Our Mission, Vision & Values
Nature photography is our passion
Our mission, vision and values grew out of our life-long passion for nature photography and sharing that passion with other. We are proud of what we offer through Great Lakes Photo Tours. We hope you will take the time to read our Mission, Vision & Values to learn more about us and learn what sets us apart from our competitors.
Our Mission
Encourage preservation of our natural environment through ecological photography education.
Our Vision
Offer year-round opportunities for the public to experience nature photography in the scenic beauty of the Great Lakes region by providing a wide variety of standard and custom eco-photo tours and excursions.
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Our Values
The Natural Environment
We commit to provide you with the opportunity to experience the beauty and fragility of our natural environment and delicate eco-systems, and encourage you to preserve and protect it.
Ecology
We believe in the circle of life, that all things are connected and each of us plays a vital role in the continuation of the whole. We respect all life.
Teaching in the Field
We know many of our participants experience “nature deficit disorder,” so we commit to spending more time out photographing where you learn by DOING, rather than spending the time taking classroom notes.
Community
One of the greatest benefits of conducting Great Lakes eco-photo tours and excursions is becoming acquainted great people. We commit to getting to know you personally and potentially building life-long friendships.
Your Desire to Learn
We commit to provide time to critique your captured images at the conclusion of eco-photo tours so you can learn more from your experience with us.
Your Ability as a Photographer
Regardless of your skill level, from fearful beginner to seasoned amateur with a full arsenal of equipment, Great Lakes Photo Tours always provides personal instruction at the appropriate level for each individual.
Your Camera Equipment
Everyone has different cameras with unique features. We offer the optimal operational advice to master your camera regardless of the make, model or your experience.
Your Time and Commitment
You took the time to join us and therefore, we spend quality time with you. We work closely with you during every aspect of your Great Lakes Photo Tours experience. At no time will you be left to ‘fend for yourself’ during an eco-photo tour or excursion.
Camera Skill Over Computer Manipulation
We teach you how to capture magic moments in nature, not how to create or fix them in the ‘shop’.
Our Professional Experience & Abilities
We are unaware of any other instructional nature photography courses, workshops or tours that offer the unique combination of skills that we have. With over 50 years of combined experience in natural history and digital photography technology, we may have competitors, but we don’t have equals. Learn more about us and our history.
“What an outstanding ecological and photographic learning experience!! The weather, the lighting and the autumn colors may not have been ideal, however the experience was exceptional. Your mastery experience, wisdom, knowledge and vision were generously shared.”
~ Tom Kernstock
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