Hello and thanks for looking at my website. ​

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The owls are here and there is lots of snow. Book your tour and get the dates that you want. Please scroll down to the 2025 schedule, and if you are planning to come in 2026, that schedule is now up for consideration.​

Most of you will have the photography skills, and the desire to add snowy owls into your portfolio. Some of you will be returning, and looking for the best light on the males and females in flight.​

The rates have gone up this year for the first time. I have increased the group rates by ten percent. Please contact me for those rates.

If you have received a quote from another Canadian Snowy Owl guide or workshop provider, and are asking me for a quote, remember that I will match or beat their price. 

 

​​SNOWY OWL PHOTO TOURS 2025:​ Last updated March 21 2025: 

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I have never seen so many snowy owls as I saw in the last few days. If someone is interested in an non-baited natural tour, now is the time. There is still snow on the ground, and there are so many males and females in the area. Combine it with a sharp-tail grouse shoot. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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SHARP-TAILED GROUSE are starting to be active on the leks. If this is something that interests you, please contact me.​

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2026 SCHEDULE: ​

Take from one to five day tours in the groups in 2026, and five photographers maximum.

Private tours are 4 days minimum. Private tour size is ten people maximum,

plus leader. ​

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January   12, 13, 14, 15, 16   5 spots available or a private.

January   19, 20, 21, 22, 23   5 spots available or a private.

January   26, 27, 28, 29, 30   FULL

February 2,  3,   4,  5,  6        5  spots available or a private.

February 9, 10, 11, 12, 13     5 spots available or a private.

February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20   FULL

February 23, 24, 25, 26, 27   5 spots available or a private.

March dates available if there is snow and demand, but I would like to fill the above dates first. 

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The snowy owls start arriving in October and November. The highest concentration of over-wintering snowies is on the Canadian Prairie, and in particular, there is a "sweet spot" where I do my tours. 

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Remember that I am your guide, and I have small groups. 

You will need to rent an all wheel drive car, and drive it daily. I do not drive anyone.

For accommodations, I can recommend some that other photographers are using.

I also ask that everyone use winter camouflage clothing for their final layer. You may purchase this online, and send it to me so that it is here when you are ready for your tour. Cabela's or Bass Pro sell the tops and the bottoms at a very reasonable price. It

can be waterproof and windproof, and looks much more professional as well, as it

provides clothing that does not stand out like black or brilliant colors.  

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So what do photographers usually get for the price I quoted you:

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• Fully mature snowy owl males, and females.

• You get to shoot near the vehicles, so if anyone gets cold, you can warm up right away, or change lenses, put away their tripods, and so forth. 

• Wonderful wide open prairie snow covered fields, with beautiful clean sunrises, and in some cases, sunsets all the way to the horizon.

• No interference from the public or other photo groups in the area.

• You will be photographing the owls that I have been feeding for weeks, so they are used to people, and they do come in close.

• I've done the work for you so you don`t need to walk and carry your gear all          over the fields wasting time and energy. All you need to do is be able to shoot and use the light to your advantage.

• I do not take photos of the birds anymore. I retired from shooting. My job is to ensure that you get the best photos, not me. 

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So, when you are shopping around for a tour or a workshop with snowy owls, ask your tour operator or workshop provider about those points above, and then compare prices.  ​

If this is something that you would like to do with the snowies like wide angle remote setups, or a private tour, then please contact me, and we shall get you booked into the dates that you want. Once I receive your bank wire transfer, Paypal, etransfer, or cheque, I will send you a list of places to stay, and what type of clothing to use in cold weather photography.  

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TIP: If you wear prescription glasses, and those glasses turn dark when outside, I would recommend that you do not use them to follow focus snowy owls in flight. Bring a clear pair that do not turn dark. When the sky is overcast, or working after sunset or before sunrise, white on white is difficult to see, and even more difficult to photograph.

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TIP #2: If you have booked a small private group, I would suggest that you bring a prime wide angle lens and a wireless remote shutter release, and spare batteries. Set it up and test it, so that you know how to use it when the time is right. Not many tours for snowy owls offer this setup.

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REFUND POLICY:

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I do not give refunds, unless there is  a virus like Covid circulating and preventing travel,

​or, I am sick or otherwise incapacitated.

 

Take care, and I hope that we will meet up in the field with the snowies soon,

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Frank in Saskatoon

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TESTIMONIALS

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Howard Y: Traveled over 13,000 km not once, not twice but 3 times for your tour. Never disappointed, every single time!

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Adam T: "Frank is the man to look for if you want to capture some amazing owl images. A true owl whisperer that will get you close to the snowies. I highly recommend him for anyone that is looking for a snowy owl guide".

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James L: "Thanks to Frank, we got great images of the male and the female Snowy owls with different postures and flights, under different lighting and weather conditions. On top of that, Frank gave valuable advice on the preparation of the trip and introduction to the workshops, making our trip to Canada most rewarding."

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Cheryl S: "No tour like it anywhere. Thank you Frank Johnson".

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Jack H: "Best place to photograph snowy owls in the world."

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Bill W: "If you want awesome snowy owl images, then you need to plan a shoot with Frank Johnson. I highly recommend Frank Johnson's workshops. I've been on several, and you will have world-class photo opportunities. It is definitely worth every second and I urge you to put this on your bucket list and cross it off very soon!"

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Kathleen M: "You are indeed the "Snowy Owl Whisperer".

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Greg N: "Thank you Frank, for being the world's best snowy owl guide!!! These incredible birds in that amazing habitat makes this such a memorable experience!"

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Kees, Fred, and Victor: "Frank, thanks for the company, the experience, the fun and the laughter. We'll return to Canada for another great workshop with you in the future."

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Jeff S: "You da' man Frank.....Thanks for the tireless attention to detail!!! The Owl Whisperer!!!"

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