Wildlife Photography Tours

Small-group photography experiences in the Sonoran Desert, led by photographer Jeremy Johnson. Wildlife and landscape-focused excursions in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest east of Phoenix, designed to give you the best opportunity to capture your own bucket-list Arizona photographs. Tours typically depart from NE Mesa near Usery Regional Park.

Authorized by the U.S. Forest Service to conduct commercial photography tours on Tonto National Forest lands.

Inquire About A Tour

More Than a Photography Tour

These are hands-on wildlife photography experiences designed around what you want to photograph. We can explore the Tonto National Forest in search of wildlife, wild horses, landscapes, and the unexpected moments that make Arizona special. Areas of focus include the Lower Salt River and the Superstition Mountain Wilderness.

Tours are kept small so we can move at the right pace, spend time where the opportunities are, and focus on getting the photographs you came for. I will consult with you directly to ensure we have the highest probability of getting your shots of a lifetime!

Tours depart from my home in NE Mesa— (near Usery Park / Lower Salt River)

Plan Your Photography Experience

Tell me what you're hoping to photograph, when you'd like to go, and I'll get back to you with availability.

Prefer to text?
Text Jeremy at 309-831-6968

Tour Reviews

“We started the day with some 3AM astrophotography, then pivoted to owls in the cactus for the sunrise, with a bonus rattlesnake sunning itself, followed by wild horses and some other wildlife. I would definitely recommend Jeremy. He is organized, easygoing, and works with you to make sure you have the photographs/what you want to get out of the trip. While we were out, Jeremy provided a lot of additional information about both the local ecosystems and wildlife, which helped with understanding the wildlife being photographed.”

— Mark, Boston, MA

“Communication was top-notch and we were able to find more Wild Horses than we could count, a bunch of Javelinas, and 4 different raptor species in one afternoon!”

— Lisa and Bob, Austin, TX

“Jeremy is so knowledgeable about the area’s history, wildlife, and vegetation. I was able to photograph 6 different pairs of Great Horned Owls, a Screech Owl, and we even got a surprise Mojave Rattlesnake on the way back to the car!

— Shauna, Gilbert, AZ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Tours are $250 for the first two hours and $75 for each additional hour.

  • Availability depends on the season, weather, wildlife activity, and your preferred experience. Send an inquiry and we’ll find a time that works.

  • I’ve spent more than 15 years exploring and photographing this area, so I know the wildlife, landscapes, and conditions well. Tours are kept small and tailored to what you want to photograph, with an emphasis on finding great opportunities while respecting the animals and their habitat.

    I’m also fully permitted with the National Forest Service!

  • Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed. The goal is to put you in the best possible locations and conditions while respecting the animals and their habitat.

  • Bring your camera and lenses, plenty of water, appropriate outdoor clothing, and anything else you normally use for outdoor photography. I’ll provide additional recommendations based on the specific tour.

Wildlife Ethics — We Take This Seriously

Wildlife welfare always comes first. All tours follow strict ethical guidelines designed to protect wildlife, nesting sites, and sensitive habitats. Participants are expected to maintain appropriate distances, follow field instructions, and respect location restrictions.

By booking a photography tour, you agree to follow these wildlife ethics guidelines. The full guidelines and participant agreement will be provided before your tour and must be reviewed and accepted before participating.