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June 30, 2014

Photo by Karl Grobl

 


I can't believe summer is already here! We've had a busy spring. I was in Peru with my Peru Machu Picchu trip, Ralph was in Central Europe with our inaugural Exploring Historic Central Europe trip and Karl took a much needed break after three solid months of tours in Southeast Asia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Next up for him is his Angkor Photo Workshop coming up on July 12.

I put together a gallery of images from my 2013 Guatemala trip with captions/descriptions, I hope you'll take a look: www.jimcline.com/guatemala2013.

There are still spaces open on many of our trips, so have a look below - we hope you can join us!


I hope to see you on one of our tours, soon!
 
Cheers, 
Jim
 

Trip participant galleries
 
 

We are so pleased with the participation of so many of you in our new participant gallery web pages.  Many galleries are full of fun and intriguing participants' images from the past several trips. It's fun to see what others have captured (and experienced), on our tours. Have a look for yourself at  www.jimcline.smug.com     

  


Participant Spotlight

 

Our congratulations go out to JCPT Alum, Zoe Kritzler. Her image (above), taken on Karl's February 2013 Amazing Myanmar photo tour, was selected as a Week 10 editor's pick in this year's National Geographic Traveler photo contest. Way to go, Zoe!

  

 
Photo Tours and Workshops this year
  
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 12 - 26, 2014 with Karl Grobl
Still one space left!  

This unique workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia includes a multitude of activities including: lectures, one on one instruction, critiques, assignments, and exploration of all things photographic.  Plan to learn new skills and techniques, then apply them in real life situations. Karl will guide you through the process of developing story ideas, compiling the necessary visual components and then help you understand and create visually compelling photo essays and short multimedia presentations. Within close proximity one can explore Khmer temples of Angkor, markets, lakes, rivers, forests, rice paddies, villages and more, Siem Reap is the ideal location for this workshop.

 

For more information or to reserve the final space, click here . 

 

 

 
Amazing Myanmar
  September 6-20, 2014 with Karl Grobl  - only 3 spaces left!
 
 
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 2014 trip, click hereTo take a look at some of the testimonials we received from the same 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 - waitlist available 
 
 
To add your name to the waitlist for 2014 or the Interest list for 2015, click here.
    
  


 
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
October 27 - November 3, 2014 with Jim Cline

Trip full, waitlist available.
 
 To add your name to the wait list 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 Atitl�n, 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 images from last year's tour go to  www.jimcline.com/guatemala2013   
 
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
click here.

 

 
 
2015 Photo Tours and Workshops 
 
 
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 
only 3 spaces left!
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 view full details and reserve a space,
click here.

 

 
 
Southern India
  February 19 - March 4, 2015 with Karl Grobl
 
 Trip full, wait list available.  To add your name to this list, click here.

       

 

 

 
Baja Gray Whales
 February 24 - March 3, 2015 with Jim Cline
 
Gray W
 
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 images from the winter 2014 tour go to www.jimcline.com/bajawhales2014 
 
To view the itinerary and reserve a space,
 click here.

 

 
 
Vietnam Explorer
March 17 - 31, 2015 with Karl Grobl

Trip full, wait list available  

To add your name to this list
click here. 
 
  
Turkey:  Bridging Two Continents 
April 18 - 30, 2015 with Ralph Velasco - only 1 space left!
 
This intriguing tour begins in Istanbul, where participants will experience and photograph many renowned sites- including the Basilica Cistern and magnificent Hagia Sophia.  We'll cruise the Bosphorus, visit Ephesus -the largest ancient city ever uncovered and explore  the deep canyons and fertile valleys of Cappadocia (via optional hot air balloon if you'd like), as well as other important, historical sites of the Ottoman Empire. Photo opportunities will be vast; from the local people, farms and villages, to breathtaking landscapes, to the fascinating architecture of the Byzantine era not to mention the world's largest bazaar. This trip is one not to be missed.
 
For full details or to reserve your space, click here.  

 
  
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
 May 6-16, 2015 with Jim Cline  - only 3 spaces left!

 
Peru deserves its reputation as a mystical travel destination. From the beautiful colonial gem of Cuzco, to the incredible Inca site at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with its picturesque towns and majestic Inca ruins, Peru is a place rich with photo opportunities.
 
To view images from the 2011 tour, go to www.jimcline.com/peru2011 
 
For full details or to reserve a space, click here.  

 
  
Philippines 
May 2015 with Karl Grobl
 
The Philippines is the hidden gem of Southeast Asia. It boasts a fantastic landscape, including its amazing rice terraces, colonial architecture and palm-fringed, white-sand beaches on a scale and beauty that one might have expected to find in Hawaii decades ago. Beyond the scenic beauty, you'll find it's the Filipinos themselves who make the country such a joy to visit.  They are photo-friendly and full of beautiful smiles.
 
For full details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is released, click here.  

 
  
Chiapas:  The Mayan World
November  2015 with Jim Cline
  
Chiapas is located right in the heart of the Mayan world. We will experience many of the mystical Mayan traditions and ceremonies, and explore exotic Mayan ruins, beautiful landscapes, and the superb colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. A fascinating and exciting place to visit, the photographic opportunities are endless on this unique journey.  
  

To view images from the 2012 tour, go to www.jimcline.com/chiapas2012

  
For full details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is releasedclick here.  

 
  
Exploring Historic Central Europe
Aug. - Sept. 2015 with Ralph Velasco 
 
Join award-winning travel photographer, author and 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 add your name to the interest list 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. 

 


 
Mexico's Copper Canyon
August 2015 with Ralph Velasco
 
Colonial Mexico: Land of the Aztecs: Highlights of
 Mexico City, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende
2016 with Jim Cline 

 

The Wonders of Baja: Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, 
Loreto and Mulege 
2016 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 


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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
 
 
  
 
 

JIM CLINE PHOTO TOURS LLC

858-350-1314

Toll free 877-350-1314

email: info @ jimcline dot com