Frequently Asked Photography Tour Questions

How is a photo tour different from any other tour?

Photo tours are formatted to enable photographers to get better pictures. It’s all about light and timing. Photo tours tend to start earlier in the day, travel or rest in the middle of the day, and photograph again in the late afternoon and evening. This tends to provide better light for photography and avoids the peak crowds from other tours. Photo tours also give photographers more time to take pictures.

How do Global Photography Tours (GPT) tours differ from other photo tours?

GPT tours are designed for people that enjoy soft adventure as well as photography. These tours include activities that enable you to take pictures from different vantage points. Most of the tours include some hiking to put you at the best spot for a photo. Rafting, paragliding, hot air ballooning and elephant trekking are examples of other activities that can be included.

When is the best time to go on the photo tours?

The “optimum time” for taking a specific tour is wholly dependent on where you are going. But, we design the photo tours to take advantage of the best locations, during the time of the year where we believe you will have the most varied or interesting situations to make images. Some trips are for summer only while others are during winter – keep in mind not all seasons around the world are the same. We plan the trips based on a variety of factors that will not limit our access or activities and we try to take advantage of the better climatic conditions, but we offer many trips year-round. For most trips the dry season is best because the weather is stable and the roads are in good condition. Depending on your activity and region you are traveling to, weather, road or river conditions may warrant travel only during certain seasons. Please ask us for specifics.

How are destinations chosen?

GPT chooses destinations in Asia, Africa and South America that offer you the best combination of photographic appeal, accessibility and activities. Photography is the primary goal so countries and itineraries are chosen that will maximize opportunities to capture great images. Accessibility is important too because you don’t want to spend all your time traveling from place to place. You want to be taking pictures every day of the tour. GPT also looks for destinations that offer activities like hiking, rafting or balloon flights that enable you to have fun while taking pictures.

What is the photography tour focused on?

Many photo tours are focused on one type of photography like landscapes or wildlife but GPT tours offer a chance to photograph a wide variety of scenes. All tours will include plenty of landscapes and some tours include a lot of wildlife too but the focus is on experiencing new places and cultures so a lot of your images will include local people and their environment.

Are GPT tours suitable for non‐photographers?

GPT tours are formatted for both photographers and non-photographer companions to accommodate people that want to travel with someone that does not share their passion for photography. Non‐photographers are welcome on our tours but may be bored at times waiting on photographers.

What level of photography experience do I need?

Any level of photography experience is fine and you can use any type of photography equipment. However, GPT can help you more if you bring a digital SLR camera that you are familiar with.

What photography skills can I expect to learn?

GPT tours focus on travel photography and the skills needed to take great pictures when traveling to unfamiliar places. You will learn how to make the best use of available light, how to create your own photo opportunities and how to enhance scenes by adding or subtracting things. You will also learn how to prepare for traveling with your camera and how to prepare for photography while traveling.

How many people go on each tour?

GPT tours are limited to twelve participants to provide the best combination of traveling flexibility and photo opportunities for you. With smaller groups it’s easier to manage logistically and offers us more opportunities to help each person to get the most out of their photo shoot. Of course when the group is smaller the cost per person goes up because the hard costs are spread among fewer participants. Smaller vehicles are used that can go places big buses can’t. You will also be able to approach people and wildlife that big groups can’t hope to see. This provides a wider choice of accommodations too. We also prefer smaller groups as the experience is more personal and people get to know each other better.

What types of transportation are used on the tours?

GPT’s goal is to maximize the amount of time you have to take pictures so you will typically fly from one destination to another when flights are available. Small buses or vans are used to transport people locally and occasionally for longer distances. Local forms of transportation such as boats, safari vehicles, wagon carts, rickshaws and tuk tuks are often used to provide you with an added experience.

What types of accommodations are used on the tours?

Accommodations are selected based on location, photographic appeal and comfort. With a small group GPT can use small hotels and lodges that are strategically located near photogenic sites. Some of the properties are photogenic themselves. Most properties will provide a basic level of comfort equivalent to a three star hotel but occasionally ‘best available’ it is a bit more

What is included in the tour price?

GPT has included as many of the trip expenses as possible in the tour price. You don’t like to be nickel and dimed and you certainly don’t want surprises. The tour prices include:

• A professional photography guide and trip leader from the US

• English speaking guide(s) from the country we are touring

• All accommodations during the tour

• Some meals during the tour

• All transportation during the tour including motor vehicles and planes

• All admission fees and activities listed in the itinerary

What is not included in the tour price?

The expenses that are left out of the tour price are those expenses that vary dramatically among the participants including:

• Trip insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Sodas and alcoholic beverages

• Hotel services such as phone, Internet, laundry or massage

• Passport and visa fees

• Other personal expenses such as souvenirs

What do I need to do to physically prepare for a GPT tour?

GPT recommends that you consult a physician before the trip to ensure that you are healthy enough for this type of trip and to get up to date on recommended vaccines. Naturally, you will be able to opt out of any of the activities if you wish but if you want to enjoy all the adventurous activities on these trips, you should participate in an active exercise regime before the trip.

What types of vaccinations or medications do I need to go on a photo tour?

Depending on where you are going you should consult with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA for more information and current recommendations. Below is a link to other travel clinics that will be glad to help you make your vaccinations plans before departure. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time (weeks or months) to get any vaccinations and avoid trying to cram everything into the last week before departure.

What are the visa requirements for US passport holders?

Requirements for all countries change with frequency so you must contact the embassy or consulate in your country to get the latest details about their specific rules and regulations. Some countries do require a visa from citizens of the USA while others do not. Your passport should have validity (expiration) for at least 30 days beyond your departure date from the country you are visiting. You should begin your paperwork weeks or months before your departure date in case there is a holdup of some sort. If the country requires a visa for entry airlines will not let you fly if your visa is not in your passport. Don’t get to the airport and find out that you cannot fly! If you cannot get to your departure city the photo tour will likely not wait for you to sort out the visa issue and will begin without you. If all goes well, your passport will get stamped upon arrival to your destination. There are many companies that offer services to get you a visa if you do not or cannot handle it yourself. You can add pages to your passport in lieu of getting a new passport. Check with the State Department or local Post Office to get a passport. Do not wait for the last minute!

Who will I be traveling with on the photo tour?

The people that travel on these tours first and foremost tend to love photography. They are people who want to see new places or go to places they have seen in print only and want to experience them first-hand. Most are adventurous – in mind, body and spirit. Some want to come back with stunning images and we will do our best to help them achieve their goals. Some are into natural history, others into geography, some are into making portraits of interesting people and others want a little bit of everything and to make new friends. Most of our clients tend to be professionals, range in their mid-30′s to mid 60′s – have traveled and experienced the world – and are well educated and fun to travel with.  They are used to dealing with the issues of travel where amenities are sparse or in underdeveloped countries and know how to take it all in stride. We find many friendships form when people share experiences while making photos.

What photographic gear do we need to have for a tour?

First of all, we highly recommend digital vs. film. The pros vs. cons are heavily weighted towards the digital technology. We also recommend 35mm vs. medium format due to weight, lens and body choices, rental options, versatility and overall ruggedness, not to mention much lower cost. I am not saying do not use medium format equipment – you are welcome to use whatever you like – but, in my opinion, 35mm equipment offers more benefits in the field. The next consideration will depend which trip you choose, what country you are visiting and what the objectives may be. I suggest a look at our equipment section to see an extensive list of what your options are and what we suggest. There is no such thing as a perfect “basic kit” because the variables are too many. Consider this: some people are willing and able to carry more gear thus are able to capture more due to an extensive kit full of choices while others use one or two lenses and are perfectly happy with their results. I like the “walking zoom” method – use your feet to move to/from your subject. This teaches you techniques and lets you learn the capabilities of your basic kit and your mind. People can come on a tour with a point and shoot but we suggest at minimum some sort of system that gives you the option to change lenses or at least some sort of built-in zoom so you can capture subjects far and wide. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

What kind of electricity options will we have on these photo tours?

If you are traveling in the US or Canada you will use 110 volts at 50 cycles but for the rest of the world it is 220 volts at 40-50 cycles. Be sure to ask before you plug in! If in doubt, assume its 220 and use a converter, but be sure that it is for the intended purpose and for the correct wattage of the electrical appliances. You will likely need converter plugs that allow your plugs to work on their outlets. It is always better to bring a robust converter than some rinky-dink one that is used for a hair-drier as opposed to one for a laptop and charging batteries, etc. Do not assume that if your expensive equipment gets fried that there will be any place to repair or buy a replacement

Do you teach us how to use our camera while in the field?

With the great variety of cameras in the marketplace it is impossible to know how to use all the cameras out there. So, unfortunately, we do not specifically teach each person to use their unique camera. You will get most out of your trip with us if you arrive with the knowledge and understanding of your specific brand of camera, lenses, computer and all the technology that is required to make sure you can shoot, capture, download, edit, process, etc. of your digital files. We will of course share what we know and help you use your equipment as much as time or circumstances allow. We want you to have success in shooting and we will do our best to make sure those opportunities are abundant. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the participant to make sure they know their gear and make sure it is working properly before and during the photo tour. More often than not, we will be far away from any kind of city or facility that can repair your equipment so that is why we suggest you ALWAYS have at least one back-up camera body and a favorite or versatile lens.

Do you provide any kind of insurance for the photo tour?

We do not provide any insurance for you, your luggage, and your equipment or if a trip is cancelled. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you get insurance for all of your needs BEFORE your depart on a tour. In many cases, buying insurance is the best way and cheapest way to protect you from surprises, unexpected events beyond your control and expenses due to cancellations and what not. For a few dollars you could save thousands in unexpected expenses. We highly recommend that you purchase insurance for the following: trip cancellation, lost/stolen baggage, extended medical and evacuation costs. An unforeseen illness or unexpected event may require you to cancel your trip. In order to protect yourself, your baggage and/or personal property, a short-term traveler’s insurance package may be purchased through Travel Protect International. Global Photography Tours will not be responsible for any costs incurred by passengers for such occurrences and circumstances.

Are the places you lead the photo tours safe?

We make no guarantees of safety to anyone to anywhere we go but we like to travel to places where safety is not an overriding concern on a day-to-day basis. In other words, we do not want to travel to a place, no matter how wonderful or exotic it maybe, if we feel we have to worry about safety all the time. Considering that the camera gear we have is very expensive and some people we meet may feel we may be wealthy people we always try to be as inconspicuous as possible and try our best not to “flash” our gear around while out shooting. That is why we recommend a small kit in a nondescript bag for daily shooting that you can take with you that is light and compact and have with you only what you need. The rest of your gear stays in the vehicle (with driver or assistant guide) or in the hotel or camp. This also applies to your passports and other travel documents. There are no hard and fast rules but there is the need to use common sense when traveling, and this applies to Los Angeles as it does to Buenos Aires, Argentina or anywhere else you may go. This is one reason we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you get insurance for all your gear before departing from home.

What type of clothing and equipment do I need to bring?

Obviously this depends on your planned activity and where in the world you will be traveling. One thing is for sure though: Travel as light as possible and be flexible with your possessions. If you are going to the mountains then your needs will differ than if you are going to be in the tropics or the desert. Some tours visit many different regions from mountains to forest to desert to the sea. We will send out a Basic Equipment List that will give you basic guidelines of what are some basics and some essentials that you need to consider and build up from there.

What type of clothes to pack when traveling in the cooler highlands and mountains?

A system of layering is best where you can add or subtract a layer of clothing as needed. This system is divided into the underwear (next to your skin), the insulating layer (worn on top of your underwear layer) and the foul-weather layer (protects you from the elements). The underwear you buy should be light, warm and comfortable – wool or synthetic are great, DO NOT use cotton in this layer! Stay away from cotton because it does not dry quickly (due to perspiration) and holds onto water (your perspiration), unlike the synthetics that dry quickly and maintain their insulating value. The middle or insulating layer can be any piece of clothing that helps you maintain your heat next to your body, like a thick shirt, sweat shirt, sweater or synthetic pile jacket (as well as pants). A shell or jacket (and pants) that is windproof and waterproof (yet breathable) is a good outer shell that will protect you from the cold winds, rain, hail or snow you might experience in the highlands. Try to use jackets or pants that have large, easy-to-access pockets where you can keep small items or use to drop in a lens in a pinch. A removable or stow-away hood is a great and recommended design. Some light synthetic gloves, a wool/synthetic hat and liner socks and wool socks round it off. As you become colder or warmer you add or subtract a layer as needed. If you are traveling on snow then winter boots, plastic climbing boots, insulated “Sorel” boots and possibly snowshoes or skis (with compatible boots) may be needed. If there is no snow then a high-topped hiking boot with aggressive tread should be adequate.

What type of clothes to pack when traveling tropical lowlands?

In the tropics your biggest problem will be the heat and humidity and depending on the season and location, the insects as well. Take two sets of clothing; one for the trail on the days that you are shooting and one for the evening, that way you can maintain yourself clean and comfortable when your trail clothing is drying. Often it is a good idea to have two pairs of shoes – one for the activity that may get wet and one for the evening that is kept dry. Lightweight materials of synthetic or cotton blend for pants and shirts (with long sleeves) at allow for the flow of air are best. They breathe well and vent your body from the heat. A pair of shorts and cotton t-shirts are quite good as well. Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes are comfortable and rugged and sandals are also necessary if you are in the water often. A good hat with a wide brim all the way around is better than baseball caps because they will protect your ears and neck from the intense tropical sun. A good pair of sunglasses and a bandana is also needed. Do not forget an insulating layer, like a synthetic jacket for the evening, as the nights can sometimes be cold because of the extreme temperature change from day to night. A windbreaker that is waterproof will keep the rain at bay and the heat in as well. Synthetics are almost always better than cotton because they dry quickly, do not rot, and are in most instances more rugged.

What type of clothes to pack when traveling in the desert?

The two things you need to be most aware of in the desert are that you need to hydrate and protect yourself from the sun. The clothing should be lightweight so it lets any air flow through and help with evaporative cooling and light-colored so it does not retain the heat of the sun. You MUST have a hat and one with a wide brim will protect your ears, neck and face from the burning rays of the sun. The clothing should be long-sleeved and long pants to keep the sun from baking you. Of course, a water/sweat-proof sunscreen with a high SPF factor is a must. I always have a bandana or something similar that help with sweat and other needs. On your feet you should wear closed boots or shoes that have an aggressive tread pattern so you don’t slip or trip while hiking around on rocky or sandy surfaces and to keep “critters” out. Some sort of backpack that will take your camera gear (protected) and have room for water (or water bladder like a CamelBack brand or similar) some snacks, map of the area, whistle, matches, etc. and foul-weather clothing (sweater and wind-breaker) and other essentials is highly recommended.

What are the essentials to pack when traveling with Global Photography Tours?

This is a solid list and it covers a good basic kit for most people’s needs.

Personal medication and prescriptions, basic first-aid kit, travel alarm clock, small headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries, multi-purpose knife/tool, spare set of contacts or prescription glasses, high quality sunglasses, 50 feet of light parachute cord (many uses), a bandana, sewing kit, personal hygiene kit, precision tweezers, toothbrush, bio-degradable soap, small synthetic towel, water bottle that won’t leak (like: Nalgene, Primus, Klean, etc.), water purification tablets or purifier, contraceptives, tampons, lightweight sandals or surf shoes, waterproof sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), strong insect repellent (for the tropics), patience and a good sense of humor.