WICKED GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY – The Way Photography Should Be

Costa Rica 2023 was my first destination with Nathaniel. His diverse itinerary guaranteed a broad range of bird and wildlife species, climates and terrain. Every detail, from Nathaniel’s choice of quality local guides, to accommodations that ranged from luxurious to simple, (each serving delicious meals) was well planned and coordinated. The many customized photo ops balanced with free time was a perfect combination for me as an intermediate level photographer. Although this tour was not billed as a workshop, I learned soooo much from Nathaniel’s generous sharing of knowledge. From camera settings to creative technique and positioning, Nathaniel and his team offered us the best chances of getting photos we could be proud of, yet we always had the freedom to do our own thing and opportunities to wander and explore during our downtime in environments where we could feel totally safe at all times. Since most of Nathaniel’s clients are referrals from other happy clients, it was no surprise that everyone in the group was warm, inclusive and fun! A highlight for me was our time spent in the mountains - Costa Rica’s beautiful cloud forest region - where we were graced with the appearance of the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal! This was not a guaranteed sighting - we’d heard of other groups who’d come and not glimpsed them at all. Once we arrived at a prime location, as always, Nathaniel gave us the best viewing positions and made sure we were set up properly before he took his own place. And then we waited. To our delight, a juvenile male appeared, then an adult female, and finally a mature male materialized in full breeding plumage! Although I’d seen photos before, being there in person to admire his long covert feathers gracefully wafting with the breeze was mesmerizing! I experienced several magical moments like this in Costa Rica for which I am immensely grateful. If, as the famous saying goes, genius is 98% perspiration and 2% inspiration, I wholeheartedly attribute 98% of the success of my Costa Rica visit to the many years of hard work that Nathaniel and his team have dedicated to curating and refining it. Because of their expertise, level of care and personal attention to detail, I know that every location that I travel with them in the future will be just as amazing and I highly recommend them!

Once again, Nathaniel hit this out of the ballpark! Photographing and watching the polar bears on this safari was an exceptional experience. Plus, photographing the Northern Lights was an added bonus. Nathaniel is always attentive and took the time to help with settings and composition as well as photo processing. Accommodations were great. Truly a wonderful experience!

My wife and I had a great time on Nathaniel's Polar Bear photo safari. This was our first photo tour, and it couldn't have gone any better! Nathaniel's attention to detail cannot be overstated, making the experience truly memorable. Thank you, Nathaniel!

My experience on the photo tour to Costa Rica in 2023 with Nathaniel Smalley was wonderful and engaging. Through Nathaniel's hard work and dedication you are provided many opportunities to photograph different and exotic animal species. There were a few great surprises along the way too! You never know exactly what you might see on a tour of this nature, but what you can be sure of is some perfectly orchestrated photo opportunities paired with the delight of some unexpected sightings as well. Go with an open mind and you are sure to have a great time!

I attended Nathaniel's 2022 polar bear photo safari. This trip is a unique opportunity to observe and photograph these amazing animals. Nathaniel was able to work with an excellent local guide service who has an intimate knowledge of this special environment and the lives of polar bears. Nathaniel did an excellent job of engaging the members of this tour. Highly recommended!

I just returned from Nathaniel's 2022 Alaska Photo Safari. Traveling off the beaten track is challenging and almost never goes as planned. Nathaniel's ability to adapt and keep the group positive was greatly appreciated. I plan to participate in the same trip again next year. To summarize I would say Nathaniel is noninvasive, individualized, targeted and offers effective instruction amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

As an art nature photographer and animal conservationist who has always dreamt of an African safari, choosing Nathaniel's Best of Botswana Safari in 2022 was one of the best decisions of my life. Every aspect of the tour was planned allowing just enough flexibility to ensure we were in the right locations with optimal lighting. Not only did we see all the animals, reptiles and birds but were able to spend time observing their behaviors and learning from our guide about them.  This preparation along with shooting from a boat equipped with swivel chairs and camera mounts, provided more opportunities for truly unique photos.  To top it off, the accommodations were superb, including world class inspiring photography decor, and gourmet meals prepared by an entertaining talented chef named Robson.

Iceland 2022 was my first encounter with Nathaniel tours, and I hope to participate in many more. Nathaniel has the personality and temperament to connect well with anyone, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the experience. The trip was meticulously planned from start to finish, yet Nathaniel could seamlessly shift gears when needed to adapt to changes in weather. In addition to hitting all of the top spots on our tour, he knew of places off the beaten path and was adept at getting us to the right place at the right time. I appreciated his expert guidance - while we were out shooting and during editing sessions. I learned so much on this tour that helped me take my photography to the next level. The trip just flew by and was filled with great memories, lots of laughs, and images that will last a lifetime. Truly an epic adventure!

The Iceland photo tour in 2022, with its glaciers, volcanos, horses and black sand beaches, was an amazing country to photograph. I especially appreciated Nathaniel taking us to magical places away from the tourists. His photographic tips and Lightroom/Photoshop instruction were critical in helping me make beautiful images! Thanks for another great trip!

My wife and I went on the Iceland 2022 photo tour and it was spectacular! Nathaniel is an AMAZING guide and has this uncanny knack of finding out of the way places where there are no tourists and great vistas. This is the second trip I've been on with Nathaniel. His energy levels are amazing his enthusiasm is infectious, as is his knowledge of places. I look forward to doing more trips with him!

For anyone who has gone on a group photography trip, there’s that feeling you get on day one of orientation - a vibe if you will - sitting among fellow travelers, introducing yourself, and listening to the leader talk through the itinerary and logistics. It is this vibe that will likely weave itself into every day of the trip that follows, and which will resonate with you long after the trip has ended. Imagine, then, experiencing a vibe that continually buoys you, excites you, and inspires you every single day of a photographic journey, and which remains etched into your psyche long after you’ve returned home. This is exactly how I feel after taking one of Nathaniel Smalley’s trips. Long after my most recent trip with him to enchanting Costa Rica (2022), for example, I can still readily summon up the extraordinary sights and sounds of its fauna and flora, the food that wowed my tastebuds, and the people who taught me the meaning of “Pura Vida.” How does such a great experience come about? We know it’s not just about place, but about a trip leader’s vision and its execution. In this respect, Nathaniel embodies the hallmarks of the ideal tour leader, with his meticulously planned itineraries, his partnerships with passionate, talented local experts, his extensive knowledge of the natural world, his incomparably generous way of helping others improve their photography, his engaging, optimistic personality and infectious sense of humor, and his gift for making every client feel special and heard. Traveling with Nathaniel, you’ll be so absorbed in the moment that everything else will fall by the wayside, thanks to how he manages details large and small. For me, this marks a true, first-rate adventure—the rare and privileged opportunity to fully connect with a special place and its people, to become open to receiving what nature is willing to reveal, and to capture in camera what the mind and heart are experiencing. And imagine all this unfolding alongside fellow attendees who share your passion for unique experiences, knowledge, and camaraderie, allowing you to leave the trip a better photographer—and a better person—than when you arrived.

Tuscany 2022 was my second trip with Nathaniel, which far exceeded my high expectations. The photographic experience offered was quite remarkable and diverse as it encompassed numerous opportunities for landscape, architectural, nature and street photography - combinations which were quite unique. But photography was only part of the overall experience on this trip.  For me, it was also an unforgettable immersion in Tuscan history, culture and cuisine - a testament to Nathaniel Smalley's ability to seek out the unusual and unexpected. The camaraderie of the participants was also a notable feature of the trip. Nathaniel is a born instructor and seasoned organizer who was careful to provide individual attention to everyone's needs in the field. Based on my experience on this trip and a previous tour to Costa Rica, I have no hesitation in recommending Nathaniel to anyone whose passion is photography.

Tuscany 2022 was my third encounter with Wicked Good Photo Tours, so I was prepared to learn and experience only a top-notch Tuscany adventure. In 2019 my husband and I went to New Zealand with Nathaniel and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. So we knew we had to sign up for Nathaniel's Tuscany 2022 tour. What an experience it was! This tour provided a variety of photo opportunities including Medieval villages, lush countryside and coastal hillside towns. Nathaniel is the most outstanding photo tour leader I have experienced. Since 2013 I have participated in many photo workshops with a variety of leaders and I can truly say that Nathaniel is at the top of the league for his organizational skills and photography expertise. He is a professional in every sense of the word. In addition he uses expert operators to help with the logistics of transportation and knowledge of the locales to photograph. He is caring of all participants and ensures everyone is comfortable not only with the photo location, but with the particular camera settings needed to capture the perfect image. I learned a lot on this trip from Nathaniel as well as from other participants. Thanks to Nathaniel we laughed, made new friends, ate great food and have amazing images. Thank you!

Nathaniel Smalley's photography tours are awesome. Our first trip was his Maine Fall Colors Photo Tour in Autumn 2021.  That trip was so amazing! This past February (2022), we went with Nathaniel again, this time to take pictures of birds and wildlife in Costa Rica. Along the way we also got pictures of amazing, unique flowers. Everything Nathaniel does on his tours he does really well. The accommodations and food are always great. His choices of places to take pictures on the tours are diverse and interesting in their own right, along with being great places to take pictures. The two trips we have been on have been attended by both photographers who really knew what they were doing with great equipment as well as those with less experience and simpler camera setups. He helps us all, whatever our experience and equipment level, to take some of the best pictures of our lives. Besides that, Nathaniel is a really great guy and so much fun to be around. Highly recommended!

Nathaniel's Polar Bear trip is a unique opportunity to observe and photograph these amazing animals. Nathaniel was able to work with an excellent local guide service who has an intimate knowledge of this special environment and the lives of polar bears. Nathaniel did an excellent job of engaging the members of this tour.

I had the good fortune to travel to Costa Rica with Nathaniel in 2022.  What a magnificent trip! The variety of birds was amazing and the amount of time in different locations was just right. Don't hesitate if you are thinking about this trip, it is special!

Our group was in good hands with Nathaniel. He has the perfect personality and temperament to make the experience of a lifetime. My daughter and I participated in the 2022 Norway Winter Photo Tour. Nathaniel made use of each hour despite the fluctuating weather. The photography tips and attention given were much appreciated. Nathaniel Smalley - you are down right fun to be with! I hope to attend another photo tour with Nathaniel in the near future!

I've done a lot of photography and wildlife tours in various places (Africa, Nepal, Europe, Alaska, etc.) and Nathaniel's February 2022 Costa Rica Tour is right up there with the best. It exceeded my expectations for all the different settings and species we encountered, the guiding and photography support, and the number of 'keepers' I came away with. Nathaniel and his crew are easy to travel with and are extremely knowledgeable, offering the right support for everyone from the beginner to the serious advanced amateur. They make sure you're where you need to be to see Hummingbirds, Bats, Tree Frogs, Toucans, Resplendent Quetzals and much more. If you want wildlife photography, sign up, you can't go wrong.

I just got back from the 2022 Norway Winter Photo Tour with Nathaniel and I was extremely impressed with him as both a teacher and a guide. The locations he took us to were all beautiful and the accommodations first rate. Nathaniel gave all his participants as much individual instruction as needed depending on their level of knowledge. He was patient and thorough, helping us to see the most powerful image possible and making sure we understood how to expose the image correctly. I am definitely looking forward to joining Nathaniel again in the future for another photo tour!

Norway is an incredibly beautiful country with dramatic mountains, quaint towns, sheltered inlets, and stormy waves, a photographer's paradise. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip I took with NOW Tours in February 2022. Nathaniel was an outstanding guide. He took us to the iconic places to photograph as well as to hidden gems. His suggestions on how to photograph an image helped to improve my skills and he introduced me to more advanced editing techniques. The group was small enough that everyone was able to get individual attention. He also ensured that the logistics, hotels, restaurants, and travel went smoothly and were comfortable. When something out of his control occured, Nathaniel was able to pivot, redirect us, and save the situation. Norway was an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you NOW Tours!

I just completed Nathaniel's 2022 Norway photo tour, it was informative and a perfect experience. This was my third time with Nathaniel, and I already have three additional trips booked. He is dedicated to getting his participants in the right place at the right time. Accommodations are first rate as is the food selection on his tours. Highly recommended for beginning and advanced shooters alike!

Costa Rica 2022 was an amazing tour! I just went through the Costa Rican bird book that Nathaniel provided us and was amazed at how many of the birds we saw, along with the frogs, crocodiles and bats! The guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful at every location we visited. The way they hosted us at their homes was very sweet and gracious. Nathaniel ensured the collegiality of the group was positive and fun. There was no end to incredible food on this tour, and fresh hearts of palm, no less!  This was our second trip with Nathaniel and he was so thoughtful in always keeping my husband and I paired up during group shooting sessions. We can't wait until the next destination with Nathaniel!

The Maine photo tour was a wonderful experience! Being Nathaniel's home state, he really knows some excellent, mostly uncrowded shooting locations. Great food and accommodations, combined with a very flexible daily itinerary, made this tour highly successful and productive. This was my third photo tour with Nathaniel and there will definitely be more. I am thrilled with some of the Fall color and harbor images. Thanks Nathaniel!

I just returned from the Maine photo tour and the Fall colors were incredible! Nathaniel took us to some stunning lighthouses, wonderful places for reflections with fall leaves and some great harbors for unique shots you can only get in Maine. Nathaniel's tours are *excellent* and I highly recommend them. What I really enjoy about traveling with Nathaniel is that he gets us to great locations and allows us to be creative and find our own scenes. He pushes me to better my skills and places me in locations that inspire me to come up with unique shots.

My wife and I moved from the west coast to do graduate work in the Boston area from 1976 to 1979. We loved many things about New England. One thing that we never forgot were the Autumn colors on the trees in the Fall. When we graduated we moved back west and even spent nearly twenty years in Montana living in the shadow of snow capped mountain peaks, but we never forgot the Fall colors in New England. Fast forward to us being retired… this past summer I suggested to my wife (of 48 years) that we should go back to New England and drive around Maine. The plan was to stay in motels and enjoy the leaves. She got right to work on the internet and found Nathaniel Smalley's Fall tour of Maine. We quickly took the last two spots and are so glad we chose his tour. Nathaniel is a native of Maine, knows the best places for photography all over the state. He also knows the best restaurants and lodging which is invaluable knowledge! Everything on his trip was so easy. We spent the tour with really fun people. Every stop we enjoyed great food and lodging. We are so glad we did not try to invent this trip on our own! Besides that, over the 48 years of our marriage I have been the picture taker, my sweet wife not so much. Nathaniel’s tour included detailed instructions on photography and specific help taking pictures in the field. He really helped my wife take some great pictures. Nathaniel gave her real attention and instruction along the way. She is naturally more artistic than I am and left with some wonderful images. Everything about this tour was perfect, truly perfect. Thank you Nathaniel!

Nathaniel arranged an incredible tour of Costa Rica. We saw a lot of the country including rain forests and my favorite, cloud forests. He partners with a native Costa Rican biologist who accompanied us and really added to the trip. While Nathaniel is very knowledgeable in his own right about the subjects we were photographing, it was a special touch that added to the trip both in depth on the subjects, the land, the importance of Costa Rica to the bird migrations as well as culturally. We had so many species to photograph, and a lot of laughs too. Very memorable. Nathaniel is great at helping to ensure you walk away with great photos as well as memories.

Earlier in 2021 I traveled with Nathaniel on my first trip to Africa to attend his Migration Safari in Kenya. I simply can't seem to find the right words to adequately describe the amazing experience we shared. It really was truly magical on all levels. Highly recommended!

Iceland 2021 was my first trip with Nathaniel and based on my experience, it won't be the last! He is very knowledgeable about the area and maximized our potential for great photos by getting us to the shooting locations in the best light. He is a great instructor and helped me improve my skills. We laughed so much during the trip that I'm sure we will be telling stories about it forever!

A journey to the Masai Mara is a dream come true and laden with anticipation and expectations that in reality are hard to match. Nathaniel exceeded them, turning dreams into a lifetime of memories, images. Perfect planning and the right amount of improvisation consistently put us in the right places at the right time. Nathaniel was always there to provide assistance and guided when wanted or needed without smothering. The Mara really is magical and this is a trip with Nathaniel that's not to be missed!

"I recently participated in the 2021 Iceland photo tour. Nathaniel had the knowledge to get us in place in a timely manner to maximize our chances at getting some really nice photos. I ended up the highest percentage of keepers of any photo tour I have ever been on! The food and lodging were as good as it gets in the areas we visited."

I really enjoyed this photo tour to Maine. Being new to photography, I learned a lot about landscape photography from Nathaniel as well as from my fellow travelers. Having never been to Maine, I feel like I have now seen some of the best locations in the state. I will definitely go back again.

Nathaniel's tours came highly recommended to me by close friends and he did not disappoint. Our Iceland tour was well-managed and packed with options and locations. Nathaniel kept the mood light, which is important for extended travel, particularly when making new acquaintances. His unique approach to off-peak hour shooting in Iceland is a real bonus. We had very little interference from other groups or other photographers. I feel that the overall package offered is well-balanced and of good value. He is willing to take extra time and make every effort to help those that need it and request it. I would definitely recommend Nathaniel to photographers at all levels. I will most definitely tour with him in the future!

Nathaniel was simply FANTASTIC! The entire Maine photo tour experience was absolutely wonderful. The photoshoot sites, Nathaniel's knowledge and willingness to answer questions and being approachable with photo issues were all nothing but the very BEST. I can't wait to take another trip with Nathaniel. I am so glad that I did the Maine photo tour, it was absolutely A+.

This is my second trip with Nathaniel, (Iceland previously), and this was an amazing experience! It was well organized and I was able to take many photos that I'd hoped to get. I also really enjoyed the opportunities to photograph so many different species and with setups that created truly wonderful images. The local guide & driver were great and our accommodations on the road were fabulous.

This trip was amazing. I have wanted to see the animals in Africa in their own habitat long before we called it a bucket list. I made a last minute decision to join the 2019 tour and am so glad I did. Seeing those animals kept me in awe! I couldn't have asked for a better guide, or a better photography teacher. Nathaniel is a professional and attentive guide from the day you meet him until departure from his tour. I can't wait to go along with him on another adventure!

An excellent blend of theory, application in the field and fine tuning afterwards with processing workflow, Nathaniel is a very knowledgeable instructor. This workshop really added to my photographic experiences, many thanks to Nathaniel. Highly recommended!

Maine Fall Colors was my second trip with Nathaniel and it did not disappoint. I am considering going back and doing it all again. Nathaniel seems to attract great people to travel with him on his trips. By the time the trip was over, my ribs hurt from all the laughter. Such a fun experience and such breathtakingly gorgeous locations!

I’m an old hand at photography-themed trips and have seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and so I consider myself a fair-minded judge of quality and value. I can say without hesitation that my trip to Tuscany (June 2019) with Nathaniel Smalley was hands-down my favorite photography trip to date. And the funny thing is that it wouldn’t matter if I were talking about a trip to Tuscany or a jaunt through my own state of Massachusetts. Nathaniel Smalley runs a company that, in my opinion, is the standard bearer that all other outfits should follow. As a person, Nathaniel is extremely intelligent, organized, efficient, conscientious, not to mention clever and fun. As a trip organizer and leader, his knowledge and desire to create the best trips possible are incomparable. Finally, as photographer, he is truly gifted and serves not only as an exciting inspiration to have on a trip from a creative standpoint, but also as an extremely generous and patient mentor who doesn’t hold back when sharing his tips, tricks, and hard-won techniques, unlike other professionals, who might. As for trip logistics, I never had to worry about a thing. Nathaniel is a true leader, who does a  yeoman’s job of making sure that everything runs smoothly—and without being a parent-like task master, which can get annoying eventually. He does an outstanding job of looking after a group to ensure that everyone is set up to enjoy themselves. His uncanny ability to instill confidence in everyone, whether pro or amateur, to shoot at their best is what makes his trips stand out. The bottom line is that Nathaniel always puts his clients first—a real test of discipline, given how tour leaders can easily forget why they’re on a trip, wander off, and prioritize for themselves. Under Nathaniel’s guidance, Tuscany, a first for me, was AMAZING. We were treated to so many special destinations, and every day was filled with fresh subject matter under an atmosphere of easy camaraderie and more than enough laughs to go around. (Although sometimes it’s the luck of the draw when it comes to the personalities of trip attendees, it’s ultimately the tour leader who sets the tone for how things go.) From the trip’s beginning to its end, I had the best, most memorable time, walking away not only with wonderful memories and newfound friendships, but with improved photography skills. This is why I’m looking forward to my next trip with Nathaniel. Book quickly, because I’m right behind you!

Nathaniel is a wonderful tour guide. I observed him for almost a year before booking with him. He truly believes in the “leave no trace behind” principle, he does not like baiting animals for a shot and he limits his workshop sizes so that everyone gets time with him one-on-one. Before booking with him, I asked him questions and he was very kind and attentive. Another feature that I appreciated is that he took care of all of the accommodations and he checked every room before handing us our keys. He spends time helping each participant while processing pictures and he provides personal as well as group instruction. He is easy going and truly cares about all of us. It is important to feel very comfortable with the person who you book with and he/she should be approachable.

Participating in this Costa Rica photo tour was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Everything was taken care of from start to finish, and the personal attention that was given to each one of us was above and beyond expectations. All the accommodations were beautiful and so well thought out as to ensure an unforgettable experience. Our very knowledgeable guide was an exceptional photographer who was very giving with his advice and knowledge of not only photography, but of everything Costa Rica. Our driver and all the local guides on the ground worked so hard to round out this incredible adventure. We saw a multitude of different bird species along with other very cool animals; and the individual workshops from flying Hummingbirds to Bats were super fun!! I received insightful and helpful instruction that I will forever carry over into my photography here at home. I not only had the best time ever, but I learned so much! The other participants in the workshop were incredibly nice to be around and very generous with helpful advice when I was unsure of settings, etc. (which was quite often). An experience like this is amazing, but it’s the people you share it with that make it truly special. Nobody in the group knows this, (not even Nathaniel), but at one point while we were all photographing a plethora of colorful bird species that call Costa Rica home, I became so overwhelmed with gratitude, I had to fight back tears. I know that the insights and lessons learned on this trip has changed my life and I am forever grateful. Nathaniel’s sincere patience and caring customer service alongside an awesome itinerary made this experience something I will NEVER forget!

I have been looking for a photography professional that conducted workshops and/or tours of international locations that I have long had on my bucket list. I have been on a great number of workshops in North America with some of best professionals that I have met. Finding a ‘fresh face’ that measured up to my previous experiences was a concern, but Nathaniel met my high expectations with flying colors! His knowledge of photography is amazing and his interactions with the participants is outstanding. He creates a great camaraderie with his participants and does it while having a very fun atmosphere. I have been shooting for over 40 years and I still learned a lot from Nathaniel. The biggest testimony that I can give Nathaniel is that I will be attending more tours of his in the future.

My wife and I took Nathaniel’s Alaska Photo tour at Lake Clark National Park. What an other-worldly place to be. To experience the wildlife on foot and being so close to them, but also in a safe distance is something that is very unique and will create memories forever. Nathaniel would constantly be by our side and assist with camera settings and give tips on how to compose and what action to expect. He kept reminding every time we changed the composition or move around to check our histograms first. For an amateur photographer like us the tips he was giving us in the field was like gold. He also spent time every evening discussing the photographs on a computer and teaching editing techniques.  I kept asking him questions back and forth by email before the trip and he would respond within a day or so, even when he was in remote locations. He such a polite person, I would definitely take his tour again. He has done lot of ground work for his trip and shared that knowledge to us as well. He also had the best wildlife guide for his teaching group so that did reflect in the best wildlife viewing experience we had. Good Luck Nathaniel, we are looking forward to more photo tours in the near future!

I just returned from Nathaniel’s Wonders of Alaska trip, he is a fantastic photo workshop leader. This was already my second trip with him. Nathaniel is able to give his participants close attention which is so important on these trips. He is patient and takes the time to teach. He is kind and without attitude, which I have not found with other instructors. He makes sure to keep his trips small so he can ensure everyone is getting the personalized attention they need. He takes time to review pictures at the end of the day and to give feedback ensuring you are prepared for the next day. He makes everyone feel respected and welcome no matter what level of photographer they are. I really appreciated the effort and enjoyed reminiscing about the trip. The effort Nathaniel put forth for his guests did not go unnoticed! I highly recommend a photo tour or safari with him. My first trip with Nathaniel was an African safari to the Masai Mara for the annual Wildebeest migration and I felt so fortunate to have him as our trip leader. He is a patient, knowledgeable, talented, and enthusiastic photographer. I appreciated his on-the-fly advice and his editing tips as well as good humor. Nathaniel is able to work with all levels of photographers. I look forward to future trips with Nathaniel!

I was delighted to be able to join one of Nathaniel’s tours for my first trip to Iceland. Wow, what a destination! We got to photograph a variety of incredible places, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and the dramatic coastline, in the amazing Arctic light. After concluding the Iceland tour I attended his Norway trip. It was wonderful to explore such a remarkable place as Lofoten on one of Nathaniel’s tours. On both trips I found him to be a professional, friendly, positive, creative, fun-loving and well-organized tour leader and photographer. I had a great time, learned a lot and made many new friends. I highly recommend these tours for anyone with a passion for photographing stunning landscapes. Thanks Nathaniel!

Despite having been an amateur photographer for over 30 years and having participated in numerous workshops over the last 13 years, I found Nathaniel’s instruction to be very worthwhile. His gentle guidance with our exposure settings was perfect and reminding us check the histograms from each image was a valuable reset for me. I had come to rely entirely upon automatic exposures settings, but now I feel much more inclined to work exposures manually, which I am sure will result in better exposures with less issues with highlight losses. Nathaniel’s style is founded with great competence yet tempered very nicely with humility and grace. Thanks Nathaniel!

My wife and I had a great time in Iceland and we definitely made the right choice to go with Nathaniel, not only for his insights and photographic knowledge, but also for his kindness and caring about his participants. I will  forever treasure the photographs and life experiences from this Iceland tour. Thank you Nathaniel!

In February I thought about contacting you and thanking you for the way you handled your photo tour group on Lofoten. I don’t know if you knew, but we were leading tours there at the same time. Often when two guided groups get on the same beach, it is almost like fans from two rival football teams meeting. Shouting at each other; where they can and cannot stand etc. But when our groups were at a location at the same time, it was no problem. You kept your eye on where your participants went and warned them when they walked into a shot before one of us could say anything. So a BIG thank you for that! Great to see that it can go like that.

The Mastering Macro workshop taught by Nathaniel is like a play day for photographers! Nathaniel put such effort into having a massive variety of things for us to photograph. We were able to problem solve with our left brains and create with our right brains. He is incredibly patient and helpful in guidance no matter our skill level or equipment shortcomings. I highly suggest Nathaniel Smalley’s macro workshop and look forward to attending his Iceland tour this Summer!

I had the best experience with Nathaniel on his Alaska tour in September. Nathaniel was an excellent instructor and we had such an amazing experience. It was so much fun, I can’t wait to travel with him again!

I participated in Nathaniel’s Best of the West workshop, and it lived up to its name! This was an intensive, immersive photography workshop where he blended spectacular Arizona and Utah landscapes with a personalized, hands-on approach to tutoring. This is an action-packed workshop, (up before dawn and back after dark), that gave us great sunrises and sunsets at his pre-selected sites to photograph. Nathaniel’s editing and critique sessions with our takes was very helpful. I’m a pretty experienced photographer, and still learned a number of things that will improve both my landscape photography and post-processing approach. Nathaniel ensured that the event logistics were seamless and let us focus on photography while developing new photographer friends. Overall, an outstanding week and I’d do it again in an instant!

I participated in Nathaniel’s Mastering Macro workshop and of all the workshops I have taken, he is one of the best instructors I have ever had! I would not hesitate to take another workshop from him again. It is clear that during all phases of a workshop (planning, execution, follow-up), Nathaniel puts his students and their needs first. This is highly evident by how much thought and planning he puts into the workshop, preparation of same and his attention to detail. In working with his students, he is a very patient instructor, assists everyone with their queries and consistently checks on those who may not always vocalize their questions. He listens to what everyone has to say and treats everyone with respect. A great workshop and a fabulous instructor!

I traveled with Nathaniel in September, 2016 to the Masai Mara. My experience shooting wildlife is limited, so I was in learning mode. Nathaniel was unfailingly helpful, generous with his time and open to other perspectives and shooting styles. We had a lot of fun and many laughs! I look forward to my next trip with Nathaniel.

Thank you, Nathaniel, for creating another awesome photography workshop. Your amazing macro photography weekend workshop for us was an awesome learning experience! It has opened a whole new ‘small’ world of photography for me which is very different from landscape photography. Thank you especially for being an outstanding photographer AND fabulous teacher. This is the third photography workshop I have attended with Nathaniel. All of them have been extraordinary learning experiences.  Oftentimes, someone may be an excellent photographer, but does not know how to teach, encourage, and support their photography students; however, this is NOT Nathaniel. Nathaniel is an outstanding photographer AND an exceptional photography teacher. He clearly wants all of students to learn everything he knows about photography. Did I mention it is also fun to learn photography with Nathaniel? Ask to check out the incredible images created by the participants on his workshops! I highly recommend any photo tour offered by Nathaniel!

I signed up for the Lofoten photo tour led by Nathaniel on the spur of a moment, it fitted well with my remaining holiday dates at work and I am very pleased that I did. During the trip Nathaniel was great company and took us to most of the iconic locations in Lofoten for both sunrise and sunset shoots, as well as aurora borealis hunting trips when conditions were suitable. The choice and location of the accommodations were great and the whole trip was a pleasure to be part of. My thanks to Nathaniel Smalley for all the hard work and countless hundreds of miles behind the wheel during the week. An excellent trip!

In 2016 I attended an African Safari with Nathaniel, he listens to his clients and goes out of his way to accommodate their special requests.  He is also very helpful in demonstrating his processing workflow and the different types of processing tools he uses. The overall plan for the trip was EXCELLENT!  The accommodation, food, driver/guides could not have been better. I particularly appreciated the long time we spent on each game drive, using our precious time on the trip as much as possible. It was perfect. His choice of where to stay and for how long reflected your experience in the area. The structure gave us the best possible opportunities for photography. We had exceptional opportunities for photographing a variety of animals and amazing action! Cheetah kills, wildebeest and zebras crossing the river with crocodiles lying in wait, lionesses and cheetahs feeding their cubs. Awesome!

I have travelled to many countries around the world, but I have to say that Norway (Lofoten Islands) was one of the most spectacular locations I have ever photographed. Nathaniel did an amazing job setting up our lodging, meals and transportation. The photo tour was packed with excursions to beautiful beaches, pristine waterfalls, quaint villages and yes, we were quite lucky to see the northern lights on three occasions! At every location, Nathaniel made sure that we had the right lens and filter for the scene and also checked our camera settings for correct exposure. In the evenings, we would spend hours on reviewing our photos, discussing composition and getting suggestions from Nathaniel for photo editing with Lightroom & Photoshop. All in all a photographers dream!

I traveled from Bismarck, ND to attend the March, 2018, Captive Wildlife Workshop. I’ve attended a few 'photography classes and walks' in Bismarck with some very nice people, but I learned so much from Nathaniel during his workshop and photo processing the next day. Nathaniel is very patient, kind, and knowledgeable! I sincerely appreciated Nathaniel’s patience and assistance with my camera settings during the day (as I was the only person shooting Pentax) and also trying to assist with my software issue during the photo processing session. Nathaniel assisted all 6 participants throughout the entire weekend workshop; whatever we asked he patiently and intently answered. He truly has a passion for teaching others to enjoy and become successful at photography. I look forward to attending more of Nathaniel’s workshops in the future!

The Bryce Canyon Workshop was a fantastic experience for both improving my photographic skills, but also enjoying the beautiful scenery at Bryce Canyon Nation Park. The trip was well organized including providing detailed pre-departure information. Accommodations were awesome and included a comfortable conference room to allow for instruction by Nathaniel as well a post-processing of our images. Nathaniel’s instructions both at photo locations and during post-processing were excellent, providing ample personalized attention. Along with his experience and in-depth knowledge of both equipment and software my photographic skills both in capturing images and processing them greatly improved. I also appreciated his experience and knowledge on composition both in image capture as well as post processing. Photographic locations were plentiful and easily accessible at Bryce Canyon. The natural beauty at Bryce Canyon was just totally breathtaking and memorable especially looking down at the hoodoos while watching the sun bring life to the multitude of colors as well as listening to the wind blow through them. I would definitely take another workshop with Nathaniel and recommend that others strongly consider taking one of his workshops.

Tom and I thoroughly enjoyed the Macro Photography Workshop. We thought it was very well organized. Nathaniel helped us just at our level and never made us feel like we weren’t up to par because we didn’t have the knowledge or equipment as some of the other students. He is very friendly and really seems to care that we learn more about photography. We have been to many other photo workshops and trips, but we can honestly say that Nathaniel’s is the best. He is a very patient teacher. He had to tell me one or two things three times before I really got it, without even a hint of exasperation that he had said that already before. There was plenty of time for him to get around to each student. I came away from the class very pleased and felt like I had learned a lot and that my photography has improved because of this workshop.

We were so fortunate to attend three of Nathaniel’s workshops this winter in Arizona. His classes are small, instructive and welcoming. We had great instruction and many opportunities to practice learning/honing our skills. Nathaniel offers small classes with lots of personalized, individual instruction. He is knowledgeable, experienced and has incredible patience. More than anything, he is an excellent teacher who helps to bring out the best in all his attendees. Both my sister and I have attended other workshops, but really feel so fortunate that we were able to learn with Nathaniel. We are looking forward to his future workshops. Thank you, Nathaniel, for a wonderful learning experience!

Nathaniel’s workshop is one of the best I’ve ever taken. The trip was very well organized and with enough flexibility to modify our schedule to be at places when the light was beautiful and the crowds weren’t there. With Iceland being such a popular destination, the ‘must see‘ places get completely overrun with visitors. The times Nathaniel arranged for us to be at many of our spots was when we could capture images of these places looking pristine. We also visited some more remote, off the beaten path locations, which I appreciated very much. Our accommodations were also good selections – from clean and comfortable to luxurious. I don’t think I could have had a more enjoyable experience with any one else and gotten the amazing images I took on this trip. Nathaniel is also very helpful with all levels of photographers and I believe that everyone improved their skills in his workshop. I plan to take another workshop with Nathaniel.

My wife and I know a little bit about Norway. She’s Norwegian and grew up in the far north, above the Arctic Circle. I lived in Norway for several years before we moved, and moved again (long story). On a recent trip back to visit family, we decided to couple that with Nathaniel Smalley’s photo workshop in the Lofoten Islands. Uff da, but that was a good decision! He took us to some absolutely stunning locations and is a very effective teacher of landscape photography – including how to edit the photos you take. He keeps his groups small so he can provide lots of individual attention and coaching. We stayed at nice places, ate well (get ready to appreciate pickled herring and sweet brown goat cheese) (or not), and were catered to night and day. Nathaniel is easygoing, good at problem-solving, and quick to make everyone feel comfortable. We were also lucky with the weather on our trip. I don’t know if he can deliver more of that, but we would recommend him to others without hesitation. We came away with great experiences and also some pretty darn good photographs!

The Costa Rica Photo Tour was a fabulous experience. I totally enjoyed the variety of habitats/environments and subjects that this trip offered. Nathaniel worked diligently throughout to insure that all of the participants had plenty of personal attention in every situation. We all came away with excellent photos thanks to this, as well as his insights.

I had the pleasure of participating in an African safari to the Masai Mara with Nathaniel. I came away with amazing images, new skills, and a new friend and mentor in Nathaniel. He is forever upbeat and cheerful, and has a deep love for nature and a willingness to share his considerable talents with others.

Best of the West was my first photo workshop and it was wonderful!  Nathaniel presented information in an understandable and helpful manner.  I learned new things about my camera; how to assess a location before starting to photograph there; and a logical post-processing workflow.  Because of his enthusiasm and suggestions, I am inspired to learn more – ie, layers and photo stacking in PS.  Nathaniel made sure everyone received the assistance they wanted/needed on location.  Also, he spent time on the bus answering questions and helping those that were post-processing.  If he didn’t know the answer to something about a person’s specific camera, he immediately got on his phone and found the answer.  He is very patient and an excellent instructor.  Nathaniel worked well with all levels of photographers.  He shared his knowledge and made sure everyone was getting the photos they wanted.  The workshop was a great combination of instruction, putting into practice what we learned, and post-processing with Nathaniel always accessible to provide assistance as needed. I’d highly recommend workshops with Nathaniel.

I was attracted to Nathaniel’s course because of the beauty and the unique perspective exhibited in the photos of the bears at the Alaska photography experience.  I was not disappointed.  The opportunity to photograph bears was ever present, the access easily acquired and the support from both Nathaniel and the staff from the lodge was outstanding.  Nathaniel immediately was able to correct some settings and equipment uses that I had been utilizing as I had been aware I was not getting as crystal clear images as I wanted and, Voila!  I had them!  As I travel for work, it had been especially important to me to have my husband accompany me on the trip and Nathaniel jumped in and set up the trip so both my husband and son could come on the trip and fish and the three of us spend time together.  I would highly recommend spending your valuable time and resources and one of Nathaniel’s photographic opportunities.

I have taken many workshops over the years and have found that maybe one third of the instructors to be excellent teachers. Nathaniel is in that category. He is very patient, has an artist’s eye for composition, and an in depth knowledge of photographic technique. He spares no effort to make his trips as memorable as they could possibly be. Nathaniel’s workshop exceeded my expectations. He is very thorough covering photography concepts, composition, and post processing technique. It truly elevated the impact of my images. I would take another workshop from him in a heartbeat. Thank you Nathaniel!

I recently returned from Nathaniel’s 2018 Iceland photo tour. What an adventure! Because of Nathaniel’s thorough knowledge and planning, we were able to experience Iceland in a very special way. There were no crowds to prevent our detailed photographic exploration of the island because we were out taking advantage of the gorgeous light at night! I started the trip as a novice. Thanks to Nathaniel’s skill and knowledge I now feel much more comfortable and capable as a photographer. I would highly recommend Nathaniel as a guide and instructor and this trip in particular as a very special experience.

I have always had a love for photography but lately I have felt discouraged in seeing how my photos were not capturing what I wanted them too. I would read and watch tutorials online before each shoot and still my photos were coming up short. I am so happy to say after going out with Nathaniel, this is not the case! Nathaniel took the complicated explanations of all the possible settings to a few very simple game changing steps. After spending the day with Nathaniel I have had my excitement for photography reignited. He was so knowledgeable and patient with all my amateur questions. He helped me learn the proper way of editing and adding the final touches to my photos to capture exactly what I saw with my own eyes. This was an amazing gift I received for Christmas and now I look forward to planning more trips of my own with Nathaniel to learn more and explore!

Understanding Macro photography has been a challenge for me for awhile and I was so happy to be able to find Nathaniel and this macro workshop. His lectures were great and he provided each of us with our own dedicated shooting stations that included all kinds of props, gadgets and even off camera lighting. We could chose from fresh flowers, shells, rocks, crystals, feathers, butterfly’s, various backdrops, light tens, and a whole lot more. The options to create images were endless which provided outcomes that would not have been possible without these props. His post processing skills are excellent and very helpful to bring it all together for a beautiful finished image. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and came home with a wealth of knowledge that will spill over into other areas of my photography. Additionally, I had no idea how fantastic is landscape and wildlife photography skills are. He’s an incredible photographer and a genuine caring person and very attentive toward his students. I highly recommend this workshop.

Wonders of Alaska 2017 was my first workshop with Nathaniel, but I knew it wouldn't be my last; he was as kind, caring and patient as he appears online. Nathaniel was extremely attentive during the entire workshop, he shared technical and artistic knowledge during shooting, spent time reviewing and editing files in the evenings so that we really learned as we went along, and were able to put the learning into practice while still on the workshop. The weather conditions were difficult at times, but Nathaniel’s experience and attention to his students meant that the group learned how to work around suboptimal lighting and we all went home with great photographs! I love bears and this trip afforded us hours of watching every day, not the usual glimpse here and there that I was used to in Yellowstone, we even got to watch a mom nurse her two cubs! I couldn’t have asked for more. In 2019 I joined Nathaniel for my third trip. If you want to see the classic Iceland locations without the usual crowds, then take the trip with Nathaniel We had easy access to all the photo opportunities with help from Nathaniel whenever we needed it. Glorious weather and an awesome group of people made it a fabulous trip, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat!

I recently had the pleasure of attending Nathaniel’s Best of the West Workshop. Wow! From the beginning to end, he worked tirelessly to provide all 12 attendees with a thoroughly outstanding photographic journey through the Arizona landscape. He demonstrated an outstanding working knowledge of photographic technique, providing personalized attention and instruction to each an every one of us, while accommodating to our level of expertise.The resulting images, that I personally acquired, were as a direct result of his artistry in helping create, through framing, settings adjustment, maximizing the potential of my camera, lenses, and an appreciation of our magnificent surroundings, with his hands-on approach.The post-processing, editing classes and critiques added to the experience and again provided an appreciation of the depth of his expertise, teaching abilities and most wonderful, easy going personality. Thank you Nathaniel. Truly looking forward to our next journey.

I just got back from Iceland after attending Nathaniel Smalley’s summer workshop, what an incredible experience! He turned day to night, only shooting after 9pm and out until 4 or 5am, thanks to the midnight sunset and 3am sunrise – what sweet light we had!! We had the added bonus that no one else was there despite hundreds of tourists. We had every kind of weather from bright sun to “you can’t leave the hotel” 50mph wind gusts. However that day turned out to be a gift of extra sleep and editing time. We were rewarded for not whining with glorious weather and light the next day. The beauty was overwhelming… miles and miles of lupine, a personal favorite, that has been planted to prevent erosion. It turns out the Vikings came and clear cut everything to plant crops – restoration will take decades, but is has begun.  There were no trees until we moved farther north and east. Geothermal steam provides the majority of their power and it rises here and there all over the country with large pipes carrying it to where it’s needed. Sheep were very abundant and usually curious enough to stand still for photos. We saw Icelandic horses just outside Keflavik and again out far east – so beautiful! Churches are almost as abundant as the sheep. We travelled many miles, moving almost every day to see it all. We ate delicious meals – they typically have two kinds of restaurants, gourmet and fast food, so of course we did gourmet and always dessert! I am jet lagged, but less than you would expect with a 7 hour time difference. My theory is that my body never knew what time it was! Of course, I’m exhausted, but still smiling from one of the best photography experiences I have ever had, and I have been blessed with many! Thank you Nathaniel!

I recently attended Nathaniel’s Tropics of Costa Rica Workshop, which was both exciting and exhilarating.  Nathaniel’s workshop also fired my passion for wildlife photography (especially birds).  Nathaniel is undoubtedly the consummate workshop organizer, as shown by his meticulous attention to fine detail including his choices of driver and guide.  The fact that all meals, accommodation and transportation were taken care of allowed the participants to concentrate on the photographic aspects of the workshop.  Nathaniel also had selected a wonderful guide to accompany us throughout the workshop and who had an encyclopedic knowledge of Costa Rican botany, zoology, geology, history and biodiversity. I found Nathaniel to be a caring photographic mentor who was always ready to give advice when needed and who was extremely knowledgeable when dealing with processing issues in Lightroom and Photoshop. This was my first tour with Nathaniel, but it certainly will not be my last. I am already signed up to join Nathaniel next year in Italy!

I am a veteran of dozens of photo trips.  This was my first to include instruction. I was very pleased with the balance and field work provided by Nathaniel. It was just perfect. The locations and accommodations were first rate. Nathaniel had it worked so we arrived at shooting spots at the exact best light. Most importantly, the people attracted to this type of trip were all experienced photographers, so we worked well together. I highly recommend Nathaniel's tours!

While there are a lot of choices for Fall photography workshops and tours in Maine, I couldn’t imagine finding someone any better than Nathaniel to learn from and appreciate this beautiful state. Having grown up there, he knows the land, ocean, back roads, and weather like no one else. Plus he adds fun stories and showed us the best restaurants for the real taste of Maine. He has the patience of a saint dealing with every level of knowledge in photography, from guiding the new person who doesn’t know how to ask what they don’t know, to encouraging those with more experience, and all the levels in between.

The trip was well thought out without feeling rigid.  The itinerary was great and the photo instruction was spot on. Nathaniel not only understands photography, but communicates that understanding well to his participants. Truly an enjoyable trip tp Iceland!

I just returned from discovering and photographing Tuscany with Nathaniel. In addition to being an absolute pleasure to be around, Nathaniel is a patient and thorough teacher, always there if anyone has a question or needs help. He’s very open and available. Everything on his trips is well planned and functions easily, but also leaves enough flexibility for the participants. I would definitely travel with him again, and recommend you do, too.

Nathaniel’s level of organization and attention to detail made my trip stress free and highly enjoyable. It was easy to concentrate on what I enjoy most, photographing wildlife. I was consistently put in position to get great shots, and had no need to worry about details like lodging, meals, and transportation. Everything was taken care of. The best compliment I can give is that I trust Nathaniel, and you can be assured that you will leave one of his trips with a memory card full of wonderful images. Thank you for restoring my faith in photo workshops!

Nathaniel Smalley is an extraordinary photographer in his own right. He is very knowledgeable on all types of cameras. He’s great on framing a shot and finding the right spot to shoot from. He is also an incredibly patient instructor. Nathaniel is eager to share all of his knowledge and does so in a way that helps you learn and NOT FEEL STUPID. I came away from his Sedona Workshop with some great photos that my friends have asked to buy. To me that is the ultimate compliment. To give Nathaniel the ultimate compliment I have booked another tour with him in 2021! Hopefully I’ll remember what he taught.

Nathaniel I would like to thank you for the best workshop I have ever taken. Your teaching style is first rate. That’s saying a lot because I train people in first aid and CPR. So as one trainer to another, you have my respect and admiration. As a old time film guy I never really embraced digital photography as my own, because of you that has changed. I have learned the true capabilities of my camera that I have ignored in the past. I just approached it as a film camera with an electronic negative. As far as Lightroom is concerned I approached it as a necessary evil. Because of your workflow style I have come to enjoy using it as part of the creative process. This is all great, but the best part of this workshop was going out in the field. You made everybody very comfortable and you made sure we all came back with great photos. I feel I took some of the best photos of my life on this trip. Your Sedona Workshop will be a hard to beat!

The Iceland photo tour was fantastic! Nathaniel has built a balanced itinerary that has a lot of flexibility to adjust to weather and other factors. I sincerely appreciated the dedicated time and great coaching given to my son, who was participating in his first photo tour. The entire trip went very smoothly thanks to Nathaniel’s superb planning efforts and his passionate energy every day. I am sure it was a very memorable experience for everyone in our group. I look forward to another tour with Nathaniel!

Expert, knowledgeable, professional, accessible, patient, inclusive, encouraging and kind are just a few of the words that describe Nathaniel. I recently attended his Macro workshop and was met with patience, encouragement and guidance as I am new to photography. It didn’t matter if you were a novice or an advanced photographer, he made everyone feel comfortable. He was able to shift his teaching style to meet the skill level and needs of his participants. He is a wealth of knowledge and is willing to share that knowledge freely. The individual stations made it, so you could create at your own pace. He made sure everyone got one on one time. He answered questions and if he thought the answer to the question would benefit the group, he would make it a point to share with all of us. The small group environment was paramount because it allowed for in-depth learning. We shot for two days then edited for one full day. It was fascinating to see his editing workflow in order to finish creating breathtaking images. To train with someone of his caliber was priceless.  Thank you, Nathaniel!

Nathaniel combined his vast knowledge of photography with his experience in Iceland making this a trip of a lifetime one that did not disappoint. He is personable and professional. Upon review of my 5,000+ pictures, it was amazing to me how many shooting locations we visited. I felt like we really experienced the entire island. This was my second trip with Nathaniel and I already have another one on the books!

I recently completed the Secrets of New Zealand photo tour with Nathaniel Smalley. There were 8 participants on the trip and two professional photographers to guide and assist. The tour began in Christchurch and moved around the South Island as we took sunset and sunrise photos of majestic sites. Nathaniel shared his special locations for taking exquisite images of classic New Zealand landscape. While we took in the iconic locations like Milford Sound, we also were able to capture unique images at obscure locations. Nathaniel was a great group leader. A distinguished landscape photographer in his own right, Nathaniel was willing to work with each of us to master the key technical and creative aspects of good landscape photography. Nathaniel is also not afraid to jump into action. During my last shoot of the tour at Lake Matheson, I lost my tripod mount in the water right next to the wooden staircase we were using to shoot the lake from towards the backdrop of Mount Cook and Tasman. I resolved to shoot the location holding my camera. Before I could get set up Nathaniel had climbed over the railing of the steps and lowered himself to the water to recover my tripod mount which was resting on leaves just below the water surface. Somehow he did all of this without getting wet. With the return of the mount I was able to take the shot as planned with a long shutter speed. Thanks Nathaniel! This was my first formal landscape photo tour and I found it very instructive and helpful. Our group of photographers all got along well. I would recommend future tours with Nathaniel without reservation.

I enjoyed my trip to Alaska with Nathaniel photographing the Coastal Brown Bears so much in 2018, that I joined the 2019 trip in addition to going with Nathaniel to the Arctic to photograph Polar Bears. Nathaniel provides safe and unique opportunities to photograph these magnificent apex predators and so much more in his Wonders of Alaska Photo Tour and Polar Bear Experience. He has gathered the finest guides in the best locations, transports and accommodations all wrapped in a package with your comfort, pleasure and photographic education at the center. Nathaniel is a delightful, polite, educated and fun instructor, leader and trip organizer. My photography skills and general nature photography knowledge has improved exponentially because of his thoughtful and effective guidance on all of the trips I’ve been fortunate enough to attend. I look forward to my next adventure with him.

Maine Hills and Harbors was my first photo workshop and what a great place to start my photographic journey! The locations, colors and sites were awe inspiring and a joy to photograph. As Nathaniel grew up in Maine, it was an added bonus to witness his love and knowledge of his home state and to explore some special locations “off the beaten track”. As I am a “newbie” photographer, I found Nathaniel’s instructions and guidance beyond helpful. Everything on this tour was first rate, from the itinerary to the accommodations, sites and instruction. Finally, it was a wonderful group of participants and I’m grateful for the laughter-filled 10 days and to have learned so much from such a great group of friends.

I have admired Nathaniel’s work for years, and finally was able to attend his Captive Emotions Wildlife workshop in Arizona. His talent behind the camera is equally matched by his teaching. Nathaniel is patient, fun, and a wealth of photographic knowledge. I learned an incredible amount and I have put pictures up from the workshop that have people asking me, “How did you do that?!” Nathaniel did a lot of research of the location and constantly had us in the right place at the right times. I guess the simple way to put it is, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Recently in 2018 I guided Nathaniel and his photo workshop participants at one of Alaska’s premier bear viewing lodges. As the senior guide there for the past 8 years I have worked with countless photo workshop leaders. Nathaniel stands out as one of the very best! He is hands on, giving each participant 100% of his attention. His knowledge in photography such as camera use and image processing is impressive. (I even picked up several valuable tips from him!) Overall if you want to learn more about photography Nathaniel is your guy! You will take away a wealth of information and with his help capture some amazing images!

I went on this trip to capture beautiful scenery and I did.  I chose going with Nathaniel based on my prior experience with him for a Macro workshop.  In that workshop, he was incredibly well prepared and organized, offering lots of individual attention.  My experience of the Sedona trip actually exceeded my expectations.  Each location was a splendid photographic opportunity and  posed its unique challenges.  I already considered myself a reasonable photographer but found, compared to Nathaniel, I had a lot to learn and I did.  He is steady, patient, thorough and thoughtful, well prepared and knowledgeable.  My learning experience went beyond the shooting.  We had ample time to process our photos.  Just like with the shooting, I found myself learning much more than I had expected.  I came out of this workshop not only having had a joyful experience, but a much better photographer.

Nathaniel Smalley is not only an extraordinary photographer, but an incredible instructor as well. He was eager to share all of his knowledge to ensure that I came away with the very best photographs that I could be proud of. His knowledge of New Zealand added to the overall magic of the workshop. In addition, he insured that our travel on the “backwards” roads was managed by expert drivers. The addition of a second photography expert, completed the package. I will share my experience with all of my photo friends and encourage them to travel with Nathaniel Smalley. Thank you Nathaniel, we will meet again!

The 2019 Iceland photo tour was a dream come true! It was my first international photo tour. Nathaniel demonstrated professionalism,  provided a structured itinerary that included flexibility for weather conditions, gave hands on instruction for complete understanding for an inexperienced photographer, and exhibited contagious enthusiasm that motivated our group to engage in a meaningful and fun experience. I’ve already signed up for my next international with Nathaniel to Norway. Thank you, Nathaniel!

I recently had the good fortune of joining Nathaniel Smalley on his Maine Harbor and Hills Tour for 2019. Being relatively new to this wonderful journey of photography, the instruction I received, not only one on one in the field, but also in classroom editing lessons along the way was superb. Nathaniel is a gifted instructor; able to manage whatever level of a student you are by offering just what you need, reasoning for why it should be done that way, and it is always explained to you just when you need it the most. His insight and passion is shared with all who study under him. I loved being in a small group which allowed that extra personal direction I so often received. I also appreciated his flexibility, attention to details, both large and small, which made the trip extremely successful. His itinerary was well planned out from pre-departure, throughout the trip itself, and the continued support offered after it was over is to be commended. Frequent stops were made along the way as he would spot that amazing photo opportunity. The fact that he lived in Maine only increased the joy of the tour as he was able to share his home state with all of us too. Additionally, once you travel anywhere with Nathaniel, you will want to join his classes again and again and again. His energy is never ending, and his passion for photography while helping others learn it is intense. This was truly an incredible experience for which I will be forever grateful. I can’t wait to join him again for another photographic tour!