PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE VACATIONS
News
The World’s Most Creative and Inspiring Photo Adventure Vacations
New Adventure: The Oregon Coast
The natural wonders of the Oregon Coast with Alan Lawrence
We are pleased to announce the Oregon Coast photography adventure tour with Seattle-based PWA photographer Alan Lawrence from August 29th to September 2nd, 2020.
This 5-day photography tour is a wonderful opportunity for photographers of any level to discover and capture untouched natural beauty that stretches the imagination. Expect unique sights of shipwrecks, waterfalls, magical bridges and octopus trees, together with dramatic rock formations and exquisite views of the coastline.
The tour will start in the charming city of Portland to photograph the world renowned Portland Japanese Garden and its famous tree in morning light, Keller Fountain Park for some urban action shots, before taking a trip to Cathedral Park to get a shot of the very photogenic St. Johns Bridge. We’ll visit Oneonta Gorge and Multnomah Falls, and travel to Cannon Beach to Haystack Rock & Bird Rock to enjoy the colorful tide pools and watch nesting puffins during the sunset.
We will pay an early visit to the magnificent Wreck of the Peter Iredale, a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore on the Oregon coast on October 25, 1906 en route to the Columbia River. We will also photograph the majestic Astoria Bridge – the longest continuous truss bridge in North America – from different locations. We will head to Oswald State Park and get up close and personal with giant trees in this coastal old-growth forest during the easy hike to Short Sands Beach. We will shoot Haystack Rocks at sunrise, the infamous Octopus Tree, before the sunset at Cape Meares Lighthouse. Optionally, we will have the opportunity to learn celestial photography and photograph the Milky Way as it rises above Haystack Rocks.
In 2021 the photography adventure tour will take place from August 28th to September 1st.
New Adventure: Southeast Asian Odyssey
A South East Asian Odyssey through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with Ian Robert Knight
We are pleased to announce the South East Asian Odyssey photography adventure tour with Bangkok based PWA photographers Ian Robert Knight from March 1st to March 14th, 2021.
The 14 day South East Asia photography tour will take you to the best destinations in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, which in colonial times in the nineteenth century used to be called French Indochina.
The tour will start in modern Thailand, a modern country very comfortable as a tourism leader in the region. Its temples, elephant sanctuaries, bustling and hustling commerce, and its world-class cuisine and restaurants are now familiar worldwide. We’ll visit Bangkok and Chiang Rai, where we will cross the border into Laos and embark on a cruise down the Mekong River toward Luang Prabang. With temples unchanged in hundreds of years, big cities with no traffic lights, and a population that largely depends on boats as the only means of transportation, you really get the feeling you’re in a different world.
We will then visit Vientiane, one of Asia’s most charming capitals, and fly to the historically fascinating city of Hanoi in fast-paced Vietnam, where we will end the tour. Mixed among the modern elements are countless monuments to the country’s past, and neighborhoods with centuries-old shophouses. It’s a study in contrasts, and it’s what makes Hanoi so irresistible.
In 2022 the photography adventure tour will take place from February 6th to February 19th.
New Adventure: Wild Horses of North Carolina
The Magnificent Wild Horses of North Carolina in May 2020 with Michael Cohen
We are pleased to announce the Magnificent Wild Horses of North Carolina photography adventure tour with PWA photographer Michael Cohen from May 14th to May 18th, 2020.
This exciting new 5 day small group tour will offer the opportunity to photograph one of the largest groups of wild horses in the US. The tour will take place off the coast of downtown Beaufort in North Carolina, just across Taylor Creek, where a series of small connected islands known as the Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve are one of the very few places in America where wild horses still roam free.
Originally a fishing village, Beaufort is an historical waterside town with a large number of art galleries, Spanish moss dangling above the walking paths and centuries-old oak trees surrounding classic plantation-style mansions. Recently nominated the “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living magazine, it could be the perfect destination on its own for its charm, warmth, and history.
We will learn about horse behavior from an expert, and use that knowledge to get some once-in-a-lifetime photographs of these magnificent animals. We will travel to the islands by private boat and spend 3 days, morning and afternoon, tracking, meeting and photographing mares, stallions and foals. We will also go to Shackleford Banks, a short boat ride from the Rachel Carson Reserve, to find another herd of 100+ wild horses.
In 2021 the photography adventure tour will take place from May 13th to May 17th.
New Adventure: Switzerland
Switzerland in August 2020 with Anja Kallenbach
We are pleased to announce the Switzerland photography adventure tour with PWA Swiss photographer Anja Kallenbach from August 9th to August 16th, 2020.
When you travel with a local like our photographer leader Anja you will feel at home even on top of a mountain. Switzerland is not only at the centre of Europe, but also the heart of the Alps and a country of great versatility.
This 8 day new photography tour will start from the city of Geneva, a global hub for diplomacy and banking on the shores of the crystal-clear and impressively large Lake Geneva. The tour will then proceed towards the Zermatt and up to 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) at the Gornergrat, to enjoy not only a great view of the famous mountain the Matterhorn, but also of Monte Rosa.
We will enjoy the sunset at the Riffelsee – a perfect mirror for the Matternhorn – and the spectacular landscape of five lakes and a glacier the Grimsel pass, the sunrise at Eggishorn and the stunning peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. After so much nature, the fairy- tale city of Lucerne will welcome us with its wooden covered bridge originally built in 1333 and several historical towers, all surrounded by mountains and facing a beautiful lake.
The tour will end back where it started, looking at Lake Geneva from the pearl of the Swiss Riviera: the town of Vevey and home of Charlie Chaplin for 25 years.
In 2021 the photography adventure tour will take place from August 21st to August 28th. Right after the Switzerland photo adventure, Anja will lead the Dolomites Milky Way Photo Adventure in Italy. Join us for both.
New Adventure: Oaxaca Day of the Dead
Oaxaca Day of the Dead in October 2020 with Alan Lawrence and Michael Chinnici
We are pleased to announce the Oaxaca Day of the Dead photography adventure tour with PWA photographers Michael Chinnici and Alan Lawrence from October 29th to November 4th, 2020.
The welcoming city of Oaxaca, in the South of Mexico, is the place to be to understand the ancient indigenous heritage of this land and and celebrate the afterlife with the locals. Pre-Hispanic communities believed that death was simply the beginning of another life and that during this period of the year the deceased return to visit their family and celebrate the cycle of life together.
This is a special time of the year when Mexicans joyfully honor their ancestors by decorating cemeteries and altars with candles, marigold flowers, colorful banners, pan de muertos, sugar skulls and skeletons, parades, live music and traditional dances. During the celebrations we will have the chance to explore and photograph the local communities to capture the essence of the festival and learn more about street and people photography, all while enjoying the best of what the extraordinary city of Oaxaca has to offer.
Oaxaca a long history and a very rich culinary and craft tradition, many archaeological sites and majestic architectural treasures, charming street and colorful markets, and now also boutique hotels, upscale restaurants and trendy mezcalerias. It is also fast becoming the artistic capital of Mexico and one of the favorite destinations for food lovers and there’s no better place to experience the complexity and depth of Mexican culture.
After Oaxaca, Michael Chinnici will lead the photography tour adventure in Guatemala from November 5th to November 12th, 2020 with photographer Edgar Monzon.
The Oaxaca Day of the Dead photo adventure is available on the same dates in 2021.
PRESS RELEASE: Photo Workshop Adventures launches a NEW website!
August 4, 2019. Photo Workshop Adventures launches a NEW website with much anticipation and excitement!
Photo Workshop Adventures is a US-based travel company catering to photography enthusiasts. Established in 2010, PWA offers over 150 photo adventures in over 50 countries. These adventures offer guests a chance to combine a spectacular vacation with a wonderful creative learning experience.
PWA’s previous website was considered by many to the best in the industry, so delivering a new platform that remained faithful to the principles of the old website, yet took advantage of the latest technology, was PWA’s ultimate goal. “We needed to develop an experience that exceeded the expectations of our guests, as well as new viewers and potential guests. Our team worked countless hours over the last two years to make this vision a reality”, said Michael Chinnici, Founder & CEO of Photo Workshop Adventures.
The new website takes advantage of “responsive design”, which means that it adapts to every device including mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. It even looks amazing on a 30″ 5K monitor. The site is content rich with lots of photography, as was its predecessor. The new search capabilities allow users to search photo adventures by photography genre, the length of a tour, or even by a selected photographer leader. The drop-down menus are clear and easy to navigate. The backend now gives guests the ability to open an account, allowing them to view all aspects of their upcoming trip including being able to download documents, itineraries and more. Guests can even create wishlists for future trips, making it easier to plan future trips to their favorite destinations. By combining personalized guest services with an automated backend, guests receive unsurpassed guest services. And with iChat coming soon, viewers on the website can get on-the-fly answers to questions 24/7.
One of the biggest new features is the addition of PWA’s points-based Rewards Program. Michael says, “Guests earn points from their very first trip, and can advance up to 3 different levels. They begin with the Orange Program, followed by Gold and then VIP. Depending on how frequently they travel, and their program level, guests can earn points valued at anywhere from $200 to $1000 off future trips. Gold and VIP guests receive added bonuses such as access to special offers, and complimentary airport transfers. It’s truly a first for a photo travel company, and we’re very proud of it.”
The new “News” section (in the menu under About), delivers an ongoing stream of news and events related to Photo Workshop Adventures and Think Orange Magazine (PWA’s eMagazine). Here you can stay up-to-date about recent additions such as new photographer leaders, new and unique destinations and adventures, offers, website features, products and more.
Other features include an interactive global map that allows the viewer to drill down through continents, regions, countries and ultimately, the photo adventure of their dreams. At the bottom of each destination page is a beautiful gallery of impressive images that enlarge nicely in stunning quality. A new addition on the Travel Insurance page is a product called MedJet. As a MedjetAssist Member, if you become hospitalized internationally or domestically – 150 miles or more from home – Medjet will arrange medical transportation to a home-country hospital of your choice for inpatient care. An upgrade to MedjetHorizon is also available.
If you love travel and photography, and you are looking to take “the adventure of a lifetime”… go to Photo Workshop Adventures new website and check-it out. Just browsing this beautifully designed and curated site will be a welcoming addition to your day.
New Website Features
- New “Responsive” Design
- New “Rewards Points Program”
- User Account (Login)
- User Account/Portal Experience
- Search Capabilities
- Dropdown Menus
- New “News” page
- MedJet Travel Insurance (now available)
- Interactive Global Map Search
- Destination Maps
- Integrated Photo Galleries
- Automated Guests Services
- Wishlists (coming soon)
- iChat (coming soon)
Aung Pyae Soe: New PWA Photographer Leader
We are extremely pleased and excited to announce the addition of one of Southeast Asia’s most award winning and talented photographers, Aung Pyae Soe! AP (as we like to call him), is a native of Yangon, Myanmar. So naturally his first photography workshop for us will be our Myanmar Photo Adventure.
AP’s talents are so diverse it’s hard not to be impressed. They including street, people, landscape, travel and action photography. Aung Pyae Soe‘s likes to tell people that his first love is landscape photography, where he is always working to perfect his signature look. However, landscape is not all that AP is known for. This passionate young National Geographic Contributor has proven himself to be one of the best portrait, street and travel-action photographers from Southeast Asia. His brilliant action shot of a mud-splashed ox-cart racer in Indonesia propelled him to the 2010 final of the world’s most prestigious photo competition… The Hasselblad Masters, where he was the Public Vote Winner! This was followed by numerous regional publications and exhibitions in his hometown of Yangon, Myanmar
Aung Pyae Soe then went on to win Best Overall Photographer at Garuda Indonesia International Photo Competition, proving once again, to be more than just a landscape photographer! In 2018 he won in the Best People Category, making him the only 3x Garuda award winner ever! Among his 2014 accomplishments were his record setting exhibition sales, and winning the American Photographic Society (PSA) Silver Award for travel Photography.
With his fun loving, generous nature and consistently outstanding work, AP is at the top of his game, and among the best Myanmar photographers. With all of his natural talent, the only limits on how far he can take his photography, are his alone to set. Just checkout out his list of achievements.
International Awards (2007 to Present)
1) Honorable Prize at International Salon of L.A., U.S.A. – 2006
2) 1st Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘Catch-All’ Category – December, 2007
3) 2nd Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘Catch-All’ Category – February, 2008
4) 2nd Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘Animal’ Category – February, 2008
5) 2nd Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘The Digital Darkroom’ Category – February, 2008
6) Grand Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘Catch-All’ Category – April, 2008
7) 1st Prize at ‘Image of the World’ International Photo Competition ‘People and Culture’ Category – December, 2008
8) 1st Prize at Better Photo Internet International Photo Contest ‘Catch-All’ Category – February, 2009
9) 3rd Prize at Daily Digital International Photo Contest ‘POTD’ – February, 2009
10) 3rd Prize at Epoch Times International Photo Contest – September, 2009
11) Honorable Prize at Epoch Times International Photo Contest – September, 2009
12) Being 15th Finalist of Garuda Indonesia International Photo Contest – August, 2009 (an invitation to spend one week in Indonesia by Garuda Airlines)
13) 3rd Prize at Korean Air Line International Photo Contest – October, 2009 (and attended Award Ceremony at Korea, invited by Korean Airlines)
14) 2rd Prize at Better Photo International Photo Contest ” Travel and Places ” Category – June, 2010
15) Best Overall Prize at Garuda Indonesia International Photo Contest – August, 2010
16) Won Hasselblad Master Photo Contest – April, 2011
17) 2nd Prize at Korean Airlines International Photo Contest – October, 2011
18) Honorable Prize at Japan Keko Filter Photo Contest – April, 2012
19) People Category winner at Garuda Indonesia Photo Contest – September, 2012
20) National Geographic Public Best Photo of the Year – 2012 Book
21) Honorable Prize at Korean Airlines Photo Contest – September, 2013
22) Silver Medal from the American Photographic Society Photo Contest – November, 2014
23) 2nd Prize at iPhone Photography Award Photo Contest – 2015
24) 1st Prize at Mobile Phone Photography Award – 2016
25) 1st Prize at Prince Naris Day Mobile Phone Photography – 2018
Publications
– Indonesia Garuda Magazine – August, 2009 Issue
– Korean Airline Magazine – October, 2009 Issue
– Asian Geographic Magazine – July, 2009 Issue
– Reader’s Digest Asia Singapore – Jan, 2010 Issue
NEW ADVENTURE: 3 Amigos, 3 Destination 10th Anniversary Tour
WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE, SO WE DECIDED TO THROW A 28 DAY PARTY! This unique photo adventure is a one-time opportunity to tour with our three most popular photographer leaders, exploring 4 amazing destinations across the Mediterranean. Michael Chinnici (USA), Roman Martin (Croatia), and Laurie Cohen (Israel/Spain) will be your hosts throughout this journey. We will travel to Andalusia (southern Spain) for 7-days; the breathtaking Italian island of Sardinia for 5-days; then off to Israel for a 10-day adventure through history, and ending with a spectacular 4-day desert adventure in Jordan. You may select just one, combine two, or combine them all. You may travel with us for as little as 5 days or all 28 days. BOOK NOW!
"Vanishing Cuba" Book is coming soon.
VANISHING CUBA is a visual storytelling book by PWA Founder and Photographer Leader, Michael Chinnici. The collection depicts the changes Cuba is facing as it emerges from more than 50 years of isolation and decay.
His 22 trips to Cuba since 2013 have yielded hundreds of amazing photographs, thought provoking and emotional stories, and created lifelong friendships. Vanishing Cuba is about capturing the past, present and future of Cuba, and even more so about capturing the “soul” of Cuba. Michael’s love affair with Cuba and the Cuban people will no doubt continue over time.
Limited production; 11×12 hard cover, 250 pages, fine art offset printed in Europe on the highest quality art paper. Michael has curated his 22 trips to Cuba into a wonderful storytelling photo collection. Each beautifully crafted book is produced in both English and Spanish, with Cuban friends helping guide the narrative.
This visually stunning and wonderfully written storytelling book will be available to pre-order in August 2019. If you are interested, please email us and we will put your name on the list. PRE-RESERVE.
NEW ADVENTURE: Midwest Blues, BBQ, Bourbon & Beer
NEW ADVENTURE: Petra & Wadi Rum, Jordan
This amazing 4-Day Photo Adventure (also an extension to our Israel itinerary) is a must see for any traveler and photographer looking to capture the ultimate in ancient history, heritage and nature. Petra itself should be on everyone’s bucket list. Wadi Rum is a stunning sandstone and red rock introduction to the Jordanian desert.
The ancient city of Petra lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in southern Jordan, and is one of the world’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Voted by popular ballot in 2007 as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, it has retained its magnetism even through times of strife in the wider region.
Petra was rediscovered for the world by Jean Louis Burckhardt in the 19th century. It meant he needed to go in disguise, speak in local dialect and engage the trust of surrounding tribespeople. Today visitors are welcomed both by the Bedouin who still relate to the Ancient City as home, and by the townspeople of neighboring Wadi Musa.
Wadi Rum is everything you’d expect of a quintessential desert: it is extreme in summer heat and winter cold; it is violent and moody as the sun slices through chiseled canyons at dawn or melts the division between rock and sand at dusk; it is exacting on the Bedouin who live in it and vengeful on those who ignore its dangers. For us luckily, our short visit from Aqaba offers one of the easiest and safest glimpses of the desert in the region. We’ll sleep in one of the finest luxury desert camps, yet this experience will provide us with an unforgettable way of stripping the soul back to basics.
This non-stop tour in Jordan will include a 4×4 jeep tour of Wadi Rum, where we will follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. We’ll photograph a Nabatean Temple, Lawrence’s Spring, Sand Dunes, Khazali Canyon, Little Bridge, Um Frouth Rock Bridge, Lawrence House, Burdah Rock Bridge/Burdah Arch. After, we’ll stay in the Red Rose City of Petra. This fascinating ancient Nabatean capital once dominated the Arabian trade routes, and is a must see. READ MORE!
Alan Lawrence: New PWA Photographer Leader
Alan is our newest photographer leader to date! Alan is a Seattle-based photographer and educator.
For 16 years, Alan created and owned a successful online jazz record store and pursued his passion in photography.
After studying under Jay Maisel and Arthur Meyerson, Alan has become one of the leading photography educators in the Pacific Northwest. Alan teaches photography, Lightroom and Photoshop at several colleges in the Seattle area as well as had led private workshops over the years. His images have appeared in several books and publications including, most recently, the London Daily News and Popular Photography Magazine. He has combined his love for music with his craft and is a leading music photographer in the Seattle concert scene. His music images have been published in countless magazines and blogs as well as concert posters and band promotional material. Click here to view Alan’s Portfolio.
Michael Steverson: New PWA Photographer Leader
We are pleased to announce the signing of Michael Steverson to the PWA family of talented photographer leaders.
An American documentary photographer based in China’s Guangxi Province, Michael’s work has been featured in magazines, newspapers and websites around the world, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, The Smithsonian, CNN and The BBC. He is a Senior Contributing Editor at Artphotofeature Magazine, and currently serves on the faculty of The Guangxi Arts Institute.
Being based in Guangxi, China for the past 13 years has afforded Michael the unique opportunity to travel Asia extensively. He knows the people, their language and customs and can provide rare behind the scenes access. From the back alleys of world-famous mega cities, to great iconic architectural sites, to the stunning landscapes of rural Asia, Michael will ensure you are in the right place at the right time to capture stunning images, providing memories of a lifetime.
Represented by ChinaScenic, Michael has had solo exhibitions in Beijing, San Francisco, Shanghai, Liuzhou and Cincinnati. He is a member of The National Press Photographers Association, The China Photographers Association and The Royal Photographic Society. Click here to view Michael’s Portfolio.
Chase Guttman: New PWA Photographer Leader
Our youngest photographer leader to date! Chase Guttman joins the PWA family of talented photographer leaders.
Chase is an award-winning travel photographer, drone expert, author, lecturer, teacher and social media influencer.
He’s the three-time recipient and first American to win Young Travel Photographer of the Year, a prestigious international competition judged by museum curators and magazine editors; was named a World’s Top Travel Photographer by Condé Nast Traveler and a Rising Star by Instagram; and won the 2017 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Storytelling and Exploration—a lifetime achievement level honor. His recent book, The Handbook of Drone Photography, was one of the first written on the topic and received critical acclaim from publications such as Travel + Leisure, and the Telegraph and Business Insider. He has taught and lectured everywhere from B&H Photo & Video and The School of the New York Times to the International Museum of Photography and Film and the National Arts Club.
During his travels to 75+ countries and all 50 U.S. states, he’s ridden ostriches and dove with great white sharks and consumed everything from whale blubber to a drink that features a severed human toe along the way. Click here to view Chase’s Portfolio.
