MEET THE TEAM

CHRIS BYRNE (FOUNDER)

Hello there! I’m Chris and I spent way too many years aimlessly wandering the earth and working for the man before finding my true passion in nature and landscape photography. My love of nature started very early in life as I would study the photographs in my dad’s huge collection of National Geographics, and also spend as much time as I could out exploring in the woods with my younger brother. Fast forward many years and after getting a finance degree in college I went to work in the stock market for over fifteen years (and didn’t get rich). During my time, I saw first hand two of the most devastating financial crises in our country’s history, and after the second go around I completely lost interest in my profession and desperately needed something more. I found myself in a place in life without any inspiration or excitement for what I was doing.

Then on a trip to Glacier, Montana I rediscovered my love of nature. However, the photographs I was trying to get just didn’t do the place any justice. It was then that I decided to get serious about photography and quickly poured all of myself into the craft, learning as much as possible as quickly as I could. I was a super sponge and had a new passion for life! As soon as I became proficient in my skills, I wanted to share my knowledge and began teaching others. Now I lead workshops to some of the best places on the globe. I am proud to be able to inspire others and spend as much time as I possibly can with each person in helping them connect with nature while teaching the techniques to capture the images that they want to create. Seeing people make breakthroughs in their art is something that I cherish. I truly believe that nature is good for the soul. The more you explore, the more you will be inspired. Join us on an unforgettable photography adventure! www.chrisbyrnephotography.com

NICOLE PINO (IN MEMORIAM)

NICOLE PINO (IN MEMORIAM)

Born and raised in Utah, Nicole has always enjoyed an outdoor lifestyle, hence developing an interest in visually capturing the wonders of nature at a young age. Exploring the geological diversity of her home state nurtured her passion for photography and later in life she concentrated on improving her skills and taking her hobby to a professional level. She soon found herself obsessed with the craft, and happily immersed in the photographic industry. Having an incurable wanderlust and love for the outdoors, Nicole spends most of her free time traveling, exploring and capturing the beauty around her. She is also a licensed boat captain and never passes up a chance to get out on the water, explore and photograph.

Traveling extensively in both the US and abroad has afforded Nicole the opportunity to experience diverse cultures, and hone her skills in several genres of photography. Her specialties include landscape, Milky Way (night sky), wildlife and travel. Nicole's deep connection to the natural world is evident in her work, as she effortlessly captures the stunning landscapes and intricate details of her surroundings. A unique perspective and keen eye for composition result in photographs that resonate with viewers. Embracing her insatiable appetite for adventure, Nicole often ventures off the beaten path, seeking out remote and untouched locations to showcase in her visual narratives. Her love of the outdoors resonates in every aspect of her photography, infusing it with a sense of adventure and natural beauty. Furthermore, her expertise as a licensed boat captain allows access to seldom photographed, remote locations that encapsulate the raw essence of nature in her work.

Nicole enjoys sharing her passion for photography and love of the outdoors with others, and is most at home in the field helping clients improve their skills and gain confidence in themselves and their photographic vision. In addition to being an accomplished guide and instructor, Nicole is familiar with the technical aspects of photography, as well as various camera systems and gear. Not only is Nicole dedicated to her craft, but she is also committed to nurturing the talents of aspiring photographers. She finds fulfillment in mentoring others, fostering their growth, and instilling in them a deep appreciation for the art of photography. With a wealth of technical knowledge and experience as a guide/instructor, she effortlessly empowers her clients to unleash their full potential behind the lens. Nicole's multifaceted expertise encompasses not only the creative side of photography, but also a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects, making her a well-rounded photography instructor and travel guide. www.nicolepinophotography.com

In the middle of 2023, Chris and Nicole decided to start this company. Tragically in May 2024, Nicole very unexpectedly fell ill and passed away. That evening the Northern Lights had its most intense display in decades and it seemed like one final show from her from the heavens above. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. Always smiling with a positive attitude, Nicole’s adventurous spirit and dedication to helping client’s in their passion for photography will live on here at Destination Earth.

LYLE KRANNICHFELD

The most incredible moments in Lyle's life have revolved around the beauty of the natural, wild parts of our world and a connection with the animals we share it with. He is very fortunate to live on Maui with his wife and daughter, which is obviously the best place ever.

As a full-time working landscape, wildlife and underwater photographer for over a decade, he has thrived on taking these moments and distilling them down into simple, compelling fine art images. To that end, he has sold more than a million dollars of his art to clients all over the world out of Pueo Gallery, which he owns and occasionally operates. He has been proudly published by Ocean Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Kiteworld, Standup Paddle Magazine and more, most recently including work for Patagonia and an upcoming scientific paper on never-before-seen Humpback Whale behavior. Lyle is also an f-stop gear ambassador.

As of late, this relationship with the outdoors has blossomed to include a genuine love of sharing it with others, leading small group workshops to some of his favorite locations around the world. That moment when a guest experiences something or some place for the first time is everything. Before joining Destination Earth Photo Tours, he operated his own trips taking guests to swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga as well as cage diving in Mexico with the Great Whites. With an emphasis on providing life changing wildlife encounters, he focused on teaching photography and post processing in equal measure, along with responsible stewardship of our oceans, respectful wildlife interactions and conservation.

He specializes in large prints to 8’ wide or more but is proficient teaching everyone in an approachable and easy to understand way, from the rote beginner to the seasoned vet. www.pueomaui.com

DANI LEFRANCOIS

Meet Dani Lefrancois: part wilderness child, part road trip aficionado, and full-time photo guide. Hailing from the overly tamed, highly populated area of the Niagara Region in Southern Ontario, Dani's childhood was a blend of summer camps and road trips with mosquito bites and car sickness (but only if she’s reading). She practically grew up with a map in one hand and a camera in the other, ready to explore the world around her and capture nature at every turn. Her love affair with photography was truly sparked on a fateful journey to Cape Breton Island, NS, where the rugged landscapes and salty air whispered secrets only a lens could capture. But it was a wild romp through Banff & Jasper National Parks and through Yukon and Alaska that lit the fire under her tripod, making her realize that snapping shots wasn't just a hobby—it was her calling.

 In 2011, Dani packed her bags, bid farewell to the Ontario flatlands, and set up camp in Banff, where the mountains echoed her ambition, and the glacier fed lakes sang her name. With her trusty adventure dog, Tuzo, by her side, they conquered trails, played in rivers, and Dani took more photos of Tuzo pooping in pretty places than she could count.

When Dani's not squeezing as much life out of a photo day as possible from sunset to the night sky to her favourite, sunrise, you'll find her cruising the open road, windows down, music up, and the tallest can of iced tea that she can find within arm's reach. Hiking, driving, knitting and Netflixing, she's a woman of extremes from always on the go or not moving at all. For the past two decades, Dani's calendar has been a graveyard of missed photo contest submission deadlines, a testament to her eternal optimism and perpetual forgetfulness. She's watched deadlines sail past like ships in the night, waving goodbye to her dreams of fame and fortune, one missed entry form at a time. But hey, who needs prizes when you've got a camera full of memories and a dog who thinks you're the greatest photographer in the world? For Dani, the real prize lies in the moments she captures, not the awards she misses out on. As Dani's wild journey continues, she finds the most joy in guiding others around the majestic landscapes of Banff National Park and to exciting new locations around the world. And though her track record with contest deadlines may leave something to be desired, Dani's determination remains unshakable.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Dani knows the true treasures lie in the simple joys—camping under a blanket of stars, hiking to hidden waterfalls, and sharing her passion for the landscape with anyone who will listen. So, as Dani Lefrancois blazes her trail through life, camera in hand and Tuzo by her side, one thing's for certain—wherever Dani goes, laughter, love, and endless possibilities are sure to follow. www.danilefrancois.com

SHANE KALYN

It all started with an old Nikon camera. A young Shane Kalyn picked up his father’s manual camera, and an interest bloomed. He shot on film, on slides. Then, he went to university, where he studied fish and wildlife management, and started traveling — and his world exploded. “From leopards and lions in Africa to Arctic foxes and puffins in Iceland to giant tortoises in Seychelles, I have been so fortunate to see and photograph some truly amazing things,” says Kalyn, an award-winning nature, wildlife and landscape photographer. He has been recognized by Canadian Geographic, National Geographic, the U.K. Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and the Audubon Photography Awards.

Shane is a proud member of The Canid Project, a non-profit that spreads awareness of the world’s canids to promote human-wildlife co-existence. “Photographing any species of wildlife, from sparrows to elephants, truly brings me joy. But I have a real soft spot for wild canids such as foxes and coyotes.  I would love to travel the world and photograph all of the amazing canid species out there”. 

Currently residing in Vancouver, BC but never content to sit still, Shane has also travelled to just shy of 50 countries, and his job as a fisheries technician takes him to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of his home province of British Columbia — but some of Shane’s favourite moments in photography often happen when he stumbles across urban wildlife close to home. “I am fascinated by urban wildlife and their ability to adapt and live alongside the human world, this coexistence is both essential and beautiful.  For me, it is the connection to the wildlife I photograph that I cherish the most. Feeling that connection to the natural world grounds me, and it is by far where I am most comfortable.”  Shane is also a proud member of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective, a group that promotes conservation and science education through the production of strong, thought-provoking visual content and he is also the founder of Canadian Conservation – a collective of Canadian nature photographers who use their art to raise funds to protect Canadian wildlife and conserve Canada’s wild spaces. www.4elementphotos.com

BERNARD GERAGHTY

As an introduction, let me explain my journey to you. Photography is a hobby that you can come to at any stage of your life. I personally arrived at this destination in October 2015. I had always been active, played gaelic and soccer, enjoyed my team sports and had relative successes, but felt that I needed a change. I always had an interest in hiking around Ireland. Until 2015, I never owned a camera so a friend suggested buying one for a hobby and I can honestly say that photography just grabbed me from the moment I took my first shot. It led me on a whirlwind journey around the world with a new appreciation of the wonderful sights around us all.

I live close to the centre of the most beautiful country in the world and I can reach the most fantastic places in less time than it takes most people to commute to work. Ireland is a stunning country and when I am behind my lens, the camera paints the landscape in the most vivid manner, I never fail to be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us.

Since starting, I have travelled the world and seen it from both sides of the lens. I have met great people, shared amazing experiences, helped peoples dreams come true and have memories that will last a lifetime, all with like minded people. Photography allows me to live the dream. I can be alone, at one with the world around me, and yet feel as though I am at the centre of the universe when I capture that split second in time. Photography is the gift that keeps on giving. So, whether it’s local or international, close by or far away, I hope that we can tailor a trip for you!!! www.bglandscapetours.ie

BEN BLANKENSHIP

Ben is a professional photographer, documentary filmmaker, and photography instructor. He began his career working in film production as a cinematographer and film editor, but soon heard a higher calling, to devote himself to the preservation of our wild places and the animals that reside therein. He spent the next two years living in remote camps in Costa Rica, Belize, and Uganda, learning to harness the power of his camera as a tool for education and conservation. 

In the years since, Ben has worked in some of the most pristine wildernesses in the world, sharing space an with an array of incredible wildlife, including many large predators. His work has been published in the New York Times, National Geographic, The Oregonian, and The New Yorker.

Today, he calls the jungles of Costa Rica home, but Alaska will always hold a special place in his heart.  For the past six summers, he has spent weeks on end camping alongside one of Alaska’s most iconic animals; the brown bear.

“Camping with Alaskan brown bears is a humbling, and unforgettable experience. There’s nothing like opening your tent in the morning to see a mother bear and her two cubs grazing just 50 feet away, totally calm and completely comfortable with your presence.”

Ben is an experienced photography instructor. He has taken well over 500 clients into the wilds of Africa, South America, Alaska and many other places. His goal is his clients’ success and enjoyment, and hopefully, for them to walk away with some of the best photos they’ve ever taken, and definitely some unforgettable stories. www.ben-blankenship.com

BRONWYN ILLINGWORTH

Born and raised in Canada, I inherited my love for photography from my father at the age of 12.  The art of film photography and the artistry of the dark room consumed me for many years.  In 2012, I embraced the digital realm, which unleashed a new wave of creativity. 

Now residing in Oregon, I am blessed with endless opportunities to capture the magnificent beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  From towering evergreens to majestic coastlines, nature has become my muse.  I have a passion for traveling and uncovering the wonders of the world.

I love chasing breathtaking landscapes and exploring the intricate details of nature through my lens. Photography isn't just a hobby for me; it's an intimate connection that allows me to freeze time and share the raw beauty of our world with you.