I needed a few days to process this experience before I could leave a review. And what an incredible experience it was. I did a lot of research before parting with my hard earned cash for this trip. My top priorities were: ethical wildlife photography (no baiting or harassing the bears, staying a respectful distance from them, etc), a small group tour, and an experienced photographer/guide that knows how to line up the perfect shot and angle, and will patiently wait with us while we get that shot. Johnny at Bear Witness ticked all of these boxes and more. It is so very evident how much he loves and respects these bears, and encourages others to do the same. This is so important to me in any wildlife setting. I want to go home with images I can be proud of, and not feeling like I exploited the local wildlife to get them. I very much appreciated the small group as well. Each of had our own window/door for bearscouting, so we could roll down the windows and shoot through them without trying to elbow through a large group of people. And, when safe, we were able to jump out of the truck to line up the shots we wanted. Perfect. Our guides/bear guards, Colin and Gerald, were to-the-letter on keeping us, and the bears, (and fox, and hares, and snowy owls!) safe and happy. I extra appreciated the heated seats and the loan of the warm boots and footwarmers! Whatever boots you're planning on bringing - bring warmer ones! Follow his packing list to the letter, but if you're short on anything, he can help you out. Johnny literally thought of everything to make this trip a memorable one. The accommodations at Blue Sky Bed & Sled were cozy, warm and so very welcoming. From the moment you walk in the door, Jenafor and Gerald make you feel at home (including a Mom lecture to stay the heck outta her kitchen haha). The foooood, omg the food. Starve yourself for at least a week prior to arrival, because you ain't going hungry here. Home cooked meals around a cozy table in a warm, homey setting. Fantastic for reviewing the events of the day after a long, cold (but exciting) day out shooting! In short (or maybe not) - this was the trip of a lifetime. It was everything I'd hoped it would be, and more. You don't even need to ask me if I'd recommend Bear Witness - I already have to every photographer I've spoken with since returning! Thanks for such an incredible time, Johnny and crew. I'm already thinking about how I can get back to see my beautiful bears again!

A one-in-a-million travel experience. Northern Lights, dogsledding with team Gerald and Colin, cocktails and hors d’oevres with Jonny, striking scenery and, of course, polar bears. Everywhere. To observe these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings is incredible. Our hosts, Gerald and GrandmaBear were gracious and welcoming. A trip you can’t measure in dollars, only memories.

We had a great time enjoying the polar bears in Churchill. The team did incredible job taking care of us!

From the start Johnny was a great guide. We were undecided on our arrival and plans, but he supported us to make this trip perfect for us. Once we arrived, everything worked perfectly. Accommodation was cozy and homely, guides were knowledgeable and always got us in the best spot, and our days were full. This is one of the best photo tours I have done. Thank you, Johnny, Gerald, Jen, Colin, and Joe.

This trip far surpassed already high expectations that had been building momentum for more than a year. Before we even set foot in Churchill, Johnny managed expectations, shared detailed packing lists, and answered questions. Onsite, he coordinated daily activities, provided photography guidance, and herded his client cats with skill and humor. Our group had the privilege of staying at Blue Sky Bed & Sled, where we gorged on Jenafor’s tasty meals, interacted with their fabulous dogs, and had a real home to come back to at the end of every day. Gerald’s knowledge of the landscape and his superhuman ability to spot not just bears but all the animals filled every day with wildlife encounters from dawn to dusk. And he and Collin had us laughing nonstop as well when they weren’t vigilantly watching for bears and keeping us save. I appreciated how clearly Johnny and his guides communicated important instructions both out in the field and back at the house. It was a privilege to be in a pickup truck with a window for each of us vs. the vans that other groups shuffled in and out of with all the gear. And I loved the amount of respect Johnny, Gerald, and Collin had for the animals themselves as well as for the rules of engagement to avoid overwhelming the bears. I can’t wait to come back!