OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS
+ UNIQUE PHOTO
Potent Travel Experiences for Photographers Since 2016
Our partnership with Unique Photo, a New Jersey based camera store and photography workshop, has undoubtedly been one of the most fulfilling, including via wonderfully successful exclusive departures to Morocco, Namibia & Norway over the years. We have also taken or will soon take Unique travelers to Peru, Galapagos, Alaska, Antarctica, Sicily & beyond.
“I found the photo workshop absolutely outstanding. From the moment I registered, everything was handled with care and professionalism.”
- Gail, Norway '24
FEATURED TRIPS WITH UNIQUE PHOTO
With Michael Downey as a Photo Instructor
Recent feedback from Unique Photo travelers:
“This trip was an absolutely phenomenal experience in every way. Exceeded our expectations.”
- Jerry, Norway '23
"Exceptional!" - Melissa, Norway '24
“The trip was perfect. The two days in Machu Picchu were especially amazing...being there late on the first day when there were hardly any tourists left and again the next day with such different lighting."
- Beth, Peru '25
Other upcoming trips to Unique Photo-sponsored destinations:
Meet The Dream Team Leading Our Trips with Unique Photo
Michael Downey
Unique Photo Instructor
Michael Downey is a photography instructor based near New York City, passionate about photography, travel, and teaching. As Head Instructor at Unique Photo, he leads various courses and photography excursions across the northeast U.S. and international destinations, including Namibia. With a patient and encouraging style, he helps students express themselves through photography. Having joined many of Temu’s trips, Michael knows the experiences intimately. He often says, “All students experience a sense of ruthless compassion” and “I photograph to learn, to teach, and to appreciate.”
Temu Nana
Open Sky Trip Leader + Photo Pro
Temu Nana brings a unique blend of tour-leading expertise, logistical know-how, and photography talent to each trip. His passion for night photography, which led him to relocate to Utah for its dark skies in 2020, has become a key focus in recent years. He frequently presents on the subject to camera clubs, schools, and offers online astrophotography mentorships with Unique Photo. Temu has been instrumental in developing and leading photography trips, collaborating with OSE owner Alex Ros for over a decade, and has led group tours alongside Michael Downey since 2016.
About Open Sky Expeditions
We are a team of explorers, experience designers and logistical masters.
Our Photo Journeys
Our Photo Journeys are the result of years of returning to the places on the planet we have found most compelling and a pouring of our deep expertise and passion for building potent travel experiences in them—with an eye to what we know photographers will prioritize (which we know intimately as photographers ourselves).
Delivering at the Highest Standard
Our team has collectively explored 150+ countries, and has decades of professional experience in global travel. Our experience includes collaboration with 25+ renowned partners including top alumni associations, Travel & Leisure, Smithsonian Journeys, and Lindblad/Nat Geo, ensuring that our journeys are designed to the highest standard.
A Few Reasons to Travel With Us
✓ Our extensive tour crafting, leading & logistics experience
✓ Small group size (generally 6-12 travelers)
✓ Meticulously-scouted & refined itineraries
✓ Photo pro/instructors that are genuinely there in service
✓ Professional tour management on every trip
✓ Top-rated, truly expert, vetted guide(s) on every trip
✓ Comprehensive pre-trip assistance
✓ Personalized touch & passion for what we do
WE HAVE TAKEN TRAVELERS FROM UNIQUE PHOTO TO:
Alaska | Norway | Antarctica | Galapagos Islands | Peru
Morocco | Namibia | South India | Sicily
Words From Our Travelers
"Temu is the best thing about Open Sky (and there are many great things). I would go anywhere in the world with Temu. He went above and beyond to ensure our safety and happiness."
- Connie, Galapagos 2021 Traveler
"As in numerous past experiences with Michael, he is our favorite instructor and did not disappoint. Without question a primary reason we jumped at this specific tour was because Michael was going as the Unique Photo expert."
-Jerry, Norway 2023 Unique Exclusive
"The trip was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't imagine how Open Sky could possibly top last year's Morocco trip, but, in many ways you managed to do it. The sights and experiences were so numerous and diverse, and all were a photographer's delight (even for a novice photographer like me)."
-Lynne, Namibia 2017 Unique Exclusive
"The prep information was superb - the exact info and level of detail we were looking for. Every time we received a new email from you, our excitement level increased. The level of pre-planning made us confident that we weren't going to encounter any insurmountable problems in a far off land."
-Hap, Morocco 2016 Unique Exclusive
"Temu was everything a trip leader should be.... organized and thorough, patient and helpful with trip details and even more so with the photography component."
-Sheri, Norway 2023 Unique Exclusive
"One of the best trip experiences I've ever had. I spent a few days traveling before and after the trip in Peru, and the difference was significant. You all make it look easy, but I appreciate the attention to detail it takes to give us such a special experience."
- Andrea, Peru 2023 Traveler with Michael
"Ahhhh Temu, we are totally sold on traveling with him! I never worry about the details and know that whatever comes up will be handled. He's a delight to be with and this trip was no exception."
- Vicky, Galapagos 2021 Traveler
"Michael is extremely talented and knowledgeable but I think even stronger than that is his teaching ability. He is patient and helps you learn and understand more throughout the process. He gave me the encouragement and confidence to take my photos and enjoy the experience. I will continue to take workshops with him to further improve my knowledge and comfort."
-Jessica, Norway 2023 Unique Exclusive
“Keep up the good work! Thanks for providing me with yet another once-in-lifetime wonderful travel adventure. Namibia is simply one of the most amazing places on earth, mind blowing scenery, the most outstanding night skies in the world, and people with a welcoming warmth. But what made the trip stellar was Temu and Open Sky.”
- Hal, Namibia Traveler