Private Photography Sessions

  • The fee for still photographers for a FULL DAY, Tuesdays through Saturdays, is $275 per person, per day regardless of weather conditions, bear activity, or how long you photograph.
  • The fee for still photographers for a HALF DAY, Tuesdays through Saturdays, is $175 per person, per day regardless of weather conditions, bear activity, or how long you photograph (This is only from 7am-12pm).
  • The Sanctuary is closed to visitors on Sunday and Mondays. Photographers wishing to shoot at the Sanctuary on a Sunday or Monday will be charged a fee of $350 per person (This is ONLY for FULL day sessions).
  • All photo sessions include a complimentary digital version of our basic membership Bear in Mind.  Don’t forget to provide us with your e-mail address to receive your copy.
  • Enhance your private photography experience with our exclusive Guide Add-On option. Private photographers have the opportunity to book a knowledgeable sanctuary guide to work alongside you throughout the day, offering personalized support, insight, and behind-the-scenes expertise.

    This add-on is perfect for amateur photographers looking to sharpen their skills with hands-on guidance, helpful tricks, and professional tips for capturing stunning wildlife images. Your guide can assist with camera settings, composition, lighting, and timing—helping you make the most of every moment in the field.

    It’s also a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about the bears that visit the sanctuary. Your guide will share fascinating facts about bear behavior, personalities, and daily routines, giving you a deeper understanding of the animals you’re photographing.

    The Guide Add-On fee is an additional $200 per person. To inquire about availability and book your guided experience, please email bears@americanbear.org.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

  • Written notification is required (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 AND ATTEND ALL PHOTO SESSIONS/WORKSHOPS. ID REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL IF REQUESTED BY STAFF.  Bear safety training and liability waivers must be completed prior to photo session.

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Benefits

There are numerous individual wild black bears that visit the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary throughout the summer season. They range in age from females with spring cubs to old males approaching their thirtieth birthday. They vary in color from the deepest black to all shades of brown. They exhibit natural behaviors that even seasoned researchers rarely, if ever get to witness including scent marking, mating, play, dispersal, nursing, and dominance struggles. Some have called the Sanctuary “the best place in North America to photograph wild black bears in their natural habitat”. After a mandatory bear safety session, private photographers get to roam the open areas by foot in our 2.5 acres as wild bears go about their day. Photo session length varies with the time of year and bear activity. Once you register, a representative will be in touch to schedule a bear safety training session and to give you a start time. Everyone MUST renew their bear safety session each year. Since the bears are on a strict feeding schedule, we do not allow photographers on the grounds any earlier than the time that is communicated to you. Most photographers arrive around first light and stay until sunset. You may bring a lunch with you to eat in the safety of your car, however, you may also leave the property for lunch and then come back to finish your photo session. This must be coordinated with ABA staff.