Travel photography: A developing genre
Advances in digital technology have, thankfully, meant that returning from a holiday adventure with multiple snapshots of blurry landscapes and ‘headless’ companions is largely a thing of the past. In fact, most of us now come back from a vacation with at least half-decent imagery. But if you’re keen to elevate your holiday snaps into something truly memorable, it’s worth considering a specialist travel photography tour.
The travel photography genre has boomed in recent years, with a growing range of tour options now open to travellers wanting to match their adventures with the chance to learn photography skills from a professional.
From the temples and cherry blossoms of Japan to the sweeping ochre landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre or the lush rainforests of the Daintree in Far North Queensland, camera-toting tourists are sharpening their focus on tours where they can learn from the best in the business. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of birds, the splendour of the night sky, or tiny details of fungi or bugs, photography tours led by experienced professionals now also provide a range of niche specialist offerings.
“Based on my own business over the past decade, photography travel is definitely a growing trend and is becoming more popular,” affirms Tasmania-based photographer Cam Blake, who has been running photography workshops for 12 years and now partners with Australian Geographic Travel (AGT). Several diverse opportunities in south-east Australia are now offered by AGT with Cam on board providing his expertise to participants.
“There definitely seems to be an increased interest in photography; there are more camera clubs and photography festivals, and part of it is due to social media and Instagram where people can instantly share images from amazing locations with the rest of the world,” Cam says. “There has also been a generational change. Most of our clients now are 55-plus, retired or semi-retired, with the funds, the time and the flexibility to indulge in their photography hobby.”
So, how do you choose a photography tour that’s right for you? Start with location, Cam advises. “That’s usually the first hook for people looking at travel photography tours,” he says. “Sometimes it’s about going back to a place they travelled in their 20s, when they didn’t have a clue about what they were doing with their camera. Or it can be about looking at a place they’ve always wanted to go.”
AGT offers three tours to particularly visually spectacular locations that tap into Cam’s professional photographic expertise – the Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia, Flinders Island in Bass Strait, and Takayna / Tarkine in Tassie’s wild north-west.
Of course, many people these days are able to snap off and edit reasonably high-quality images on smartphones, but some are looking for that extra edge with photography tours offered by operators who have a track record in this specialist area, such as AGT. Add a professional photographer such as Cam – who can teach them along the way and guide them to the best spots to get good photos – and it’s a surefire way to lift the quality of images brought back from travel adventures.
“People often have limited expectations of their own capabilities when they join a tour, and may expect to walk away with only two or three good photos,” Cam says. “But we know from our experience that they’ll definitely walk away with many more – which, of course is the whole purpose of these specialist tours.”
He says the level of support provided on tours can vary. By that he means that some offer only cursory guidance while others provide detailed instruction at every step – from setting up cameras to composing scenes. It’s critical for anyone keen to join a photography tour and get the most from it to research that aspect before booking.
Typically, travellers on photography tours offered by AGT with Cam are given the flexibility while on location to choose what level of instruction suits them – from detailed instruction for beginners to gentle advice on image composition for experienced practitioners. There are no preconceived expectations about clients’ capabilities. Rather, Cam notes, they’re able to choose how much help, advice and assistance they’d like along the way.
Most AGT tours aren’t physically strenuous, covering just 2–3km a day of walking. But expect that days will start with sunrise sessions, go through to sunset, and possibly move into astrophotography at night. “No-one seems to mind that,” Cam says. “Participants definitely seem to know what they’re signing up for and mentally prepare themselves. Very rarely does anyone want to miss anything – there’s a definite passion to be involved in every opportunity.” The payoff is you inevitably return with incredible photos that will transport your friends and family to where you were.
“Some people are so excited to be in a particular location that they really want to see, photograph and tick off, that they try to get all the postcard shots in the first hour of a five-day trip,” Cam laughs. “But patience is an important asset in photography, as we wait for the best light. So, be prepared to pace yourself. Tours run for several days for a reason, and that’s to get the best opportunity for the best light and to really immerse ourselves in the location.”
You inevitably return with incredible photos that will transport your friends and family to where you were.
Photographer and photography tour guide, Cam Blake
Cam says “this immersing yourself in the day” is key to learning. “Remember, we’re not in any hurry,” he advises. “There are no deadlines, no timetables except breakfast, lunch, dinner, sunrise and sunset. We’ve also got flexibility around how long we spend in each place. While we know which areas we will be on certain days, we’ll choose the best places to go at what time on each day, depending on the weather and the light. Our aim is always to be in the right place at the right time.
“For example, if it rains, we might find a beautiful place to sit and do some indoor portrait sessions. It’s really important to allow time to enjoy yourself. It’s a holiday and should be fun and relaxing. We really see people’s shoulders drop as they start to relax into it. And you’ll walk away with some great photos.”
On the three AGT tours that Cam leads, he has no shortage of favourite places. “One of my favourite locations on our Ikara–Flinders Ranges photography tour is Brachina Gorge, where we get to view the beautiful yellow-footed rock-wallabies that reside there. This is always a highlight for the guests, and we all walk away with some great images to go with the memories of viewing this threatened wallaby species.
“Flinders Island is such a unique photography tour as every corner of the island offers something magnificent to capture. My favourite spot on Flinders Island would have to be Sawyers Bay – endless rock formations covered with red lichen make for some very interesting photographs and are synonymous with the red lichened rocks of east coast Tasmania.
“I’ve also been hosting tours into the Tarkine for close to 10 years now, and every visit is so amazing. From the ancient rainforests to the rugged coastline, the Tarkine has everything a photography tour needs.
“We started hosting AGT tours [to the Tarkine] this year, and our first group was treated to some stunning coastal scenes at my very favourite location, Sarah Anne Rocks, which has towering rock formations that get battered by the Roaring Forties to create some of the most dramatic imagery along the Tasmanian coastline.” Finding a tour that suits you is the most important step, along with booking ahead.
“We think the ideal tour size is no more than six to eight people, or even fewer,” Cam says. “But this does mean tours sell out quickly, and sometimes you’ll need to book up to 12 months or more ahead. Try to book as early as you can. It secures your spot and also gives you time to organise things, and to book flights and accommodation.
“People often want to add on extra things before or after their tour. For example, when we run a tour to the Ikara–Flinders Ranges, people often want to go on to Uluru or to Adelaide.” AGT is able to facilitate this sort of additional travel upon request.
Surprisingly, having the ‘right’ photography gear isn’t as important as some might expect. “What you have already is generally fine,” Cam says, reassuringly.
“Most people who book on our tours are already enthusiasts and have the gear ready to go. But, to be honest, it doesn’t really matter which camera you have. It’s all about learning how to best use the equipment you’ve got – about settings and lighting.”
Essentials – in addition to your camera, of course – are a tripod, filters, spare batteries, laptop and a good camera bag to keep your gear safe, Cam says. Some people, he adds, like to also shoot with their phone cameras, but usually as an adjunct to a digital SLR.
Before departing on any photography tour, be sure to ask the operator if they have a gear list that outlines what you need to bring with you. And when looking for a tour operator, it’s also wise to ensure they have the necessary permits and licences for photography in national parks, as these vary from state to state. Most reputable tour operators will have the correct permits to cover their clients as well, but it’s worth checking.
Looking into the guide’s work online is also a good way of assessing whether the tour is a good fit for you. Do you, for example, like their style of photography? Have they won awards for their work? What do online reviews from the previous guests tell you?
With so many tour options now available for photography enthusiasts, it’s almost certain that the images you bring home will keep the memory of your trip alive for years to come.
