Customer Testimonials

★★★★★

I have attended many workshops in my journey to becoming a photographer. This trip to Alaska was probably one of the finest I have attended. It was organized, small enough group to benefit the talent and knowledge that Michael possesses. He is knowledgeable as to photography, composition, and lighting. He knows cameras and setting and helps with any problems that arise. Having been raised in the area he finds the best places for photographs, also location of facilities and restaurants. I am planning on attending more workshops that he promotes. An experience that I will always cherish.

★★★★★

If you are trying to decide between going to Brooks Falls or choosing another Alaska location to photograph coastal brown bears, I would strongly encourage you to consider one of Michael Schultz's Face the Outdoors Photography trips. For the money, you get a tremendous amount of time with the bears, varied and beautiful backgrounds, knowledgeable bear guides, comfortable lodge accommodations, and truly amazing food. It felt like a photography-focused experience from beginning to end, with plenty of opportunities to come home with images that feel different from one another.

The trip was well-organized, thoughtfully planned, and clearly designed with photographers in mind. I appreciated being in a setting where the goal was not just to see bears, but to have the time and opportunity to photograph them well. Lake Clark is an incredible location, and this trip gave me the chance to observe and photograph coastal brown bears in a way that felt respectful, safe, and memorable. I especially appreciated the variety of settings and backgrounds, along with the ability to photograph from level ground without feeling rushed.

I came home with photographs I love, but also with the feeling that I had experienced something really special. I would definitely recommend Face the Outdoors Photography to anyone looking for a well-run, thoughtful, and rewarding wildlife photography trip.

★★★★★

This was an excellent photography trip that exceeded my expectations. Michael and the local guide David got us right on the bears every day and almost every outing (sometimes bears hide). We had the opportunity to photograph a mother and her two cubs on several occasions with many lighting and background options. Being so close to the bears while they were out on the mud flats clamming was just amazing! The accommodations and staff at the Silver Salmon Creek lodge were top notch as well. Never hungry and each meal was its own culinary experience. Fantastic job to all! I look forward to my next trip with Michael.

★★★★★

Face The Outdoors experience with the coastal brown bears in Alaska was fantastic! The bear viewing, photography coaching, the guide from the lodge, and the lodge itself were beyond my expectations. Seeing the bears up close in a safe and respectful environment was truly special. All the logistics were seamless, the food was out of this world, and all communications prior to the trip were superb. I highly recommend Michael's company if you want an authentic and personalized photography experience.

★★★★★

We had a great time at the bear workshop. The lodge and food there was fantastic, the bear viewing was incredible, and we're really glad we went. Michael did a good job getting the group into some great photography opportunities, and overall it was a really memorable experience.

★★★★★

Was not eaten by a bear. Took my very first photography trip with a small group lead by Michael to Lake Clark National Park as a last minute substitute for a passionate, experienced photographer. He was very good at explaining the fundamentals of photography to a complete novice using a borrowed camera and by the end I did get a bear photograph in focus which was my goal. I did come away with a better understanding of how the camera functioned and some concept of how not to blow out aspects of a photograph. I do definitely recommend this trip for people with more advanced camera skills and strong passions for photography, although out of our group of five, two of us were strong beginners in the field of photography and we survived.

I especially loved the trip out to see the puffins and other seabirds; and the boat ride out to the lily pad pond to see the swans. Otherwise the majority of each day was to photograph the bears - which was a wild experience. The park is very scenic and even though there were only really three sows around, one with two first year cubs, it was still an experience to be so close to grizzly bears in the wild - very much end of season, fall 2026. Definitely got lots of options to photograph the bears sleeping in the sedge meadow and grazing about, also scavenging for fish on the beach. The lodge guide was amazing at keeping everyone calm, together and safe. Lots of bald eagles and spruce grouse (Michael's favorite bird).

The photography editing class at the end of the trip was invaluable and really help visualize how not to loose information when taking a photograph. I do wish we could have spent more time learning how to edit photos.

Silver Salmon Lodge had amazing hospitality and Chef Andrew is a genius in the kitchen. The staff were incredibly welcoming. The lodge is positioned so it is easy to see the sunsets and sunrises every day.

Michael really likes to photograph the landscape the animals happen to be in, does not like to be constrained by ISO values, nor submenus on Sony cameras and likes to experiment with the stops to get unique looks out of his photos. He is very passionate about cameras and does know what he is talking about with settings and how to experiment in a more constructive fashion with the exposure triangle. I definitely feel like I know much more about how a DSLR camera operates and how to accurately set up the autofocus. By the end of the workshop I was more comfortable messing with the settings in manual mode for landscape shots and knew to use shutter priority for animal shots (unless they were sleeping or just sitting on a bank looking majestic for awhile) - so I definitely learned some basic camera operational skills and photos were definitely starting to look more in focus towards the end of the trip. Still I do feel like more could be gain on a trip like this with a stronger photography background.

There does seem to be a lot of magic that happens in the post processing which I have yet to really explore....but the workshop was very helpful and it was nice whenever there was a general setting range given for a particular shot or suggestion of what would be a good idea to try and capture within a frame.

★★★★★

Face the Outdoors is the real deal! The fall aurora workshop was an amazing trip. Michael is committed to doing what it takes to ensure you have the opportunity to photograph the aurora (and other things, sunsets, wildlife, landscapes). He got us under clear skies every night, even if that meant a 3 hour drive (each direction)! His tips and help in framing and settings were a great learning opportunity, and the classroom portion was very helpful in learning how to process aurora pics.

Highly recommend this trip if you are a photographer looking to build your skills and want the most opportunities to do that as you can cram into 8 days. You won't be disappointed.

★★★★★

I had a great time. An experience I'll never forget. Mike's local knowledge of picturesque locations, local weather patterns, and knowledge of the aurora forecast made it possible for me to capture amazing photos of the aurora. He taught me new photography techniques, taught me how to shoot well at night. … I went home with knowledge I can use in the future.

★★★★★

We had poor weather, both space and atmospheric. But Michael drove us thousands of miles in the middle of the night to take us to places where we could see the sky and had a good chance of seeing the aurora. I learned more techniques and tricks from our time together than I have in a number of true “classes.”

★★★★★

Michael Schultz brings a unique blend of talents to this workshop. His knowledge of the beautiful Alaskan landscape, his photographic skills and his extensive knowledge of the Aurora. With [his] work ethic, he continually put us in position to be wildly successful. This workshop is excellent for those looking for more than a simple tour and seeing the Northern Lights. This workshop is excellent for those that want to capture the lights with beautiful surroundings and incredible locations. For that, it was beyond 5 stars.

★★★★★

I had a great experience meeting good people and making new friends. I learned a lot about photography, especially night photography. I learned new things about the camera that I'd been using for 20 years. Photographing the aurora was a great success. If you are interested in photographing the Northern Lights, you can't do better than booking with Face The Outdoors.

★★★★★

The aurora workshop was awesome. We got lucky on both earth and space weather. Just as Michael described, it was back to back long nights chasing the lights in a variety of different settings. Michael provided the right level of assistance for those desiring guidance and support. He actively encouraged everyone to try different perspectives.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

This was the most amazing adventure of my life! What a great way to see the interior of Alaska and know you're safe with a guide that is so knowledgeable and friendly. Face the Outdoors Photography workshops are the perfect way to see new places, make new friends, do things and go places that I wouldn't be comfortable risking on my own, and of course, hone your photography skills with a real expert! Michael keeps his workshops small so you feel like family and all your questions about photography get answered either by him or through collaboration with your fellow travelers. If you are looking for a bit of a rustic travel experience to see the Aurora, his fall equinox workshop is absolutely the way to go! This was definitely a five star experience for me, beautiful nature, amazing nights chasing the northern lights, great food, fun group of travel companions, and a knowledgeable and down-to-earth guide in Michael. I WILL BE a repeat customer!

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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!!!

★★★★★

I've joined Michael on one of his nightly aurora tours as well as a workshop in Norway. He is very knowledgeable about auroras so he really knows how to put you in the best position to shoot them. I felt at ease with his relaxed style of teaching. In Norway we also had the benefit of two local photographers and guides, Klaus and Christian, who had excellent awareness of the Lofoten region and its weather patterns, which truly maximized our photographic opportunities in ways I didn't think possible. Between the three of them I learned a ton about composition, patience, and editing for impact.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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 & Klaus) 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.

★★★★★

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.

Our caring local guides, Christian and Klaus were outstanding, deeply knowledgeable about both photography and the region they love, and knew exactly where to be for the perfect shot. We learned new techniques and refined our composition skills. We returned home with some of our favorite images ever. Every day offered something awesome: dramatic peaks rising from the sea, quiet fishing villages glowing in the Arctic twilight, and the unforgettable thrill of chasing and photographing the Northern Lights.

Whether you're a serious photographer or passionate about capturing beauty, this experience will inspire you to take your photography to a new level. We certainly can recommend Michael Schultz's tours, Face the Outdoors.

★★★★★

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!

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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 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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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.

★★★★★

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!

★★★★★

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!

★★★★★

"Inimitable"... the ultimate compliment.

★★★★★

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 talking about my experience.

★★★★★

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!