From the "California Beauty and the Beasts."

In the last twenty years, my passionate affair with photography has taken me from the Arctic to the Antarctic and to more than fifty countries in between.  I’ve found myriad endangered species of wildlife, fascinating tribal peoples, and scenic glories that can be described with only a single word: “Wow!”  After so many experiences, I had to ask myself, “Where should I go next?”  Where could I find photo-adventures that would continue to excite my soul and impel my shutter-release finger?

 

My answer appeared with the remarkable team of Gordon and Cathy Illg, two inspired photographers who lead unique tours for ardent camera enthusiasts--from beginner to advanced--to places on this continent that offer outstanding scenic and wildlife opportunities.  No other tour group is even aware of many of the places to which they travel.  They’ve been guiding photographic tours professionally for over five years, and their goal is obvious:  They want each participant to have a wonderful time while taking lots of great photos. 

 

From the first meeting at the originating airport, Cathy and Gordon take care of everything, so that each participant’s days are filled with photography, free of other cares.  Once you’ve been with Cathy and Gordon, you’ll understand why I call them “guides” rather than “tour leaders.”  Their groups are small--never more than six participants, so each photographer has the sense of having his/her own individual guide--helping, supporting, advising, and searching out the best possible sites for the most rewarding shots.

 

To date, I’ve been with Gordon and Cathy (their company name is Adventure Photography) on three tours:

From "Springtime in the Sonora Desert."

 

1. The Sonora Desert in southern Arizona where we went to view springtime flowers and wildlife, plants and animals that somehow survive in this arid environment. While Cathy was suggesting angles, heights, and the best lighting to ensure dynamic images, Gordon was climbing hills and valleys in search of exciting photo possibilities, then calling us over to see what he’d found.  It was like a camera-based treasure hunt during which, thanks to Cathy and Gordon’s searches and suggestions, we all captured prized photos.
    

2. California Beauty & the Beasts, a mini-adventure along the state’s central coast where both the animal life and the enchanting shoreline scenery are special. Somehow, Cathy and Gordon discovered the most advantageous positions from which to photograph and shared hidden locations we could never have discovered on our own.  We were kept busy as we captured intriguing images of huge harems of elephant seals with their battling bulls, thrilling up-close shots of hummingbirds, fascinating masses of monarch butterflies, and even cute little ground squirrels.  Each encounter played a role in making the journey memorable and assuring that we all returned home with a wonderful collection of memorable images.   
    

3. Alligator Farm in St Augustine, Florida was a spectacular setting for photographing a great variety of magnificent tropical birds that nested in the trees and bushes above a swamp filled with more than a thousand ferocious alligators. Scores of herons, egrets, storks and other species filled our viewfinders as Cathy and Gordon pointed out the best sites to set up our cameras and tripods.  They also arranged for us to enter the elevated, boarded walkways before and after the official times of opening and closing, thus ensuring that we had the best opportunities for getting those once-in-a-lifetime bird photos. 

I’ve now experienced more than fifty photo journeys, and in all of them, guides have accompanied me, usually in a one-to-one arrangement.  Virtually all these individuals have been professional and competent.  Thus, I feel qualified to assess the quality of Cathy and Gordon’s performance.  From the beginning of their tours, which takes place at agreed-upon meeting points, all the details have been arranged well in advance.  There’s nothing to do but derive pleasure from the hours of good company and the joy of photography.  Their diligent scouting assures that participants have the best photo opportunities at each of the sites as well as comfortable accommodations and plenty of good food.

 

From the "Alligator Farm"

Cathy and Gordon have no qualms about sharing their extensive photographic expertise.  Questions are answered, problems are solved, advice is offered, and encouragement is abundant.  Moreover, they understand their environment.  Their experiences and observations gleaned from extensive travels through the most rewarding locations, both scenic and wildlife, benefit every participant.  In addition, participants enjoy the comfort of knowing Cathy and Gordon are available (unlike tour leaders who spend their days in pursuits of their own).  They’re always in view and ready to be of assistance. When I was a participant, I made a point of taking the advice and support they offered, but I’ve also been with group members who prefer to work without outside guidance.  Cathy and Gordon left those photographers free to do their own thing.

 

Cathy and Gordon are accomplished photographers in their own rights.  Among their credits are awards in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, Nature’s Best International Photographic Competition, and many other meaningful honors and distinctions.  Additionally, their work can be seen in many magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Natural History, etc.  They’re accredited as Certified International Tour Managers, and they’re so good at what they do that they could teach other tour leaders how to truly delight clients with each new adventure.

 

To sum up, I’ve already signed up for my next journey with Cathy and Gordon, this time to Death Valley, confident that it will be just as successful as all the others I’ve taken with them.  I’m certain that if you’re passionate about your photography and the joys it can bring, you’ll find that traveling with Cathy and Gordon Illg will enhance both your senses and your photographic pursuits. 

 

More......

 

(Since I’ve written from the point of view of a tour participant, all of the images are mine. If you’d like to see more of my photographs, you can find them at www.edwardmendell.com. You can find examples of Gordon and Cathy’s photos on their Website: www.advenphoto.com.)