Everyone can be a travel photographer
With the popularity of apps like Instagram everyone has the chance to be a travel photographer and document the amazing world we live in via the art of photography. Like never before photography is listed as one of the most popular hobbies. Many photography enthusiasts think you have to join a specific photography tour; however, you don’t! Whilst photography tours are extremely popular, you can turn any destination into a chance to take some world class photos that National Geographic will be asking to repost.
You don’t need expensive equipment to take a great shot. It’s all in the eye and being in the right place at the right time. Many of our travellers have taken amazing photos with their point and shoot cameras as well as their phones. There is something very satisfying about sitting on your couch long after you have returned from your travels and looking back on your memories, it’s an easy way to be transported back to that magic time and place. The added bonus is that it is something you created!
Here are some ideas for destinations to consider if you would like to have your own photography adventure. These locations offer landscape, wildlife, cultural exchange and the chance to photograph daily life; these are the features that make for an interesting photo.
Africa, the ultimate destination for photography and nature lovers. Whether it be cheetahs or leopards, bushmen or hunter-gatherer tribes, we have a journey that will provide you with a life changing experience and the chance to contribute to the conservation of Namibia’s cats and diminishing traditional tribes. As well as get that photo that will have your friends asking did YOU really take that?
Go telemetry tracking for lions, elephants and leopards. Walk with caracals and go behind the scenes of the Leopard Conservation Fund. Join San Bushmen around their evening fire and listen to their traditional stories about the stars, animals, galaxies and the universe. Go on a bush hunt with the Ju’hoan hunters, collecting bush foods of berries, tubers, honey and small animals.
In a different world to Turkey’s bustling seaside resorts, the exciting lands of eastern Turkey offer adventure, rich cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery. Beginning in the lush mountains of the Black Sea region, travel across arid plains, past crumbled villages and deep blue lakes.
The tangle of ancient and current cultures will intrigue you as you visit evocative, historical sites such as the ancient Armenian capital of Ani, the Byzantine masterpiece that is Sumela Monastery, the Ishak Pasa Palace, the architecture of Mardin and many seldom visited spots such as Lake Çildir and the remote Georgian churches and fortresses in the northeast. Mount Ararat at 5137m dominates the Iranian border and Lake Van, vast and mountain encircled, feeds the plains near the Iraqi frontier.
With its broad vistas and dramatic scenery, its ubiquitous borders, and a fascinating history and culture, this trip gives a truly varied insight into a part of Turkey rarely seen by foreign visitors. And the chance to take some photographs that will transport you back every time you look back at them.
On a journey through the Western and Northern Galapagos, you will experience intimate encounters with an extraordinary profusion of exotic wildlife – both on land, and in the sea. These enchanting islands, offer the planets most unique and fascinating ecosystems.
Discover wild creatures in lands you will never forget. Your expert naturalists will take you on guided nature walks, allow you time to capture those perfect photographs, snorkel amongst playful sea lions and kayak through turquoise waters.
Zip through the waters on your zodiac, allowing you to get up close and personal with the water based wildlife and landing you safely on the varying islands and islets. Go whale watching, star gazing… the experiences are endless.
The Galapagos – there is nothing else like it on earth.
Tours by Design are a Crooked Compass specialty if you are looking for something personalised precisely to your style. Why pay for tours that include excursions you simply are not interested in? Maybe you have come across an itinerary elsewhere that is ‘almost’ perfect, but not quite. Perhaps you would like assistance to help create that dream itinerary from scratch and turn it into a reality.
Whatever your reason for customising your own tour, our expert team is here to help. We would love to hear from you and help you design an experience that will turn into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Don’t forget to tag us in your travel photos, we love to see your adventures. Use #crookedcompass or #followadifferent path. Get in contact with us to find more about Tours By Design and create your next adventure. Otherwise check the many exotic and unique destinations that we travel too, let us help you to create your next adventure!
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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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