 My nature and photo workshops are a forum for kindred spirits with a passion for nature and photography to meet, share techniques, ideas, and learn by doing what we love to do most of all – being in and photographing Nature. Sure, we discuss field techniques, camera gear, and, of course, natural history. However, my workshops are not training sessions, rather, they are more like a retreat where you can free yourself to think of nothing but nature and photography…about the light, form, color, film, lenses…about when to photograph insects and when, instead, to concentrate on landscapes.
If you enjoy being in nature or you have a desire to express yourself through nature photography, then I welcome you to join our workshops. Though I can never guarantee that you will come away with publishable-quality photos, I can assure you that the sun will rise in the morning, that the leaves will turn colors in the fall, that the tide will ebb, and that you will be inspired to explore your passion and significantly improve your abilities as a naturalist and photographer.
As a naturalist with an M.S. in zoology and over three decades of teaching biology, zoology, and ecology at the post-secondary level, I am able to infuse all of my field programs with insights into the natural history of the environments we visit. Not only does this information make the experience more interesting and fulfilling for all involved, it makes us better nature photographers. Indeed, I have written about the value of bringing people face to face with the natural world in The American Biology Teacher.
When I lead a natural history or photo tour, I always strive to organize the tour with local providers and use guides that are native to the area. Moreover, I invariably choose operators who, under no circumstances, endanger, harass, or otherwise disturb or risk the well-being of the environments, animals, and plants we observe and photograph.
I have extensive experience leading groups including students and senior citizens on natural history and photographic excursions to national and international destinations.
My knowledge of nature includes most of Earth's major environments from alpine tundra to coral reefs. I am a certified S.C.U.B.A. diver and I speak German fluently.
I look forward to spending time with you in the field and to helping you make your travel opportunity an exciting, fulfilling ecotravel experience of a lifetime.
Participant's Comments
"I can’t believe how much I learned during the week and how much I still remember! I’ve been using the techniques that I learned and am having much better results with my workflow and final pictures. I truly enjoyed learning about Vermont’s many plants and animals. The workshop has inspired me to learn more about the natural history of the northeast.
...
What I loved most about this program was that it took my photography to a new level in so many ways. I evidently gained more knowledge and confidence, but I also gained a lot of respect for the patience required to get absolutely superb shots. This respect is so deep in me now that I actually feel calmer when photographing this way.”
Kelly Schulze
Milk-Tester-Soon-To-Be-Photographer
Monkton, VT
Green Mountain Workshop Participant (June 2007)
"The workshop was a fabulous experience for me. The hands-on approach to each area of photography we learned helped to reinforce techniques because we were able to practice them over and over. To be able to spend as much time as we needed to get the shot just the way we wanted it, without being rushed was also great. The workshop was well organized, packed with so much information and yet was relaxed and fun at the same time. The experience fulfilled my expectations and then some.
...
You guys were the best. You were both professional, yet relaxed in your approach. You never appeared to be better than any one of us and were very generous with your time and experience. Your knowledge, work ethic and attention to detail made the workshop a pleasure to take. I learned so much from you. Your photographs weren’t bad either!!!
… this was truly the best workshop I have ever attended.”
Sue DeMaio
Photojournalist
Newington, CT
Green Mountain Workshop Participant (June 2007)
"Just thought you might like to know that I took 1st and 2nd place for Travel Photo of the Year at my camera club’s year-end competition last week. Both images were made on your photo tour – 1st place was of the icy dock with rising mist off the pond where we camped in VT while 2nd place was a picture of Bridal Veil Falls in NH. The awards luncheon is next weekend. Hope you are doing well. Take care and have a great weekend!"
Horst Staudner
Research Scientist
Weehawken, NJ
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"The tour was everything I had hoped for. I also hope that you and I will collaborate on trains, skis, life and such for a long time. Yer a good man, Gustav."
Eliot Scher
Retired Teacher
Carmel, NY
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"If a tour touches your soul as this one did, you can bet you will have the time of your life. We were sad to leave and wish we could have shared many more weeks with Gustav and the group."
Carol Seago
Job Developer
United States Forest Service
Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour
"Gustav was a great teacher. He was thorough, thoughtful, and fun! He knows photography!"
Robert Anyon
Attorney
San Francisco, CA
Tom Jordan Memorial Boreal Coast Tour
"The Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour was great! Gustav got us to perfect locations at the correct times. He offered suggestions on subject, framing, lens selection and then let us have all the time we needed at each location."
Scott W. Oglevee
Architect
Dover, MA
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
"I found Gustav to be a highly
principled, educated, knowledgeable, skilled, entertaining, and generous seminar leader. We now look upon Gustav as
a friend, and would have no reservations in recommending him to you."
Donald Davies
Photographer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant.
"Gustav was very knowledgeable
and when he didn't know something he wasn't afraid to admit it and find out the answer. (Many instructors would not
admit ignorance.) He was easy to get along with and made the workshop fun."
Valerie Sparling
Wildlife Biologist
State of Florida
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav was always available and
working to be sure everybody was comfortable. He is obviously concerned that participants get what they want out of
the trip and he is very knowledgeable, easy-going, and enthusiastic."
Ellen P. Holtman
Associate Professor of Biology
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav - thank you for an
enjoyable introduction to a truly unique habitat. The range of experiences, organisms, and trips were wonderful!"
Dr. Wendy Ryan
Dept. of Biology
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Gustav - thanks for the trip! It
was an excellent way to see so much of a beautiful place."
Stacey Hoeltje
B.S., Biology
Mt. Laurel, NJ
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"Great trip! Great time! Learned
a lot!"
Randall L. Detra, Ph.D.
Columbus, OH
The Pigeon Key Subtropical Ecology Workshop Participant
"I must say that you are very
knowledgeable about the Florida Keys. You are good at what you do, obviously enjoy it, and it was a pleasure to work
with you. You are always welcome here."
Dr. Dan Gallagher, Director
Pigeon Key Foundation
Marathon, Fl
"Greatly exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of subjects from whales to
wildflowers. A super learning a experience."
Sanford Morris
Curriculum Coordinator
Oakfield, NY
Boreal Coast Tour Participant
"It
is amazing what you were able to teach us in such a short time.
I have a totally new perspective on my photography."
Sanford Morris
District Curriculum Coordinator
Oakfield-Alabama CSD
Photo Camp-In Participant
"You
are an excellent teacher, Gustav. As a professional trainer,
I'm very picky about the courses I attend, and quite critical
of the delivery. You made the subject challenging, interesting,
and fun, and your enthusiasm made me look forward to each new
day... it takes a lot to get me to awaken at 4:30!! You're very
patient with my fumbling, mistakes, and repeated questions.
Your knowledge of animals, insects, and flowers is a valuable
aspect of this course. You know where to find interesting shots
and can help students know what they're photographing. You've
led me to consider photographing subjects... I never would have
noticed before. So, the course was very broadening for me."
Roy Harkow
Trainer
Weston, MA
Green Mountain Nature Photography Participant
"Gustav
showed me how to do things with my camera that I didn't know
were possible, and he provided me with a strong foundation to
build on. His talks were fact-filled, well presented, and to
the point, and he checked with me to ensure that I understood
the points he was covering before moving on. He was knowledgeable
not only about many aspects of professional photography, but
about wildlife as well. He also provided good, practical information
about how to use equipment in a natural setting--which tripods
work well and why, how to pack the equipment and carry it, how
to get sharp shots at the limits of your telephoto lens, techniques
for filming from a canoe, how to set up a blind and film effectively
from it, and where to get coffee in Northeast Vermont at 4:30
am. (Yep, that last one was pretty important.) He made me aware
of things I wouldn't otherwise have known, such as the need
to calibrate the exposure meter in my camera (mine was off somewhat),
what kinds of films work best in varying situations, and some
very interesting techniques for getting natural-looking macro
shots with a flash. I was always entertained, not only by his
presentations, which were professional and engrossing, but also
by the activities, like rowing a canoe out to the middle of
a lake to film ospreys at dawn. As for being personable, Gustav
and I spent most of five days together, and I've rarely enjoyed
myself as much with anyone. He was friendly, open, knowledgeable,
and helpful, and I came out of the class liking him a great
deal."
Paul Fussell
Technical Writer, Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Richmond, CA
Field Internship Participant
"I left in awe of Gustav's talent and genuine concern for our environment. He shared his knowledge and experience with all participants and made us all feel involved in the experience regardless of our level of proficiency. The presentation of Gustav's "Sojourns in The Wild" was indeed a highlight - a very beautiful, moving hour filled with Gustav's magnificent images."
DiAnne M. Doss
Urbana, Ohio
Fall Foliage Magical Mystery Tour Participant
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