Black Bear Photo Workshops

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is 600+ acres of North Woods habitat, ideal for black bears and other wildlife. Each workshop leader will discuss the history of sanctuary, its bears, and what to look for when framing each shot. Emphasis will be placing photographers in the right position to get that award winning shot. All instruction will occur in the field to give each photographer as much time as possible with the bears. Each session will provide the photographer with ample opportunity to capture cubs scampering up a tree, sleeping in a branch, mothers defending cubs, boars vying for position, cooling off in the pond or resting on wood chips.

About these workshops:

For photographers who prefer hands-on with most of our instruction in the field
Opportunities for group discussions and questions and answers
Designed toward amateur nature photographers with beginner to advanced skill levels
Small group size to allow for individual attention to participants
We shoot right along with you….but in a limited capacity. We use our time shooting as field demonstrations that help to reinforce fundamental concepts of photography and help expand your creative vision
Tripods are allowed although monopods have proven to be the easiest to use in the field.

Concepts of particular focus:

Metering/Exposure/histograms
Light
Depth of Field

Workshop prices:

$800 per person for all photo workshops (this includes a digital basic membership to the American Bear Association)
We also politely ask, although not required, that each photographer donate at least one royalty free photo to the ABA for their use for monetary gains, marketing and promotions and this in-kind donation will help keep the facilities in operation.

Other info:

Class size is limited to 10 people for June & July workshops and 7 people for August & September workshops, so register early
All proceeds will go to support The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
All participants will be required to view and sign the bear safety policies
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver
Be sure to bring all your camera equipment
Be prepared for adverse weather
YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THE WORKSHOP. ID REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL IF REQUESTED BY STAFF.

Questions? Call (218) 757-0172 or email us at bears@americanbear.org

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Written notification is required (by email or US mail with confirmation from ABA) 60 days before the workshop date for a full refund.
Any cancellations within 60 days of the event will not be accepted and will be processed as a donation. Thank you.

Eric Tetens Photo Workshops – Anticipating the Shot

Eric is a wildlife photographer, having visited sanctuary since 2000 capturing over 100,000 images of the bears. His photo credits include: Sierra Club, ESPN and various regional and local publications. Eric has shot extensively throughout North and Central America focusing on bears and wolves. Eric’s has studied the North American Black Bear extensively and utilizes his understanding of bears, and specifically bears at sanctuary, to help his students take better photographs.

Eric's Schedule:

Friday Night: Participants will assemble for registration, introductions and bear safety instructions at 7pm. Eric will provide a brief discussion about what to anticipate over the weekend and answer questions. Attendance for this meeting is mandatory and waivers must be signed in order to shoot at the sanctuary.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday: Participants will shoot early in the morning and later in the afternoon when the bears are active and we have the best light.
The VSWS is closed to the public on Saturday morning as well as all day on Sunday and Monday, so you will be the only guests!

Eric Tetens Photo Workshop - June 6th-8th 2026

By American Bear Association

Eric Tetens Photo Workshop - June 6th-8th 2026