Customized Programs for Clubs, Business, Conferences and Organizations

John offers a diverse range of customized programs and presentations tailored to the specific requirements of individual clubs and organizations. These engaging programs guarantee a memorable experience that inspires action and active participation. Regardless of skill level, John will delve into the key elements of creating captivating and emotionally resonant photographs, accompanied by humorous stories from his own experiences in the field. This program is packed with valuable tips that will elevate your photography to new heights.

John can focus on various themes such as wildlife, landscapes, night photography, birds, capturing birds in flight, macro photography, or provide a comprehensive overview encompassing all of these topics.

Whether you prefer a concise one-hour inspirational program or an extended multi-day event, John will tailor the program to suit your specific needs and budget.

John is available for the following:

In the Classroom, in the Field, or Zoom. Leading workshops on location or online with an emphasis on wildlife, landscape, macro, night photography, post processing, photo critiques and other topics.

All-Day Seminars. A comprehensive all-day seminar covering a variety of nature photography topics such as landscape, wildlife, macro, night photography, post-processing, Adobe Lightroom, and creating photo books.

Keynote Speaker discussing a wide variety of nature photography topics.

Our Most Popular Programs:

Unleash Your Landscape Photography:
This program will provide several techniques on how to take your landscape photography to the next level. Some examples are demonstrated with before and after photos and video. We will also discuss how to get great DOF, shutter speed, and compositions to make your photos stand out. This will help you understand light and how to use it to your advantage. John will also discuss how to maximize special weather conditions like fog, rainbows and storms. He will also discuss strategies for photographing water (lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean).

A bulk of this program will have a section on different strategies to deal with contrast and bad light. It is a common problem to have a properly exposed foreground and a washed-out sky or a properly exposed sky and a dark foreground. He will cover how to use contrast to your advantage, which equipment to buy or skip, which filters to use, and how and when to use them. There will be a demo on common cell phone apps and software that predict the Milky Way, sunrise, sunset, tides, and moon rise/set and direction of light. 

Unleash Your Wildlife Photography:
This program will provide several techniques on how to take your wildlife photography to the next level. Some examples are demonstrated with before and after photos and video. We will also discuss how to get great DOF, shutter speed, and compositions to make your photos stand out. This will help you understand light and how to use it to your advantage.

We will also discuss what equipment to buy: tripods, ballheads, gimbal heads, long lenses, blinds, and window mounts. Planning is critical in wildlife photography. John will discuss how to find the best places at the best time of year. He will offer techniques on how to get closer, how to photograph birds in flight, and common mistakes. It is important to understand animal behavior, biology, and ethics.

Wild America: Captivating Destinations
John embarks on an exploration of the United States, venturing into some of its most breathtaking destinations. Through captivating photos and entertaining anecdotes, this program takes you on a journey through the remarkable landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. Each photo captures the essence of every season, revealing the moods of these enchanting places.

John will visit remarkable locations such as New England, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Alaska, Florida and The Everglades and Big Cypress, the Pacific Northwest, Acadia, White Mountain National Forest, the Southwest, and Maine.

Tailored to your preferences, this program can focus on showcasing extraordinary photography or the incredible opportunities for wildlife observations. Additioanlly, it can be divided into different sections, allowing you to explore specific regions of the country such as the East and West coasts or the bast wilderness of Alaska.

Night Photography Tools and Techniques (Milky Way and Aurora)
Night photography adds a whole new element to your portfolio. Learn how to compose, shoot, and focus in the dark. We will discuss the best techniques and strategies. It is important to get correct exposure at night. John will cover the following subjects: equipment, software, time lapse photography, intervalometer, reducing flicker, and a few post processing tips with Lightroom. 

Using common cell phone apps and websites, John will teach you how to plan and predict the path of the Milky Way. He will also discuss where to go, the best time of year, and the best time at night to photograph the Milky Way and the Aurora.

Alaska: Wild America Series
Alaska is the Superbowl of photography and is a top destination for many nature photographers. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest place to get to. The extreme weather, logistics, and natural hazards make planning a trip a very precise process.

This is an educational program which includes tips on photo techniques and dealing with unpredictable weather. Other topics include photographing glaciers, wildlife, and how to see and photograph the aurora. John will discuss bear safety and the best locations to see them. We will discuss the different seasons and the best way to see Alaska by boat, plane, and car.

This program celebrates Alaska and its incredible wildlife and landscapes. It is one of John’s favorite places to photograph. He has visited the last frontier multiple times per year for over a decade.

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons: Wild America Series
John will share his extensive collection of photographs from his adventures in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and the surrounding areas. These renowned national parks are known for their breathtaking landscapes and wildlife opportunities. With nearly two decades of experience in capturing their beauty, John’s images showcase the timeless allure of these natural wonders.

Florida: Wild America Series
Join John as he takes you on a visual journey through the state of Florida. Through his photographs, John will showcase the diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems that make Florida a unique and fascinating destination. This program will showcase iconic locations such as Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and various spots along the East, West Coast, and Central Florida. John has been photographing there for over 30 years.

Bear Country: The Bears of North America
John will present photos of his travels across North America to photograph bears. The presentation will explore Grizzly Bears in Alaska, Polar Bears in Canada, and Black Bears across the United States. John will discuss photo techniques for wildlife photography and provide location tips on how to plan your own bear adventure.

Biography

John Slonina is an award-winning professional nature photographer, tour leader, and speaker who is devoted to the conservation of wild places and wild things. His work has been published in numerous books, calendars, and post cards. His photographs are featured in private collections and galleries throughout the world.

Growing up in New England John’s passion for wild places led to a childhood rich in outdoor adventures. He has been studying and photographing nature for over 35 years. He believes that a personal connection to nature is necessary to increase a person's desire to protect a particular species and habitat.

With a degree in Business Management, John decided to change course and align his career with his passion—nature photography. He began offering photo tours over 13 years ago and enjoys teaching and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others. He finds it rewarding to watch the excitement of his participants as they see a particular animal or natural phenomena for the first time.

When he is not out photographing John enjoys kayaking, watching wildlife, hiking, snowshoeing, and spending time with family and friends.

Contact:
Email: john@sphotography.com
Phone: (508) 736-1167 
www.sphotography.com