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.
This outdoor excursion to see the aurora was an exceptional experience! The locations of the photography shoot were varied and gave a great perspective and reference for the photographs. Michael's knowledge and help with operating my camera (first time aurora photographer) was extensive and much appreciated. This northern lights tour is and was what will be a lasting memory from this trip. Another bucket item crossed off my list. Michael T. - 2025
I had been to Alaska several times in the spring, but never in the fall. Alaska is beautiful in the fall and we were lucky enough to have witnessed the first light snow of the season. Michael took us to special places that were off the beaten path, which were not only beautiful in composition, but gave us an opportunity to work on the photography skills we had been learning in the classes. The intensity of the lights at night were not very good, but Michael went above and beyond finding us places from out underneath the clouds and with the best possible chances of seeing any Aurora that might appear that night. If I had stayed but one more night after the workshop had ended I would’ve seen a wonderful Aurora the night I left. Next time I come to Alaska I’m staying for a longer period of time to increase my chances of seeing more activity at night. I liked this workshop so much – I liked the small size, the camaraderie between the people, the variety of not only the training, but also the scenery. I have already signed up for another workshop in the spring! Michael is very personable, easy to work with, and it was a very enjoyable experience overall, one which I would recommend to anyone who wants to expand their photography skills while enjoying outstanding food and companionship. Lynne - 2025 Another great workshop {my second} Norway what a beautiful place, so many opportunities for great pictures. Michael did a great job picking Norway and our two guides, Klaus and Christian, what knowledgeable and interesting guys. Michael, Klaus and Christian were very helpful with giving technical, artistic and general advice on taking better pictures. It was a great learning experience, and I walked away with a lot of pictures, more confidence in my abilities, and a better understanding of the direction I want to take in my photographic journey. If you have never been on a photographic workshop I would highly recommend Michael and Face the Outdoors Photography. Michael I will see you in February for the Aurora workshop. Jerry B - 2025 We just concluded our photo workshop on October 12, 2025 in Lofoten, Norway. This was my 2nd consecutive time attending a photo workshop with Michael, and for this Norway trip my wife was able to join us. Overall, it was another great workshop!! First of all the choice of the venue (Lofoten, Norway) was already a plus because it's a beautiful place to photograph. Another great and important factor here was having two great local guides/mentors (Christian & Klause) who were both of great resource, not only on technical photographic issues but especially in choosing the sites to be photographed. We were mentored according to our level of expertise, and for me I think at this point of my photographic skills and experience, I had improved significantly and more confident to shoot and process my photos. Lastly, I can't ignore the dynamics that went around in our whole group. It was so much fun dealing with other people sharing the same interest in photography. Michael had organized and put this photo workshop not just a fun learning experience but also personally rewarding for me. Looking forward to joining future workshops. Abby Pasamento - 2025 I have to compliment Michael. I took everything he taught me on our Fall 2025 Alaska workshop — balance, composition, leading lines — to a meetup at my local photography club, and after I showed my photos and explained how he teaches, the instructor leading the critique told me they came through stronger than many of the Master of Fine Arts students' portfolios he's worked with. I honestly wouldn't be getting these shots without Michael's guidance. Credit where credit is due — and a huge thank you. Ellen Strebar - 2025 Our photo tour of the Lofoten Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime. The entire experience was well organized — from rustic Fishermans’ cabins and tasty local food to well-planned shooting locations that captured the best of Lofoten’s amazing light and landscapes. |
What can I say - I went back a second time! While the northern lights and weather were somewhat less than (my) ideal, Michael and the entire group made this a 15 on a 10 point scale, not to mention the lodging hosts (special shout out to Tawnya's cooking). I'm going again. Two jpgs attached (out of camera, haven't yet had a chance to play with the raws). Valerie Nelson - 2025
Highly recommend Face The Outdoor. Michael is an amazing teacher, guide and artist. Having a great time and looking forward to another workshop soon. Came back for another workshop! What a spectacular workshop. Thank you Michael!!! Sung Andersen - 2025
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