Alaska Photography Workshops & International Photo Tours

If you are trying to decide between going to Brooks Falls or choosing another Alaska location to photograph coastal brown bears, I would strongly encourage you to consider one of Michael Schultz's Face the Outdoors Photography trips. … I came home with photographs I love, but also with the feeling that I had experienced something really special.

Face the Outdoors is the real deal! … He got us under clear skies every night, even if that meant a 3 hour drive (each direction)! His tips and help in framing and settings were a great learning opportunity, and the classroom portion was very helpful in learning how to process aurora pics.

He is very knowledgeable about auroras so he really knows how to put you in the best position to shoot them. I felt at ease with his relaxed style of teaching. In Norway we also had the benefit of two local photographers and guides, Klaus and Christian, who had excellent awareness of the Lofoten region and its weather patterns. … Between the three of them I learned a ton about composition, patience, and editing for impact.

Michael and the local guide David got us right on the bears every day and almost every outing (sometimes bears hide). We had the opportunity to photograph a mother and her two cubs on several occasions with many lighting and background options. Being so close to the bears while they were out on the mud flats clamming was just amazing! … I look forward to my next trip with Michael.

Michael Schultz brings a unique blend of talents to this workshop. … With [his] work ethic, he continually put us in position to be wildly successful. This workshop is excellent for those looking for more than a simple tour and seeing the Northern Lights. … For that, it was beyond 5 stars.

This was the most amazing adventure of my life! … Michael keeps his workshops small so you feel like family and all your questions about photography get answered either by him or through collaboration with your fellow travelers. … I WILL BE a repeat customer!

Michael's knowledge of the area, reading of the Aurora data, and ability to drive us safely in the van down gravel roads was impeccable. Alaska's weather didn't cooperate, so he had to work his butt off to find us photo opportunities. For his first workshop he knocked it out of the park. If you're on the fence, don't hesitate to book with Michael.

Michael, Klaus and Christian were very helpful with giving technical, artistic and general advice on taking better pictures. It was a great learning experience, and I walked away with a lot of pictures, more confidence in my abilities, and a better understanding of the direction I want to take in my photographic journey.

Face The Outdoors experience with the coastal brown bears in Alaska was fantastic! The bear viewing, photography coaching, the guide from the lodge, and the lodge itself were beyond my expectations. … I highly recommend Michael's company if you want an authentic and personalized photography experience.

I learned a lot about photography, especially night photography. I learned new things about the camera that I'd been using for 20 years. Photographing the aurora was a great success. If you are interested in photographing the Northern Lights, you can't do better than booking with Face The Outdoors.

Michael took us to special places that were off the beaten path, which were not only beautiful in composition, but gave us an opportunity to work on the photography skills we had been learning in the classes. … I liked the small size, the camaraderie between the people, the variety of not only the training, but also the scenery. I have already signed up for another workshop in the spring!

Our photo tour of the Lofoten Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime. … Our caring local guides, Christian and Klaus were outstanding, deeply knowledgeable about both photography and the region they love, and knew exactly where to be for the perfect shot. … We returned home with some of our favorite images ever.

The aurora workshop was awesome. We got lucky on both earth and space weather. Just as Michael described, it was back to back long nights chasing the lights in a variety of different settings. Michael provided the right level of assistance for those desiring guidance and support. He actively encouraged everyone to try different perspectives.

This outdoor excursion to see the aurora was an exceptional experience! The locations of the photography shoot were varied and gave a great perspective and reference for the photographs. Michael's knowledge and help with operating my camera (first time aurora photographer) was extensive and much appreciated.

This was my 2nd consecutive time attending a photo workshop with Michael. … We were mentored according to our level of expertise, and for me I think at this point of my photographic skills and experience, I had improved significantly and more confident to shoot and process my photos. … Looking forward to joining future workshops.

We had a great time at the bear workshop. The lodge and food there was fantastic, the bear viewing was incredible, and we're really glad we went. Michael did a good job getting the group into some great photography opportunities, and overall it was a really memorable experience.

What can I say, I went back a second time! … Michael and the entire group made this a 15 on a 10 point scale, not to mention the lodging hosts (special shout out to Tawnya's cooking). I'm going again.

Highly recommend Face The Outdoor. Michael is an amazing teacher, guide and artist. Having a great time and looking forward to another workshop soon.