I'm Michael Schultz. I was born and raised in Alaska and have been photographing it for 22 years. These days I run small-group photography workshops in locations where the light is worth the trip. My company, Face The Outdoors, has been featured in National Geographic for its Alaska aurora tours. Every workshop on this page is curated, fully guided, and built around hands-on, in-field teaching, with a maximum of 5 to 10 photographers.
Alaska Photography Workshops & International Photo Tours
Why These Workshops Work
Small Groups, Always
Every workshop runs at 5 to 10 photographers maximum. You get real instruction, not crowd management. Locations don't turn into tripod congestion. Questions get answered in the moment.
Alaska-Trained Instruction
Twenty-two years photographing Alaska teaches you how to read cold, wind, light, and terrain in ways you can't learn from weekend workshops. That foundation carries into every destination — the wilderness rigor stays the same whether we're at Lake Clark, in the Arctic, or the Dolomites.
Local Partnership
For international workshops, I bring in experienced local guides who know their regions inside out — where to be when the light delivers, which pass holds the fog, which road is washed out, which trail gets you there before the wind. You get combined authority: local expertise on the ground, and my teaching on how to see what's happening in front of you.
Transparent, Mostly-Inclusive Pricing
Location access and on-site fees are included in every workshop. Most workshops also include lodging, ground transportation, and some meals, though it varies by trip — the full breakdown is on each individual workshop page. Flights and travel to the workshop are your responsibility. I aim to be clear about exactly what's included and what isn't, so you can budget with no surprises.
Your Instructor
Born and raised in Alaska, with 22 years of field experience photographing across the state — from the Interior and the Brooks Range to Lake Clark, the winter aurora, and the brown bears of spring and fall. Face The Outdoors has been featured in National Geographic for its Alaska aurora tours. I partner with FLM tripods and Maven filters — both because they're what I actually use, and because I can help participants make informed gear decisions before the workshop.
How to Book
- Pick your workshop. Click through to the individual workshop page for full details — itinerary, what's included, accommodations, gear, and FAQ.
- Reserve with a deposit. Deposits range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the workshop. Balance is due 120 days before the workshop starts.
- Get onboarded. You'll be added to a private workshop WhatsApp group for pre-trip prep and receive a detailed preparation guide.
- Show up ready to shoot. Logistics are handled. Your camera is the only thing you need to worry about.
Questions about a specific workshop?
Email: [email protected] • Response within 24 hours
What Past Workshop Participants Say
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.
— Kelly M., Spring Brown Bear Workshop - 2026
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.
— Steve W., Spring Brown Bear Workshop - 2026
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., Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 2026
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 is 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.
— Kerry, Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 2026
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.
— Ken, Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 2026
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.
— Don, Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 2026
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.
— Valerie R., Arctic Norway Workshop - 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, Fall Alaska Aurora Workshop - 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., Arctic Norway Workshop - 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, Lofoten Norway Workshop - 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. 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, refined and 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 Shultz’s tours, Face the Outdoors.
Boris and Claire Datnow, Lofoten Norway Workshop - 2025
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!
Ellen Strebar, Alaska Aurora Fall Equinox Workshop - 2025
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, Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 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.
Sung Andersen, Alaska Aurora Spring Equinox Workshop - 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 Roche-Paull, Alaska Aurora Fall Equinox Workshop-2024