Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I book a wildlife photography tour with you?
I believe a great wildlife photography tour starts long before you arrive.
I experience the location first. I will not take a group somewhere I have never personally experienced. Before offering a new destination, I travel there myself to understand the wildlife opportunities, locations, logistics, accommodations, local operators, and potential challenges. I want to know exactly what my clients can expect before I ask them to book.
Small groups. My tours are intentionally kept small. This provides more room to photograph, more individual instruction, greater flexibility in the field, and most importantly, less pressure on the wildlife.
Ethical wildlife photography. The welfare of the wildlife always comes before the photograph. We maintain appropriate distances, respect animal behaviour and habitat, and never compromise an animal simply to create an image.
Detailed preparation. Once you book, you will receive detailed information to help you prepare for the trip, including recommended camera gear and lenses, clothing, weather considerations, travel logistics, packing information, and what to expect in the field.
Experience in the field. I have spent years photographing wildlife and leading photographers in challenging real-world conditions. The goal is not simply to find wildlife, but to help you make the most of each opportunity through positioning, camera settings, anticipating behaviour, and understanding changing light and conditions.
Professional and insured. Ken Anderson Photography operates professionally and carries appropriate commercial insurance for the photography tours and workshops I lead.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide a well-organized, ethical, small-group experience where you can concentrate on what you came for: experiencing incredible wildlife and creating memorable images.
Who will be the guide?
Every workshop and tour is personally led by me, Ken Anderson. I do not subcontract guiding to others—you will always have my direct expertise, instruction, and field experience throughout the trip. Some tours will partner with another wildlife photographer with same ethics and professionalism. Some tours we also use professional local guides for safety and logistics such as any Bear Tour and Jaguars in Brazil.
What types of wildlife photography tours do you offer?
I specialize in small-group, ethical wildlife photography tours across Canada and select international destinations. My workshops include Great Grey Owl tours in Alberta, Atlantic Puffins in Quebec, Bald Eagles in British Columbia, Coastal Brown Bears in Alaska, Grizzly Bears in BC, Polar Bears in Churchill, Jaguars in Brazil and seasonal tours for loons, elk, and other wildlife in Canada. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, as new tours are being added regularly.
Are your workshops suitable for all skill levels?
Yes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, I provide guidance tailored to your experience level. You’ll receive personal coaching on technique, composition, and camera settings to help you make the most of every opportunity.
How big are your tour groups?
Group sizes are intentionally small to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife, flexible positioning in the field, and plenty of one-on-one instruction. Great Grey Owl tours are strictly limited to a maximum of 3 photographers, while most other tours range from 6–8 photographers depending on the location and logistics.
Do you bait or disturb wildlife?
Absolutely not. All my photography is conducted with respect for the animals and their habitats. I do not bait, flush, or harass wildlife. All images are captured through patience, field knowledge, and ethical practices.
Do you guarantee we will see or photograph the target wildlife subject?
No. Wildlife is wild, and sightings can never be guaranteed.
These tours and workshops are carefully planned around the best locations, seasons, and conditions for the target species. I use my experience, local knowledge, scouting, and trusted local partners to give the group the best possible photographic opportunities.
However, wildlife movements, weather, food availability, breeding behaviour, and other natural factors are outside of our control. There may be times when the target species is difficult to locate or is not present at all.
Part of wildlife photography is working with what nature gives us. We will always make every reasonable effort to find and photograph the target species while putting the welfare of the wildlife first.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
All participants are required to sign a Liability Waiver prior to joining any Ken Anderson Photography workshop or tour. This agreement outlines the inherent risks associated with wildlife photography in remote environments, affirms that you are responsible for your own personal safety at all times, and includes a commitment to protecting sensitive wildlife locations. Some of the lodges and or guiding outfitters I partner with will require a waiver signed also.
How do I reserve my spot?
Fill out the registration form on each tours page. A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The balance can be paid according to the payment schedule outlined on all tour pages and in the booking confirmation.
What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients may pay in CAD using:
Interac e-Transfer (no processing fee)
Credit card (a 2.4% processing fee applies)
U.S. clients may pay in USD using:
ACH bank transfer (USD) – preferred, lowest-fee option
Credit card (a 2.4% USD processing fee applies)
USD pricing is converted from Canadian pricing using a fixed exchange rate of 1.38.
ACH payment instructions are provided directly on the invoice.
What is your cancellation policy?
Most tours involve accommodations, transportation, and other arrangements that require non-refundable advance commitments.
The 50% deposit is non-refundable
If you cancel before final payment is due, we will attempt to fill your spot
If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee
If you cancel after final payment, no refund will be issued unless your spot can be filled
If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect your investment.
Are accommodations and meals included?
Atlantic Puffins workshop, Bald Eagles workshop and Bears Fishing in Alaska, Jaguars in Brazil are all-inclusive, with accommodations and meals included during the tour.
Great Grey Owl tours, Loons & Owls & Elk Rut and Owls all include accomodation. Meals are not included.
Each Tour workshop page details what is included with each tour
Do I need to arrange my own flights?
Yes. Participants are responsible for getting to the designated starting point. I provide detailed travel information upon booking to help you plan your arrival and departure.
For Polar Bears in Churchill the flight from Winnipeg to Churchill is included in the cost of the tour and we book that for you.
What happens if weather or travel delays affect the tour schedule?
Wildlife photography is weather-dependent. We adapt daily plans based on conditions to maximize opportunities. If travel delays occur, we’ll adjust where possible, but refunds cannot be given for missed days.
What if my flights or transportation to the tour location are delayed?
Ken Anderson Photography is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, or disruptions to your flights or other transportation to the tour starting location. No refunds will be issued as a result of such delays. We highly recommend taking out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to protect your trip and cover unexpected circumstances.
What camera equipment should I bring?
Recommended gear varies by workshop, but a telephoto zoom (e.g., 100–400mm or 200–600mm) is ideal for wildlife. I send a detailed gear checklist upon booking.
Are your tours physically demanding?
Most tours involve easy walking on uneven ground. Some may require stepping in/out of boats or small aircraft. The most demanding tour is Brown Bears Fishing in Alaska. For the bear tour one needs to be able to walk in hip waders for 3-5 miles per day while carrying their own camera gear. Physical requirements are noted in each tour description.
How do you ensure safety in remote locations?
I carry a satellite communication device, work with experienced local guides where applicable, and follow established safety protocols for both wildlife encounters and travel in remote environments. I also partner with Global Rescue for travel and emergency evacuation support, providing an additional level of assistance when operating in remote locations where access to emergency services may be limited.
For more information about Global Rescue and available coverage, visit my Global Rescue partner page..
Are you insured?
Yes. I carry full commercial liability insurance and I am also licensed to operate in Canada’s National Parks.