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Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.

Tour operator · Escondido, CA · reviewed since 2021

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%97+14.8Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#103 of 201 photographersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 49%
5.0 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
100%reviews answered by the owner
May 2026latest review

Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC. at a glance

Customers consistently praise the operator for extensive knowledge of grebe behavior and photography techniques, noting that the guide positions boats optimally for lighting and bird activity. Reviews highlight effective communication, including quick responses to inquiries and proactive rescheduling when weather conditions are unfavorable. Participants report successful image capture of various species and appreciate the educational aspect of the tours, with no recurring criticisms identified in the provided five-star excerpts.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 71 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 71 Google reviews (70 with written comments, 22 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: May 26, 2026.
  • Service: Photographer serving Escondido, California.

Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.

Score profile vs other photographers

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: satisfaction and craft & service; weakest: value.

Satisfaction100Reliability99Craft & service100Value97Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 100 (median 99)Reliability: 99 (median 99)Craft & service: 100 (median 100)Value: 97 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.Photographers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
99
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
97
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Lake Hodges Photo Tours LLC.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 62.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

71 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars71100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 70 written reviews

  • Praise94100%
  • Complaints00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude3739%
  • Quality & results2122%
  • Would recommend1617%
  • Speed & response910%
  • Communication77%
  • Price & value22%
  • Honesty & trust22%

What customers talk about

We read 70 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Terrific experience; guide was able to help me get some nice shots”
  • “Brian does a great job of getting you on the grebes and explaining their behavior so you are ready to take some stunning images.”
  • “I have had two excellent outings with Brian and I highly recommend him to other wildlife photographers.”
  • “We found a huge group of them immediately, then sat and watched, as they put on quite a show.”
  • “…for photos, called out interesting behavior and pairs about to rush, explained the ideal camera settings to use, and helped me learn some new techniq…”
  • “We discussed all arrangements including financial, and I feel it was well worth it.”
  • “He has so much experience to share and he is a genuinely kind person as well!”

People customers mention

  • Brian 43 reviews
  • Grebes 19 reviews
  • Grebe 8 reviews
  • Caldwell 4 reviews
  • Wohlford 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

David1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★

Brian has a unique understanding of the biology and photography of these Grebes. Hw knows how to make sure his clients get a safe experience with these birds. I was thrilled with the collection of images I generated.

Customer photo from David's reviewCustomer photo from David's review
DavidLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★

Brian really knows his way around the Grebe community and being an accomplished photographer himself he knows how to place himself and you in the most advantageous position. If your looking for a fun outing and the chance to add some Grebe photos to your portfolio you won’t be disappointed if you book a slot on his boat.

Nathan2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

Brian does a great job of getting you on the grebes and explaining their behavior so you are ready to take some stunning images. We highly recommend him!

Christopher1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

I went for a wonderful tour with Brian on Lake Wohlford and managed to get many wonderful shots. Brian has spent years with the grebes, which allows him to point out all their behaviors and what to look for ahead of any rushing.

AbbeyLocal Guide · 6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★

I have had two excellent outings with Brian and I highly recommend him to other wildlife photographers. We focused on capturing rushing grebes, but Brian has extensive knowledge of the area in general and is able to assist with opportunities for other species as well. Brian's knowledge of the grebes and their…

Lynzie8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★

Had an excellent morning with Brian on Lake Wohlford. Although it was a bright sunny day, Brian positioned the boat so we had the best shots without shadows being an issue. He also told us how too determine which Grebes were getting ready to rush. With a group of 30-50 Grebes, you didn't really know where to…

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 71 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
David Arkin1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Brian has a unique understanding of the biology and photography of these Grebes. Hw knows how to make sure his clients get a safe experience with these birds. I was thrilled with the collection of images I generated.

Response from the owner · 5 months ago

Thanks David. I'm looking forward to seeing you images.

David McGuireLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Brian really knows his way around the Grebe community and being an accomplished photographer himself he knows how to place himself and you in the most advantageous position. If your looking for a fun outing and the chance to add some Grebe photos to your portfolio you won’t be disappointed if you book a slot on his boat.

Response from the owner · 5 months ago

Thanks Dave, it was my pleasure!

Ed Chu2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ed has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Terrific experience; guide was able to help me get some nice shots

Response from the owner · 5 months ago

Thanks Ed.Lglad you got done keepers. Looking forward to seeing you again when you're back in the area. Cheers, B.

Nathan Chappell2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nathan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Brian does a great job of getting you on the grebes and explaining their behavior so you are ready to take some stunning images. We highly recommend him!

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Thanks Nate. Always a pleasure heading out with your group. I'm also glad you got a few keepers.

Christopher Kennelly1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Christopher has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I went for a wonderful tour with Brian on Lake Wohlford and managed to get many wonderful shots. Brian has spent years with the grebes, which allows him to point out all their behaviors and what to look for ahead of any rushing.

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Thanks for the review Chris. I'm glad you got some good ones. I hope our paths cross again down the line.

Abbey LeybelLocal Guide · 6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Abbey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have had two excellent outings with Brian and I highly recommend him to other wildlife photographers. We focused on capturing rushing grebes, but Brian has extensive knowledge of the area in general and is able to assist with opportunities for other species as well. Brian's knowledge of the grebes and their behavior is exceptional - he got us into the perfect spot for photos, called out interesting behavior and pairs about to rush, explained the ideal camera settings to use, and helped me learn some new techniques to improve my shots. I came away from each outing with thousands of excellent grebe photos and several stunning shots of other species as well. I cannot recommend Brian enough - if you are looking for a fun day out with great company and excellent photographic opportunities, then he’s the guide for you!

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

THANKS Abbey, for taking the time. I really appreciate it.

Lynzie Flynn8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lynzie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Had an excellent morning with Brian on Lake Wohlford. Although it was a bright sunny day, Brian positioned the boat so we had the best shots without shadows being an issue. He also told us how too determine which Grebes were getting ready to rush. With a group of 30-50 Grebes, you didn't really know where to look/watch so his expertise made it much easier and more successful.

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

Thanks Lynzie, for taking the time to leave a review. And it was my pleasure spending the morning with you both.

Ellie Van Os2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ellie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had an amazing session with Brian out on Lake Wohlford. He has a keen ear for what's going to happen next and an uncanny ability to know when - high entertainment value! Both Clark's and Western Grebes were demonstrating courtship behavior... a lot!

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

Thanks Ellie, it was my pleasure. Hope to see you both again down the line. :)

Carolyn Kelly5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Carolyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had a perfect morning with Brian last week. He is so engaging, and shared all the things to look for in grebe behavior. We found a huge group of them immediately, then sat and watched, as they put on quite a show. I was able to get amazing footage, both still shots and video, even with my iPhone! Loved the entire experience, and would love to join Brian again, on another adventure!

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

Thanks Carolyn. A great morning for me too :) 'Twas great seeing you again.

Michele Reniche3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Michele has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had a delightful time observing and photographing the grebes with Brian. We came home with some great pictures and video that would not have been possible without his experience and expertise.

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

Thank you Michele. I, too, had a fantastic time. :)

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