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David Hemmings Photo Tours

Phone: +1 604 629 9577

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The goal at Hemmings Photo Tours is to lead photographic workshops to some of the world's most beautiful and unspoiled destinations while providing a rewarding and educational learning experience.  

David Hemmings is a world-renowned bird photographer who is known throughout the nature photography world for creating some of the most dynamic and impressive bird-in-flight images anywhere today. His work has been published on the cover of National Geographic, Canadian Geographic and has also appeared on the cover of other numerous nature photography publications including Audubon Magazine, On Feathered Wings, Birding Essentials and more.

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David Hemmings’ Nature Photography Guide

David Hemmings is a widely published professional nature photographer who resides in British Columbia, Canada. He leads many photo workshop tours and adventures around the world.  He is the president of Natures Photo Adventures/Hemmings Photo Tours. Website:   www.naturesphotoadventures.com

Bird in flight settings for the Canon MK1V

I have received a number of PMs and emails from folks asking me for my Mark IV settings for birds in flight. Here are my settings along with a brief explanation of why I use each setting. These settings are meant to be use with effective focal lengths of 400mm or longer and hand held techniques.

1. Manual exposure mode. This is almost a requirement for BIF when you have changing backgrounds. There are many other reasons as well.

2. AI Servo AF - To allow AF tracking and locking of moving subjects.

3. High speed continuous drive. This allows me to shoot in controlled bursts to capture the peak action shots.

4. Center AF point only for BIF against very busy and or close varied bgs. Center AF point plus surrounding AF point expansion for BIF against distant varied bgs or BIF against smooth sky or water bgs. When a variety of bgs are possible, I use center AF point only.

5. Tracking sensitivity set to medium. This should be used with bump focus technique #2 below.

6. Lens focus limiter switch set to the longest near focus distance. This helps speed up AF in many situations.

Tap Focus Technique: To quickly focus or let off and refocus. There are three uses for the bump focus technique:

1. The first reason to tap the focus is to pre focus. The first task when photographing a BIF is to acquire it in the viewfinder and focus on it. It is beneficial to be able to do this as quickly as possible. When using long focal lengths, the bird may be so out of focus that you can't see it in the viewfinder even if it's there. Then when you do get it in the viewfinder it may take much longer to focus on it if the focus is set to a drastically different distance. To overcome these issues, I will pre focus at the approximate distance that I anticipate for my subject. Then when the subject arrives, I can find it and focus on it quickly. I pre focus the camera by pointing the camera at something at the desired distance and then I focus on it. Now I'm ready for a BIF at a similar distance. If I need to switch the distance I will simply point the camera at something at the new distance and bump the focus. This will prefocus the camera at the new distance. Photogs that use a tripod will often pre focus manually. Since manual focus is difficult hand held with big glass, I use the bump to pre focus.

2. When I am tracking a BIF against a varied bg and I miss and focus on the bg I will tap the focus to quickly return focus to the bird. Bumping the focus overrides the delay set by the tracking sensitivity custom function. I set tracking sensitivity to medium. This helps when you are focused on the bird and want to avoid focusing on the bg, but it hurts when focused on the bg and you want to return focus to the bird.

3. This is the most important use of the bump technique. Most photographers will acquire focus on a bif and then try to continuously maintain focus while they are tracking and watching the bif in the viewfinder. They tend to focus continuously waiting for the moment they wish to make a photograph. Often while watching, tracking, and waiting for the moment, the photographer will miss and focus on the bg. This is extremely easy to do when the bif is flying against a varied bg. This is the reason it is so much more difficult to photograph BIF against a varied bg as opposed to smooth sky bg. When the focus grabs the bg, then the photographer needs to re-acquire focus on the bif. This may take too much time causing the photographer to miss the critical moment. I try to avoid this by only focusing on the BIF when I'm sure I'm on target and during the critical moments when I'm actually making images. So, what I will typically do is acquire the bif initially and focus on it. Then I will let off the focus and just watch it in the viewfinder while tracking it visually only. As the distance changes, the BIF will start to go out of focus. When that happens I bring it back in focus by quickly making sure the AF point is on the bird and then I bump the focus to get it in focus again. I do this repeatedly as I'm visually tracking the bird. When the BIF gets to the spot I want to start making pictures, I will focus and shoot all at once. I shoot in short controlled bursts trying to time the critical moments with the best wing positions, etc. Because I have bumped the focus along, the focus is very close to where it needs to be when the moment to make pictures arrives. Then when I focus and trip the shutter it happens very quickly. If I tried to focus constantly while the bif approached I would likely miss, focus on the bg, and miss the critical moment. My goal is to keep the bird close to in focus and in the viewfinder without focusing on the bg and to do this up until the critical moment arrives. Then I try to maintain the focus while making great pictures. Bumping takes lots of practice, but if you develop this skill, it will make your keeper rate go way up.

Custom function settings for Birds in flight on the MK 1V:

Custom Function III-3                                                                      

I leave this custom function at its default, which places the highest priority on getting the shot in focus and, then, on being able to continue tracking the subject. At settings other than the default, the highest priority is on either quickly getting the shot off or on maintaining a high frame rate. If the shot isn't in focus or if the camera isn't properly tracking, getting the shot off quickly and maintaining a high frame rate are, I think, irrelevant.

Custom Function III-4                                                                   

This custom function deals with how the camera tracks focus. In the default setting, it will place priority in focusing on whatever is below the active focus point. In the “1” setting, it will place priority on tracking the subject that it has already been tracking. While it might seem, at first, that the “1” setting would be more appropriate, I and other users of Canon cameras have found that the camera seems to lose focus much more often with the "1" setting. Therefore, the recommendation is to use the default “0” setting, except in situations where objects are frequently coming between the camera and the subject.

Custom Function III-5                                                                     

My recommendation is to leave this custom function permanently in the default or “0” position.

This will greatly increase your rate of sharp “keepers”.                      

All Articles by David Hemmings

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Mark Hemmings Photography

Travel Photographer, Author and Instructor

PHOTO WORKSHOP ITINERARY

Welcome to the Mark Hemmings Photography International Photo Workshop itinerary. Mark has been instructing photography workshops since 2004 in such visually and culturally diverse locations such as Japan, the Caribbean, England, Greece, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Romania, Spain and Canada. Please go through the current itinerary and Contact Mark if you have any questions about any of the photo workshops or photo tours. Mark warmly welcomes you to any of the workshops below!

TUSCANY ITALY - NOV 9-15, 2024

15% OFF FOR SIGN-UPS IN THE MONTH OF JUNE! The Tuscany region of Italy is stunningly beautiful, and full of incredible photo opportunities. Join Mark and his teaching partner James Wilson on this Lucca, Florence, Pisa and Barga adventure. This photo workshop is limited to only 8 participants for maximum one-on-one photography training. The cost is $4,995 USD, with no single supplement extra fee .  Breakfasts and dinners are included.  Full information on this visually rich Tuscany adventure is at workshopsitaly.photography  

SABA ISLAND - NOV 18-23, 2024

Saba Island is part of the Dutch Caribbean, located close to St. Maarten. Join Mark on this vacation/workshop combo that focuses on mobile photography and mobile photo editing. We will be exploring the advanced features of the Adobe Lightroom app, as well as pro tips on creating the best images with your iPhone or Android. This workshop is hosted by the Sea & Learn foundation, and all info is  at   https://www.seaandlearn.org/mark-hemmings

BELIZE - DEC 8-13, 2024

The laid-back and beautiful island of Caye Caulker in Belize is the home to our newest photo workshop, and this one will specialize in seascapes, birding, night photography, travel photography, and of course image editing and workflow. Belize is considered a sun destination, which means in December there are very inexpensive flights from North  America! Take advantage of this flight discount and join us in sunny Belize. All info is at  https://markhemmings.com/belize

JAPAN - JAN 21 TO 27 & FEB 1 TO 7, 2025

Japan is a world-class photography destination, especially as the country is so visually diverse. You will explore the modernity of Tokyo, then the mountain calm of Nagano, the famous snow monkeys of Japan, and the world-renown cultural wealth of Kyoto. The January version of this photo tour includes a few more locations that are listed on the website, and the February version has more time photographing the snow monkeys. These Japan photo tours are capped at only 7 participants, and priced at $4,950 USD with at $495 USD single supplement fee. This tour is a premium trip, with meals included in the package price. For more information and sign-up details please visit japanphototour.com

MEXICO - FEB 22 TO MARCH 1, 2025

15% OFF FOR SIGN-UPS IN THE MONTH OF JUNE!  James Wilson and Mark have been co-leading the San Miguel de Allende Photo Workshops since 2008, and they can’t get enough of this magical town! Around every corner is a new colourful photo opportunity, along with the best food at their favourite restaurants. This workshop is priced at $4,895 USD with no single supplement extra fee . Breakfasts and dinners are included in the price. For more information please take a look at the website: sanmiguelphotoworkshops.com

SPAIN - MARCH 23 TO 30, 2025

The Andalusian region of Spain is the perfect break from the cold of winter! Southern Spain is known for its delicious tapas food, Flamenco dancers, and passion for life. Join Mark and travel experts Hygge Life Travel on this stunningly beautiful trip to Seville, Ronda, Malaga, Cordoba, plus many Pueblo Blanco mountain villages en route. This Andalusian adventure is priced at $3,995 USD  with no single supplement extra fee . Breakfasts are included in the price of this photo tour. For more information please check out the website at markhemmings.com/spain_photo_workshop

PRIVATE GROUP PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Do you have a group of friends or family members and want a custom photo workshop in your own chosen international destination? Mark is available for private trips for your group.  Contact Mark  for more information. 

Message from Mark Hemmings: “I sincerely hope to see you at one of our international photo workshops! It doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or mobile device camera. I’ve used them all and love to help people get the most out of their cameras. The photo workshops are also cultural and food experiences, which means that you will get a real sense of the country that you are visiting with me. Always feel free to contact me with any questions: [email protected] or my Canadian phone number: 1-506-898-0204. I hope to see you soon!”

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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The Assumption Belfry and Ivan the Great Bell Tower

View from a corner of Assumption Cathedral on the architectural ensemble of the Assumption Belfry (at the left) and Ivan the Great Bell Tower (at the right) built in the Moscow Kremlin in 16th century. The tower’s name implies that it had once housed St. John’s Church, and that it used to be the tallest building in Moscow (height with cross is about 80 m). For many decades the bell tower was also the main watchtower in the Kremlin, and later also a fire tower. Petrok Maliy, the Italian architect who built the Kitai-Gorod wall in Moscow, started the construction of the church of the Resurrection, later renamed Church of the Nativity, next to the Ivan the Great Tower in 1532. Decades later was converted to a four-tier belfry for large bells, known today as the Assumption Belfry after its main 64-ton bell placed in the middle of the fourth tier. The Assumption bell tolled only on great holidays and to announce events of exceptional significance.

Photo #043 taken on June 29, 2016 during a tour of Moscow Kremlin with my dear client from Lebanon, Jacques Saade.

About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

See you in Moscow!

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• Owner: Moscow Guide & Driver
• Date: June 29, 2016 05:14:00 am EDT
• File name: ALP-2016-0629-043-Assumption-Belfry-and-Ivan-the-Great-Bell-Tower-Moscow-Kremlin.jpg
• Tags: Russia , Moscow Kremlin , Kremlin Towers , Ivan the Great Bell Tower , Belfry , Assumption Belfry , Assunmption Bell , Moscow

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Gate Assumption Church with Bell Tower Against Storm Clouds

The three tier oval gate Assumption Church with bell tower in St. Bogolyubovo Monastery against dark-grey clouds before a storm. It was built on the grounds of the monastery in 1841.

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Customer Reviews

What a wonderful photo workshop! Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with no end to the beautiful vistas, birds and flowers to photograph! David puts on a first class workshop down to the last detail, the many little "side trips" he arranged were fabulous, and our bird guide was simply THE BEST. David was always very encouraging, and always going from participant to participant all day, checking camera settings and offering very helpful tips. "I like how you're doing...., and try this too!" I was very apprehensive that I wasn't an advanced enough photographer to participate on the trip, and I definitely was the "junior" photographer, but everyone made me feel very comfortable. 15,000 photos later...my photography skills improved 1000-fold during the trip. I learned a lot from other participants as well. Folks were emailing saying "How is your vacation in Costa Rica?" "Vacation? This isn't a vacation, it's a workshop, and he's working us hard!!" I would HIGHLY recommend this trip to photographers and birders, and plan to attend another Hemmings Photo Tour again soon! 

I have worked with several of the world's best bird photographers. Recently, when I saw a Facebook notification of a West Florida bird photo tour with David Hemmings, I snapped up the remaining opening. I remembered David's images in the book "On Feathered Wings, Birds in Flight" which has graced our family room coffee table since I got it several years ago. The book features some of his incredible images of Snowy Owls, Great Gray Owls, and other species. I also remembered seeing on Facebook his Grizzly Bear and Polar Bear images, as well as some spectacular hummingbird shots. I'm just home from that West Florida workshop with David and am so glad I attended it!  David keeps his workshops small (there were only 4 participants on this one). David prearranges reasonably-priced hotel/motel accommodations and communicates clearly about what equipment and clothing to bring. He is articulate and very patient in his teaching (I came home having learned when and how to switch from Aperture Priority to Manual and many other techniques on which I needed improvement). He is well-prepared, knowledgeable, concise, and very personable. We all rode with him from site to site so that we could take advantage of that time to learn more or simply enjoy some camaraderie. His new E-book "Nature Photography 101" will be out soon, and I look forward to ordering one Rebecca Field – U.S.A.

"I recommend David Hemmings workshops! The level of services by workshop leaders was excellent.  Quality of photographic instruction was exceptional and they were always on hand to solve issues that arose, and I had more than my share of equipment issues. Quality of wildlife provided was good and I was amazed at how easily the subjects accepted new setups provided.  Locations visited were right on for the spices targeted.  My most memorable moment was using the flash setups the first time and capturing an image of the Swordbill Hummingbird. I feel that my level of photography has improved with the custom functions that were set up on my camera for me and the resulting images that I obtained. Overall experience and expectations were achieved and we were fortunate to have a very compatible group on our tour, which made it very enjoyable. This was my first workshop and I would recommend them to friends".    Rosemary Harris, Canada

"My photographic skill absolutely improved. I was most concerned about getting high resolution pictures. David explained how. You exceeded my expectations by far. I had a ton of fun and got some amazing pictures". Alice, USA Florida West Workshop

" My experience was EXCEPTIONAL! The trip exceeded my expectations in all areas. I hoped to get in a position to see owls and couldn’t possibly have been happier. It was abundantly clear that David invested significant time and effort prior to the arrival of the group in scouting the area around Quebec and Ontario. He knew exactly where to go to find every species of owl. His knowledge and efforts were very much appreciated by the entire group. My primary objective was just getting in a position to photograph owls and was not expecting much in the way of photographic instruction. I was very pleasantly surprised and was very happy with the instruction. Prior to the trip I had a love/hate relationship with auto focus as it applies to photographing birds in flight. I’ve struggled with this for years. While I have a lot more to learn, and need to work at honing my skills, the trip with David Hemmings helped me tremendously in being able to photograph birds in flight. Photographing birds in flight was my main objective. Prior to the trip I was nearly clueless in comparison to my skills after the trip.You can also see from my bird list that I found the trip productive from a birding perspective as well".

Kevin McCarthy, USA Snowy Owl Workshop

"Great trip, great experience and great guides.

Great opportunity for capturing images of magnificent and uncommon (in southern USA) birds.  Organizers contribute to great group dynamics and superb attitude.  Cool techniques". Eric Grossman, USA  

"I would rate this workshop as  exceptional. Excellent overall experience!" Bill Harbin, USA

"The workshop was GREAT and the two Leaders were exceptional.

" Marie O'Shaunessy, British Colombia on the Manitoba Churchill Workshop

"I wouldn’t hesitate to take another workshop with David Hemmings! You absolutely met & exceeded my expectations! The overall experience was fantastic" Debra Herst, British Columbia

"I was extremely happy with David Hemmings on my recent trip to Newfoundland. David went out of his way carrying my gear when I was tired and he made sure that I maximized all of the photo opportunities which were in abundance here!" Mark Halthrew - Ontario

"Costa Rica Bird Photography Workshop I have nothing but positive praise for the Costa Rica- Biodiversity Workshop with David Hemmings. David and his local guide Vernon made this an outstanding workshop experience. Some of the outstanding elements were the close encounters with numerous beautiful bird species in their natural environment; the opportunity to photograph gorgeous hummingbirds in flight; and to be able to see and photograph the stunning Resplendent Quetzal, Trogons and beautiful Macaws. David’s wonderful sense of humor, patience and knowledge made for a relaxing and inspiring learning environment. Vernon’s excellent ear for bird sounds and intimate knowledge of the environment opened up many opportunities to see and photograph exotic birds. The accommodations and meals were excellent with special care to individual dietary restrictions. I highly recommend this workshop. By the way, my experience was so positive, that I have signed up for the Alaska grizzly bear photography workshop in August 2014"

Jane Irvine

“Thank you very much. I loved the owls and enjoyed the workshop leaders and meeting the other workshop participants. Apart from that I had a lovely time and have come away with lots of great photos . 

I hope the next set of workshops are as successful.  It was wonderful to get so many shots of the male as well as the females.

Very best wishes to you.” Diane D.

"I was totally captivated by the Snowy Owls.  They are truly magnificent!  Their speed, their agility, their gracefulness and their beautiful markings.   I've just scratched the surface of the hundreds of images I took while on the workshop, but I can tell you taking the workshop was a thrilling and delightful experience for me .  Worth braving the elements to see the owls in their habitat!"  Anne W.

My husband and I have been on 5 photo workshop adventures with David Hemmings in the past 2 years and we’re booked for the Wild Wolves Photo Tour next year. That we keep going back for more is, in itself, great testimony to what  Hemmings Photo Tours (Natures Photo Adventures) has to offer.  For us it is foremost about the experience – nature, wildlife, camaraderie, and an expert workshop leader. You get that right and incredible photographs are the result.  David Hemmings gets it right!   We not only have wonderful photos from The Alaska Grizzly Bears, Northern BC Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bear Mother & Cubs at the Den Photography Tours, but the unique adventures that go along with these wild encounters.  As a more knowledgeable photographer, capturing wildlife is now even more fun and rewarding. T hank you David Hemmings!  Becci Crowe USA

My wife and I have traveled with David Hemmings and his Photo Tour Company several times and found him to be knowledgeable, reliable and helpful regarding all aspects of a photo tour. David was always well prepared and his photography expertise is considerable . You will be a better photographer after a trip with David. For those who want to get the most out of a photo tour, I highly recommend David Hemmings. My wife and I will next travel to Colombia with David in 2023.  Neil Solomon

My first workshop with David Hemmings was a trip to the Falkland Islands in December 2018.  David came highly recommended to me by a friend and fellow birder.  The trip was well organized from start to finish.  The logistics were well taken care of.  All of the hotels / lodges were comfortable and well located for us to experience the wildlife.  The highlight of course was the penguins, but there is much more to the Falklands than just penguins. David knows his subject well.  He was able to share his photography skills with us in an easy to understand way.  He helped me understand some of the settings that I was not familiar with.  He also conducted a birds in flight training session one afternoon.  Birds in flight is a difficult subject to master and Dave was able to share his knowledge and help me get some great photos. David took his time to make sure that we were getting the shots we wanted.  He would help with camera settings and composition.   He would point out photo opportunities to us if necessary.  I have taken many photo tours around the world, David’s is definitely    top notch.  He is not concerned about getting the best shot for himself.  He also puts his guests first. I loved this trip so much, that I booked it again before we got home! I highly recommend David Hemmings.

Rhonda Handley