CHASEPLACEMAIL Loc: Ct,Fla

Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with vacation tours that are oriented toward photography. For instance, I know that National Geographic sponsors tours where a Natl Geo photographer accompanies the tour and their itinerary focuses on the photographic opportunities with assistance from that pro photographer on the tour. Others seem to be administered by an individual photographer rather than an organization like Natl Geographic. I'm somewhat hesitant to go with an individual without some legitimate recommendation. Any help out there?

rubble43 Loc: Oyster Bay, Long Island NY

My wife and I have been on two of John Baker's Travel Images photo tours. We found them to be enjoyable, instructive and very productive from the photography standpoint. Check out his sites:

https://www.facebook.com/TravelImages

http://www.travelimages.com/

CHASEPLACEMAIL Loc: Ct,Fla

Thanks , will do.

twowindsbear

Arizona Highways offers tours.

CHASEPLACEMAIL Loc: Ct,Fla

Thanks. Will check them out.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

As someone who offers photographic tours/workshops in Moab without affiliation to any large companies or agencies, I can appreciate your dilemma. I would definitely look for reviews on an independent site like Yelp or TripAdvisor, rather than a few blurbs on someone's website. Yes, even independent reviews can be faked but it's more difficult and unlikely. Perhaps even ask to contact one or two past clients?

The best advice I can offer is to do your homework. Make certain that whomever you intend to hire has all the necessary permits, insurance and certifications to operate their business in the area you'll visit. Check client reviews and ask questions about anything that needs clarification.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have additional questions. I've been doing this for 8 years and have a thorough understanding of what's involved in the operation of a photography tour business.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

I've been on several tours with a group called Geographic Expeditions. They do a great job running the tours and getting to all the right places, BUT, they don't do photo specific tours. Select a journey with them when the tour leader is a photographer. In two weeks I am leaving for back to back trips with National Geographic on "photo expeditions", Turkey and Italy walking. I'll be able to say more after we return. As for pre-trip experience with NG, not bad, but not great. They pretty much leave it to you to get there and back, and both tours start and finish in different cities, so arranging flights is a pain. However, both trips have in addition to a travel leader, a pro NG photographer and they seem very accessible.

worldguy03

Here are 4 outstanding sources. I've traveled with all of them and give each a 10+ score. Google them.
Ralph Velasco. Strabo Tours--Ron Rosenstock & Ralph Velasco. Jim Cline--Jim Cline & Karl Grobl. Paul Renner--the best African safaris you'll fin; but expensive.
There is a big difference when you get on board with a photo tour vs a "tourist" trip. That's the only way to go--IMHO.
I've never traveled with Arthur Morris or Denise Ippolito, but I read their blogs daily. They have a big following.
You can also check some of the ads in the back part of Outdoor Photographer.

CHASEPLACEMAIL Loc: Ct,Fla

Thanks. I'll check them out.

rcurrie Loc: Kingsport, TN

Check Rocky Mountain School of Photography--has good photo trips with excellent instructors.

wecole Loc: Bayside, California

My wife and I have been on many tours with Elderhostel and we have found them to be excellent. they have tours all over the United States and they are well managed, excellent accommodations plus professional photographers are with you constantly.

They have since changed the name to Exploritas designed for life long learning experiences. They usually last from 5 to seven days and not expensive.

Name now called Road Scholar and usually sponsored by a University or college in the area . Go online www.roadscholar.org for information. Just excellent

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

C, you don't say what type of photography you do.
Look on the Nature Photographers Network. Many of the photographers on there do tours.
Suzie Eszterhas was one of our club judges and does lots of tours.
Good luck!
SS

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

I am a retired teacher. I am very fortunate that two of my former students, now 27 and 28, live in Taiwan. I go to Taiwan twice a year. To not inconvenience their family, I stay in a beautiful hotel near their home and the rate is $42.00 a night.
Taiwan is a jewel. It is a well kept secret. The people are wonderful, most are well educated, most speak two to three languages, and the photo ops are limitless.
My former students usually take me to various interesting sites for photography. The public transportation is efficient, clean, and about the only crime against foreigners is pick-pocketing.
I am sure if you use google you can find a travel agent who specializes in photography there. Over two million Red Chinese travel to Taiwan annually for vacations.
Oh, you can eat at night markets and small cafes for about $8.00 a day. Do not drink the water!
One last thing. I love practicing night photography. I have wandered the streets and alleys of Long Tan (near Taipei) at two and three in the morning and have never been afraid.

CHASEPLACEMAIL Loc: Ct,Fla

Thanks everyone for your input. You've given me a lot of homework to do, but I think it will be worth it.