Dave's workshops are incredible! I did the Bears of Brooks last July and we saw them all over the park even though the salmon weren't running. Dave knows all the best spots/timing plus he's super knowledgeable about not only the bears but photography of course, the best of both worlds.. When we had a planned fly in from Homer canceled due to weather, Dave worked to find an alternative and we had a great experience boating in ridiculously close to bears out of Soldotna. Like in a rowboat 10 feet away on the water, an experience that even beats going to Brooks (alternative is flying in and being on the ground with them). You also get time in Homer where you do a marine cruise and see so many animals including puffin and otters- a unique trip. Dave takes care of everything, and tailors to the members of the group needs. Multiple times, a part of our group chose to go for a walk or an extra trip to lower river while waiting on the water taxi, while others waited at the lodge for us. Or, when we had to leave Brooks early one day, he offered a hike around the area or downtime-with a small group we had lots of options when we had downtime. He is also great at helping both advanced photographers and newbies like me get the most out of the experience. I cannot recommend him enough. I'm going to Africa with him next and wish I could just do his workshops all year long.