Photo Tour Testimonials

My girlfriend and I just got back from an awesome photography tour through the Colorado Rockies with Big Sun Photography.  Let me also say now - what's a fantastic gift for anyone interested in photography.  I am an amateur photographer equipped with a Canon XSi and no training to speak of.  That said, I was a bit nervous about making a fool of myself with a professional photographer, but I was immediately put at ease once we started shooting.  Arriving at our first site (St. Mary's Glacier), Gene's photography expertise was obvious - explaining composition, exposure, the use of reflectors and diffusers and even explaining specific functions of my camera all in a manner that I could understand and immediately apply to my shooting technique.  Gene's patience and genuine interest in making me the best photographer he could in two days let me feel comfortable in asking questions and showing my mistakes so that I each shot I took was better than the last.

The second day is when I got really excited.  We met at 6:45 AM to head out to Roxborough State Park.  We hiked approximately 4 miles up to a beautiful meadow overlooking Denver in the distance.  Gene's boyscout-like knowledge of the rocks, flowers and wildlife we experienced shined through as he provided insightful and interesting asides as we made our way up and down the trails.  Once we ate, we got on the road to continue our tour - no time was wasted as Gene proceeded to explain post-production techniques using Photoshop and Lightroom (surprisingly well considering we didn't have a computer with us).  Our last stop on the trip is one that I would recommend to anyone heading out with Big Sun - Mt. Evans.  At 14,264 feet up, the views were nothing short of majestic.  At this height, Gene demonstrated a 360 degree panoramic shot (I saw the final version after post-production - unbelievable) and I tried my own 180 degree panoramic, but got interrupted by a cloud heading directly for me - nevertheless, I got the shots with Gene's help and that pano turned out pretty well too.

I'm the kind of person that generally judges an experience by asking myself 'Would I do it again?'.  I would absolutely do this again (although I'd definitely want to try out some new locations).  I highly recommend Big Sun Photography and Gene Tewksbury.  If I can work up the courage to do it, I'd also like to go back in the Winter for the Photo Ski Tour - with Gene at the helm it would definitely be a epic trip.

Jay "JoJo" Tilak,
New Jersey, USA

Dear Gene,

Thank you for the amazing tour of the Rockies.  It really made our visit better than it would have been.  When we passed that tour bus jammed full of people filing out to view a "scenic view" on the side of the highway I laughed.  We had just experienced a wonderful secluded trail with breathtaking views and wildlife, with just out family, with your expert photo advice, and I thought to myself.  "That could have been us on that awful bus tour".  We enjoyed every moment and I learned some real good tips for improving my photography.   We will be back again next year to use your services.

James Clarkson
Florida

Big Sun Photography,

I'm twice the photographer I was last week thanks to your tour.  It really is amazing how learning basic concepts and strategies can make you see the world completely different through the camera.   Anyway, I really enjoyed the tour.  I appreciate the great locations we got to visit.  I'm sure I would have never found those myself in any tour guide.   I'll be sending you some friends of mine this fall.  

Leslie P.