Leading a Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography Workshop represents a huge amount of responsibility, and the first responsibility above all others is keeping the client safe.  In over 20 years leading photography workshops in the snowy wildernesses of Hokkaido, Japan, a safe return is just as important as capturing unforgettable photographs.  Precautions such as complete first-aid kits are a necessity for whatever may befall the Hokkaido Photo Tour leader, any of the clients, or even an innocent bystander who requires help.  Blizzards are also common occurrences during Winter Photo Tours, but as our Japan Dreamscapes Photo Guide has been checking weather charts for as long as he can remember, he knows when to call off a day on a tour or whether to hunker down and endure a 30 minute whiteout to chase the light in search of once in a lifetime photos.

The second half of the responsibility is being respectful of the natural environment and trying to reduce the impact that humans bring to Hokkaido’s winter wonderland of photography.  Several of the species that make up a Hokkaido Birding Photography Workshop are on the IUCN Endangered List to varying degrees.  At present, The Steller’s Sea Eagle is fighting against changes in climate and impact on its preferred prey, which is referred to as habitat alteration.  Our Hokkaido Photo Tour Guides make sure to minimize their impact on the natural environment while also taking clients to the best locations to capture photo treasures.  The Blakiston’s Owl is another endangered species fighting a battle of preservation against persistent deforestation and human development.  All of JDS’s leaders know the struggles and have seen other groups make careless mistakes while guiding clients and creating unacceptable risks.  While with JDS, your safety and the conservation of the natural landscapes around you is our primary concern.  You will seamlessly mesh with nature, take amazing photos, and return home with memories that will last forever.