More About Aaron’s Photo Tours
Professional Affiliations
Aaron is a member of Sony Professional Services, the National Geographic Society, the National Audubon Society, Gura Gear Pro Team member, and a Really Right Stuff Champion. He is CPR and First Aid Certified through the American Life and Health Foundation.
Aaron’s brown bear image featured on the cover of Outdoor Photographer Magazines November 2020 issue.
Aaron Baggenstos: Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer, Videographer, and Author
Aaron Baggenstos is a celebrated professional wildlife photographer, videographer, and author, whose captivating images narrate the compelling stories of nature and wildlife. His work is fueled by his passion and dedication to conserving and preserving biodiversity and habitats across the globe, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of the natural world through their own photography.
Having been recognized by National Geographic for five consecutive years in their international photography contest, Aaron’s talent has also been acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as Nature’s Best, Outside, North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), and the Audubon Society. In addition, his work has made it to the final rounds in the esteemed Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Through his work Aaron hopes to inspire others to photograph, enjoy, and take action to protect, local and worldwide ecosystems. You can follow his ongoing travel adventures through his social media streams on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
For sponsorship, brand deals, speaking engagements and more, please email us at info@aaronstours.com with proposal and details.
Our Team
Chantelle Baggenstos
Chantelle Baggenstos: Your Expert in Adventure Travel and Tour Coordination
Chantelle brings an incredible 17 years of event planning experience and a genuine passion for excellence to all of our photo tours. Her extensive background includes planning at Microsoft, event production, and wedding planning. Chantelle’s expertise lies in meticulous organization and coordination, ensuring every detail of your trip, from the booking process to your safe return home after the trip of a lifetime, is perfectly managed.
As the backbone of our tour operations, Chantelle handles logistics, trip planning, and pre-trip coordination, while also providing crucial support during our field excursions. Her dedication and thoroughness make her an invaluable resource, ensuring the seamless execution of every tour.
Beyond her professional skills, Chantelle loves immersing herself in nature, with a particular interest in macro flower photography. She is also certified in wellness practices, including Ayurveda and Meditation, adding a unique and holistic touch to our tours.
Johan Chaves
Johan Chaves: Your Expert Costa Rica Photography Guide
Johan Chaves, with over 20 years of guiding experience in Costa Rica, now exclusively leads photography tours for Aaron’s Photo Tours. A close friend of Aaron and an overall exceptional human being, Johan is a dedicated father and a master instructor of both bird and macro photography.
Trained by Aaron over the course of 7 years leading collaborative trips, Johan has become one of the most skilled photographers in Costa Rica. He is also one of the best spotters and overall knowledgeable guides in the industry. His friendly demeanor and generous teaching style make him a favorite among tour participants. Johan’s expertise extends beyond just identifying wildlife; he shares in-depth insights into the natural history and techniques for capturing stunning photographs of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems.
Johan’s world-class skills in bird and macro photography are complemented by his extensive knowledge of the region’s flora and fauna. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, Johan’s guidance will enhance your ability to capture breathtaking images of Costa Rica’s wildlife and landscapes.
Join Johan on a Costa Rica Photo Tour for an unforgettable experience, learning from one of the best in the field and making a lifelong friend along the way.
Erik Larson
Erik Larson – Ultimate Alaska Brown Bear Guide
Erik Larson is a seasoned wilderness guide with over 25 years of experience in the Alaskan wilderness. Recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on brown bears, Erik is not only a renowned wilderness guide but also a wonderful human being who cares deeply for those he guides. His warm and compassionate nature ensures that every participant feels supported and inspired throughout their journey. Erik is an amazing storyteller, weaving tales of the Alaskan wilderness that captivate and educate, making each moment in the field unforgettable. His deep understanding of animal behavior, light, and location allows him to guide photographers to the perfect spots at the right time, ensuring they capture the beauty of the wild in its best light. With Erik, every adventure is as much about the experience as it is about the photographs.
Aaron’s image was selected for the cover of the 2022 Alaska Airlines Calendar.
In the last 10 years Aaron has led hundreds of photography tours around the world specializing in the premier wildlife destinations on the planet. His is portfolio of photo tours include Alaska, Yellowstone, Kenya, Botswana, Madagascar, Costa Rica, the Galapagos, India, Svalbard, and Antarctica.
Aaron’s teaching style consistently wins the highest of praise from his clients, who also hail from around the globe.
A Personal Invitation From Aaron
Embark on a transformative journey with Aaron’s Photo Tours™, meticulously crafted for nature and wildlife photography enthusiasts of all levels. As you explore the world’s most captivating landscapes and witness awe-inspiring wildlife phenomena, you’ll master your camera equipment and digital processing techniques under the expert guidance of Aaron Baggenstos.
Over the past decade, Aaron has led hundreds of wildlife photography tours worldwide, scouting and revisiting numerous wildlife hotspots, and hand-picking the best accommodations for your comfort and convenience. Trust Aaron and his team to plan your adventure with precision and a keen eye for detail, ensuring an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
With a strong foundation in business, Aaron excels as a photography instructor, mentor, and guide. He understands that individuals have unique learning styles and tailors his instruction to meet the needs of his audience, working seamlessly with seniors, beginners, and seasoned professionals alike.
Aaron’s Photo Tours emphasize small group, intimate experiences with nature, providing more personalized attention and fostering closer interactions with wildlife. Aaron’s extensive network of local guides and organizations enables him to stay updated on the best shooting locations and times, ensuring you have the finest opportunities to capture stunning images.
Aaron’s commitment to staying on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving photography industry sets him apart. As a continuous learner, he participates in one photo tour each year, led by one of his peers, and stays at the forefront of photographic developments in both hardware and software, backed by some of the most innovative brands in the industry.
Join Aaron’s Photo Tours to unlock your creative potential, master your camera skills, and return home with some of the best images you’ve ever captured. Together, let’s create memories and contribute to the conservation of the breathtaking locations we visit, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
If you’re seeking a fast track to achieving the photography skills and results you’ve always wanted, look no further. The world needs more nature and wildlife enthusiasts like you.
We eagerly await the opportunity to travel with you.
Warm regards,
