Photography Workshops

Every year, The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary organizes photographic workshops from May-August, which take place at the sanctuary.

Photographers who wish to hold their own workshops at the sanctuary should get in contact with the office by phone or email for prices and availability.

Black Bear Photo Workshops

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is 600+ acres of North Woods habitat, ideal for black bears and other wildlife. Each workshop leader will discuss the history of sanctuary, its bears, and what to look for when framing each shot. Emphasis will be placing photographers in the right position to get that award winning shot. All instruction will occur in the field to give each photographer as much time as possible with the bears. Each session will provide the photographer with ample opportunity to capture; cubs scampering up a tree, sleeping in a branch, mothers defending cubs, boars vying for position, cooling off in the pond or resting on wood chips.

About these workshops:

  • For photographers who prefer hands-on with most of our instruction in the field
  • Opportunities for group discussions and questions and answers
  • Designed toward amateur nature photographers with beginner to advanced skill levels
  • Small group size to allow for individual attention to participants
  • We shoot right along with you….but in a limited capacity. We use our time shooting as field demonstrations that help to reinforce fundamental concepts of photography  and help expand your creative vision
  • Tripods are allowed although monopods have proven to be the easiest to use in the field.

Concepts of particular focus:

  • Metering/Exposure/histograms
  • Light
  • Depth of Field

Eric Tetens Photo Workshops – Anticipating the Shot

Eric is a wildlife photographer, having visited sanctuary since 2000 capturing over 100,000 images of the bears. His photo credits include: Sierra Club, ESPN and various regional and local publications. Eric has shot extensively throughout North and Central America focusing on bears and wolves. Eric’s has studied the North American Black Bear extensively and utilizes his understanding of bears, and specifically bears at sanctuary, to help his students take better photographs.

Eric’s 2024 Schedule: June 1st-3rd & August 3rd-5th

  • Friday Night: Participants will assemble for registration, introductions and bear safety instructions at 7pm.  Eric will provide a brief discussion about what to anticipate over the weekend and answer questions.  Attendance for this meeting is mandatory and waivers must be signed in order to shoot at the sanctuary.
  • Saturday, Sunday and Monday: Participants will shoot early in the morning and later in the afternoon when the bears are active and we have the best light.
  •  The VSWS is closed to the public on Saturday morning as well as all day on Sunday and Monday, so you will be the only guests!

Ernie Page Photo Workshop – Black Bears of the Northwoods

Ernie has been a wildlife and landscape photographer for over 30 years.  He has photographed wildlife all over the eastern United States, Minnesota, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.  His favorite spots to photograph black bear are his home state of WV, Tennessee (Smokies), eastern North Carolina but none are as special as VSWS.  He has been published in magazines, calendars and various local publications and websites.  Ernie is a Master Naturalist for the state of West Virginia and along with his knowledge of Black Bears will help you capture any image in nature.

Ernie 2024 Schedule:  June 30th – July 3rd

  • Sunday, June 30th 6pm meet at the VSWS visitor center. Participants will assemble for registration, introductions, some class time on exposure and bear safety instructions.  Attendance for this meeting is mandatory and waivers must be signed in order to shoot at the sanctuary.
  • Monday (July 1st), Tuesday (July 2nd) and Wednesday (July 3rd) we will meet early in the morning. Photography time daily will be 7am till dark with ~3 hour break in afternoon.   We will use time when the bears are active and we have the best light. All itineraries are subject to change depending on weather and bear activity.
  • Wednesday, July 3rd (night photography/fireworks).  The town of Orr, MN may be small but they put on a BIG fireworks display over Pelican Lake!  Anyone interested in coming out after dark for some fireworks photography is encouraged to do so.
  • The VSWS is closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday/Wednesday mornings as well ,so you will be the only guests!

Workshop Prices

$800 per person for all photo workshops (this includes a digital basic membership to the American Bear Association). We also politely ask, although not required, that each photographer donate at least one royalty free photo to the ABA for their use for monetary gains, marketing and promotions and this in-kind donation will help keep the facilities in operation. See below for membership details, benefits and also cancellations policies.

Photo Workshop Information

  • Class size is limited to 10 people for June & July workshops and 7 people for August & September workshops, so register early
  • All proceeds will go to support The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
  • All participants will be required to view and sign the bear safety policies
  • All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver
  • Be sure to bring all your camera equipment
  • Be prepared for adverse weather
  • YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THE WORKSHOP. ID REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL IF REQUESTED BY STAFF. 

Questions? Call (218) 757-0172 or email us at bears@americanbear.org

Cancellation and Refund Policy

You must notify the sanctuary with a written request (by email or US mail with confirmation from ABA) 60 days before the workshop date for a full refund.  Any cancellations within 60 days of the event will not be accepted and will be processed as a donation. Thank you.

YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO REGISTER. ID REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL IF REQUESTED BY STAFF. 

Reservations & Booking

Reserve Workshop

 

Reserve Private Session Now

*Videographers looking for a private reservation are required to contact us directly at (218) 757-0172.

 

Private Workshops conducted at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary

Other private workshops are available that are not booked on the sanctuary website. These workshops are booked through the workshop leaders themselves. Since they are booked through the leaders themselves pricing, refunds and cancellation policies vary.  Any questions regarding the workshops below must be directed to the workshop leader(s) not Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chris Norcott & Bill Lea will be holding TWO workshops for the upcoming season. Space is limited, sign up TODAY to reserve your spot. For any questions, please e-mail Chris directly at: chris@chrisnorcott.com.  All bookings are done through their private website: https://www.chrisnorcott.com/Blackbeartours

Chas Glatzer will be holding ONE workshops for the upcoming season. Space is limited, sign up TODAY to reserve your spot. All bookings are done through their private website: https://www.shootthelight.com/Workshops-2023/Black-bears-&–Pelicans/1

Stan Tekiela will be holding THREE workshops for the upcoming season. Space is limited, sign up TODAY to reserve your spot. All bookings are done through their private website:http://www.naturesmart.com/?module=tours

Accommodation in Orr

Accommodations are available throughout the Pelican Lake area. Call 1-800-357-9255 for details or visit orrpelicanlake.com

Driving Directions

Travel Highway 53 north from Duluth, MN approximately two hours. One mile south of Orr, turn left (west) onto County Road 23. Grey Wolf Lodge is located approximately 6 miles down CR 23, while the VSWS is an additional 7 miles west on the same road.

Map & Directions 

Visiting Northern Minnesota

Who says you have to stay in the pristine North woods of Minnesota for only three days? There are numerous other opportunities available to explore. You could try some aerial photography of Pelican Lake and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. You could photograph the captive wolves at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. You could even take a guided boat tour through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. And of course you can spend each evening at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, learning even more about the bears. Ask the Activities Director at your choice of lodging for details. For more information, please contact us at (218) 757-0172.

Membership of the American Bear Association

Simply include your dues in the space provided on the registration form and pay the member’s only price for this workshop. The American Bear Association is a Minnesota based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All support comes from the private sector through annual dues, visitor donations, merchandise sales and photography fees. The American Bear Association receives no federal or state support. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of federal and state law.

Membership Benefits Include:

  • Our tri-annual publication, BEAR IN MIND
  • Special discounts on ABA sponsored workshops and programs
  • Knowledge that you are making a difference!
  • MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
    • Member – $30 annually
    • ‘Friend of the Cubs’ – $100 annually
    • Sustaining Member – $250 annually
    • Lifetime Member- $1,000

More information

 

2024 Photography Workshops Dates

Eric Tetens – June 1st-3rd & August 3rd-5th

Ernie & Angie Page – July 1st-3rd 

 

Questions? Contact us for additional information