Everything you need to know about photography tours

A photography tour is a guided trip built around taking great images. Instead of just sightseeing, the itinerary, timing and guiding are designed to put you in the right place at the right time with expert support.

By Vanessa Rogers

What are some typical features of a photography tour?

You’ll be guided by an expert, usually a professional photographer, who knows both the location and the craft. Generally, a tour like this will be limited to a small group of, say, 4-10 people, to allow for better access and one-on-one guidance. One extra nice thing is that all the logistics will generally be handled by those in tourism jobs on your behalf. Think of it as a workshop on the move: you’re learning, shooting, reviewing images and sharing the experience with like-minded people.

Why are photography tours in South Africa so popular?

South Africa is a dream destination because it offers an extensive variety of options in a relatively compact, easy-to-travel location. Select from the following:

• World-class wildlife: Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sands are renowned for big cats, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and more, often at close range.
• Dramatic landscapes: From the Drakensberg mountains to the Garden Route coastline and the Western Cape’s vineyards and seascapes, you can shoot multiple ecosystems in one trip.
• Great infrastructure: You’ll enjoy quality lodges, internal flights and tour operators with specialised vehicles adapted for photographers (swivelling seats, lens supports and open sides).
• Year-round options: Different seasons enhance different styles of work – the dry season for clean wildlife images or the wet season for lush green landscapes and dramatic skies.

What does a typical South African photo-safari day look like?

• 5am-5:30am – Wake-up and coffee• 6am-9am – Morning game drive
• 10am-2:30pm – Midday break and/or classroom-style image critique session
• 3:30 pm-6:30pm – Afternoon/evening drive
•  Evening – Dinner and planning for the next day

The rhythm is similar on city tours: pre-dawn departures, midday breaks, sunset and blue-hour sessions.

What other countries are especially popular for photography tours?

Iceland
• Why it’s popular: Glaciers, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, ice caves and volcanoes. Winter tours for the aurora borealis; summer tours for the midnight sun.

Japan
• Why it’s popular: Cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring, fiery maples (kōyō) in autumn, snowy landscapes in Hokkaido, plus neon cityscapes in Tokyo and Osaka.

Italy
• Why it’s popular: Iconic cities (Venice, Florence, Rome), hill towns in Tuscany and the Dolomite mountains.

How do I choose the right photography tour?

Consider your experience level. Beginners tend to benefit from an emphasis on teaching, while those at an intermediate or advanced level may prefer itineraries that advertise ‘maximum time in the field’.

What gear should I bring on a photography tour?

Your tour operator will send a comprehensive packing list; use it, but don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions about realistic focal length needs for specific destinations.

Are there any legal or safety issues I should know about, especially in South Africa?

Yes, read up ahead of time on drone usage, wildlife ethics and general travel safety.

Is a photography tour worth the cost?

Photography tours are rarely cheap – especially when they involve remote destinations, specialist guides and small groups. Reasons they often are worth it are that you’re effectively paying for time, access and expertise, which can take years to piece together without an organised tour.

How can I be a respectful guest while photographing people and places?

The best tips in this category range from always asking permission where appropriate to being sensitive when it comes to children and vulnerable people. Lastly, follow local customs and rules: some religious sites or government buildings restrict photography. Your guide should brief you, but asking never hurts.

What final tips can you offer to help me make the most of any photography tour that I opt to go on?

• Travel as light as you can
• Embrace all weather
• Be patient
• Stay present
• Back up daily

Photography tours are about more than just ‘getting the shot’. They’re about immersing yourself in a place with a camera and your excuse to pay extra-special attention to it.