NOW BOOKING SANDHILL CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Opportunities for intermediate or advanced photographers
Nebraska's Best Guided Sandhill Crane Photography Tours
Sandhill Cranes have stopped in the state's central Platte River valley for millions of years while migrating to their northern breeding grounds.
Join award-winning photographer Jeffrey Z. Carney as he guides photographers in documenting the annual spectacle from exclusive, private blinds.
Reserve your spot now!
Exclusive tours support the crane trust...
MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
Our private, small-group tours (limit of 3 people) will provide ample opportunities to photograph Sandhill Cranes coming back to the river roost for the evenings, and when they leave the river in the morning at first light.
Both flights require photographers to be stealth, arriving early and leaving late.
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR COST
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
Our 3-day, 2-night guided photo tour experience is $1,190 per person (limit of 3). An initial deposit of $500 is required when booking your reservation.
Refunds available if you cancel: 100% before 12/16/2024; 50% before 1/16/2025; No refunds after January. Member discounts. Tips are not included.
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
ALL of your tuition dollars go directly to the non-profit Crane Trust, which helps support their conservation mission.
The Trust works year-round to protect nearly 10,000 acres of critical habitat, which also benefits the endangered Whooping Cranes that frequent the area.
OTHER COSTS YOU COVER
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
By design, our photo tours do not include food or lodging. This keeps your costs low. There are plenty of lodging and restaurant choices in the Grand Island and Kearney areas, which is only a short drive away from where we will meet before heading to the river each day.
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
Protect yourself. Travel and weather are unpredictable, as we found out in 2024.
We strongly encourage the purchase of comprehensive travel or trip insurance. Companies like InsureMyTrip.com, which allows you to compare plans from multiple providers.
PHOTO BLIND LOCATIONS
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
We have exclusive access to Crane Trust private land and photography blinds along the Platte River.
Trust blinds are in the middle of a large crane roost. We will monitor crane behavior and select a blind to provide the best photo opportunities.
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
Our photo tours provide an immersive experience for intermediate and advanced photographers, using digital cameras. There will be moderate physical demands getting to and from our blinds. In order to get the most from your tour experience, you will need to carry your own equipment in cold or wet conditions, as well as be able to tolerate inclement weather.
EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
Long telephoto lenses, from 400 to 600mm, with a 1.4x teleconverter. DSLR or mirrorless cameras, extra batteries and cards, sturdy tripod, a red or green flashlight, and backpack are musts. Also, it's helpful to pack light. This makes getting in and out of the blinds easier, especially in the dark. Warm, camouflage or muted color clothing is a must.
NEBRASKA'S SPRING WEATHER
EXPERIENCE, PHYSICAL DEMAND
NEBRASKA'S SPRING WEATHER
From snow, to rain, or unseasonably warm temperatures, our Midwest weather is unpredictable. Unless you're a bison, prepare for everything by bringing along protection for your cameras and lenses, as well as layered clothing, wind and water protection, warm boots, gloves and hats. Your clothing should be camouflage or a muted color to help with concealment.
WHAT WE WILL DO
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
NEBRASKA'S SPRING WEATHER
We will monitor crane behavior before your arrival, and select photography blinds in which we will have the best opportunities for success. Remember, these are wild birds and impossible to predict. So if conditions are poor, we will move to nearby cornfields or wetlands to photograph during the day. Our goal is to provide you with the greatest photo opportunities while with us.
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
Advanced or intermediate photographers will have the best experiences, we've found. While this isn't a "workshop," with formal classroom sessions, we can work with you on optimal camera settings, composition, and timing so you can get the most out of your tour experience. That starts with a needs assessment before you arrive. We can share tips and best practices for those who are interested.
WHY CHOOSE US?
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
WORKSHOP VS. PHOTO TOUR
First, Carney Photography has exclusive access to private land, well-positioned photo blinds, and small tour group sizes;
Second, we charge less for a front-row seat to the river's largest crane roost. And all of your tuition dollars go directly back to the Crane Trust;
Third, learn from both an award-winning wildlife photographer, and an experienced photography teacher.
FIVE-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS
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Commercial Drone Work
Business Website Photos
Commercial Drone Work
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Business Website Photos
Business Website Photos
Sandhill Crane Photo Tours!
JOIN ME IN MARCH OF 2025 TO PHOTOGRAPH THE MIGRATION SPECTACLE...