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Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
GENERAL
How can I contact someone at Backcountry Journeys?
We would love to hear from you! You can email us at adventure@backcountryjourneys.com or call us at 928-478-1521. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time. If you need to contact us after hours, simply email us or leave a voicemail.
What is included in the trip?
Each trip is a bit different, but most trips are all-inclusive and include lodging, meals, transportation, and all photographic instruction. We pride ourselves on taking care of all the logistics so you can focus on your photography.
For trip specific details please refer to the individual trip’s page for the trip you are interested in booking.
For trip specific details please refer to the individual trip’s page for the trip you are interested in booking.
Are meals included? What about special dietary needs/preferences?
Most meals are included. Included meals will be noted on the itinerary. We believe great food and sharing meals with like-minded new friends is a HUGE part of the experience!
We can usually accommodate most diets on our lodge-based photography trips. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions!
We can usually accommodate most diets on our lodge-based photography trips. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions!
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
Definitely not. But professional photographers are certainly welcome to join as well. We offer photography tours, workshops & safaris that cater to all levels and abilities. Our trips are field oriented as we spend a lot of time outdoors shooting and honing our photography skills.
Who are my guides?
At Backcountry Journeys we believe that the trip leader is one of the most crucial aspects of a successful photo trip and we pride ourselves on hiring the most personable, engaging and well-rounded photo guides.
Our trip leaders are professional photographers with considerable experience leading groups in locations around the world and are excellent photography instructors. Our professional trip leaders are always by your side while shooting in the field to guide and educate – ensuring that when you leave a Backcountry Journeys trip that not only you leave with the shots you wanted, but that also you are a better photographer.
Our photography pros are familiar with a variety of camera systems including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji and more. You can read about our trip leaders here.
Our trip leaders are professional photographers with considerable experience leading groups in locations around the world and are excellent photography instructors. Our professional trip leaders are always by your side while shooting in the field to guide and educate – ensuring that when you leave a Backcountry Journeys trip that not only you leave with the shots you wanted, but that also you are a better photographer.
Our photography pros are familiar with a variety of camera systems including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji and more. You can read about our trip leaders here.
Will my guides know much about the places we are visiting?
While photography takes center stage on our tours, we visit amazing places (often National Parks) that hold a tremendous amount of fascinating natural and cultural history.
All of our guides are knowledgeable about the cultural and natural history of the areas in which they guide, and are happy to share this knowledge as a part of our tour offering.
All of our guides are knowledgeable about the cultural and natural history of the areas in which they guide, and are happy to share this knowledge as a part of our tour offering.
How do I choose the right trip?
Are you looking for wildlife or landscapes?
Start by identifying the style of photography that interests you most. Is there a general region, park, or part of the world that you would like to visit/see?
From there it’s all in the style, do you want to hike and be active, or would you like the shot selections to be more easily accessible without hiking? Would you like to camp or stay in more luxurious lodging?
Choose from our extensive collection of domestic and/or international trip options that offer the right combination of what you are looking for.
Feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable Photo Adventure Specialists if you have questions.
Start by identifying the style of photography that interests you most. Is there a general region, park, or part of the world that you would like to visit/see?
From there it’s all in the style, do you want to hike and be active, or would you like the shot selections to be more easily accessible without hiking? Would you like to camp or stay in more luxurious lodging?
Choose from our extensive collection of domestic and/or international trip options that offer the right combination of what you are looking for.
Feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable Photo Adventure Specialists if you have questions.
What about non-photographer spouses / partners / friends?
Backcountry Journeys trips are great for couples or a group of friends, even if not everyone is a photographer. As long as you have the patience and an interest in the natural world our trips are a blast whether or not everyone wants to participate in all the itinerary activities. That choice is yours. Please note that trip prices are the same for all participants regardless of whether you are actively photographing.
CHOOSING YOUR TRIP
What are group sizes like?
Backcountry Journeys specializes in small group photography experiences, so we keep our group sizes from 4 to 12 participants, depending on the location and trip type. Our average trip has 7 max participants.
Often you’ll have two or more trip leaders to help ensure each guest gets quality one-on-one photography instruction.
Often you’ll have two or more trip leaders to help ensure each guest gets quality one-on-one photography instruction.
Who goes on these trips?
Anyone with a sense of adventure and an interest in exploring our natural world is welcome on our photography trips. You don’t need to be a photographer!
The average age of our guests is 40 to 70 years old, although we certainly do get older and younger people on occasion. Often our groups are a good mix of like-minded couples and solo travelers.
Many of our guests are return clients however first-time guests quickly fall in love with our style of group travel.
Our trips are enjoyable and we believe a huge part of the success of Backcountry Journeys is our fun, laid back travel style – our goal is to make sure your vacation is a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget!
The average age of our guests is 40 to 70 years old, although we certainly do get older and younger people on occasion. Often our groups are a good mix of like-minded couples and solo travelers.
Many of our guests are return clients however first-time guests quickly fall in love with our style of group travel.
Our trips are enjoyable and we believe a huge part of the success of Backcountry Journeys is our fun, laid back travel style – our goal is to make sure your vacation is a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget!
What is the difference between "Standard" and "Hiker" photo trips?
'Standard' trips will involve very little hiking or extensive walking. The majority of our shots on 'Standard' style trips will be designed so as to require little physically from you to get to "the shot." If you register for a 'Standard' tour, please expect that shots that require hiking or scrambling will NOT be on the itinerary, even if they are nearby.
'Hiker' trips are still photography-focused and as such daily activities will be designed around the photography schedule. Please reference the day-to-day itinerary in the trip packet to ensure that you are familiar with the amount, and difficulty, of hiking, involved so that your expectations will properly be met.
'Hiker' trips are still photography-focused and as such daily activities will be designed around the photography schedule. Please reference the day-to-day itinerary in the trip packet to ensure that you are familiar with the amount, and difficulty, of hiking, involved so that your expectations will properly be met.
What are the accommodations like?
It depends on the trip location. We strive to offer the best available accommodations which usually include upper mid-range hotels. On some of our trips, we stay at rustic eco-lodges, some of our trips are based in rural villages and sometimes we camp in the wilderness – so there are lots of options. We’re always upfront about what to expect and give details/links to accommodations so you’ll know what you’re getting.
BOOKING YOUR TRIP
How do I book a trip?
Click here to access our Upcoming Photography Tours, Workshops & Safari’s page. You may also call one of our Photo Adventure Specialists at 928-478-1521.
The best way to reserve your spot on a trip is to simply fill out our online reservation form which is accessible on each trip page.
Simply hit 'Book Now' and fill out the form along with your deposit which can be paid via credit card or PayPal. We will confirm your reservation and send you a welcome email along with trip & travel information.
The best way to reserve your spot on a trip is to simply fill out our online reservation form which is accessible on each trip page.
Simply hit 'Book Now' and fill out the form along with your deposit which can be paid via credit card or PayPal. We will confirm your reservation and send you a welcome email along with trip & travel information.
What's Our 'Worry Free Travel Guarantee'?
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry-free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!
We’re so confident that the photography trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
We’re so confident that the photography trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
Do I really need trip insurance?
We strongly recommend protecting your travel investment by purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes 'Cancel For Any Reason' and emergency evacuation coverage.
Life happens, and travel insurance can provide you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage, and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance.
See Trip Insurance plans here.
Life happens, and travel insurance can provide you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage, and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance.
See Trip Insurance plans here.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Many of our trips often sell out over a year in advance – occasionally even before we post the tour on our website. You can sign up for our email Newsletter to be notified immediately when new trip dates are posted.
What does "Double Occupancy" mean?
Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Guests who wish to have their own room they will be charged a Single Supplement fee (in most cases) provided there is room availability on the desired trip.
If you are open to rooming with another solo traveler please let us know at the time of booking. It may be possible to connect you with another solo traveler in order to share a room.
If you are open to rooming with another solo traveler please let us know at the time of booking. It may be possible to connect you with another solo traveler in order to share a room.
What if I am traveling solo or would like my own room with no roommate? What is a "Single Supplement"?
The Single Supplement is a fee added to the trip price which secures a private room with no roommate for guests who prefer to room alone.
Single Supplements will vary trip to trip, so please reference the trip page on the website, and/or ask your friendly Photo Adventure Specialist.
Single Supplements will vary trip to trip, so please reference the trip page on the website, and/or ask your friendly Photo Adventure Specialist.
When is final payment due?
To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip.
Depending on the trip, deposits are usually 30%-50% of the trip cost. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation.
Your final balance will be due 120 days prior to the departure date. We will send a reminder email a few weeks out.
Depending on the trip, deposits are usually 30%-50% of the trip cost. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation.
Your final balance will be due 120 days prior to the departure date. We will send a reminder email a few weeks out.
What is your cancellation / transfer policy?
Cancellation / Transfer Policy
Backcountry Journeys trips feature small group sizes and our trips are often sold out over a year in-advance. In order to accommodate all of our potential guests and to maintain our small group photography experiences we have the following procedures regarding reservations.
To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip. Please see the individual trip pages on our website for deposit amounts. All of our trips can be reserved using our secure online registration form or by calling our office. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation.
Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy
All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits, we accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip deposits are non-refundable. All payments made towards any tours, workshops or safaris that are discounted or are otherwise promotional in nature are also non-refundable. Acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment.
If final payments are not received by your trips respective due date, then we reserve the right to treat your reservation as cancelled as per our cancellation & refund policy.
We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever. Trips are sold as a package only.
All our Workshops & Tours are subject to the realities of the natural world. Although we will do everything in our power to stay on itinerary, circumstances including but not limited to permit availability, weather, vendor availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or public land closures, and forest fires can affect our itineraries. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change.
Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC uses a variety of concessionaires & vendors around the globe to facilitate our trips including but not limited to boats, charter flights, airlines, tour operators, guides & lodges. Often these vendors operate equipment or render services in very remote areas. We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits when a concessionaire or vendor is unable to provide their service for any reason. An example of when one of our hired vendors is unable to provide their service might be due to weather related issues or mechanical issues such as with a boat, plane or vehicle that becomes inoperable. Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC will make every attempt to find another similar excursion but often in the remote areas in which we travel the options are limited.
We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits for travel delay / disruption. For example, if a flight is delayed and as a result you miss part or the entirety of your trip Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC is not responsible for arranging alternate activities during a delay, travel support, extra hotel stays or related expenses.
Backcountry Journeys reserves the right to cancel trips. Backcountry Journeys is not responsible for additional expenses incurred preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).
Transfer Policy
If you transfer from one trip to another: 121 or more days prior to the trip start date, there is a $250.00 administrative fee (please note on some trips there are exceptions to this rule including but not limited to when we have booked non-refundable lodging, activities, or in-country flights in your name). Discounted or otherwise promotional pricing is not transferable. Less than 120 days prior to the trip's start date, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply. Upon request to transfer from one trip to another, customer must select alternate trip at time of transfer request.
Trip Leaders
If your scheduled trip leader is sick, injured or otherwise unavailable Backcountry Journeys will make every effort to find a suitable replacement. Please note that we aren’t able to guarantee specific trip leaders and occasionally scheduled trip leaders schedules will change.
Required Documents
A Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form as well as a Health Questionnaire must be signed by each participant within ten days of registering for a trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form and Health Questionnaire, with no trip fee refund. No modification to the Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form or Health Questionnaire will be accepted.
Travel Insurance
Sometimes life happens and you have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage.
Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. See Trip Insurance plans here.
Backcountry Journeys trips feature small group sizes and our trips are often sold out over a year in-advance. In order to accommodate all of our potential guests and to maintain our small group photography experiences we have the following procedures regarding reservations.
To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip. Please see the individual trip pages on our website for deposit amounts. All of our trips can be reserved using our secure online registration form or by calling our office. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation.
Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy
All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits, we accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip deposits are non-refundable. All payments made towards any tours, workshops or safaris that are discounted or are otherwise promotional in nature are also non-refundable. Acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment.
If final payments are not received by your trips respective due date, then we reserve the right to treat your reservation as cancelled as per our cancellation & refund policy.
We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
- 121 or more days prior to departure: 100% deposit plus a $250.00 administration fee per person
- 120 days prior to departure: 100% of trip fee
No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever. Trips are sold as a package only.
All our Workshops & Tours are subject to the realities of the natural world. Although we will do everything in our power to stay on itinerary, circumstances including but not limited to permit availability, weather, vendor availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or public land closures, and forest fires can affect our itineraries. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change.
Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC uses a variety of concessionaires & vendors around the globe to facilitate our trips including but not limited to boats, charter flights, airlines, tour operators, guides & lodges. Often these vendors operate equipment or render services in very remote areas. We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits when a concessionaire or vendor is unable to provide their service for any reason. An example of when one of our hired vendors is unable to provide their service might be due to weather related issues or mechanical issues such as with a boat, plane or vehicle that becomes inoperable. Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC will make every attempt to find another similar excursion but often in the remote areas in which we travel the options are limited.
We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits for travel delay / disruption. For example, if a flight is delayed and as a result you miss part or the entirety of your trip Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC is not responsible for arranging alternate activities during a delay, travel support, extra hotel stays or related expenses.
Backcountry Journeys reserves the right to cancel trips. Backcountry Journeys is not responsible for additional expenses incurred preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).
Transfer Policy
If you transfer from one trip to another: 121 or more days prior to the trip start date, there is a $250.00 administrative fee (please note on some trips there are exceptions to this rule including but not limited to when we have booked non-refundable lodging, activities, or in-country flights in your name). Discounted or otherwise promotional pricing is not transferable. Less than 120 days prior to the trip's start date, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply. Upon request to transfer from one trip to another, customer must select alternate trip at time of transfer request.
Trip Leaders
If your scheduled trip leader is sick, injured or otherwise unavailable Backcountry Journeys will make every effort to find a suitable replacement. Please note that we aren’t able to guarantee specific trip leaders and occasionally scheduled trip leaders schedules will change.
Required Documents
A Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form as well as a Health Questionnaire must be signed by each participant within ten days of registering for a trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form and Health Questionnaire, with no trip fee refund. No modification to the Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form or Health Questionnaire will be accepted.
Travel Insurance
Sometimes life happens and you have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage.
Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. See Trip Insurance plans here.
Can Backcountry Journeys arrange pre or post trip lodging?
Unfortunately we aren't able to book lodging outside of our pre-designated trip dates.
However if you would like to come early or stay late feel free to give one of our Photo Adventure Specialists a call and they can let you know the exact hotel our group is staying at during the trip dates.
However if you would like to come early or stay late feel free to give one of our Photo Adventure Specialists a call and they can let you know the exact hotel our group is staying at during the trip dates.
TRIP PREPARATION
Where does my trip start and end?
When you register for a photography trip you will receive an information packet that details when and where you will meet your guide and group on day one. This meeting normally takes place in the evening on day one and will meet in the hotel lobby. At this orientation meeting, we will prepare for the days ahead with a group welcome dinner.
Will someone meet me at the airport? Are airport hotel transfers included?
Since guests arrive from different places on different flights and at different times, we’ll meet for the first time at our scheduled pre-trip meeting/dinner site, details of which are provided in individual trip itineraries that are available on our website and in trip packets.
Airport transfers are typically not included unless provided by the hotel - although we often utilize hotels that have free airport transportation. On some international trips you will be met be a Backcountry Journeys staff member upon arrival. Detailed meeting instructions are provided with your final trip documents.
On most trips we can typically deliver you directly to the airport after your trip - just ask!
Airport transfers are typically not included unless provided by the hotel - although we often utilize hotels that have free airport transportation. On some international trips you will be met be a Backcountry Journeys staff member upon arrival. Detailed meeting instructions are provided with your final trip documents.
On most trips we can typically deliver you directly to the airport after your trip - just ask!
What should I pack?
A packing list will be included in your trip packet that you will receive at the time of booking. There is also a packing list as a part of a detailed itinerary that can be requested at the top of any trip page on the website if you’d like to see a packing list for a particular trip prior to booking. See our general gear recommendations.
Do you offer equipment rentals?
We do not offer equipment rentals at this time. We recommend inquiring online at LensRentals as they offer a great selection of photography gear to choose from. Often they can ship gear directly to our arrival hotel. Use code BCJ15 for 15% off.
How much should I tip my Backcountry Journeys guide(s)?
Gratuities for your Backcountry Journeys guides are not included in your trip price nor are they compulsory. They are however customary and a nice way to thank them for a high level of service.
We recommend tipping guides 10-20% of your trip price (tips will be divided and shared by your guides if there are more than one). We ask that you tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care, and service.
We recommend tipping guides 10-20% of your trip price (tips will be divided and shared by your guides if there are more than one). We ask that you tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care, and service.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.