David and Shiela Glatz

Natural Exposures’ Japan Winter Wildlife Photography Tour was another hit! From the snow monkeys of Nagano to the Steller’s Sea Eagles of Shiretoko, Japan’s expansive variety of wildlife did not disappoint. Nagano’s snow monkeys, an Old World terrestrial species native to Japan, thrilled us with countless antics and effortless acrobatics befitting of olympic gold medalists. The graceful red crowned cranes of Akan would certainly call the Bolshoi home. Of course who could forget Snow Mageddon 2016 of Lake Kussharo with its horizontal snow and wind-whipped ice pelting you like missiles? Then there was the Rausu Harbor Air and Water Show with steller’s and white-tailed sea eagles duking it out for fish scraps. And to think that thru all of this we had the gall to have fun! Dan, Tanya, and Jill put on another terrific show. It was a long haul from Chicago, but way the heck worth it. Great job, folks!

The Natural Exposures Katmai Boat Tour was amazing. Our first trip to Katmai, but definitely not our last. Accessible only by plane or boat, Katmai is remote but teeming with wildlife. We had great photo opportunities to capture mother bears nursing cubs against a backdrop of fireweed, lone boar snoozing in the tall grass (pay attention Dan!) and second-season cubs knocking each other around. Other species included Bald Eagles, Seals, shorebirds and the elusive Sea Otter (shooting them is like playing Whack-a-Mole!). The “all-women” fishing excursion with Captain Chuck onboard the intrepid skiff: wine + women + fishing = epic fun. This tour should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Yellowstone, one of our more favorite of Winter places. Dan and Tanya, yet again, put on a wonderful trip. Bald eagles majestically flying overhead, trumpeter swans gracefully synchronizing their water ballet, and coyotes staunchly hugging the shoreline of the Fire Hole River. What an amazing place. Unfortunately, I accidentally fried the MotherBoard of my Nikon D4 two days into the trip, and of course I was silly enough not to bring a back-up body for myself. Although we had my husband’s D4s as a back-up, we decided to sit this one out (photographically, that is) and just observe the beauty and elegance of Yellowstone in Winter. And we had a blast! Yellowstone has an amazing amount of diversity, and if you allow yourself to just observe it there’s a good chance you’ll be impressed. Besides, I can’t imagine a Dan and Tanya Foray Into Yellowstone to not be anything but spectacular!

Awesome Salmon Run at Lake Clark National Park, and we never seem to get enough of it. Year after year we have the audacity to sign up for this trip, not only for the awesome bear (and birds – raptors or otherwise, and rare wolf tracks, etc) photography but for the privilege of spending time with friends made over the years, who are now family. Dan and Tanya put on a wonderful trip. The Guides know their bears and will make sure you are in the best position to capture them photographically. The food at the Lodge is simple yet elegantly made. And of course there are the Corays who will make you feel at home. It is a perfect storm of amazing from beginning to end. Natural Exposure’s Salmon Run trip to Lake Clark should be on your Bucket List.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Yellowstone. No crowds, few vehicles, wonderful scenic landscapes covered with snow, and many animals actively trying to survive the harsh conditions. Yes, it’s cold – but if you follow Dan and Tanya’s instructions for gear you will be fine. Headed back in 2015!!!

There’s something about the Canadian Rockies that just takes your breath away. It’s as if everywhere you turned, there would be an amazing landscape shot just waiting for you to take it. And you bet, Dan and Tanya were right by your side to make sure you didn’t miss out on the photo op. From the waterfalls and mountain lakes to the wide open expanses with shy but curious wildlife, the Canadian Rockies had them all. This trip is a definite MUST DO!

Wow – Brazil was unlike any other location we’ve ever visited. Jaguar were our primary target, and we were fortunate to get several opportunities to photograph these cats in the open. Also too many bird species to name – this place is a birder’s paradise. Throw in the Giant Otter, Caiman (reportedly over 10 million of them in the Pantanal!), Capybara (largest rodent in the world), and Capuchin monkeys (especially the ones in the fig tree) and you have a wildlife bonanza. All of the people involved, from our fellow tour members to our “fearless” leader Dan to our social director Tanya to the staff at both the lodge and the Floatel pulled together to make this trip memorable.

Finally got around to this. As always, Dan and Tanya pulled off another absolutely wonderful photography tour. The 2014 Alaska Whale Watching Photo Expedition I was a Learning Laboratory for me. I had to learn how to move with a D3X, a 500 mm f/4 lens, and a monopod, as I was taking the exact same gear to photograph jaguars in the Pantanal just a few days later. Much to my delight, my laboratory had humpback whales breaching seemingly on cue, orcas patrolling the open seas, and steller sea lion pups just begging to be photographed. Amazing wildlife notwithstanding, my Learning Laboratory had a hell of a view!!

Samburu, Lewa and Masai Mara: three different and unique locations with seamless travel among them. Dan and Tanya were wonderful as always – fantastic people with whom to share the experience. Accommodations were first rate, meals were top notch and the guides were awesome! Oh, and yes there were big cats, birds galore and all the other iconic African species. Big 5 were a breeze and we had one day enjoying 4 big cats (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Serval).

Shiela did a solo tour with Natural Exposures in Winter 2012. Yes it was cold, but she had a blast.

Our favorite tour – we’ve been to this location several times and this was our first salmon run. Always great photographic opportunities here, but the salmon run introduces action shots. Huge brown bears crashing through the water in pursuit of – and catching – silver salmon. Weather was beautiful, our guides and staff were great and as usual Dan’s guidance and experience helped us capture (what we think are) outstanding images. Tanya led a group of women + Andreas on the halibut fishing trip of a lifetime: Shiela caught her limit including a 35-pounder!

Dan told us that if we loved Alaska we would “adore” Kenya. He was right on both counts. This trip is like your own personal Big Cat Diary or Nat Geo Wild adventure. Much of the footage of big cats, elephants, etc. you see on TV was shot in the locations we visited: Amboseli and the Masai Mara. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and expert. The lodges, staff and meals were excellent. Of course the number of species and quality of the photography opportunities were off the charts. Dan’s mentorship and instruction and Tanya’s eye for detail and organization ensured that we had “the trip of a lifetime” (until 2013, when we returned, anyway!).

Our first trip to Alaska, first Natural Exposures tour and our first “wildlife shoot.” We were eager but didn’t really know what we were doing – Dan’s patience, knowledge and ability to teach in a laid back manner proved invaluable. Our experience on this trip led us back again and again to the Dan and Tanya show! We were lucky to get great weather and even luckier to encounter two spring cubs. We’ve seen the cubs a few times since then and they are obviously much larger. Silver Salmon Creek Lodge is wonderful – staff is friendly, guides are excellent and experienced in working with photographers and David and Joanne are great people. Food and cabin were high quality especially for remote coastal Alaska. We’ve returned here several times and are signed up for 2015!