Custom Private Photography Tours

Smugala Private Photo Tours – Southeast Missouri Ozarks

Experience the Southeast Missouri Ozarks the way only locals can with Smugala Private Photo Tours with photographer Thomas Smugala. Thomas lives here year-round and knows every inch of the region—from the wild horses along the Jacks Fork to the pink rock shut-ins, the crystal waters of Blue Spring, the ancient peaks of Hughes Mountain, the quiet beauty of Pickle Spring, the towering bluffs at Sam A. Baker, the petroglyphs at Washington State Park, the dramatic chambers of Onondaga Cave, and the massive granite formations of Elephant Rocks—or exclusive private shooting locations on one-of-a-kind private property. Team Smugala handles the access, secure permissions from private landowners, best light and conditions, special equipment needs... so you can focus on creating stunning images safely and confidently.

From private one-on-one sessions to large corporate experiences, Smugala Inc. can supply everything you need—transportation, assistants, models, makeup, and craft service—making each tour fully customized and worry-free. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect frame, a traveler seeking authentic places, or someone who wants to be photographed in breathtaking natural settings, our private tours deliver exclusive locations, expert local knowledge, and the complete support that comes from working with people who truly know this land.

PERFECT FOR

• Individuals

• Couples, friends and families

• Photographers at all levels

• Corporate team building

Exclusive Private Photo Tours

Smugala Inc. offers private guided photo adventures for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can create an amazing photographic adventure or vacation for you with a world-class photographer as your guide. We can customize any of our published private photography tours or explore a destination that meets your individual dream, schedule and interests.

Custom Private Photo Tours built around your vision.

Perfect, pre-scouted locations. Perfect light at the right time. With or without models/talent. Landscape, nature, photojournalism, self-portraiture, and editorial photography. Step-by-step coaching (if desired).

• Select a pre-existing or customize your own

• Your dates and tour duration

• One-on-one private photo instruction

• Focus on the type of photography that interests you or be the subject

INCLUDED

• Accommodations (if desired)

• All local transportation (if desired)

• Models/Subjects with releases

• Transportation from airport

• Equipment (if desired)

• Craft service (water & snacks)

NOT INCLUDED

• International or domestic flights

• Meals

YOU OR YOUR GROUP AS THE SUBJECTS

Whether you want to focus purely on photography or be the subject of a beautiful editorial shoot, it’s entirely up to you. You or your group can become the stars of a professional editorial photo shoot — a true once-in-a-lifetime experience with a world-class photographer. You’ll receive all the images from the session.

Alternatively, if someone in your group wants to focus on shooting instead, they can build their portfolio with hands-on guidance or work independently. Either way, we’ll handle everything — safely getting you to the right place at the perfect moment for the best light.

WHETHER YOU WANT TO:

• Capture epic landscape images that tell powerful stories

• Shoot with or without models

• Be the subject yourself in stunning natural settings

• Create portfolio-worthy fine art or commercial photography

Discover Missouri’s Hidden Gems or Epic Global Landscapes with a Professional Private Photography Tour Guide

From crystal-clear springs and rivers of Missouri to the rugged beauty of the Southwestern United States to the misty highlands of Scotland to the dramatic peaks of Argentina to the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, Smugala Inc. Private Photography Tours crafts safe, thoughtful, and fully personalized photography adventures tailored to your goals.

Every tour is safe, thoughtful, and designed with respect for nature and your artistic goals. Whether you’re chasing fine-art landscapes, emotional portraits in nature, or powerful storytelling images that celebrate both the land and the human spirit, we can take care of everything.

With 30+ years of experience, I don’t just guide — I anticipate challenges, solve problems on location, and help you capture the shots you’ve always dreamed of along with photographic training if desired.

Click below for a "If YOU DREAM IT" questionnaire to get all your questions answered.