ABA sponsored Workshops

Upcoming photo workshops: Click dates for details

Private Photography Workshops

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

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.

Other info:

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

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.

Reservations & Booking

Reserve Workshop

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

Membership of the American Bear Association

If you are a member, 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