Opportunities for photographers of all skill levels
Nebraska's Best Guided Sandhill Crane Photography workshops
Sandhill cranes have stopped in the 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 2026 spot now!
workshops support the crane trust...
MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
Our private, small-group photo workshops 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 stealthy, arriving early and leaving late.
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
You will experience the migration while staying at the secluded Mallard Haven Cabin. You will have a private queen bedroom and bathroom, as well as catered meals and social hours. Evenings on the cabin porch will offer a front-row seat to the annual migration spectacle.
WORKSHOP COST
PREMIER CABIN EXPERIENCE
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
Our 3-day, 2-night guided photo experience is $2,500 (queen bed,/double-occupancy). A $500 deposit will reserve your spot. Refunds available if you cancel: 100% before 12/16/2025; 50% before 1/16/2026; No refunds after January. Member discounts. Guide tips are appreciated.
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 its 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.
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
TRAVEL, TRIP INSURANCE
We highly recommend trip insurance! Midwest travel and weather are unpredictable, as we found out in 2025.
We strongly encourage the purchase of comprehensive travel or trip insurance. Companies like InsureMyTrip.com let you compare plans from multiple providers.
PHOTO BLIND LOCATIONS
SUPPORTING THE CRANE TRUST
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
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. This is a true "workshop," with formal classroom and critique sessions, tailored to individual photographer needs. We can work with you on optimal camera settings, composition, and timing so you can get the most out of your tour experience. We will 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, and 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.
SOME OF our photo tour FIVE-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS...
ONE OF THE 'BEST' EVER
'I AM IN FOR NEXT YEAR'
'A PASSION FOR CRANES'
EVERYTHING I HOPED FOR
'EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME'
BOOK THIS PHOTO TOUR
A GREAT EXPERIENCE
I CAN'T WAIT FOR SPRING
THE 'BEST' EXPERIENCE
JEFF IS A TRUE 'CRANIAC'
JEFF IS A TRUE 'CRANIAC'
