Customer Testimonials
Our page dedicated to customer testimonials from our landscape, nature, and northern lights photography workshops serves as a valuable resource for potential participants to hear firsthand experiences from past attendees. These heartfelt reviews highlight the transformative power of our workshops, showcasing not only the skills and techniques learned but also the inspiring connections formed within the community of fellow photography enthusiasts. As participants share their journeys—from overcoming creative blocks to capturing breathtaking landscapes—the testimonials reflect the passion and dedication we invest in creating memorable experiences. This page aims to foster trust and excitement, encouraging others to join us in exploring the beauty of nature through the lens of photography.
Attended Michael’s first ever “Fall Equinox Northern Lights Photography Workshop” on the Denali Highway and through the Alaska Range. The trip was well planned, the lodging was rustic, and the food was amazing at Tangle Lakes Lodge. Michael’s knowledge of the area, reading of the Aurora data, and ability to drive us safely in the van down gravel roads was impeccable. Alaska’s weather didn’t cooperate, so he had to work his butt off to find us photo opportunities. For his first workshop he knocked it out of the park. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate to book with Michael. Robyn-2024 Fall Aurora Equinox Workshop
Michael was a wonderful guide and resource for our photo workshop. I'd highly recommend him. Some nights we drove long distances in search of clear skies as the weather tended to be cloudy, but Michael worked hard to find us good locations. Not much wildlife in view - some caribou off in the distance, a moose or two, and a momma grizzly with cubs at night next to the road. This trip was designed for northern lights photography, not wildlife, so those animals were a bonus. Val-2024 Fall Aurora Equinox Workshop
2024 Fall Aurora Workshop guided by Michael Schultz of Face the Outdoors was an outstanding photographic and Northern Lights tour. Michael and Levi picked us up at our motel in Fairbanks and the four other participants in a 12 passenger van and the adventure started. Michael and Levi were professional, friendly and extreme knowledgeable. The conversation easily flowed in the van as the six participants got to know about each other as we travelled to Tangled Lakes Lodge for the base camp for this adventure. Michael stopped several times to show scenic spots for picture taking. These spots showed the beauty, ruggedness, and hugeness of Alaska. The ingenuity used in construction of homes, businesses, and the pipeline. The lodge at Tangled Lakes was a rustic Alaska base camp, the food was a true delight. I have eaten in a lot of great restaurants but it was never better than the meals I was served at Tangled Lakes Lodge. We would do sightseeing adventures during the day with 100’s pictures taken then return to the lodge to watch Michael and Levi map out the areas with the best probability of seeing the northern lights that night. While there is never a guarantee of seeing the lights Michael made sure he used all the latest technology available to make sure we saw them. It was a great trip. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys telling stories with pictures and seeing the northern lights and the history to contact Michael. Arch Kennedy-2024 Fall Aurora Equinox Workshop
Thank you for a wonderful week. I learned a lot and got some great photos. If you do this next year, I would be very interested to attend again. Jerry-2024 Fall Aurora Equinox Workshop
Michael had invited me for his first Aurora Borealis photography workshop in Alaska last Fall of 2024. It was almost a week of photographic activities where food, transportation, and hotel accommodations were all included at a bundled reasonable price. We had so much fun shooting the Aurora at night while at daytime, we were shooting different landscapes. In between shooting schedules we had personal mentoring and lecture presentations about photographing the Aurora Borealis. Being a non professional photographer, the overall gain I had at this workshop was knowing the fundamental photographic principle of how to properly take pictures of the Aurora, plus some great tips on shooting landscapes. Because of this, I signed up for his next photographic workshop, this time to be held in Lofoten, Norway in the Fall of 2025. A. Pasatiempo
Michael was very helpful and patient in setting up our cameras so we could capture the Aurora Borealis well. He gave us tips along the way how to chase auroras and understand the various important parameters to explain the behavior of the auroras. This gave me a deeper appreciation of auroras for both the beauty that they create but also the technical aspects. Cheers and more power to Michael! Mel Jack-2025
Mike is an incredible tour guide. Very knowledgeable, great host and his photography skills are off the charts. 15/10 would do it again! Thank you Mike! Rebecca Flaherty-2024
"Inimitable"....the ultimate compliment. Susan Johnson-2024
This was the most amazing Aurora tour ever! Michael was an awesome guide, photographer and host. He drove us far from the city lights and we watched the Aurora all night. We were lucky to have clear skies. We were able to take breaks in his warm and comfortable cabin when we got too cold and he called us back out when the lights started getting brighter and dancing. He is an awesome photographer and helped me with my camera as well. Unforgettable evening, I highly recommend this tour! Sudan Bulan-2024
Michael is passionate about his work and tries his hardest to make sure you get to see the aurora. Due to a cloudy forecast by the lodge, we went chasing for the lights the night we booked. Communication was great as he texted and updated us about the pickup time. The group was small, about 10 people. Michael drove us to an area with no clouds and we got lucky to see a phenomenal display of the lights that was much better than the previous night (our first night in fairbanks)! Bucket list checked. Around 2am, Michael asked if we wanted to go home early, and since we were cold (-15 °F that night?) and we already saw an amazing display which was calming down, we all said yes. As we were driving back to Fairbanks like 10min in, Michael stopped the van by the highway and said, "Everyone, get out!" We all hurriedly jumped out of the van and were greeted with a dazzling exploding light show that was actively dancing across what seemed like the majority of the night sky! We didn't take any pictures and just enjoyed this moment, and the entire group was so grateful Michael stopped the van. He also later sent us a professional portrait of us with the lights from earlier in the night. David Yang-2024
If you’re looking for an awesome Aurora tour, look no further than this one! Very friendly, professional and courteous taking the time to explain everything and answer all of our questions. The viewing lodge is very cozy, relaxing with an ‘at home’ feel. The property is perfect for viewing Aurora with its wide open spaces thus making the picture taking spectacular. We will remember the experience we had for a lifetime! Amber Webber-2022
Incredible!!! I usually don’t post reviews but this experience was so good I wanted others who read reviews to be assured, you won’t regret this trip and you absolutely will not be disappointed. Michael texted me the day of the trip to let me know hotel pick up time, sent another just before he arrived, and texted pictures he made of my friend and I during the night.The lodge he and his wife have built is beautiful. We had snacks throughout the night, clean restroom and comfortable place to sit and wait for the “show!” We went out three different times because we were watching from inside and Michael was monitoring data. ( It was a little chilly so the coffee and hot chocolate he provided was great!) He has tripods to borrow. Another guest had a really nice camera and he was great to help her with settings. I just had an IPhone 13 but he helped me know just how to set it to get some amazing photos as well. The trip was simply an experience of a life time and an added bonus, I feel like I made a new friend.I was traveling with a tour group. The next day, several other people were talking about the Northern Lights tours they had done and had been disappointed. Not me! I may have even irritated some because I kept taking about my experience. Kim Harris-2022