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PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE VACATIONS

About

The World’s Most Creative and Inspiring Photo Tours and Cultural Adventures

Exceeding your expectations is always our goal

INSPIRE. LEARN. CREATE. All while vacationing, experiencing beautiful locations, enjoying amazing food and having great fun. Learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. Our Photo Adventure Vacations offer a casual structure of discussions and inspiration without any boring classroom lectures.

About us

We love to share our passion for travel, photography, adventure and cuisine. We enjoy mentoring our guests on how to take beautiful photographs in the most amazing locations around the world. Our adventures include travel, landscape, people, street, nature and wildlife photography. Our mission… to create highly curated small group photo adventure vacations that include world class accommodations, amazing photo opportunities, cultural experiences and great restaurants, all wrapped up in a relaxed and rewarding learning experience. We offer over 150 photo adventures in over 50 countries. Our photo adventures offer you a chance to combine a spectacular vacation with a wonderful creative learning experience. Our casual format provides a unique blend of hands-on learning techniques and skills mastered over many years, including our exclusive “The Art of Seeing” approach. Whether you love to travel or you love photography, we invite you to join us on a truly amazing photographic experience of a lifetime.

Photo tours

Our “photo-centric” photo adventure tours are suited for beginners, amateurs, enthusiasts and semi-pros who are interested in a casual format, yet want to come away with a better understanding of how to capture that great image. Learning takes place in the field, walking and talking, in hotel lounges and in restaurants, all while enjoying and photographing our surroundings. You will rarely experience classroom instructions on one of our photo adventures. 

Who can join us

Our adventures are photo-centric, but also designed to appeal to both the photographer and non-photographer. Our focus is on photography, but in a very casual manner. And since we’re always in amazing locations, who wouldn’t take out their camera? If you love to travel, have a thirst for adventure, an appetite for amazing food and wine, and appreciate photography, then you will absolutely love our trips.

What can I expect?

Besides great food and amazing locations, expect to come away with a greater understanding of what it takes to capture a great photo. We use techniques that help you determine what’s a great shot, and what’s not. Our objective is to help guide you through your approach when looking through the viewfinder. There are literally thousands of photos surrounding us at any given time. How we choose what we shoot, how we frame or compose, and how we expose, are often the deciding factors to a great photo. We will also discuss the use of editing and post-processing, which done properly, can turn an ordinary image into something spectacular. Please read our reviews to hear what our guests are saying.

Private photo tours

If our tour dates don’t work for you, or you’ve put together your own group, we can easily design a private version of any of our photo adventures. Our private adventures group specializes in customizing private guided photo and non-photo adventures, cultural tours or vacations for individuals, couples, families or groups. We can personalize to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget or interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If photography is not your thing, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture or cuisine. Click here for more information. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Our team

Check out our growing team of photographers and guides from around the world. Each is hand-picked to deliver an amazing and rewarding experience for our guests.

Our schedule of adventures

You can view all of our adventures by date on our schedule page. Each destination is clickable. You can also get some ideas about combining adventures based on dates. We schedule our adventures up to 2 years ahead giving you plenty of time to plan for the future.

Small group sizes

Our adventures typically consist of 4 – 6 guests and sometimes as many as 8 guests. We adjust our groups based on the number of guests and try to keep our leader-to-guest ratio to no more than 8:1.

Accommodations

 If you’ve been on any of our adventures you know that outstanding accommodations and restaurants are important to us. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4 or 5-star category. Some destinations may not offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. All rates are based on double occupancy. For those traveling alone, please select the private room / single supplement. Breakfast is typically included, but only if included in our room rates. 

Meals

Breakfasts are typically included, but only if they are included in our hotel rates. We also include our famous Welcome and Farewell Dinners. For the remainder of the lunches and dinners, you are free to explore and dine on your own or with the group. Some adventures (such as Iceland, Bhutan, Antarctica, and African Safaris) may include all the meals. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, we will do everything possible to cater to your needs. If you have a special diet, please note this on your registration and we will do our best to accommodate you. Alcohol and beverages are not included in our pricing.

Local transportation

We mostly travel by private car or mini bus, sometimes by taxi, train, off-road or ferry, depending on the locations and size of our group. In large cities we may travel on foot or use public transportation. Occasionally we will use rail service such as when we travel through the five remote villages of Cinque Terre, Italy, which are mostly inaccessible by car.

Add-ons and Extensions

A number of our adventures offer pre- or post-trip 2-5 day Add-Ons or Extensions. This allows our guests the modular option of extending their trip. Examples include our 3-day Dutch Countryside Extension while on our Amsterdam Photo Adventure, or our 5-day Varanasi Add-On while on our India Rajasthan Photo Adventure.

Arrivals and departures

We list each adventures arrival (start) city and departure (end) city on each destination page. Some adventures start and end in the same city while others start and end in different cities. We always suggest you arrive one day before your adventure begins so you can settle in and adjust to any time zone difference. You can also book an early arrival room though us. Check each destination page for these options. Pickup or arrival location details are included in the itinerary which you will receive prior to our departure.

Early arrival and late departure accommodations

We offer our guests the convenience of booking early arrival and late departure hotel rooms. We base the price of these accommodations on an average amount we expect to pay for the hotel room in any of the hotels we may consider using. It is not our intention nor our objective to profit from these hotel bookings, however prices are listed years in advance so the price we pay can be +/- the actual price listed. Rooms are typically in the superior or deluxe categories. We highly recommend that our guests reserve early arrival or late departure rooms through PWA for their own convenience and the convenience of the group.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry. The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some eligible unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.

Cuba travel

Although traveling to Cuba has become easier in recent years, the complexities of Cuba require a real sense of adventure. But all agree that the cultural and the photographic experiences are well worth the extra effort. We accept guests from all over the world. Our Cuba Photo Adventures are 100% compliant with U.S. Treasury OFAC rules and regulations. We offer 6 different ways to travel to Cuba. These include Classic Cuba, Vanishing Cuba, Havana, Eastern Cuba, Cuba Private, and Cuba Unplugged. To learn more about the latest regulations regarding travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens, click here.

Photo adventure overview

Our photo adventures are designed to not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light*, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique. Apart from the technical aspect of learning camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. And no photographic adventure would be complete without discussing workflow and post-processing editing ideas and techniques. How much time we spend on post processing often depends on the intensity of the itinerary, and whether it is a multi-hotel travel adventure or one-hotel city adventure. *There are many hours throughout the day when the light is not perfect, and even more so on traveling adventures when we are in transit all day. So often photographing during the middle of the day is simply unavoidable.

A typical photo adventure overview

A typical day could consist of an early morning photo walk or sunrise shoot followed by breakfast and additional photographic opportunities. Mid-day is usually reserved for rest, editing or travel, although certain adventures may require travel through the day with stops along the way. Late afternoon and evening we focus again on the low-light sunset opportunities. And depending on interest and location, we will often venture out at night for some night photography. We try to keep in mind that you are also on vacation, and that you may never again return, so we try to maximize the photographic opportunities. Each destinations’ itinerary will give you a better idea of what to expect.

Welcome package

Before your adventure begins, you will receive our PWA Welcome Package, which includes detailed information about your destination, daily itineraries, weather forecasts, sunrise/sunset times, photography equipment checklists, equipment rental options, and answers to most of your questions. Every photo adventure is different so we make sure that every detail is covered in advance. We’re also always just a phone call or email away to help answer any other questions you may have.

Magazine and eNews

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. PWA’s Think Orange is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our magazine is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a PWA eGift Cards, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandise. Our beautifully personalized eGift Certificates are delivered to you electronically. PWA eGift Certificates are fully transferable and have a 2-year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for someone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or contact us for more information.

Rewards program

For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Loyalty Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately with your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD. Additional Gold Benefits include: Earn up to double points during promotional events, and advance notification to upcoming adventures and special offers.

With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount). Additional VIP Benefits include: Earn up to double points during promotional events, advance notification to upcoming adventures and special offers, guests may gift or transfer points, as well as receive complimentary airport transfers at destination locations.

Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always login to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount. Click here to learn more.

Registration process

Our registration process takes only a few minutes to complete and gives us all the important information we need to complete your reservation. We’ll follow up with you within a few days of receiving your registration and deposit to finalize details.

Payments

We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express and PayPal. All prices and payments are in U.S. Dollars. Deposits are paid by credit card. Balances may be paid by credit card, bank card, PayPal, bank wire or bank check, either online or by phone. Click here to check currency conversions.

Deposit and refund policy

Deposits are due at registration. All photo adventures must be paid in full 120 days before the start date of the trip. Cancellations more than 120 days ahead of the start date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations within 120-91 days ahead of the start date will receive a 75% refund. Cancellations within 90-61 days will receive a 50% refund, and cancellations within 60 days are not eligible for a refund. Rescheduling to a different adventure may be an option. See our rescheduling policy below for more details. Private photo adventures are due in full 150 days ahead of the trip start date and are non-refundable.

Guest rescheduling policy

If you need to cancel your trip but would like to attend a future adventure, you can simply reschedule instead of canceling. If you reschedule before 120 days ahead of the start date, we will transfer you to a different adventure without any fee. Transfers within 120-61 days are subject to a $400 rescheduling fee, and transfers within 60 days are not permitted. Transfers are based on availability. Note: This does not apply to private adventures.

Company rescheduling policy

In rare circumstances, when a destination experiences political turmoil, natural disaster, war, terrorism or any situation that Photo Workshop Adventures determines could be unsafe to conduct a workshop, Photo Workshop Adventures reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a photo adventure. If rescheduled, you have the option of accepting the new dates or switching 100% of your paid fee to a different adventure.

Cancellation policy

Should Photo Workshop Adventures choose to reschedule or cancel a photo adventure due to low attendance, you will be given the following choices. (a) switch to a different adventure during the same period, (b) switch to the same adventure offered on future dates, (c) switch to a different adventure offered in the future, (d) accept a special offer, or (e) request a full refund. If you choose to reschedule, Photo Workshop Adventures will move your adventure to new dates and provide you with up to a $150 (domestic USA) or $300 (international) flight change fee credit to help cover the cost of your flight change.

Photography Equipment and Gear

Photographer guests should bring their own camera gear. In addition, it’s recommended you bring a tripod, extra memory cards and batteries and a laptop loaded with Adobe Lightroom. Digital DSLR and mirrorless cameras are preferred, but todays high-end compacts are also very impressive. You can rent a complete DSLR or mirrorless camera/lens package from companies such as LensRentals.com for as little as $200 for a week. Your welcome kit comes complete with a thorough equipment checklist.

NOTE: We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability and pricing. Not included in your rate are alcoholic beverages, unscheduled meals, travel to and from our destinations, airport transfers, travel insurance and any optional excursions you may choose to book on your own or as a group. Breakfast is usually included unless it is not offered in our hotel package. As is standard in the travel industry, all accommodations are based on double occupancy. Please choose the private room / single supplement option if you prefer your own room. Double occupancy can only be offered if you are traveling with a guest. We reserve the right to change events and schedules throughout the itinerary due to adverse weather conditions or complications that may arise that are out of our control. Our number one priority is always the safety of our group.

May All Who Come As Guests… Leave As Friends®

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