A Decade of Growth and Adventure

This year marks a huge milestone for Backcountry Journeys — 10 years of inspiring photographers to explore the world through their lenses.

From our humble beginnings with just Russ and Crystal (our founders) running a handful of domestic trips in the lower 48, to becoming a trusted industry leader offering world-class photography workshops, tours, and safaris to well over 100+ destinations worldwide, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We’ve guided photographers through the steaming geysers of Yellowstone, the dramatic coastlines of Iceland, the sun-soaked savannahs of Africa, and the towering peaks of Patagonia — all while creating lifelong memories and lasting friendships along the way.

Our passion for photography, exploration, and education has fueled a decade of growth, and we’re honored to have received the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for several consecutive years — a reflection of the exceptional experiences our guests have come to expect.

Bottom line, the last 10 years have been absolutely incredible and it's been great watching this incredible community grow into what it is today.

What Makes Backcountry Journeys Special

At our core, Backcountry Journeys is more than a tour company — we’re a community of photographers who share a love of wild places and the art of capturing them.

We offer over 100 global photography tours and workshops, ranging from U.S. National Parks like Yosemite and Zion to far-flung adventures in Africa, Alaska, and the Galápagos. Each trip is small-group and all-inclusive, with personalized instruction from professional photographers who help you refine your skills and create incredible images.

Our Trip Planners, guides, and support team ensure every journey is seamless and stress-free — so you can focus on what truly matters: photography and exploration. With hands-on instruction and insider knowledge, our team is dedicated to making each experience unforgettable.

Over the last decade, we’ve built something truly special — a welcoming, passionate, and supportive community of photographers. Many of our guests have traveled with us multiple times, and countless friendships have been formed on our adventures. Discover the BCJ community yourself on our Tribe Facebook Page!

Our trips are not just about taking great photos; they’re about connecting with people who share your enthusiasm for nature, creativity, and discovery.

More Than Just Trips: Education & Inspiration

In addition to our tours, we’ve become a leading source of photography education, information, and knowledge through our blog and live webinars.

Our blog covers everything from in-depth destination guides to photography tips and trip reports from the field. Our free live webinars give photographers of all skill levels the opportunity to learn directly from BCJ’s expert instructors, connect with others, and keep improving their craft.

If you haven’t already, explore our Photography Blog and Webinar Library — both designed to educate, inspire, and connect photographers everywhere.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

As we celebrate ten years of Backcountry Journeys, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who’s been part of this story — our guests, guides, team members, and supporters.

Your enthusiasm, creativity, and trust have made Backcountry Journeys what it is today. You’ve helped us grow into a company that’s not only known for world-class adventures, but also for building meaningful connections through photography.

Here’s to the next ten years — to new destinations, new friendships, and endless inspiration behind the lens.

From all of us at Backcountry Journeys — thank you for being part of our adventure.

Join Us for the Next Chapter

Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover.

Explore our full lineup of Photography Workshops & Tours and see where your camera can take you next.

Here’s to the next decade of adventure!