don mammoser private photo day tours

Don Mammoser and his wife, Anya, conducted this five-day photography tour of the Canadian Rockies. Although we saw and photographed many of the well-known landmarks, Don took us places that were off-the-beaten path and therefore not inundated with visitors. Because it is a course in landscape photography, the shoots were at sunrise and sunset, with critique sessions during the day. Don and Anya provided excellent instruction, both in the field and during the critiques. The group was limited to eight participants, so there was individual attention and assistance. The assistance included not only suggestion for composition and the technical aspects of photography, but equipment repair, as well. Participants ranged from intermediate to professional photographers.

We arrived in Lake Louise for our ice breaker. Don listened and took notes as we introduced ourselves. For the rest of our time together, he focused on what we hoped to achieve. I have been on other guided photography trips but have never had a more focused guide whose prime interest was in helping his clients shoot good photography.Don’s strength is putting together all that a photographer has learned from a workshop or a book. He helps the learner make sense of it all. On our way home, we discussed that we will never look at light in the same way again. We will tour with Don in the future, and we highly recommend his tours.

I just completed my 5th photo tour/workshop with Don in wonderful Yellowstone National Park. It was simply fantastic! Nowhere on earth will you find such special and unique sights and sounds of nature. I found myself using for the first time the video feature of my camera to capture the sights and sounds of the geysers, boiling mud pots and steam coming from the earth sounding like a turn-of-the-century steam locomotive. It was amazing! Don is an amazing teacher! His style includes not only the "bells & whistles" of my fancy camera equipment, but more important than that to me is that he helps me discover and improve the creative side of my photography. The result for me has been the ability to capture such special places in a way that makes me proud of my photography. Don helps you use the tools you have in a much more effective and artistic manner. I really look forward to my next outing with Don!

Just back from Don's amazing Tuscany Workshop! Don is a great teacher - extremely knowledgable and patient. His itinerary was well-scouted and he brought us to some out-of-the-way vistas few visitors ever find. We experienced the best of both worlds: a guided tour with a small group of very interesting people and the freedom to explore on our own. I am delighted with the results of my photography and have Don to thank for it. We're ready to go back again! Check out his trip report at http://www.donmammoserphoto.com/Tuscany2014_Post_Trip.html

I have traveled to Italy a couple of times and really enjoyed the experience but I have to rate this trip as number one. Don took us to all the prime spots to both experience the culture and history of Italy as well as taking great pictures. We climbed to the top of several Bell towers and took some great pictures of the area. Spent a lot of time taking shots of street scenes with Don encouraging us to get out of our comfort zone and try something new. We got up early to get some spectacular sunrise shots as well as beautiful sunsets. I rate this as one of my best experiences in Europe and have asked Don to develop a Tuscany part two. Nine days of spectacular pictures, plenty of great food and wine. Loved every minute of it.

I've been on several photo trips with Don in the past decade and have thoroughly enjoyedmy experiences with him. He pays attention detail and I always come home with what I considerto be great photos and also have a lot of fun. Now to add frosting on the cake.... his wonderful wife Anya joins on many of the trips. I look forward to future international trips.R Rock

I've had the pleasure of attending several of Don's workshops throughout the US and Canada over the past decade and have come to appreciate Don not only as an excellent photographer with a knack for finding beauty in the simplest objects, but also as a walking encyclopedia on the history and culture of these locations. Even if you are solo or with a group that has different levels of photographic skills, Don has infinite patience when it comes to explaining various styles and techniques with his guests. I have become a better photographer because of his workshops...and you will as well...and have a great time doing it!

I have enjoyed Don Mammoser's photo tours on many occasions. Don combines an incredible enthusiasm with a deep knowledge of photography to provide a first class instructive photographic experience. In addition, Don has the kind of personality that makes each participant feel important and valued. He has absolutely made me a better photographer and I would recommend Don to anyone, of any ability level, who wishes to become a better photographer....and have a lot of fun in the process.

I have had the pleasure over the last tens years to travel with Don Mammoser to many locations throughout North America. His knowledge and teaching style were perfect for my needs. As an advanced amateur, Don helped me refine my craft and assist me in efforts to improve my technique. His knowledge of the locations we visited was essential to the success of every trip. Knowing where to go, when to get there, and finding the best accommodations, brings me back to Don's Photo Tours year after year.

I've been on several photo tours with Don over the past 10 years and they are always of very high quality. Don puts in the extra effort to become intamately familiar with the photo locations so he can guide the group to them at the right time of year and right time of day...many times beating the crowds so that we get the prime shooting spots at each location. The critique sessions during each workshop are very helpful and Don is always eager to help every student on any part of photography...from how to's in the field, to post processing editing tips, even how to get your feet wet in the photography business (submission of images to the right places that match your photography interests). Don has a ton of energy and this in turn rubs off on all of the workshop participants. We all come to Don's workshops as individuals but leave as friends...it's like one big happy family immersed in photography. I would highly recommend any of Don's photography workshops, day long, weekends, or multiple day sessions, they are all a very good learning experience no matter what level of photographer you are. Try him, you'll be glad you did :) Steve A in Idaho

I've done several photo trips with Don, from 4 days to a week, in several Western locations. Don's been a wonderful tourguide and instructor; he scopes out the shooting locations we're visiting well ahead, and knows when to be where to capture the best scenery and the best light! He has developed a loyal following, and I've encountered previous participants on more than one trip. This speaks very well for his leadership; people (including me) wouldn't return unless Don was delivering a quality experience at a fair price!

Took a trip with Don to shoot fall colors last year in Telluride and it was so great that I signed up with a friend this year for his Canada trip. Just got back from a 4 1/2 day trip in Lake Louse/Banff and learned a lot! Not sure how his juggles the different personalities and knowledge levels but he does it with a sense of humor, patience, and genuine interest that each person gets the pictures they went there for. I like to shoot those pretty waterfall pictures and Don was so helpful with making sure that happened and that I used my camera correctly so everything was sharp and exposed correctly. We also shot some spectacular scenic sunrises/sunsets in places the crowds didn't know about (or Don gets you there ahead of them) as he researches everything before you arrive. There were 6 other people which was just right as we all got individual attention and everyone was respectful of each style/knowledge. Most of us didn't know each other but that changed after a few days as the show 'n tell sessions got us talking and learning from each other. Looking forward to the next trip!

While I don't live in Colorado, and therefore have never been on a private day tour with Don, I have attended several longer (multi day) workshops with him. The most "exotic" trip was an international tour to Florence and the Tuscany area of Italy. As an avid amateur photographer, I am passionate about photography. Don is a great teacher, ensuring that each participant goes home with the best images possible, while doing so in a relaxed and fun environment. If you'd like to expand both the technical and creative sides of your photography, take a trip with Don. It will be dollars well spent, and you will love the results as well as the experience!