, and frigid temperatures, or boats swaying under your feet while your lens tracks a moving animal. Conditions may vary by destination, or even by day. This is why participants must be in good general physical condition and health.
You must be able to walk for multiple hours and carry your own camera gear. There are no exceptions to these physical requirements.
All trips may not be suitable for every traveler. If you have questions about the physical requirements of this trip, contact Stan at stan@naturesmart.com.