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Nature Smart

Wildlife Photography

Loon Photography Tour – June 14th 2027

About this Trip

  • Location: Minnesota
  • Dates: June 15th - 14th. Arrival on June 13th after 3 PM.
  • Days: 2 Days
  • Limited to: 4 participants
  • Cost: $825.00 per person
  • Deposit: $825.00 per person
  • Balance Due: 60 days prior to workshop, nonrefundable
  • Policies: All workshops are non-smoking

Author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela is proud to offer a world-class loon photography experience. With his background in biology and over 25 years as a wildlife photographer, Stan knows how to guide you to a great experience. Join Stan for an amazing opportunity to photograph these fascinating birds in their natural habitat.

Each session offers an opportunity to capture this iconic Minnesota bird amidst its natural habitat. Tours offer the opportunity to capture loons among different colored waters, backgrounds, and vegetation. This tour is a chance to see an array of loon behaviors: flying, landing, preening, and taking off. June is the time for loon chicks, and the opportunity for you to capture them at different stages of growth.

Participants will travel together in a large pontoon boat, with several seating options. Configured to get you down low and to the water level, tour members have the option to sit in chairs, on the floor, or lie down prone. Padded mats to lie or sit on, and camera rest bean bags will be provided. A gimbal mount can be beneficial.

For those looking to get a truly unique shot, a special “camera float” is available to capture photos at full water level. This floating platform allows you to safely support your camera and lens at just one inch above the water level.

Trip Details

  • Photo instructions for the best camera settings from Stan, suggestions on composition, lighting, and backgrounds
  • Boat travel to and from loon habitat
  • Travel to and from Minnesota
  • Airline baggage fees
  • Gratuity
  • Travel insurance

Each day, participants can expect one morning and one evening session, split by a midday break. If the weather permits, participants will photograph for a total of 3 sessions for 2-day tours or 5 sessions for 3-day tours. Each morning and evening session will be roughly 3 to 3.5 hours long, for an approximate daily total of 6 hours. This schedule is subject to change.