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Q: WHY TAKE A TRAVEL IMAGES PHOTO TOUR WITH JOHN BAKER ?
Well, you know how it goes. You spend your time booking hotels, rental car, reading books and all that other stuff, and when you get out there you're not really sure of where all the best photography spots are, and what time you should be there. Then ya' gotta find places to eat, and do all the driving yourself. Then you get tired, and decide to pass on some dawn shooting, and . . . as I say, you know how it goes! [some of this was based on what clients had personally experienced before taking one of my trips]
With the group dynamic it's apparent that my clients not only learn an awful lot, but make the effort to join the group for all the early and late shooting, plus everything in-between. Nothing is missed, so there is no need to repeat the trip a few years on. Just a few thoughts for you to consider!
Besides, I'm sure you would prefer to travel with a full time photographer-leader who . . .
 knows where the best photo opportunities lie
a sure sign that I've been at this a long time . . . and getting older!
is aware of the best time to be at any given spot
well, that's what you pay me for, right?
has a website loaded with instantly accessible information about each trip
I don't keep anything back because you need to know everything there is to know
has scouted the itinerary and has led photo-groups over it on multiple occasions
and it never gets boring. I try to find 'fresh eyes' and will pass what I see onto clients
knows how to communicate with locals who are willing to be 'models'
. . . and who also permit access onto their private land for example
understands wildlife behavior, and knows where to find and photograph each species
some will take off, but will pause momentarily to look back for instance
is a photographer that gives practical instruction in a friendly manner
what's the point of advice that goes over your head? I really do care about what you shoot
will help you with your camera settings, i.e. shutter, aperture, exposure compensation etc.
please don't forget to bring along your instruction manual
averages just 2 to 8 photo travelers per trip aided by Laurie
nice and cozy, and a great learning/teaching environment
chooses the accommodations carefully, and often in photogenic locations
'cheap' is avoided, as is the five star glitz. Practical and comfortable with private facilities
arranges the transport, and can drive comfortably on the 'wrong' side of the road
well, that comes easy being British, but then I have to drive the UK van across Europe!
understands cultural differences, and how to create photo opportunities
sometimes it's OK to go through that gate, but in some places it isn't
includes accommodation, transport, breakfasts, a lunch and a dinner, plus water and snacks
and we're 'green' in that we recycle water bottles etcetera
owns vans in the USA and Europe that are customized for comfort and photo ops
we consider one van to be 'greener' than several cars following a guide around
we own two customized vans with head clearance and individual seats. No bench seats!
will take care of your larger bags throughout the trip
leave them to me. I need the exercise
meets you at the airport and returns you there at the end of the trip
assuming you're not arriving early and staying over after the trip
is very friendly with a 'can do' attitude at all times
tell me, how can being negative help anything or anyone?!
treats everyone equally, be they a beginner or advanced
photo snobs need not apply is my motto . . . well, one of my mottos anyway
has 34 years professional photo experience, with 24 of those as a photo tour Leader
oh dear, nobody can say I was 'born yesterday' any longer!
has vast experience with digital, 35mm, medium and large format cameras
been there, done that, and have fixer stains on the carpet to prove it
carries your equipment on trails if the going gets a bit tough for you
no really, I mean it
answers all your questions, and gives photo instruction throughout
I can't think of any reason why I shouldn't . . . and I'm not looking for one!
presents a digital orientation at the beginning of each workshop
the photo galleries tell part of the story, but the trip preview is more detailed
does one-on-one and/or group image critiques
as you want to be out shooting, this is always balanced by available free time
conducts PhotoShop sessions, though most stuff applies to any photo processing software
have a pen and paper handy for notes
has many stops planned but will also stop whenever you ask
don't be shy. I don't miss much, but if I do say "Stop please!"
will show you how to clean your digital sensor on request
my old Brillo pad comes in very handy . . . just kidding
can loan out spare equipment for those that run into problems or forget an item
it can happen, and has
recovers lost image data from any media while out in the field, yada, yada, yada!
the technology gremlins don't always have their own way
can assist you with computer issues should they arise why on our trips
I've been trouble-shooting computers for many years, and can often resolve issues for you
provides detailed field notes for a useful memento of your trip
the times and places are recorded for a comprehensive backup in regard to location
provides a DVD containing images of yourself and the group taken on the trip
one of my favorite things is to shoot yourself in action during the trip. Great mementos
has a long list of satisfied clients who have become close friends
the best reviews are by my clients who have been there, done that with Travel Images
has a loyal client reward program
the rewards go both ways and we thank you!
has discounts for early enrollment
but that's only part of it . . . there are quite a number of discounts
Add to the above the fact that you'll be traveling with like-minded photo travelers who will most likely become life-long friends. For more reasons just keeping on reading below! . . .
Q: WHAT SETS TRAVEL IMAGES APART ?
I believe it is the ability to meet people's needs on every level, not just photographically, but seeing to needs that may be emotional and physical etcetera.
It's about attention to detail and the influx of new and repeat customers convey to me that I must be doing it right!
I'm also different in that I can often do camera repairs in the field, do battery checks, clean digital sensors, carry your tripod, answer many, many questions and generally be a trusted friend.
The one consistent theme is that I constantly stop for pictures. You will never hear me say "We don't have the time" or "There's no place to stop" and so on. I can only say that I run photo tours if I make every effort to see that my clients get every picture they seek and more. That's all there is to it really.
I also believe in offering clients a healthy variety of subjects too, and I need to be the type of photographer that not only 'sees' images, but has the technical know-how to transpose the subject into pixels, or film, just how I saw the picture in my minds-eye . . I then have to have the ability of conveying this with clarity to you, my client.
For samples of the variety of which I speak and to see my work go to photo galleries.
Q: WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER ?
You can pay by check, credit card, via wire transfer, or an online payment. Please read the enrollment page for detailed steps on how to enroll along with your available payment options.
Please note that the credit card companies charge us a fee for every electronic transaction, and this is passed those using this service.
Why is the fee levied by credit card companies being passed on to you?: We could raise our rates to cover the fee, but that would be unfair on those that prefer to pay by check. This way, only those that choose to pay electronically are charged the fee.
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP COST ?
Personalized photography instruction throughout the trip by John; all accommodations with private facilities [ensuite]; all breakfasts; lunch on day one of the trip; dinner on the last night of the trip; on-vehicle snacks and bottled water; all ground transportation; airport transfers on the first and last days of the trip only; entrance fees for sites and activities listed under ‘Admissions’; and following the trip, field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, and a disc containing images of clients 'in action' on the trip.
Q: DO YOU OFFER LATE ENROLLMENT 'DEALS' ?
Sorry, but no. There are one or two spots available on trips about to commence now and again, but to offer a late enrollment discount would be unfair on those already a part of the trip.
Unlike the large '20 clients and more' travel companies, I work with small groups, know everyone personally, and they trust me to treat everyone equally in all aspects of my business.
There is a way to save money, and that is to enroll early for our photo tours. You get a discount, the trip is more likely to proceed and everyone wins. Other discounts are also available.
Q: ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN EXTRAS TO THE TRIP PRICE ?
None whatsoever. Just add your air fare, lunches and dinners cost plus personal spending money. All costs and fees are detailed in Terms and Conditions.
Please note that there are absolutely no 'catches' with any of the available discounts as you may qualify for any or all of the following: client loyalty, early enrollments, 'non-photo' travelers, room sharing, referral fees and 2 in 12 months. The only exception is for 'groups' of one and two, whereby a customized total rate supersedes any discounts.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A CLIENT LOYALTY PROGRAM ?
Yes.
Who qualifies?: Anyone who has traveled with Travel Images since 1988.
What is the discount?: $100 per person for trips of 6 nights or less, and $200 per person for trips of 7 nights or more.
In a nutshell, all previous clients qualify.
For 'exploratory trips' that are already discounted, the loyalty discount is $50 and $100 respectively.
New Clients: Are you a new client wanting to book two trips and receive client loyalty discounts for both? You can, and here's how . . . Just place deposits against any two trips within a twelve month period and you'll qualify for the client loyalty discount for both trips. The discount will be credited to the second of your two trips.
Q: DO YOU HAVE EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNTS ?
Yes. When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 12 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $200 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 9 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $150 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 6 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $100 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 4 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $50 discount off the price of your trip.
Places on hold: I am sometimes asked or offer to hold a place on a trip for a client. I've no problem with that but do please note that all early enrollment discounts only apply from the date your deposit was mailed, or paid online.
Q: ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR 'NON-PHOTO' TRAVELERS ?
Yes. Over the years I have had several non-photography folk on my trips, and they have enjoyed the slow pace and opportunity to interact with the locals. Such spouses and friends are able to join any of my photography tours at 10% off the trip cost.
If single rooms are desired and a single room supplement is applicable, or there is a small group supplement, the 10% discount does not apply to these fees.
To clarify though, the 10% discount is for those that won't be doing any photography, be it still or video.
However a 5% discount can be taken by those doing a 'minimal' amount of photography or video, as you will still receive plenty of assistance and suggestions!
Q: ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR ROOM SHARING ?
Yes. A 5% discount will be given to each person sharing a room, i.e. couples, two family members, and solo travelers paired with a travel mate to save the single supplement and so on.
Q: DO YOU PAY REFERRAL FEES ?
Yes.
Refer a non-family, new client and you'll receive $100 when they've paid for their trip in full.
The person you have referred receives a $100 discount too.
Referral fees apply to new clients being referred by previous clients only.
The discount only applies to a person's first photography trip with Travel Images.
Q: IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR TAKING 2 TRIPS WITHIN A 12 MONTH PERIOD [2 in 12] ?
Yes. Take any two trips within a twelve month period and receive a $100 discount per trip, per person.
Free transport is often available between locations if you're taking back-to-back-photo tours, plus we stop for photography along the way.
Introduced January 1st, 2012
Q: ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR 'PRIVATE' GROUPS SUCH AS CAMERA CLUBS ?
Yes, if you take one of our established itineraries, though tweaking is permitted of course. However, should you want an entirely new itinerary then it will be assembled at our normal rate.
The minimum group size is 5 to be able to claim any private group discount, which is assessed when you provide us with the following information.
For the full details and to request a customized photo tour please see our 'By Request' page here.
Regarding all discounts, please note that there are absolutely no 'catches' with any of the available discounts as you may qualify for any or all of the following: client loyalty, early enrollments, 'non-photo' travelers, room sharing, referral fees and 2 in 12 months. The only exception is for 'groups' of one and two, whereby a customized total rate supersedes any discounts.
Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO LEARN ?
At the start of every photography tour I present a digital slide show to give you ideas on how to approach many of the photography subjects you'll encounter. This can range from a flower to a castle, or from action to wildlife.
Early in the trip I'll also open my laptop and give impromptu 'lessons' with images as examples. Typical subjects covered are exposure, perspective, composition, long exposures, deliberate blur and background distractions etcetera.
Whenever we make a photo stop I make 'collective suggestions' to the group in regard to composition, lens, shutter speed, aperture and so on, then 'let you loose' to step out and make your own interpretations. I'll always be on hand should you need further inspiration or have a question.
You’ll learn a lot more on one of our photography tours than in a ‘static’ classroom workshop situation because it is a hands-on experience that is repeated many times each day, and every day. There is no better, or faster, way to learn, remember, and have specific techniques become second nature to you.
If you don’t return home a better photographer then I will have failed, and is why I pull out all the stops to see to it that you improve . . . and have fun too.
Subjects and techniques discussed and demonstrated are composition strength, shutter speeds, exposure compensation, how aperture choice influences depth of field, lens choice, filter use, long exposure effects, deliberate blur, macro and so on. Better than that, you will be learning in some of the best places to photograph our world has to offer.
In the course of each day my groups enter into conversations in regard to equipment and/or photography techniques at meals or when traveling, and those are good times to ask some additional questions.
Throughout each trip I go one-on-one with each client individually to make sure that all their needs are being met, and offer further help. You can also request assistance at any time, so please don't be shy.
All assistance is given in a casual, friendly, practical, 'non-classroom' manner.
I invite clients to bring along images for review be they one-on-one critiques with myself, or discussions involving other members of the group. A laptop is ideal for this, or I suggest you place your images on a disk or USB drive for review on my own laptop. These initial critiquing sessions should take place early during any given trip so that you can glean the most benefit.
I also encourage you to 'see' an image when the opportunity presents itself, i.e. to be on the lookout for those less obvious shots that are no less stunning.
Lastly, I conduct image critiques both on location - digital camera screens are ideal for this - and via the use of laptops. PhotoShop sessions are also included as time permits.
 For the photographically adept
If you just want to be taken to the best spots at the right time to 'do your own thing' without being 'mothered' by me, that's not a problem either as I will never be far away. Basically though, I'll still offer up suggestions and be available whenever you need me.
Something I want all my clients to acquire
Literally 'seeing' an image in your minds-eye is the first step to a great image. So, when guiding, nurturing, encouraging and hopefully inspiring you, I start by making verbal suggestions which I hope will lead to your own ideas that manifest as great images.
After you've 'seen' the image, I'll guide you with the technical side so that you can accomplish all of your photographic goals. In a nutshell your skill level will improve no matter where it was when you started the trip.
Q: DO YOU MAKE A LOT OF STOPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY ?
Yes, as many that will yield as close 'A' shots as possible. Sometimes a shot isn't an 'A' but it has some other interest for clients, and that's important. I always have stops loosely mapped out, but am flexible if anyone requests a stop that appeals to them personally. Unless the terrain dictates it, I never bypass one good photo opportunity while in pursuit of another. From wildlife to landscape, natural history to still life, or people to cityscapes, I'll offer them all to you with quality and a varied assortment of images the ultimate goal. In a nutshell, yes, I make many stops throughout each day.
Q: MEAL TIMES versus EARLY AND LATE PHOTOGRAPHY ?
To have meal times get in the way of photo opportunities would defeat the whole purpose of photography tour. So, breakfast is always taken after an early run, except in the winter months when it is timed so that my groups are at the right spot as the first light hits. I'll always try and avoid feeding the group late, so if the sunset/twilight is at say, 8 p.m., we'll eat at around 6 p.m. and be ready to shoot after that. If sunset/twilight is around 7 p.m. we'll shoot until the photography is done and then eat. It's all a question of balance, and no, you won't go hungry as there are always snacks and bottled water on the van. It's appalling I know, but since 1991 I don't think anyone lost weight on a Travel Images photo tour until someone said they had done so in the summer of 2007. Oops!
Q: WILL WE SHOOT EARLY AND LATE ?
Yes, for sure. Weather and other conditions permitting we'll be out most mornings at dawn, and late too. I say most, as sometimes when we have a multiple night stay at one spot we get in our dawn photography runs, then on the third morning for instance, permit you the option of shooting around the accommodations. This only happens when the classic shots are in the bag first. To compensate for the inevitable tiredness this brings I schedule 1 to 4 hours of free time somewhere between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you don't personally feel up to making an early run with the group I'll just suggest an 8 a.m. breakfast rendezvous, and you'll still have the option of shooting near our accommodations if you want to.
Meal times can vary due to early or late shooting and other photo opportunities that may arise, but, fear not as I always have a selection of quality snacks and bottled water on the van to see you through. The group eats in the main at the same establishments so that we are all on the same photography schedule, and photo opportunities are not missed, but a rainy evening may see clients opt for restaurants of their own choice.
Q: WILL YOU CRITIQUE MY IMAGES ?
Yes, because I believe it carries multiple benefits for my clients. You are encouraged to bring along images for critiquing that were taken pre-tour, which I suggest be reviewed early on in the trip for maximum benefit to you. This also applies to images taken early on in the trip so that 'issues' can be addressed and rectified with friendly instruction. From thereon I have multiple ways to 'keep an eye' on your progress which include reviewing your images while actually shooting, the on-van LCD screen, and at meals or during free time throughout the trip.
Q: CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE 'FILM' CLIENTS ?
Yes. The digital world has come full circle, and now it is film that is rarely seen these days. However, should you prefer film, yes, you are welcome on my trips as the basics of photography still apply. I do however recommend that you purchase a small digital 'point and shoot' as it enables me to give your images instant feedback. You'll also enjoy the many benefits of those digital images once you're back home too.
Q: PHOTO WORKSHOPS v PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS - IS THERE A DIFFERENCE ?
It depends who you ask! A lot of our site terminology states 'Photo Tours and Workshops'. This is because folk come to the site having used a search term such as these or 'photo field trips' and 'photo travel' and so on. To many, the terms can all mean the same thing, whereas others see photo tours and workshops as totally different entities.
For instance a 'workshop' to some construes a more formal 'classroom' environment which could be either indoors or outdoors. A 'photo tour' is taken as being a mobile experience in a given location or locations. However, folk sometimes envision workshops as being mobile experiences. Like I say, it depends who you ask.
The Travel Images' cause is to merge both terms and experiences and give our clients photo trips that are vacations/holidays on which you will learn at least as much - actually a lot more - as during a so-called formal workshop. This is because it is a hands-on, hourly and daily experience during which you'll get lots of help with the many photographic situations that arise each day.
The biggest difference between the two is the manner in which you learn. Of most value is helping my clients ‘see’ pictures perhaps not normally envisioned, and it is all delivered in relaxed and 'real' situations. It would be apt therefore to describe Travel Images trips as 'workshops in the field', as a static indoor workshop can be limiting in terms of hands-on experience.
I've heard said that leaders on 'photo tours' don't teach, and only get you to the right spots. Well, that may be true in some cases but not on Travel Images photo tours. I teach clients everything photographic, both individually and 'collectively', throughout each trip. By 'collectively' I'm referring to the giving of lens, composition and exposure advice at each photo stop to the entire group.
I'll also help you get the best out of your equipment because photography preparedness is vital for maximum success on a Travel Images photo workshop/tour. In the evenings you're out shooting, so group or one-on-one critiquing takes place at any given location as needed, during free time, during meals, after dark and during extended rainy periods etcetera.
Lastly, as folk have usually traveled thousands of miles to photograph a particular location or country, we won't 'waste' an evening indoors while the light outside may be what we've waited for. It's a question of balance as we have a 'photography first' policy. You will however learn more than you expect . . . count on it.
Q: WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE ON A TRAVEL IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR ?
This will vary from trip to trip with considerations for the length of daylight hours, weather and so on. Typically we leave before dawn to be in position for the rising sun, return for breakfast, and then shoot throughout the day.
If it's not a 'travel day', meaning we're not moving to a new home base, I can accommodate anything from one to four hours off when the sun is high, though there are days when this is not possible because of the proximity of the images to our accommodations.
On travel days, i.e., moving from one hotel/location to the next, I have stops laid out throughout the day and aim to be at the next hotel by late afternoon. Please note however that photography opportunities may deem that this is not possible every time.
We eat around 6 to 7 p.m. during the summer months, and that allows us plenty of time for late light photography. On autumn, winter and spring trips when the sun has set by around 7 p.m., we eat dinner after the sun is down.
Lastly, we make many, many stops for images, including those that I've planned, plus the wonderful serendipitous subjects one sees going from location to location. These subjects are quite diverse, and each day includes most if not all of the following: Landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, wild flowers, macro subjects, birds, insects and an abundance of natural history images from dew on a spider's web, to a back-lit stand of Aspen trees. Clients, by the way, can request stops at any time. PhotoShop sessions are included at some points on just about every photography workshop, but occasionally this is not possible because of the short length of a trip, or the abundance of great subjects in good light . . . it's why you travel with your camera, right?!
Q: ARE THERE MORE PHOTOGRAPHY THAN LISTED IN THE BROCHURE ?
Oh yes! The brochure is only an overview of places and events, and more is included than can be possibly listed in the online brochures. The full list of online brochures is here.
Q: PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR LOCATIONS . . . WHERE DO YOU RUN PHOTO TOURS TO?
In summary we run photography tours to . . .
Polar Bears of Manitoba, Nova Scotia and the Canadian Rockies in Canada
England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and London in the British Isles
Normandy, Brittany, the Loire, Burgundy, Provence and Paris in France
Cinque Terre, Venice, and Tuscany in Italy
the European Alp regions of Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland
the Galapagos Islands and Cloud Forest in Ecuador
Machu Picchu in Peru
the Patagonian regions of Argentina and Chile
Tasmania and Sydney in Australia
South Island, New Zealand
America's best photography locations in the United States of Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Vermont.
Go here for the complete photography tour calendar.
Q: WHO WILL BE THE PHOTOGRAPHER/GUIDE ?
Exclusively this is going to John with help from his significant other, Laurie. John instructs, drives the vehicles, and keeps the group on it's toes with a positive nature, and great jokes! For more information regarding John click here.
Q: DO YOU STAY WITH THE GROUP AT ALL TIMES ?
An emphatic 'Yes' to that question. When you join one of my trips the, ahem, 'focus' is entirely on you, and I am your 'employee' as it were. This means a total 100% commitment to being available at all times, and never be off doing our own thing. It adds up to something like an average of 16 hours of commitment per day, but I see it as an absolute privilege to serve my clients this way as they have put an awful lot of trust in my ability to give them the very best photography vacation possible.
Q: WHICH MEALS ARE INCLUDED ?
All breakfasts, lunch on day one, dinner on the last night of the trip, plus snacks and liquid refreshments on the van are included. Other lunches, dinners and alcohol are not included.
In regard to the Galápagos Islands photo tour only, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks on land and sea are included.
Note: Many US hotels provide a continental breakfast which is not what we consider appropriate or good value in terms of your tour cost. Consequently I take you for a 'proper' breakfast after early shooting rather than have you eat from polystyrene bowls and paper plates.
Q: ARE VEGETARIAN MEALS AVAILABLE ?
Yes, because very simply meals are your own personal choice at each restaurant or hotel, and besides, many establishments will produce vegan meals when asked even if something you fancy isn't on the menu. You may of course choose a different place to eat than the remainder of the group if it doesn't delay getting back on the road for specifically timed photographic opportunities.
Q: MEAL TIMES versus EARLY AND LATE PHOTOGRAPHY ?
To have meal times get in the way of photo opportunities would defeat the whole purpose of photography tour. So, breakfast is always taken after an early run, except in the winter months when it is timed so that my groups are at the right spot as the first light hits. I'll always try and avoid feeding the group late, so if the sunset/twilight is at say, 8 p.m., we'll eat at around 6 p.m. and be ready to shoot after that. If sunset/twilight is around 7 p.m. we'll shoot until the photography is done and then eat. It's all a question of balance, and no, you won't go hungry as there are always snacks and bottled water on the van. It's appalling I know, but since 1991 I don't think anyone lost weight on a Travel Images photo tour until someone said they had done so in the summer of 2007. Oops!
Driving your own or a rental vehicle - i.e. following the group in your own car - is not necessary as all ground transport is included on all of our photography tours.
All of our groups share the same van or minibus, which reduces pollution, parking headaches, and has the added advantage of clients being able to hear John's photography instruction over the vehicle audio system . . . along with a marvelous assortment of jokes [says he!].
Q: WHAT TYPE OF TRANSPORT DOES TRAVEL IMAGES USE ?
First off, you do not have to follow us in a car as all of our clients share the same vehicle on each photo tour. There are many advantages to this as nobody gets lost, nobody misses a shot, and everyone gets to hear all of the photography discussions including tips on what and how to shoot at each stop. We wouldn't want to miss a good clean joke either, eh?!
So, to the vehicles . . .
In the western US and Canada
We have a van with a high roof and individual reclining seats, so no more crouching down to get in and out, or bench seats.
The van is configured to best suit my group sizes of up to 8 photo travelers, and if need be a luggage trailer is attached. This van has a 17" LCD screen for critiquing client images.
In the UK and mainland Europe
This is another vehicle with a high roof, and each seat is individual, in pairs, and are not bench seats.
This van also has a 15" LCD screen for viewing images.
In the eastern US and Canada
We rent 15 passenger vans.
In South America
Our local agents in Ecuador, Peru and Patagonia provide clean, safe and comfortable vans or buses.
In Australia and New Zealand
We rent 12 passenger vans, and add a trailer for luggage.
Q: WHAT ITEMS ARE KEPT ON THE VAN ?
For general photography needs
Knee pads, light-fill reflectors, 110 volt power supply for recharging batteries with your own charger, AA/AAA battery charger, battery tester, basic camera repair equipment, film changing bag, spare digital camera body and lens for clients, 'throws' to 'hide' equipment, OPTech Rainsleeves, and the use of my tripod by clients if needed.
For digital photography needs
A 10 ", 15" or 17" monitor for previewing digital images. Front and rear LCD monitor connections. Rescue software for those clients who may have corrupted memory cards or accidentally deleted files. The ability to burn back-up CDs and DVDs for clients if needed.
For personal needs
Tissues, hand sanitizer, lotion, hand wipes, bug repellant, sunscreen, first-aid kit, bottled water, fruit and other snacks, spare fleece tops and light gloves, electric powered cooler for summer trips in the western US, and spare clothing items and insulated mugs on winter trips.
Other items
Binoculars, natural history reference books, rubbish box, photo magazines and books.
Q: CAN WE EAT SNACKS ON THE VAN ?
Yes, of course. Why wouldn't you?! One has to be practical, and if the van needs cleaning out I'll take care of it. I provide snacks and bottled water because I want you to be comfortable in every respect, and that outweighs having crumbs off the floor now and again.
Oh yeh, we have no problem with cell/mobile phones if used discreetly. Thanks.
Q: WILL MY FLIGHT BE MET AT THE AIRPORT ?
Yes, unless of course you arrive a day or two early, or stay on after the trip is finished. I meet all my clients at the gateway airport arriving on day one of the trip, or departing on the last day. If I'm unable to do that myself for some reason, I will cover the cost of a taxi or shuttle for you. For trips where I use a local agent such as in South America, they take care of all transfers to the hotel for me.
Q: I'VE DECIDED TO ENROLL FOR A TRIP. WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST AIR FARES ?
Well, assuming we have our minimum group number and I have declared the trip a go, then rush off to a site such as Kayak to find a good round-trip air-fare from your city. Kayak has a unique but excellent interface, or you can go straight to your favorite airline's site.
We also recommend that you read 'Strategies for Lower Airfares' here.
A comprehensive list of websites and toll free numbers for all the air carriers can be found here.
I also suggest that you register for weekly newsletters issued by the airlines as there are often 'web only' specials to be pursued. Specifically for our New Zealand trips, Air New Zealand specials are tucked away here.
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE 'ARRIVAL WINDOW' ?
It depends on the trip. If nothing is scheduled for day one such as on the South American trips, then arriving any time on 'day one' is fine. See 'day 1' in the online brochure of the trip that you are enrolling for.
If you choose to arrive a day or more early to acclimatize, then it's not relevant to that either.
However, if you arrive on day one of a trip that has something going on, or we stay in a location well away from the airport, then arriving before the end of the arrival window is very important!
Please bear in mind that some 50% of flights on average are delayed or canceled every day, so a time cushion of at least a 24 hours is strongly encouraged.
Q: HOW DO I ENROLL FOR A TRIP ?
Choose your trip from the photo tour/workshop schedule, and follow the steps on the enrollment page.
The Enrollment Form is here.
Please note that places are reserved on a first come-first served basis with a $300 deposit, but on some occasions I will hold a space for 24 or 48 hours if you want to mull your decision over for a while longer, and not risk losing a spot.
Practical reasons for early enrollment: Go here
Q: IS IT BEST TO ENROLL EARLY OR LATE ?
Yeh, I know, it's a bit obvious! A trip that fills early benefits everyone as you're able to get lower air fares in comparison to the approaching weeks before a trip, and so on. On top of that you can also get a discount of up to $200 for early enrollment. The details are here.
In a nutshell, enroll early and save money.
If the trip is important to you I suggest you hold your place with a refundable deposit as early as possible. We have 'watchers' who monitor the number of participants signing up, but sometimes they react too late and their place is lost Anyway, by placing a deposit on your favored trip your place will be available should you decide to take the last step.
See terms and conditions in regard to deposits.
All photo tour and workshop spaces are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Q: A TRIP LISTED STARTS VERY SOON. CAN I STILL JOIN ?
Yes, and the record so far for someone enrolling late is 3 days from departure. Even if you want to join a trip that is just two days from commencement, or even less, I'll make it happen for you too.
The reality is though, if you're thinking about joining a trip months from commencement, it's more likely to fill once we have one or two deposits, because there comes a time when we have to withdraw a trip and move it into the next year's calendar.
Practical reasons for early enrollment: Go here
There is no need to arrange your own accommodations as they are included in your trip fees. If you are arriving a day early we suggest that you reserve the hotel in which the trip will start the following day. We will send you a link to that hotel when you enroll.
Q: CAN I HAVE A SINGLE ROOM ?
Yes. Trip rates are per person for double occupancy, but should you want to travel singly you just add the single room supplement to your total cost.
Single room supplements can be found at the bottom of each online brochure for the trip that interests you as they vary trip to trip.
The only trip where single room accommodation may not be available is the boat portion of the Galápagos Islands photo tour.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION DO YOU USE?
All accommodations are included in the tour fees. We rarely use 5 star hotels as they would raise costs, but use what could probably be termed as 2 through 4 star accommodations depending on the location, and the country we happen to be in. All rooms have private facilities/are ensuite, and in the USA are at least of a 'Best Western' or 'Comfort Inn' standard.
In some important photography situations whereby we want to be as close to the subject matter as possible, i.e. Mt St. Helens for the early and light late, we have to use what is available in regard to locally owned motels, and these might be termed as 'rustic'.
In Europe and such, I use guest house/gasthof/gasthaus/manor/chateau type of places which combine wonderful olde worlde character with private, modern facilities. Such establishments have 6 to 15 rooms, and owners who like to meet people and be generally helpful. The Accor chain is also a source of accommodations when we are staying in cities.
It's the same story in the British Isles where I use a mix of converted manor houses, large guest houses and the UK's best hotel chain, Premier Inn. Again, all have private facilities.
Internet access is pretty much essential these days, so I choose accommodations that have wi-fi access at the very least.
If I add a new trip I use tripadvisor.com to gauge the quality of the of the accommodations I am considering using.
Q: CAN I HAVE THE HOTEL LIST BEFORE ENROLLING IN A PHOTO TOUR ?
The answer is yes if you have a genuine interest in taking the trip, or are a previous client. For anyone we don't know and intending to use us as a 'hotel finding service', we request that please don't ask. Thank you!
Q: DETERMINING THE LENGTH OF STAY AT EACH OVERNIGHT LOCATION ?
This is a dilemma as it's a compromise of 'must-do's' and length of the trip balanced with cost. Weather is a factor too, and allowances have to be made for that. For instance, one night in Page, Arizona, for an Antelope Canyon trip the following morning is sufficient in any weather, plus the prior evening is spent on the shores of Lake Powell. On the other hand Cannon Beach, Oregon, is plagued by coastal fog yet the sunsets there are among the best. This is why two nights are scheduled to increase the chances of success, though even that is no guarantee. Ideally I choose to spend as many nights as possible in one central location depending upon photo opportunities, but in the case of Nova Scotia the trip consists of some one-nighters as the photography tends to be scattered around the coastal areas.
Q: CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE THE DATES OF A SCHEDULED TRIP ?
Yes. If it's a case of right photo trip, wrong dates, for you or your group just let me know your preferences, and I'll do what I can to run the trip on your preferred dates.
Being the first to place a deposit on a trip makes date changes easier, so it helps if you are able put forward your preferences as early as possible.
For more on trip and calendar customization requests go here.
Q: AT WHAT POINT MIGHT YOU CANCEL A TRIP ?
Once we have enrollments for any given photography workshop or tour we do our utmost to make that trip happen, and rarely cancel trips. In fact any trip can be declared a go immediately if each participant agrees to the small group supplement found under 'Photography tour fees' at the bottom of each online brochure. The fees only apply to 3 people or less as 4 is the magic number in most cases. But, to go back to the original question, I don't cancel a trip unless I absolutely have to, and urge clients to purchase both trip insurance and fully refundable air tickets. In any event airlines will permit you to use non-refundable tickets for another flight within 12 months.
Q: CAN YOU CLARIFY THE LENGTH AND PRICING OF A TRIP ?
If one of my trips is scheduled for 11 nights/12 days as per the online brochure, then it is just that. If it's an international trip it would be remiss of me to include the travel days in the total even though others indulge in this deceiving practice! To compare prices with photo tour companies such as Travel Images make a note of how many nights/days both the Travel Images and the other trip run, and divide that into the total trip cost. That will give you the cost per day. Also note which meals, accommodations and ground transport are included, and how many photographers will be along. I stop at 8, and this is to your advantage unless you like crowds.
Q: ARE YOUR TRIPS FOR USA CITIZENS ONLY ?
No. A majority of my clients do happen to hail from the United States, but my trips are open to anyone regardless of nationality. Since 1991 Travel Images has also entertained clients from Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Poland, England, Czechoslovakia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Japan, India and of course, Canada. Add on most of the States and Provinces in the USA and Canada respectively and it adds up to quite an international collection of clients that stuns even me.
Q: WHAT ARE TRAVEL IMAGES' TYPICAL GROUP SIZES ?
A glance at the photo tour schedule
link will reveal that most of my photo trips are for a maximum of 7 to 8 people, which is ideal for photography of course, as are smaller groups.
We will also run trips with groups with less than the maximum as nobody wants to see their trip cancelled. We have a 'can do' attitude about such matters.
The only groups larger than 8 are those of 10 for our South American photography tours, i.e. the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu and Patagonia.
Q: ARE THERE AGE RECOMMENDATIONS ?
No. My oldest client was around 90, and the youngest 18. The average age on any given trip is in the 35 to 75 years old range, but however old or young you may be, everyone is treated the same and any special needs taken care of.
Mobility: Please note that it is important that each participant has at least sufficient mobility. This ensures that the photography opportunities for both yourself and the other participants are not affected.
Q: WHAT ABOUT TWO TRIPS WITH THE SAME OR OVERLAPPING DATES ?
For example ' alternatively' that you may see in the photography tour calendar here.
 Two or more trips above may be marked as 'alternatively' as they share overlapping dates, but we can only run one of those trips.
So which photo tour will go ahead?
That decision is made by the folk that enroll and pay a deposit.
Once a trip has deposits, that is the trip that will take place.
The other trip/s are moved to new dates or into the following year's calendar.
Previous clients can hold a place by sending an email stating their intent to join a trip.
So, the moral of the story, to help both yourself and us, is to please enroll early.
See 'Practical reasons for early enrollment' here
Q: CAN I EXPECT SOME MEMORABLE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES ?
Yes. I firmly believe in 'Travel not Tourism’ as a commandment, and this means that I'll avoid where possible those ‘gaudy’ tourist traps, though a handful of them are tolerated out of picture necessity. I’d much rather give you the true flavor of a nation or region, which means travel along quiet back lanes, visits to homes, ranches and ‘quiet icons’ that make a culture what it is. I pass on snippets of cultural and historical information as the trip progresses, and much of it appears in the field notes which are compiled during each trip. These are e-mailed to each participant after the trip are also included in the photo tour cost.
Q: CAN I PURCHASE A TRAVEL IMAGES GIFT CERTIFICATE ?
Yes, and for any amount you choose. I can provide a gift certificate with the recipient's name at no charge, or customize one for a flat fee of $25 including images of your choice and so on. Go here for more information.
Q: ARE YOUR TRIPS STRENUOUS ?
All of our photography tours are rated as 'mildly strenuous' unless otherwise stated in the online brochure. For example, there a few longer 'must do' walks such as the one up to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset on the Red Rock Country photo tour. That particular walk is classed as 'strenuous' and is a mile and a half each way. On the same trip the almost a mile walk to Landscape Arch is classed as 'moderately strenuous' for example.
Each trip is different in that respect with a majority of images being very simple ambles or short walks from the van. There are some trails that the group will get on for vistas, flora and wildlife, and how far you want to go is up to you.
To simplify things though, only Red Rock Country, the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu can be considered strenuous, but only in sporadic situations.
Mobility: Please note that it is important that each participant has at least sufficient mobility. This ensures that the photography opportunities for both yourself and the other participants are not affected.
Q: DO YOU STILL MAIL OUT BROCHURES ?
Sorry, but no longer I'm afraid. Times have changed, and this is the electronic age whereby most folk want instant information. That's where this site comes in as there is more information on this website than I could ever pack into an envelope. All the photography tour/workshop brochures are listed online here, two years worth, and any other information you might ever need is just a click-on-a-link away.
Q: IS TRAVEL IMAGES ON THE LIKES OF FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR MYSPACE ETCETERA ?
Yes, we're on Facebook here, but none of the others mentioned. As we're on the road a lot we don't have the time to post all that frequently, so if you want to get in touch just send me an email.
Q: WILL I NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA WHEN TRAVELING OVERSEAS ?
If you intend traveling internationally with Travel Images, then yes you do need a passport, and that it is up to date. Some countries also insist that a passport not expire right after a trip either, so do make sure that yours has at least a 3 month cushion after the trip ends.
Some countries require a visa too, so go to these passport and visa sites to find the information relevant to the country you intend visiting with Travel Images. Type 'GUEST' at the bottom of each brief submission form.
United States passport holders can do a quick check of visa requirements here.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR PHOTO TOURS AND WORKSHOPS FOR ?
Anyone. It matters not if you are beginner or professional, or have equipment that's simple or sophisticated as I treat everyone with the same respect and patience whether you be a beginner or advanced. Of course, if you're a beginner you're going to need, and will receive, as much help as you need and want as one more question sent my way is never one too many. I've heard of trips where you're required to use the exact equipment as the Leader, and others where you have to be an 'advanced amateur' to participate. That probably makes it easier for the leader, but I make no such demands on my clients. I'm fortunate to have many clients who think that way too, so my trips tend to be fun, enjoyable, relaxing and learning experiences for all.
If you have another photo travel or photography question you'd like to ask me please send me an E-mail.
You can find more snippets of information on the Home page
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