How are "Eco-Photo Tours" different from any other tours?
We design Great Lake Photo Tours (GLPT)
eco-photo tours and excursions for photo and nature enthusiasts to take great photographs that require little to no photo editing. We frequently stop throughout the day for good subject matter allowing participants the opportunity to capture their best photographs. All locations are chosen and activities designed with you, the photographer, in mind.
What differentiates Great Lakes Photo Tours from others offering photo tours?
With over
50 years of combined experience we offer a
unique team approach to teaching you eco photography.
Mark S. Carlson provides instruction in
photography skills as he teaches
natural history and ecology at each location.
Bob Greziak teaches the
camera features and operations of all makes and models for both film and digital equipment.
We both possess a passion for photography and sharing that passion with other people. Nothing gives us more pleasure than getting to know you and imparting our love of what we do. We commit to actively working with you throughout the
eco-photo tour and provide one-on-one tutoring that helps participants improve their photography skills.
What types of Eco-Photo Tours do you offer?
At GLPT, we offer one-day
eco-photo excursions and multiple day
eco-photo tours as well as
custom eco-photo tours and excursions. Certain tours represent location-based events, such as those in
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, while others remain theme based, such as a “Autumn color” or “Lighthouse” tours.
What is the focus of an Eco-Photo Tour?
We offer participants the time and opportunity to create memorable photographs in the field almost immediately. We provide one-on-one tutoring and are available to answer any and all questions about the ecology of the area, photo composition, lighting, camera settings and camera operations throughout the duration of the event.
Do you teach photo editing skills?
No, we focus on teaching participants how to compose and take exceptional photos in the field, not how to edit photos using computer software. Our motto says it all, "
Capture nature images in the field, not in the shop."
Do you teach how to use your camera while on location?
Absolutely! Bob Grzesiak is a digital photography expert with in-depth knowledge of all makes and models of photographic equipment. He assists with camera, lenses, tripods, and any equipment of individual interest.
How much time do you spend in the classroom verses on location?
Unlike other photo tour organizations who provide instruction in a classroom setting and send you out to shoot on your own, we believe the best method for participants to learn comes from creating photographs in the field. Ninety percent of our
instruction takes place on location in the great outdoors…the best classroom! All
eco-photo tours and excursions begin gathering inside to cover photography composition and camera settings for best nature photography.
Eco-photo tours end with a review critique of images participants took during the tour. The balanceof our time centers on location where the real magic happens!
Do instructors provide critiques of our photographs?
Yes, at an
eco-thoto tour conclusion, we offer a critique of a select number of participant photos in a group setting. Our alumni tell us that these critiques are an extremely valuable part of every event. Time does not allow for image critique on one-day eco-photo excursions.
Are participants required to take notes during in an Eco-Photo Tour?
One of our goals is to minimize classroom time and note taking so that participants can get out into the field and learn by doing. Since written photography notes are an important part of the learning process, we provide prepared photography handouts for all participants.
Do you use any participant photographs for promotional purposes?
Yes, we are proud to showcase a sample of work by select participants from each eco-photo tour or excursion on our
website and on social media websites such as
Facebook and
Pinterest. All photographs include a copyright stamp with the name of the participant. We also request that participants allow us to take promotional photographs of them in action during our events.
Will GLPT instructors work on-location with participants at all times?
Both of us remain with the team and engaged with participants for the duration of the
eco-photo tour or excursion. We do not abandon or drop off participants at any location without accompanying them.
What about children participating in Great Lakes Photo Tours?
Our
eco-photo tours and excursions are not designed for young children; however, mature children from 12 years old and up who are serious about photography, who can keep up and not distract the rest of the group, are welcome.
Do you allow non-photographers to accompany photographers?
Yes, we welcome non-photographers to join or group as long as they are not a distraction for participating photographers. Non-photographers receive discounted tuition.
What are the start and end times for Eco-Photo Tours and Excursions?
Eco-photo excursions start at either 9am or 10am and end at 3pm or 4pm. Most
eco-photo tours start and end times can vary, but for the most part they begin at 9am and end at 4pm or 5pm with optional sunrise and sunset photo shoots. Arrival days begin in the late afternoon and final days end at noon.
How many people do you take on an Eco-Photo Tour and Excursion?
Eco-photo excursions require a minimum of six participants and no more than 20 participants.
Eco-photo tours require at least six participants with a maximum of 16 participants. Some eco-photo tours are limited to 10 participants. See individual
eco-photo tour listings for details.
What type of transportation do you use for Eco-Photo Tours?
GLPT participants must provide their own transportation. Once all participants have arrived we carpool to shoot locations.
What type of camera equipment do you require?
Great Lakes Photo Tours stands alone in our unique ability to welcome all types of cameras from film to digital; from the most basic point-and-shoot pocket camera to full-fledged DSLR systems with all the gadgets.
I don’t have any photography equipment. What equipment do you recommend I purchase?
Once you
register and pay your tuition for a Great Lakes Photo Tour, we offer our services to assist in purchasing the proper equipment for your budget and skill level. We believe in buying less
, learning to use the gear
you currently own and work up to purchasing more equipment as you progress. Once you are an alumnus of Great Lakes Photo Tours, you have access to our recommendation services whenever you require advice.
What level of photography experience is required?
We invite all levels of photographer to participate in
Great Lakes Photo Tours, from complete novices to advanced amateurs. We have many participants who join us with their brand new, just-out-of-the-box camera. Bob makes it easy for them to get started.
What do I need to pack for an Eco-Photo Tour or Excursion?
- Your camera (digital or film) with gear
- Extra batteries and charger
- Large, black umbrella for shading subjects or rain protection – golf umbrellas work well
- Notepad and pen/pencil
- Sack lunch and beverage
- Clothing appropriate for weather and terrain including jackets for windy or rainy days
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with a closed toe (we hike in woods where poison ivy may be present)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (if desired)
- National Park pass (where applicable)
- Your own vehicle (we carpool during the event)
What happens if the weather is poor?
Events take place rain or shine. In the event of a complete downpours or threatening weather, such as severe thunderstorm, we move some portion of the tour inside for critiques and other instruction. We adjust
eco-photo tours and excursion itineraries for inclement weather. Some poor weather provides unique opportunities to photograph certain subject matter. GLPT always offers methods to protect your camera from inclement weather while we photograph.
Are there any special physical requirements for a Eco-Photo Tour or Excursion?
All
eo-photo tours and excursions require some amount of walking and hiking on nature trails. Tours into
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore require hiking on hilly sand dunes that requires moderate physical ability. Each tour description lists severity of activity level for the event.
Where do I meet the Eco-Photo Tour group?
Most often the group will meet at a hotel or resort lobby, reception center or other pre-designated area. A list of where to gather is listed in the complete event description you receive after registration. Plan to meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time so we can finalize any registration questions and assist you with setting your camera properly.
What is included in the cost of an Eco-Photo Tour or Excursion?
Your tuition covers the cost of instruction, copies of general instructor handouts and handouts specific to your camera’s controls. Lodging is included for a select number
eco-photo tours only.
What is not covered in the cost of an Eco-Photo Tour or Excursion?
- Camera and equipment
- Transportation
- Lodging (unless otherwise stated)
- Meals and beverages (unless otherwise stated)
- National or state park pass
What payment options do you offer?
Registration is processed through
MyNorthTickets.com where all major credit card are accepted for
online registration. MyNorthTickets.com charges an small processing fee for each registration.
Do you offer any alumni discounts or bring-a-friend discount?
Yes, we offer 10% discounts on tours and excursions for Great Lakes Photo Tour alumn. We also offer a $50 discount for each paid-in-full registration for any eco-photo tour referrals ($10 for an eco-photo excursion). If your friends attend any eco-photo tour or excursion and tell us you sent them, we credit your account for the appropriate amount.
Do you offer discounts for non-photographers that accompany a paying photographer?
Non-photographers accompanying a registered participant receive a 20% reduction in the cost of tuition excluding nature center excursions.
What is your cancellation and rain check policy?
You may cancel your registration up to seven days prior to an
eco-photo tour or eco-photo excursion for a partial refund. Your deposit is non-refundable.
In case of cancellation due to bad weather, natural disaster, instructor illness, or other reason, we may issue a
Rain Check at our discretion. A Rain Check is good for the value of the original tour or excursion and may be used for tuition of any other
eco-photo tour or excursion taking place within 36 months.
Does Great Lakes Photo Tours ever cancel a tour?
GLPT events require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum number of participants is not met seven to ten days prior to the event start date, the eco-photo tour or excursion will be cancelled and
all with monies refunded.
Do you provide lodging and meals?
We provide lodging in the price of tuition for a select number of
eco-photo tours. Meals are not provided. Plan on bringing a sack lunch for full-day photo events.
How do I register for an Eco-Photo Tour or Excursion?
Register online on our registration page or call 517-230-1655. We require a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Final payment is due 10 days prior to an eco-photo tour date and two days prior to eco-photo excursion date.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes!
Gift certificates are available in $25 increments.
Gift certificates can be redeemed for the cost of tuition and are good for 36 months from date of purchase. A wonderful gift for the photo or nature enthusiast!
Is Great Lakes Photo Tours on any social media websites?
Absolutely! We are on
Facebook and
Pinterest. We will be adding other social media sites in the future. We encourage alumni to share photos, ask questions, and comment on other alumni work on our Facebook wall. Your "liking," "sharing," and "repinning" our posts helps to spread the word about Great Lakes Photo Tours. Please feel free to share any of our website pages as well. There are social sharing buttons at the bottom of every one of our web page.
We also create
alumni photo albums on social media sites after each tour or excursion. Our upcoming events are also listed on the
Facebook Events Page and on our
Pinterest Upcoming Events board.
Do you have a blog and do you accept guest blog articles?
Yes, we have a
blog. We highly encourage our alumni to write articles that we can post on our blog. Blog articles can be as short as a few sentences or as long as several paragraphs. We request that authors provide one to four photos to be included in the article. Be sure to watermark your photos with ©your name. We will include your name on the blog article. Great Lakes Photo Tours reserves the right to post the article at our discretion or decline any article. Send
blog articles and photos to
[email protected].
“I wanted to write you a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed the Tour. I felt very comfortable right from the beginning, with both of you and our group. The Dunes were breathtaking and the hands-on class was the best I have ever been to. Thank you for this exciting opportunity and your patience and enthusiasm. Both of you made learning a fun adventure, I never felt intimidated to ask a question. It was well worth the airfare from PA, my photos are beautiful. Plus, now that I’m back home, our foliage has not yet peaked, so I continue to shoot with the basic knowledge you provided us, with very little adjustment.” -Patrice Zinck