Tour Photography
About Us
The goals of photography tours and safaris
The goals of photography and travel are one in the same – to explore the world and experience it with a fresh vision. Travel in the company of talented professionals on a landscape or wildlife photography tour, following routes that have been designed exclusively for photographers.
Choosing the right photography tour
Each photography tour has a different focus and style, depending on the logistics, the destination and the leader. Some have a cultural orientation; some are almost exclusively devoted to wildlife photography or landscape photography; others have a combination of natural history and culture.
A few trips focus on more intense photographic shoots, designed for ardent photographers with long days devoted almost exclusively to photographing in the field, but most have a relaxed pace, with time for individual exploration. African Safaris, for example, are often spent in vehicles rather than on foot, while Galapagos trips involve a combination of walking, swimming, and snorkeling.
Be sure to choose the type of trip that suits you best. Look at the leader’s credentials and style. We provide detailed descriptions of each journey to help you select the right tour for you, and we can be reached by phone with questions. Feel free to e-mail the leaders to ask specific questions. You will find links to their web sites in our photography leaders section.
Q & A
Who and what is the Photo Tour Collection?
The Photo Tour Collection is a group of professional photographers and photographic organizations that have years of experience, not only in photography, but also in teaching and leading photographic workshops and travel groups. Our combined talents and experience span decades and continents.
The PTC is an outgrowth of the well-known Photo Tour Network, from Voyagers International, which operated photo tours for twenty years. PTC is owned and operated by Jacque Boehm Steedle, who ran the Photo Tour Network. Voyagers’ founder, David Blanton, is closely involved as a consultant as well.
PTC is primarily leaders, with specialties in both wildlife and landscape photography. Local guides and naturalists also join us in each country to provide expertise in the natural history and cultures of the area. These guides are excellent in their own right and earn high praise from participants.
Who are these trips for?
Anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of age, skill level, or equipment – you just need a sense of adventure and an eagerness to learn. They are usually not physically strenuous, but some require better physical fitness than others.
We will take you to inspiring locations where you can explore with your camera. You’ll have long days in the field, from early in the morning to late in the afternoon to take advantage of the best light. You will travel in the company of other photographers who share the same interest.
Are these trips suitable for non-photographing friends or family? As long as they are patient and are happy to linger at locations. In some situations, such as an African safari, non-photographers will see much more than a casual traveler; in others such as Tuscany, additional exploration may be done individually. Feel free to contact us regarding specific tours.
What type of instruction is offered?
Our tours are not just workshops; rather, they are journeys of discovery that take you to great photographic locations with wonderful opportunities for informal, hands-on learning.
Our leaders are dedicated to enriching your life, helping you see the world with new eyes, and creating images that reflect your unique experience. Each has years of experience in photographic education, and each has his or her own philosophy and style. On most trips, formal instruction is not offered, although there will often be impromptu lectures or demonstrations.
Learning takes place through personal tutoring sessions, discussions around the dinner table, and while photographing on location. Whether you are a novice or an advanced photographer, you will come back with great images and deeper understanding of the photographic medium.
Why choose the Photo Tour Collection?
We draw from many years of experience in photographic travel, which ensures that you will enjoy an exciting, finely tuned photographic tour that allows you to capture outstanding photographic images.
In depth knowledge of our destinations and local cultures places you in the best location at the best time. We select outstanding leaders, accomplished professionals who will serve as mentors during your journey.
Group size is limited, particularly important to photographers, who need to take time at each location and move about as unobtrusively as possible. You will have extensive pre-departure materials that will prepare you thoroughly for your journey. We will be there before and after your journey to assist you in every possible way.