About ColdSnap

John Gregor has owned and operated ColdSnap Photography for over 25 years. He has 40 years experience as a professional photographer.

Gregor has a Masters of Education through St. Scholastica College with an emphasis in photographic literacy. He earned his BA from the University of Minnesota with a degree through the University Without Walls program, his degree was entitled “Documentary Expression of American Culture Through Photography” a combined degree of Social Sciences and Fine Art Photography.

Gregor’s photographs have been published in numerous regional and national magazines, his fine art prints are in museums and collections worldwide. During his career he has worked on some interesting projects including: 2 years as the Track Photographer at Canterbury Downs Racetrack, a month long photographic project in Africa documenting the first attempted kayak decent of the Blue Nile from Lake Victoria to Lake Albert, a photography project on horse-mounted military musical bands with trips to England, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden, funded by the University of St. Thomas, photographic documentation of over 100 Scientific and Natural Areas in Minnesota, “Northland Wildflowers” a guide to the Minnesota Region.

For the last five years Gregor has been wintering in Utah and Mexico. His work in Mexico has resulted in an exhibit and a photographic workshop at Mueseo y Archivo de la Fotographia the premier photographic center in Mexico City.

Gregor currently spends his time in Bluff Utah, Mexico, and Duluth Minnesota.

Associates

Randy Hagar has a degree in biology from the University of Minnesota. His photographic work has been published in numerous regional and national magazines. He has worked with and co-taught with Gregor for over 25 years. They have taught photography at seminars, workshops, and accredited courses including courses at: University of Minnesota, North Hennepin Community College, Split Rock Arts Program, Arrowhead Regional Library System, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, General Mills and many others.

Hagar has been instrumental in developing the tours in Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes, he assists in leading the tours to Newfoundland.

Hagar lives in South Minneapolis.

Tim Zeltinger is largely a self-taught photographer. He has studied with some of the best photographers in the Midwest. Zeltinger’s photographs have won numerous awards including Digital Photo of the year at the N4C a collection of regional camera clubs, “Best of Show” for two years running at the North Dakota State Fair. Zeltinger spends most of his free time photographing the landscape and wildlife in North Dakota. He also enjoys photographing rodeos, and he makes an annual photographic pilgrimage to the Manitoba Stampede in Morris Manitoba.

Zeltinger has been instrumental in developing the tours in North Dakota and the region, he assists in leading these tours.

Zeltinger lives on the prairies of North Dakota, land of spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Testimonials

Working with and being part of his workshops over the last 6-7 years has been a great experience. First meeting John 7 years ago at a 2-day workshop in Fargo. Then attending several workshops on the North Shore brought me in touch with some great people. Then helping him scout locations in ND for workshops you get to learn a lot about one another. Mostly his passion for great locations and for every aspect of photography. From light painting, sunsets, sunrises, star trails and milky way. Always looking to put the best location for the front of the camera at the time of shooting. Helping others prepare for the shoot answering questions to make sure the clients get their money’s worth. Metting new people and revisiting with past clients has been a great experience. Making sure all the ones riding along (especially in the FUN BUS) not only have a great time but become friends.

I've taken several photography workshops from John Gregor. He continues to earn my repeat business because I know I'll have to opportunity to shoot some amazing subjects while receiving expert instruction on how to best capture each one. John finds places I would never find on my own, and he always has a plan B, C, and D as the light and weather change. But what sets John's workshops apart is the diversity of experiences each one offers. While wildlife and landscape are de rigueur with most workshops, John takes it a step further. He presents cultural and learning opportunities by exposing his participants to local color and personalities. Whether it's talking with the local fishmonger or enjoying a barbecue with the town barkeeper, I know I will go home with some wonderful images, great memories, and a deeper knowledge of the people and the culture of that destination.

John has a lifetime of photographic knowledge and skill that he willingly shares with workshop participants. Many times I’ve heard him ask if we were getting what we want from our camera; when the answer was no I’ve seen, and experienced, John move deeper into teacher mode and work to increase a person's photographic skill set. John enlightened me to the concept of “the working photographer” who creates and captures images purposefully and then moves on to the next location or composition.

How do you judge a good photo tour? Obviously itinerary, and value but also, importantly your guide. John Gregor is not only an outstanding guy but a wonderful human being. He values you not only as a client but as a human being and he expresses genuine interest in you as a photographer. He gives valuable insights and good advice, but will not encroach upon your space moreover, he will not shoot in front of you nor before you. Blessed with a sense of humor and patience John is passionate about the places he tours. His cultural interest in Mexico in Oaxaca and its day of the dead celebrations made that photography journey so much more. I’m already planning my next trip with John. I hope you will consider joining him too.

“I’ve taken several workshops from Coldsnap Photography. John is a great teacher and his love for not only photography, but also the landscapes and environments we’ve visited, comes through in his teaching. I have learned something new in each workshop and met some great people along the way. I consider John’s teaching and my workshop experiences to be large influences on the improvement of my photography.”

I first met John and Coldsnap Photography, at a camping expo in Minneapolis about the time I wanted to get serious about photography. He was offering a one-day wild orchid workshop which I thought I’d take to see if his teaching style matched my learning style. It did and I've learned. Twenty-some years later after many landscape workshops, macro workshops, people and events workshops, and numerous photo road trips the last of which was 10 days across the Northern tier states, I've learned much, have had a great time and met some good folk. I consider John not only a fine instructor but as good friend as well.

I’ve taken many workshops from John Gregor at Coldsnap Photography and highly recommend him. Not only have I learned a tremendous amount about photography, I’ve been able to enjoy seeing much of North America as a solo traveler with camera in hand. From Newfoundland, Canada to Guadalajara, Mexico I have always felt safe experiencing different cultures and exploring the beauty of nature and birds on the workshops John offers. John truly cares about his clients and has offered me much encouragement to achieve goals. Five stars all the way!

About ColdSnap

Associates

Testimonials

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