One of the world’s most widely published travel photographers, David Kirkland has partnered with boutique tour operator Crooked Compass to guide two small-group tours to the visually rich destinations of Papua New Guinea and India in 2024.
David will share his experience gathered from more than 20 years of travelling the world as a professional travel photographer on this Papua New Guinea tour. His passion for capturing traditional culture and the way he photographs people and colour will ensure an even more memorable journey.
A region he is best-known for capturing, this Papua New Guinea tour provides an opportunity for an intimate group of six travellers to photograph ancient and mysterious rituals rarely witnessed by visitors.
Traveling to Papua New Guinea will allow you to mingle with the tribespeople at the highlands Melpa Festival. Walk among the dancers as they prepare their body decorations, colourful traditional costumes and vibrant face painting. Fly by charter deep into the heart of the jungle in the Sepik region to spend time with some of the country’s most remote communities.
India Through the Lens with David Kirkland is available to an exclusive group of 12 travellers. An ultimate visual spectacle for photographers, this tour celebrates both Holi and Hola Mohalla, two of the country’s most culturally rich and photogenic festivals. The itinerary visits some of India’s most picturesque sites in their best light – bustling marketplaces, mosques and ancient monuments. Exclusive experiences and expert local knowledge provide insights into the rituals and life of its people, and showcase India’s colour, character and class.
David will personally guide fellow travellers with their photography, tailoring his assistance to their experience level and interests. Travelling with a photographer of David’s standing who is enthusiastic about sharing his craft will enhance all abilities, from budding to advanced photographers. Traveling to Papua New Guinea with David, will be unlike any other photography tour offered in the region.
“This is the first time David has ever partnered like this with any travel company. Given his profile, this is an incredible privilege for Crooked Compass to welcome him as part of our team. After almost two years in the making, we are so excited to bring these itineraries to market,” said Lisa Pagotto, Crooked Compass Founder.
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary photography adventure? Join Crooked Compass & David Kirkland and elevate your skills while exploring the world’s most captivating destinations. Unleash your creativity and capture moments that will leave you breathless. Book your spot today and make this experience yours!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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