Trip Name: Acadia Park

Name: Teresa

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Even though I thought I was going to fall into the ocean and there were bugs and kids and the sky wasn't cooperative, I loved Bass Harbor Lighthouse. I liked the Puffins and the Milky Way shooting so much better than I thought.

What was your least favorite part ?: There was really no part of the trip I didn't like. There was such a variance in compositions and landscape. I wish I would have rented a 100-400 lens :(

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Excellent. Helpful and kind. Enjoyed John's enthusiasm and stories.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

I was impressed with the hotel and were treated kindly by all and the price was fantastic! The restaurants were well thought out and I enjoyed.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : John, you made the trip memorable.

Trip Name: Delmarva

Name: Dorothy

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Seeing and photographing wild horses.

What was your least favorite part ?: Weather but that is outside our control. At least it didn't rain or snow.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Excellent.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

Hotels were very good. The best restaurant was the Italian one in Dover that we went to on the last night. Jimmie and Sook's nicely accommodated our dietary restrictions. Did not care for Don's. Bill's overrated.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : John and I enjoyed the trip and fortunately we had a nice group accompanying us. John Slonina was very attentive to our needs and very helpful with any questions we had regarding our cameras and/or photographic techniques. The duration of the trip was perfect - not too long and not too short.

Trip Name: Rangeley/White Mountain Photo Tour

Name: Deborah

What was your favorite part of this trip?: afternoon shooting (not my typical answer, but clouds helped)

What was your least favorite part ?:.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Outstanding

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the trip.

I enjoyed both hotels, but especially the Inn in Rangeley. The food was very good and lots of options.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : I enjoy the people as much as the photography.

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Great weather, great opportunities to capture foliage and all around perfect experience.

Trip Name: Maine Down East

Name: Connie

What was your favorite part of this trip?: I enjoyed the variety of the trip, the boat trips are a great break from riding around to the various locations. I particularly enjoyed the sunrise at Quoddy Head State Park and the night photography at the wharf in Bernard.

What was your least favorite part ?: Getting out of bed at 3 am for sunrise shoot but that was not in your control. And the mosquitos... LOL!

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: You did a great job at suggestions on settings at the locations.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: Not much to add, maybe consider one on one time with each participant during the trip. Just to see how one is feeling and if there's anything making them uncomfortable or anything they need help with.

The lodging in Lubec was good and I liked that they had a restaurant.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : I personally want to express my gratitude for taking part of the Texas group to Acadia. I know that you had a million other things to do to get ready for Alaska. I really appreciate you!

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Excellent. I think our group meshed well together and everyone played nice for the majority of the trip. It's hard to do sometimes with adults! I highly recommend your trips to all my friends.

Trip Name: Acadia Tour June 2018

Name: Vince

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Learning about how to use my camera

What was your least favorite part ?: If anything, the seat in the van were a little tight for the longer rides like to the boat.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: EXCELLENT

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: I loved my first trip so nothing to add right now

The food was Great

Any additional comments you would like to add? : Thank you for caring about teaching

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: FANTASTIC! Would absolutely recommend!

Trip Name: Down East Maine Photo Tour June 2018

Name: Denise

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Our two trips to Machias Seal Island to photograph puffins, razorbills, and murres.

What was your least favorite part ?: I didn't think the visit to East Quoddy light in Campobello was that productive. May I suggest low tide visits next time/ Apparently the path to the left as you park can be followed further at low tide and there is a wonderful view from there. I have a friend who did it and told me about it.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Excellent.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: See Above!

The last restaurant was the best (Franks I think). Thank you John for treating us to supper.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : None

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Excellent trip, well planned and executed. John is very well prepared and knows the area very well.

Note from John: Agree on the tides. Low tide on that trip conflicted with the time we spend on the three boat rides.

Trip Name: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Spring)

Name: Tim

What was your favorite part of this trip?: The wildlife; black bears, white tail deer, wild turkeys. Also photographing the flowing water.

What was your least favorite part ?:

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Excellent! I received help with composition, settings and looking beyond my comfort zone.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: I should have asked for more guidance concerning the maco photography of wildflowers.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : I enjoyed the last stop on "river road" and would have liked to spend more time there, but understand the time element limiting our stop.

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: It was an excellent trip and we accomplished everything as advertised. I look forward to joining John for other trips.

Trip Name: Alaskan Northern Lights Tour

Name: Lisa

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Chena Hot Springs

What was your least favorite part ?: Loved it all!

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Excellent

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

Room was Excellent and the food was very good

Any additional comments you would like to add? : We had an exceptional group of people!

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Amazing experience, can’t wait to do it again!

Trip Name: Northern Lights 2018

Name: Bela

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Besides the views and learning from great leaders, it was meeting people with similar ideas and passions about photography.

What was your least favorite part ?: Not enough time

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: GREAT wish there was more time

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

Any additional comments you would like to add? : A big THANK YOU to John Solina and John Chumack for being great teachers not only about their specialties also, about life! Thank you to Pat for all his help and insights.

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: AWESOME!!!!

Trip Name: Northern Lights (Aurora) Alaska - 2018

Name: Anne

What was your favorite part of this trip?: The overall experience (Chena Hot Springs: The mountain, the dogs and the springs) and learning how to use my camera!

What was your least favorite part ?: Moose chasing and almost crashing into Car 1 and 2 :)

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: helpful

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

Any additional comments you would like to add? : You guys were awesome! Loved the trip, the people, the experience and learned a ton!

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: 10+

Trip Name: Northern lights

Name: Mark and Diane

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Seeing the lights and socializing

What was your least favorite part ?: The cold- but we knew what we were getting into!

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Great!

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: Most of the group probably already knew this but I would have liked an explanation of the different types of lenses you should have

Any additional comments you would like to add? : Great trip!!

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Highly recommend

Trip Name: Florida Everglades/Big Cypress Swamp Workshop ... 02/01/18

Name: Chuck

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Bird sanctuary in Delray Beach

What was your least favorite part ?: Travel day from Homestead back to Fort Myers only because of lack of photographic opportunities in Big Cypress Swamp.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Overall excellent. It was clear to me that your customers came first. Your knowledge of the locations/opportunities was great. I addition, your knowledge of the birds was outstanding.

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: None.

The hotels were clean and neat, just what was need for this type of workshop.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : I'm looking forward another workshop with you in the near future.

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Excellent! I feel that I got money's worth

Trip Name: Acadia National Park (June)

Name: Phyllis

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Seeing how to make a boring scene into something interesting and pretty.

What was your least favorite part ?: Getting up early.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Very good and helpful

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

The lodging was Very good. Food was good, good variety

Any additional comments you would like to add? :

What is your overall evaluation of trip ?: Learned a lot about equipment and how to better use equipment for better images

Note from John: Agree, June is a brutal month for getting up for sunrise. They are also optional. We do take a late morning break where most people sleep.

Trip Name: Aurora Photo Tour - Alaska 2019

Name: Ed

What was your favorite part of this trip?: Aurora

What was your least favorite part ?: All of it was good.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Outstanding

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?:

Food and lodging was very Good

Any additional comments you would like to add? :

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: This is a review of the Aurora Borealis photography trip to Fairbanks Alaska. Our photo tour started at the end of March, beginning of April 2019. John Slonina and John Chumack were the tour leaders and Darla Smedley assisted them as the 3rd tour leader for this trip. During our stay, Fairbanks experienced an abnormally warm weather system. While this made photographing the Aurora in the middle of the night much more moderate temperature wise (20 degrees), there were a lot of traditional winter activities that were just not available with 50 degree days. While this was an Aurora photo tour (not a vacation) John, John and Darla went out of there way to make sure that everyone did have fun, regardless. I know all 3 leaders pushed themselves to make sure we were all taken care of, often forgoing their own sleep to tend to the tour group. I was very appreciative of the “above and beyond” effort all 3 leaders displayed. While my wife and I do have a lot of history with photography, and an understanding of our equipment, we are novices when it comes to night photography. We are also in our late 50’s so this is not a strenuous trip. John S. and John C. were able to take the group out on the first night, and coupled with the classroom instruction, deliver the knowledge necessary to shoot at night. Even though the Aurora was somewhat obscured by the cloud cover that first night, when we looked at the Aurora photos on a laptop back at the hotel, we could see the outstanding results that would be possible. This gave us great confidence for the remainder of the trip, and we were able to capture some stunning Aurora photos. If you are reading these reviews trying to determine if this is something you can do, all I can say is that yes you can do this, even if you are older. John, John and Darla will make this photo trip an easy pleasure and with even a basic knowledge of your camera equipment you will return home with some total winning photos of the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights. Thank you John, John and Darla for helping us cross this experience off our bucket lists.

Trip Name: Central Florida Bird Photography

Name: Charles

What was your favorite part of this trip?: The last morning of the trip on Merritt Island.

What was your least favorite part ?: The lack of available free long term parking at our first hotel. No big deal! The trip was great overall.

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Outstanding

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: Other than my parking issue, I have none.

Any additional comments you would like to add? : I'm anxious to see your trip schedules.

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: Absolutely excellent

Trip Name: Yellowstone in Winter

Name: Barbara and Al

What was your favorite part of this trip?: So hard to narrow down!!! We loved every minute of this trip ... the animals (most especially the wolves), the snow, the landscapes, the "magic" ... and Al says to be sure to mention the camaraderie of the group ... it was just a wonderful trip!

What was your least favorite part ?: The snow coach was very cramped and difficult to get in and out of with so much gear ... even if there had been one less person, it would still have been difficult. We both feel that it added to some of the "tensions" that arose around the time that it took to get out and get a shot of animals that were moving off. If the cost of the trip had to be bumped up a bit to cover a bigger snow-coach, or one of a different design, it would be worth the additional cost.

Breakfast was so rushed ... if there would be any way to convince the restaurant to open even 15 min earlier, it would be so much better! No one wants to miss out on special things like the sunrise or the early morning animals, but it's hard for those of us who can't shovel food down in 5 minutes! And since everything takes longer with all the extra clothes and gear, so there is no such thing as a "quick trip" to the restroom ...

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: Terrific!! Al appreciated the "tips" and learned a lot about what goes into photography vs taking a snapshot. For myself, I appreciated most the "starting point" suggestions ... in moments when we were rushing because an animal was on the move, it was helpful to get the starting point settings for the conditions. Tweaking could be done as needed later, but in the adrenalin rush of seeing something "special", sometimes all the settings "rules" escape one's memory!

The Bozeman Hotel was fine, and their restaurant was wonderful! Our room at Gardiner had only lukewarm water in the shower until the last two days, so it was a little disappointing that they weren't able to "fix" it ... we did have HOT water in the sink, so not sure what the issue was. But the people were nice!

Any additional comments you would like to add? : If there is any way to ensure your groups get Mark as their guide, please do so!! Mark's additional information about the park itself, and the habits of the animals we were seeing, was informative and a definite "plus" to the overall experience!

What is your overall evaluation (summary) of trip ?: This was our first group trip ever ... so the bar has been set really high for any future trips!! It far exceeded our expectations!! Thank you for such a wonderful experience! In spite of the impact that the shutdown had on the Park and its facilities, you and Mark made this trip an adventure we will treasure for years!

Note from John: Thanks Barbara and Al This was a great trip but it is now improved.

a.) The hotel and breakfast restaurant is under new management. Breakfast is now earlier. The days in the winter are short. Sunrise is later and sunset is early. So the goal is to maximize field time (Sunrise to Sunset), We get back after sunset followed by dinner. It is still early enough to do slideshows, critiques, or training. I offered time at the end of the day for any of these.

b.) Your right, Growth size is critical and also the size of the snow coach. We now have less people (2020 Trip) and a much bigger snow coach (2021 and Beyond).

c.) I always request the drivers and all guides that work with us. Mark is great.

Hi everyone,

Susan and I thoroughly enjoyed the Acadia workshop and everyone's company. We learned a lot and took some pretty good photos (at least we think so!). John, it was exciting to learn from a real pro photographer, to see you in action behind the camera, and to see shots through your eyes. Thanks for an excellent experience.

Anyway, there's a link to Susan's photos at the bottom of this email, just click on " this Smugmug site" below.

Here's the link to my photos. You'll have to cut-n-paste it into your browser.

Jim and Susan

HI John!

Thank you for a really wonderful trip through the White Mountains! I keep looking for wallows and moose!

I'm just going through all my images now and I do have several good shots. I think I am too critical of myself! I need to remember to "work it"! Also what I think may be the best shot at the time might have been better at a slightly different angle to the right or left. But that's what learning is all about!I was happy to see that the Smokey Mountains were going to stay open so that your trip could go on schedule! Fantastic! Take care! Kathy

Great workshop. I learned so much. Here are 2 of my favorites. Please share any criticism.Thanks,

Gail

Name: DARLA

Subject: TETONS/YELLOWSTONE COMBO TOUR

Message: Hey John, it's Darla.....Just wanted to say thanks so much for a great Northern Lights trip. I'm still smiling! I would also like to know the price for the Tetons/Yellowstone trip for the fall. Let me know when you get a chance and hope you had a safe trip home.

Hi John, here are some images of you teaching. You are a great teacher! Thank you for arranging such a fun trip of a lifetime! I haven't figured out how to put pictures on Facebook yet. Louise

Hi John,

My son liked the pictures from the Smokies so much that we gave him a trip there for his 13th birthday. We’re going next week. We’re going to stay on the Gatlinburg side since there’s more for kids to do there in the evenings than in Townsend. Can you send me the places that we went? I know Cades’ Cove. But can you send me the road where we got the good river pictures, and the sunset place (I think it was near Clingman’s Dome). And then the sunrise place that was outside the park. I’m not sure I can get them up for sunrise, but I’m going to try. I’m going to let my son use my very old Nikon D50 and just set it on automatic. It will be good practice for him.I really had a great time with you and hope to do another trip next year.Tricia

Hi John

What an awesome trip! I'm so glad I did this workshop again for several reasons! First, the puffins and seals were fantastic! The people on our trip are great! Debbie is a hoot!

Also, I found that my skills as a photographer have grown tremendously in the last year. I enjoyed shooting the same places again and seeing how my perspective and ability to work the area has grown. I still struggle with getting closer and I don't think I'll ever really love silhouettes. I have come to appreciate how you zero in on the things I need to pay attention to and the positive reinforcement you give is great!

Thank you John!

Best, Kathy

Have a great time sharing your bliss with your students. Thanks for an amazing workshop. Learned so much!!

Regards,

Patti

Hi John,

I have been meaning to send you a note since our workshop ended and finally had a few minutes tonight to do so. Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop! I learned so much and feel that my photography has greatly improved. I enjoyed having you and Anita as instructors. The other ladies in our group were so nice and I really enjoyed getting to know all of them.

The afternoon after the workshop ended on Thursday, my husband and I were exploring the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness area. I have attached a photo that I took of a huge bull moose that we saw very near the camp that we went to the first night of the workshop. I was able to get several shots of him before he disappeared into the woods.

If you have a mailing list or email list, I would like to be included on it. I will be checking out your photo workshops for 2017 to see which one that I would be most interested in. If you do any day workshops or any talks or presentations in the New England area, please let me know so that I can attend if I am available.

Thanks again! Dalenda

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

I HAD A really god time. I was surprised how quiet the group was and reserved. However it got very lively at the end and had some meaningful conversations. You were excellent in teaching taking us to different places wish I took the sunset the second night I think that was the best photo pf the tour. I learned a great deal and how to wait for a long time after sunsets to shoot.

I learned how to use my tripod as i had forgotten and will try to shoot more and with tripod too. D

Thank you again

I like the motel

food locations with we had more ice cream but that is my addiction and not your fault

You were excellent in your giving the work shop thank you for the slide show too. I had great trip on the Cape. and thank you for getting to us so soon but do get some sleep.

take care

Most Sincerely,

Charlotte

Dear John, thank you so much for your email. I was looking forward to it, we had such a great time, your energy, enthusiasm, integrity and complete giving into our group was astounding and amazing. I really have to congratulate you for your professionalism and your kindness.

Ever since our return, I keep dreaming about green pastures and bears. I know you’ll hate Miami weather, and at this time of the year, I totally agree with you. But we came back to a surprising bounty of mangoes at Tom’s backyard, which was a great welcoming experience.

I just joined your Facebook page and I am not sure if I have any pictures worth sharing, but I really want to make the promise of getting better at this. Thank you for everything and I hope we see you again

Ines

Hi all - what a great trip. Hit the ground running when I got home but grateful for the time away at such a beautiful place in the world and the opportunity to meet new fellow photographers. Here's a few of my pictures that I liked - Still a work in progress but will carry fond memories and photography tips for a lifetime. John - will sign up for another trip next year.

Best

Cyndi

Hi John

Jeff, Wes and I really enjoyed the workshop and getting to know you. I have not yet looked at my images, but will get to them later this summer. We look forward to fining another opportunity to shoot with you.

Larry

Thank you, John!

It was an amazing trip. I have not only enjoyed the nature but also gained tremendous knowledge about photography. I was joyfully taking pictures all the time with my amateur device LOL. And you were so kind and never scolded me for being a total outsider.

It is a great idea to be linked with Facebook. Maybe you can form a little group. I know I have connected with you the very first day 😄.

Also, will you please distribute the group photo taken with Tim’s professional camera? I’d like to have the photo with a high resolution. Thanks!

Again, thanks so much and hope to see you in future trips.

Merry Christmas!

Julia

Trip Name: Delmarva

Name: Rosemary

What was your favorite part of this trip?: photographing the dramatic sunrise on the beach

What was your least favorite part ?: I missed seeing a spectacular sunset

The service and assistance provided by trip leader(s) was: John has excellent people skills and knows how to encourage each individual; he also likes to laugh and this is much appreciated

Do you have any suggestions that will improve future trips?: This was my first photo tour and I was impressed! Thanks for all your hard work.

Subject: Alaska tour

Message: Just want to thank you for a fun and educational tour Aug 2-8. I came home with thousands of images, both landscapes and wildlife- so it was a great experience for me, especially since it was my first trip to Alaska..
Congrats on getting the mone shot of the humpback breaching! And similarly to Gary on the puffin shot with the fish in his mouth! These will be some of the great memories I will always have of the trip!
I am looking at the calendar, trying to plan my next trip!

Thanks,
Phillip

Absolutely enjoyed the workshop. I just entered my best image from the nighttime foggy shoot of the West Quoddy Lighthouse to a local group to which I belong. The theme was night photography and it was critiqued by a professional photographer. Out of 50 entries, my was chosen as the best. I was so excited. It was great that we all collaborated in the workshop group to get the best settings. Paid off for me.

Cheers

Kim