I hope you are doing well. We're keeping busy with new tours in the works. I just finished leading the best Baja Gray Whales trip ever. We were petting friendly whales all three days we were out on the water. At one point we had six whales jostling for position! Now I'm in the Yucatan, scouting for my Yucatan: The Mayan World trip here next year. Karl just finished leading his Amazing Myanmar trip to rave reviews, and is already on the road again leading his Vietnam Explorer trip. As always, you can see his blogs and images at www.karlgrobl.com/blog. Ralph is in Turkey on a scouting and planning trip for next year's photo tour in April. Soon after he returns, he'll be leading his Exploring Historic Central Europe trip. We hope to see you on a trip this year! Cheers, Jim
|
 |
Jim to speak at San Diego Travel Show
For those of you in Southern California, Jim will be speaking at the San Diego Travel and Adventure Show on Saturday, March 29th at the San Diego Convention Center. His topic will be "Secrets of Successful Travel Photography". Jim will be in the company of Travel Channel hosts, Samantha Brown and Don Wildman and author, Patricia Schultz (1000 Places to See before you Die). This is San Diego's largest travel show. Discounted tickets are available for our newsletter subscribers, use this link: http://tinyurl.com/travelshowtickets and the PROMO CODE 'SPK2'.
Have you seen our new website yet?
JimClinePhotoTours.com is up and running. It offers a more streamlined and functional experience for you. (For those of you that take multiple trips with us, you now have the option to create an account that will store all of your pertinent information so you won't have to enter it every time you sign up for a trip.) We hope you'll take a look (and bookmark) the new site and let us know what you think!
|
|
Participant Spotlight
Our congratulations go out to four JCPT trip alumni who have recently been recognized for photographs that were taken on one of our tours.
|
 JCPT Trip Alumna, Karen Fadel's show, titled "Cuban Life", was on display at Seven Gables Real Estate in Orange, California in early March. Karen's work showcases architecture, political signage and the people of Cuba. |
The work of Gini Pringle (right) was featured at the Phillips Gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah earlier this month. Photos taken on one of our Cuba trips made up the bulk of the show. The show was titled "Gini Pringle: An Honest Aperture". |
 Louis Montrose's work (left), taken on Jim's Day of the Dead Oaxaca photo tour, was published in the February edition of Black and White no. 101. The magazine featured two of Louis' images across two full pages (see pages 42 and 162). |
Lastly, Amazing Myanmar photo tour participant, Bonnie Stewart, whose photo, titled "Jump into Action" was an editor's pick in the National Geographic photo contest last year, has been asked to submit the image for publication in an upcoming National Geographic book titled "Stunning Photographs". The book will be available this fall. |
|
Photo Tours and Workshops this year
|
Holy Week in the Philippines
April 13-28, 2014 with Karl Grobl - only 2 spaces left!
Every year during April, Filipinos all over the country participate in massive, elaborate celebrations and fascinating rituals and acts of penitence, the most dramatic of which is crucifixion. Highlights we'll experience include: viewing the worship at Quiapo church in Manila, where mystic, animistic, and Christian rituals are blended together; walking alongside the throngs of pilgrims at Baclaran Church, and photographing the Sinulog candle dancers in Cebu. We'll also do some amazing street shooting around Manila at the largest meat and produce market in the country, a tiny boxing gym and more. Rounding off the trip is a chance to swim with whale sharks, cruising on a private boat, and a relaxing stay at one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space, click here.
|
 Exploring Historic Central Europe: Berlin, Prague, Budapest & Krakaw
May 3-16, 2014 with Ralph Velasco
Trip full, wait list available. To add your name to the wait list for this tour click here, or scroll down for information on our the Sept. 2014 tour which still has space available. |
|
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 21-31, 2014 with Jim Cline
Trip full, wait list available
To add your name to the wait list for 2014 or interest list for 2015, click here.
|
|
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 12-26, 2014 with Karl Grobl - only 1 space left!
The purpose of this hands-on instructional workshop is to push yourself to the limits of your ability and imagination, to have an outstanding and unusual cultural experience and to enjoy and learn from the company of others. The workshop includes a multitude of activities including lectures, one-on-one instruction, critiques, assignments, and exploration of all things photographic. During the course of the workshop you will learn new skills and techniques, then apply them in real-life situations. Your results will be reviewed and then you will go back out and improve your craft. If you're looking to improve your photography skills in a big way, this workshop is for you.
To view the itinerary and reserve the final space, click here.
|
|
Exploring Historic Central Europe: Berlin, Prague, Budapest & Krakow
August 30 - September 12, 2014 with Ralph Velasco
Join award-winning travel photographer, author & international tour guide, Ralph Velasco, as you discover five of Central Europe's most exciting and photogenic cities: Berlin, Prague Krakow, Bratislava and Budapest. Ralph's personal knowledge of these cities will surely make for some great photo opportunities.
For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.
|
Amazing Myanmar
September 6-20, 2014 with Karl Grobl
Join us as we explore what is perhaps the least discovered country in Southeast Asia and is truly one of the few "authentic" destinations there. Our itinerary includes Yangon's Schwedagon Pagoda; the ancient city of Bagan, where the landscape is dotted with more than one thousand temples; and Inle Lake, wherein life seemingly unchanged for centuries. Each location affords a wide variety of photographic opportunities including street photography, landscape photography, environmental portraiture and still life.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space, click here.
|
|
Ensenada/Tecate 3 Day Photo Tour/Workshop
October 11-13, 2014 with Jim Cline
There are a great variety of photographic subjects on this trip for just 3 days - the colorful fish market, sea-lions, mariachis, seascapes, vendors and their products, local people, the beautiful Riviera Cultural Center (formerly a casino owned by boxer Jack Dempsey), a boat trip in the morning light in the working harbor, wineries with wine-tasting, a very rustic pottery factory, and finally the tranquil town of Tecate with its typical Mexican plaza. Also during the trip, Jim will give slide show lectures on creating more dynamic photographs and on maximizing your results with digital cameras.
To view Jim's images from our January trip, click here. To take a look at some of the testimonials we received about the trip, click here.
For the tour itinerary or to reserve a space, click here.
|
|
Bhutan-Nepal Photo Expedition
October 12 - 24, 2014 with Ralph Velasco
Bhutan provides the intrepid photographer with a unique and fascinating variety of photographic and cultural experiences and remains perhaps one of the last places on earth where can experience true Himalayan culture, seemingly unchanged for centuries. Throughout the tour, you'll find the people of Bhutan exude calm, openness, warmth and happiness. In Nepal we'll visit and photograph many of the most important and photogenic areas, including Swayambunath, the monkey temple, Kathmandu's Durbar Square, Bhaktapur,"The City of Devotees", Bouddhanth, a colossal ancient Stupa and Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva and many more intriguing spots.
For more information, or to reserve your space, click here.
|
India: Pushkar & Rajasthan
Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2014
with Karl Grobl
Trip full - wait list available
To add your name to the wait list for 2014 or the Interest list for 2015, click here.
|
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
October 27 - November 5, 2014 with Jim Cline -only 2 spaces left!
Visiting Oaxaca, Mexico during Day of the Dead is an experience like no other. Full of color, celebration, tradition and ritual - Day of the Dead offers a rich assortment of subjects and environments to photograph.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space, click here.
|
|
Guatemala: The Living Maya
November 14-24, 2014 with Jim Cline - only 2 spaces left!
From the Spanish Colonial town of Antigua, to volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán, to the many wonderful little villages and their energetic markets filled with indigenous locals in colorful dress, you'll find plenty of subjects to explore with your camera in Guatemala. The Mayan traditions are alive and well in this sometimes mysterious, and always captivating country.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
click here.
|
|
Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
January 17 - February 1, 2015 with Karl Grobl
This adventurous tri-country tour begins in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capitol city, where we will explore the Grand Palace, cruise the canals, photograph vendors in the floating markets, and much more! Then it's off to northern Thailand, where we get to know and photograph hill tribes. A two-day boat journey is next, traversing and photographing largely unexplored areas down the mysterious Mekong River, while en route to Luang Prabang, Laos. Once there, we'll photograph its green hills and gold temples, and see hundreds of Buddhist monks take their morning alms walk through town. A flight to Cambodia will position our group in the bustling fascinating capitol city of Phnom Penh. Then it's onto Siem Reap, Cambodia to explore and photograph Angkor, a stunning ancient collection of over 100 temples set against the dramatic backdrop of lush jungle greenery and verdant fields.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
click here.
|
|
Yucatan: The Mayan World
January 30 - February 9, 2015 with Jim Cline
The Yucatan peninsula is an area of natural wonders and a fascinating history, being the initial home of the great Mayan civilization. This photo tour offers the chance to photograph the Mayan ruins / archeological sites of Chichen Itza, (declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World) Uxmal, and Tulum. The beautiful capital city of Merida, with its bustling plazas and colonial buildings and churches is also a noteworthy stop. We'll relax on the white, pristine beaches on the shores of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and explore underground cave systems filled with stalactites and crystalline fresh water. This trip offers a wide variety of photography opportunities both on ancient lands, and the sea.
To add your name to the interest list,
click here.
|
|
Southern India
February 19 - March 4, 2015 with Karl Grobl
Trip full, wait list available. To add your name to the wait or interest list, click here.
|
|
Baja Gray Whales
February 24 - March 3, 2015 with Jim Cline
Every winter, thousands of California gray whales and their newborn calves migrate to Baja California. On this most memorable tour, you'll have the chance to view the whales as they blow, sound, mate, and calve in their natural habitat, sometimes within feet of the our boat! Also awaiting us is Baja's most spectacular desert scenery, the Catavina Boulderfields, where we'll shoot the world's tallest cactus, a wide variety of photogenic desert flora and massive granite boulders. Rounding out this tour is the charming palm oasis town of San Ignacio with a colonial atmosphere, friendly inhabitants, and one of the most beautiful missions in Baja.
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
click here.
|
|
Vietnam Explorer
March 18 - April 1, 2015 with Karl Grobl
Starting in Saigon, we will travel by boat to Can Tho and experience an amazing diversity fish markets and in particular, a unique floating market where trade continues as if untouched by the modern world. We'll also explore the azure beaches of Danang and Hoi An, an important Vietnamese trading center in the 16th and 17th centuries. Later on the tour in Hanoi, we will shoot the bustling old quarter and visit Ho Chi Minh's tomb, and even have some free time to avail ourselves to some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia. Another stop: the town of Bac Ha, nestled among the emerald rice paddies, riots of bamboo, pine, and orchids of Vietnam's lush northern hills. Here we'll be able to photograph up to 10 different local hill tribe groups.
With its amazing diversity and rich cultural history, Vietnam offers the adventurous traveler a unique opportunity to experience and photograph an exciting mix of landscapes, people, places, philosophies, cuisines, crafts, and religions. This tour will likely be one of the most memorable, photo rich trips of your life
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
click here.
|
|
|
Tours in the works ~ interest lists forming
If any of the tours below are of interest to you, send us an email and you'll be notified when more information becomes available.
2015
Chiapas: The Mayan World
with Jim Cline
Turkey
with Ralph Velasco in April
Philippines
with Karl Grobl in May - June
2016
Colonial Mexico: Land of the Aztecs: Highlights of Mexico City, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende
with Jim Cline
The Wonders of Baja: Cabo San Lucas, La Paz,
Loreto and Mulege
with Jim Cline
|
|
|
|
Jim Cline Photo Tours LLC
| |
Who we are:
Where to find us:
info at jimcline dot com
11387 Ocean Ridge Way
San Diego, California 92130
(858) 350-1314
|
|
Testimonials!
| |
We are very proud of
the testimonials we've received.
I hope you'll take a look at
what some of our participants
have had to say about
our tours. Click here to read or take a look below.
|
|
Past Newsletters
| |
(click on month to view)
|
| |
Karl's Blog
In spite of his busy schedule, Karl does a great job of keeping his blog up to date. You can follow him on his journeys at his blog address:
|
We're in Rough Guides!
| 
We are already listed in Moon Handbooks and Frommer's guidebooks. Now we have been written up in Rough Guides, as well! |
|
"Thank you for a marvelous trip, it was fantastic! The photo opportunities were excellent and varied; I got some shots that I'm very happy with and my photography improved. Jim did a great job of attending to people's needs both photographic and logistic. The local guides that Jim works with provided a great deal of information and both were congenial and really seemed to be involved in the group's activities. If someone wants a vital experience with another culture, solid instruction photographing people and places in that milieu and an out-and-out good time, this is the trip to take."
- Louis Sasso, Peru tour participant
|
|
"Karl, you are an experienced leader and run a great trip. I see why you have a loyal following. i appreciate the help and photo advice. All I had to do was listen and remember when to show up. I think taking people pictures will be easier for me now."
-Chuck Thompson, Vietnam tour participant |
"It was a great trip, Jim was wonderful. He was well prepared, patient and has a
good sense of humor. He was very easy to travel with; I feel like I'm traveling with a friend. The individual attention is so valuable...I learned several things ... that helped me to get better photos. I really liked the opportunity to interact with and photograph the locals. Jim's many relationships with locals is what makes the trips special and will keep me coming back again and again. Jim did a great job."
-Terri Huizinga, Guatemala tour participant
|
"There are many choices for photo tours to India, but I felt this [tour] was well-priced. The locations were ideal for northern India and Karl's photographic expertise and personality made this THE only choice for me."
-Barbara Colbert - India tour participant |
"[The] Day of the Dead festival was truly amazing. I am definitely traveling with you again. The tour was perfect and Jim was great; really easy going, organized, attentive and generous. I enjoyed everything being centered around photography and travelling with other photographers. Jim would let us be if we wanted ,and if we wanted more instruction, he was there to help. I learned a lot (technique and equipment-wise) and got shots that I was really happy with. I had a great time ... and would definitely recommend this trip to my friends."
-Chantal Levesque, Oaxaca-Day of the Dead participant |
"My overall feedback: Outstanding! Extraordinary value and highly recommended. I have never been on a photo workshop that offered so many different photographic opportunities in such a short period without feeling rushed: coastal scenery, colorful fish markets, harbor scenes, and markets; underground winery bottle and barrel storage; night photography overlooking a harbor and later of neon signs against setting sun; pottery factory lit by rays of light through eerily dusty interior; urban and rural landscapes; colorfully attired cultural events; and wildlife in seals and birds on a dawn harbor cruise. The trip was paced well, offered a good selection of food and accommodation; clean, comfortable van and driver used. Excellent knowledge of the area was shared by trip leader Jim, who has personal relationships with many of the locals we encountered. I will go with this trip leader again."
-Dale Thompson, Ensenada/Tecate tour participant
|
|
"This is my second time traveling with you [Jim], and as before, I had a marvelous time. Your planning and execution of the itinerary is excellent. Your knowledge of the area and the personal relationships with the people there truly make your trips exceptional. It all adds up to a truly enjoyable travel and photographic experience. Thus, I always highly recommend you to anyone with interest in the areas that you visit. I'll look forward to traveling with you again at some point in time. Thank you!"
-Rita Florea, Chiapas tour participant
|
|
"There is no way that this trip would have been so wonderful if it wasn't for all Karl's efforts on all of our behalf; his taking the time to teach, and his ability to be even handed at all times. He opened our eyes to photography in such a way and in such a short time. We feel that we got way more than we expected from the tour and Karl. We were deeply indebted to all the work done to make that trip (and every other trip) as satisfying as possible."
-George & Joan Saba, India Pushkar participants
|
...One of the things I love about trips through Jim Cline is the standard of food and accommodation. After a day in the mud or dust of the streets of Asia or bumping over rough rails or roads, it is such a pleasure to retreat to a private and comfortable space!
I don't think you can do better than with a trip with Karl and Jim Cline photo tours."
-Ursula Wall, multi-trip participant |
| |
"I loved the trip and it was packed full of fun places to see with excellent photography instruction. The trip was not too long either which sometimes is really nice. Short, sweet and jam-packed full of learning! I liked the selection of places visited where the photo opportunities were terrific: the fish market, the evening view of Ensenada, the harbor cruise, the blow hole and markets, the winery, pottery factory, roadside tamale shops and the Tecate sign.
Jim was so helpful both in his presentation and while we were shooting. I liked learning new camera techniques and the opportunity to use a tripod. I got some great shots and learned so many techniques. The visit to the art gallery where Jim's photos were displayed was excellent. Talking about how each picture was captured was extremely valuable.
Again, it was a short trip so not everything can be accomplished and I thought Jim did a remarkable job packing in so much. Jim was terrific and made such an effort to be sure EVERYONE was happy. He wanted everyone to enjoy the trip and to learn new things about photography and he took every effort to make this happen. He has a great sense of humor and was flexible but kept the program on time.
I thought the entire trip was great -- definitely a TEN [highest]! Absolutely I feel the tour is good value for the money and would absolutely suggest it to others. Jim Cline provides high quality tours [4x tour participant] with loads of photography instruction, individual help, wonderful places to see, and Jim succeed to get our group to these places at the right time of day for the best pictures. Thank you." -Bonnie Stewart, Ensenada/Tecate tour participant
"I would rate the trip as an 11 (out of 10)! Karl could not have been better guide, and the local guide was great. I definitely improved my photography skills. I really enjoyed the cultural experience, seeing the sites, smelling the smells, being in the mix as much a big American could be in Myanmar. I had a great time and received good value for the money." -Kit Smith, tour participant
"It was a wonderful trip and it certainly exceeded all my expectations from each photo shoot, every hotel, our local Indian guide, Dv, the pace...all contributed to the success of the trip. Best of all, Karl was a most accommodating, patient, instructive, talented, good-natured, entertaining, tireless leader AND definitely well-connected. My only regret was not going on the extension. Thanks for everything." -Sally Bucko Pushkar tour paricipant
"Thanks for putting together a first rate photo tour. I can't imagine a more thorough nor more enjoyable journey to Chiapas. But beyond the photography, you gave us a cultural and visual adventure that will long be treasured. I enjoyed the wonderful diversity of locations, culture, food and traveling companions. It was a spectacularly fun and productive trip. The hotels were clean, comfortable and well located, the restaurants were excellent, the size of our group was perfect. And the itinerary was well selected as to time, subject and location. Jim did a great job; he was there to help if needed and knew when to let go of the leash. I'm already looking forward to my next adventure on a Jim Cline tour. If anyone asked, I would suggest one of their photo tours." --Ron Smith, tour participant
|
|
|
