G. Little Green Lanterns of Summer. Cedar Rapids, Iowa June 28th-July 2nd, 2027
Join award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Donald Quintana for an unforgettable boutique photography retreat celebrating one of summer's most enchanting natural spectacles. As darkness falls over the woodlands and meadows of eastern Iowa, thousands of tiny green lights begin to drift through the night, creating a scene that feels more like a fairy tale than reality. This exclusive small-group workshop is designed for photographers who want to learn how to capture the beauty of fireflies while enjoying personalized instruction, an intimate group size, and a carefully curated photographic experience. Photographing fireflies presents unique creative and technical challenges unlike any other form of nature photography. Throughout the workshop you'll learn techniques for long exposures, balancing ambient light, composing compelling nighttime images, and creating photographs that convey the wonder of these remarkable insects. Mornings are free to rest or join optional outings to photograph birds, wildflowers, dragonflies, butterflies, and other wildlife found throughout eastern Iowa. With only three participants, this workshop provides plenty of one-on-one instruction and the flexibility to adapt each evening's plans based on weather and firefly activity. Summer evenings in Iowa are often warm and humid, and photographing after dark involves walking on relatively level trails and grassy areas. Participants should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors at night and should wear lightweight long pants, sturdy footwear, and insect protection. A detailed packing list and equipment recommendations will be provided upon registration. Come experience the Little Green Lanterns of Summer and discover why this fleeting natural phenomenon has become one of the highlights of the Iowa summer season.
To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
$2,495 single Occupancy - $2,195 per person Shared Occupancy
F. Mount Blue Sky (Mt. Evans) Elevated Perspectives Photography July 19th-23rd, 2027
Join award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Donald Quintana for a boutique photography retreat to one of Colorado's most breathtaking alpine environments. Moutn Blue Sky (Formally Mount Evans) offers unmatched opportunities to photograph landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic mountain light. This exclusive small-group tour is designed for serious nature photographers who want personal instruction, intimate group size, and a fully curated experience. This high-altitude photography tour ascends to elevations of up to 14,265 feet on Mount Blue Sky, where participants should be in good health and prepared for the unique challenges of a mountain environment. Light hiking over uneven terrain is required to reach prime photographic locations, and weather conditions can change quickly—even in summer—bringing intense sun, wind, rain, or sudden drops in temperature. Layered clothing, sturdy footwear, and sun protection are essential. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration to help ensure you're fully prepared. This tour is crafted for those with a spirit of adventure and a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty and remarkable wildlife of the high country.
To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
$2,950 single Occupancy
E. Nome Alaska, Musk Oxen and Birds in Breeding Plumage-June 14th-19th, 2027
Step into one of North America’s most remote and untamed landscapes—Nome, Alaska, where the road ends and the wild begins. This exclusive, small-group photography tour offers a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Alaskan tundra, where musk oxen graze against sweeping horizons, Arctic birds nest in quiet valleys, and the light itself feels ancient and alive.
Designed for photographers who want to go deeper than postcards and capture real stories from the edge of the world, this tour is about patience, presence, and personal discovery. Whether you're drawn to the surreal patterns of permafrost, the wide-open skies, or the intimate moments of wildlife in motion, Nome delivers unforgettable opportunities.
With only three participants, you’ll receive hands-on instruction and one-on-one guidance in the field. We’ll take our time exploring the surrounding tundra roads and ridges, adjusting to weather and wildlife movement, and learning to see more than just what's in front of the lens. Each day offers a mix of structured shooting sessions and flexible exploration, allowing you to build a unique visual narrative of your own.
And it’s not just about the images—it’s about the experience of being out there, in it, together. Expect quiet moments, shared wonder, unexpected sightings, and the rare luxury of being fully immersed in nature, without distraction.
To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
$5,250 single Occupancy
A. Sax Zim Bog Minnesota Adventure! January 25th-29th, 2027
Led by Donald Quintana
Join me for an unforgettable winter wildlife photography adventure in the world-famous Sax-Zim Bog of northern Minnesota—an iconic destination for birders and photographers alike.
This boutique tour is limited to just 3 participants, allowing for a deeply personalized experience with individual attention and instruction throughout. We’ll explore the frosty backroads of the Bog in my private vehicle, on the lookout for elusive and charismatic northern species such as the Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and the ever-curious Peanut Butter Pine Marten (ask me about it—you won’t be disappointed).
As your guide and mentor, I’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you hone your skills, spot wildlife, and make the most of the magical winter light. Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime shot or simply craving the serenity of the snowy northwoods, this tour offers the chance to slow down, see deeply, and connect with nature through your lens.
Don’t miss this opportunity to photograph some of North America’s most sought-after winter wildlife in an intimate, expert-led setting.
To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
$2,095 USD Single occupancy - $1,895 USD Shared Occupancy
D. Yellowstone National Park Photography Adventure: May 10th-May 17th, 2027
Join Donald Quintana Nature and Wildlife Photography for a breathtaking 7-day photography adventure in one of America’s most iconic destinations—Yellowstone National Park. From May 10th to May 17th, 2027, we will explore the park's majestic landscapes, capturing stunning images of its diverse wildlife, rugged wilderness, and famous geothermal features like geysers and hot springs. With expert guidance from Donald Quintana, a seasoned professional photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and more as they roam Yellowstone’s spectacular terrain. Our days will be filled with exploration, from sweeping valleys to towering waterfalls, ensuring you experience the full beauty and diversity the park offers. To sign up, send me an e-mail letting me know you are interested!
$5,500 USD Single Occupancy -$4,900 USD Shared Occupancy
B. Merced NWR Tour, Mar. 2nd-4th, 2027
Join nature and wildlife photographer Donald Quintana on a 3-day photo safari of Merced National Wildlife Refuge. We will experience beautiful sunrises and sunsets with massive fly-ins and outs by Ross and Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and more shorebirds than you can imagine. I often refer to Merced NWR as Bosque del Apache lite. Bosque is the premiere Sandhill Crane and refuge experience in the United States. Often times though Bosque is so crowded with photographers, it can be difficult to get a good spot. Merced, on the other hand, is close by with world-class bird photography opportunities and it is much more personal and uncrowded. Same species, fewer people! Each tour will be limited to a maximum of 3 participants. This ensures a most comfortable experience without crowding
$1,495