• HOME
• PORTFOLIO
• DAILY PHOTOS
  & ARCHIVES
• CLOTHING
• EQUIPMENT
• PRESENTATIONS
• HAPPY
  CUSTOMERS
• ADDITIONAL
  RESOURCES
• MY BIO
• CONTACT

Affordable Private Photo Tours

Private Tours Customized To Meet Your Needs

Want to get the most out of your visit to San Diego? Want to capture photos you'll be proud to show off? My Private Photo Tour is for you.

Why my tours trump the others:

1. I've lived in San Diego over 40 years and photograph here almost daily. I know every photographic nook and cranny.
2. You get to use my extensive collection of photo gear. Both Nikon and Canon.
3. I hold nothing back: I'll teach you everything I know.

It doesn't matter if you're old or young, a beginner or a seasoned pro, a Canon or Nikon shooter: I will help you capture exciting images at the hottest photo spots in the San Diego area. I'll show you how to get the most out of the photo gear you already own. Plus you'll have access to my extensive equipment collection so bring an extra CF or SD card. Each day's schedule is completely flexible. I tailor the time, locations and physical activity to meet your needs.

Read on to learn more or, click here to register.

Welcome

It's fun to use Steve's 800mm lens. Plus Steve carries it and sets it up for you.
All you do is aim it and push the button.

Hello, I’m Steve Cirone. I’ve spent decades photographing wildlife in Southern California where I have perfected specific photographic techniques for specific locations.

I've been a commercial photographer most of my life. I've photographed weddings, concerts and conventions and operated a portrait studio.

I’ve served as president of the Sierra Club Photo Section and president of the Photonaturalists Club. Now I concentrate on nature photography and have won many awards.

Imagine

I've been offering personalized photographic tours in Southern California since 2007. Thank you all for making this venture successful beyond anything I had envisioned!

I will guide you to spectacular nature photography spots such as the lakes, rivers, beaches, and lagoons of San Diego. Tours are customized to your needs and schedule.

Some clients want to photograph at the World Famous San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. Since I know both so well, I'm able to lead you straight to the best opportunities. And, with my special pass, I get up to two folks in free.

Other iconic San Diego locations such as the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego Mission and others also offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Achieve

I'll show you how to determine the best angle of light and where to be in relation to your subject.

I specialize in teaching you how to use the key features of your camera:

• When to use Manual Exposure Mode to ensure accurate exposure on every shot.
• How to use your flash like a pro as the main light. I've perfected the art of flash photography in the field.
• Focus point and pattern selection to ensure maximum sharpness.
• What your Focus Limiter can do for you.
• Getting the most out of Image Stabilization and Vibration Reduction.

You will learn to predict and capture the Decisive Moment in Spectacular Light as it unfolds. Along the way, we will observe amazing animals and their behavior and, hopefully, become better stewards of our environment.

 

Private Instructional Photo Tours

My spouse Elena assists us. She's an accomplished nature photographer and the eyes of the operation. She has an uncanny ability to locate wildlife and predict behavior. While we're photographing our current subject, she's off locating our next.

San Diego Photo Ops

Due to its diverse habitat including ocean, rivers, lakes, mountains and deserts, San Diego has the widest diversity of avian species in the world.

Typical lake species include Wood Ducks, Snowy and Great Egrets, Little Green and Great Blue Herons, hawks, American Widgeons, Ring-Neck Ducks and Ospreys.

Macro photography opportunities include dragonflies, spiders, caterpillars, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, beetles, bees, wasps and other insects, especially in warm weather months.

Coastal species include Marbled Godwits, Long-Billed Curlews, Willets, Terns, Long-Billed Dowitchers, Sandpipers, Black-Bellied Plovers, and Whimbrels, just to name the regulars.

I’ll show you specific techniques for each subject depending on the light and what we discover. I photograph in San Diego almost daily, so I know what works.

Equipment for Nikon and Canon Photographers

If you're shooting Nikon, you can use my Nikon 300mm f/4 lens - it's great for birds in flight and general macro. To complement this rig, I also have a Nikon SB-900 flash, Better Beamer flash extender and Nikon flash battery booster.

For Nikon micro work, you can use my Nikon-mount Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens and, the key ingredient for micro photography: the special Ring Light that mounts on the tip of the lens.

For Canon shooters, I own just about everything a nature photographer can dream of. Everybody gets to use my Canon Mark IV body and monster Canon 800mm f/5.6 rig. I carry it and set it up. You'll need a separate CF or SD card for this rig - preferrably about 8GB. Visit my equipment page to see it all.

All tours are personally led by Steve and Elena and include pre-tour instruction and post-tour email consultation. Price is $425 per person for the entire day - sunrise to sunset.

Our tours make great gifts! We'll send you a customized gift certificate including your name and the name of the recipient. Tour dates can be scheduled later.

To register with a credit card, use the PayPal buttons below. Additional days can be added in the PayPal Shopping Cart window. In the event of an emergency, you can reschedule your tour any available time during the next 12 months.

For date availability, email your preferences to Steve@SteveCirone.com or call my cell at 858-761-1020.