Company Logo
E-Mail Newsletter
  
 
 December 17, 2014
Photo by Karl Grobl
  

 


 Wow! Another year has come and gone. It was a busy year for us, we introduced our new website, and many new destinations to our schedule. We want to thank everyone who traveled with us, we hope you all had great travels and captured some memorable images. We hope to see you in 2015!

Happy holidays from all of us from Jim Cline Photo Tours!

 

 
 
Featured Trip - Baja Gray Whales
 
There are still two spaces open on my Baja Gray Whales trip February 24 - March 3, 2015. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants is truly an experience of a lifetime.This trip is also filled with lots of amazing desert scenic photography, and we'll visit one of the most beautiful missions in Baja, and photograph many friendly people along the way. I hope you can join me!

See below for more information, or just click the image above.   

  
Participant Galleries

 
Our participant galleries are filling up nicely and can now be accessed directly from our website. Just look for the button on top of each page that reads, "Galleries", or simply click on the photo above. There are lots of great photos from participants on our recent trips to India, Guatemala and Myanmar. We hope you'll stop by and take a look!

 
  
 
2015 Photo Tours and Workshops 
 
 
Yucatan: The Mayan World
January 30 - February 9, 2015 with Jim Cline 
Only 1 space 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 images Jim's scouting trip, click here. 
 
To view full details and reserve your space,
click here.


 
 

Southern India

February 19 - March 4, 2015 with Karl Grobl

One space left!

Join us as we visit two of India's southern states: Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Tamil Nadu boasts some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India and has a rich living tradition of music and dance. You'll have a chance to photograph beautiful, green paddy fields, coconut groves and banana plantations, ancient temple towns and spice plantations in the Eastern Ghats. The lush and serene state of Kerala has a wonderfully slow and relaxed pace.We'll cruise on the backwaters, with much to photograph amid a lush blanket of palm trees and verdant hills. We'll also visit the ancient city of Cochin with its bustling spice bazaars, and more.  

To view the itinerary and reserve the final space, click here.
    
  

 
Baja Gray Whales
 February 24 - March 3, 2015 with Jim Cline 
Only 2 spaces left!
 
 
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
1 space now available!
 
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 a space, click here.

 
  
Philippines 
May 1-15, 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 reserve a space, click here.

 
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 6 - 16, 2015 with Jim Cline

Trip full, wait list available  

To add your name to this list, 
 


  
Highlights of the Adriatic:  Slovenia, 
Croatia & Montenegro
May 21 - June 2, 2015 with Ralph Velasco 
 
We'll start our adventure in the capital of Slovenia and browse a picturesque and charming old town filled with plenty of hidden treasures just awaiting our capture.   The group will then explore mountain landscapes, glacial lakes and rivers of the beautiful Julian Alps and the town of Bled.   Castles, the Alps, waterfalls and several local villages beckon our cameras.   In Croatia, we'll experience colorful lakes and waterfalls, lavender fields - overall scenery that can only be described as stunning.  Following historical Dubrovnik, those wanting to explore more of the region, may consider the optional extension to the charming cities of Kotor and Perast located in the country of Montenegro. 

For more information or to reserve a space click here.
 
  
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 22 - August 5, 2015 with Karl Grobl
 
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 your spot, click here.
 
  
Papua New Guinea
August 6-19, 2015 with Karl Grobl
Only two spaces left!  
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Papua New Guinea.  We'll journey back in time exploring the Sepik River region and live among the tribes, capturing their daily tasks.  Here is a chance to experience and photograph cultural diversity, ancient rituals, birds and natural beauty available no other place in the world.  A highlight of this tour will be the Mt. Hagen Sing Sing festival, considered one of the world's top cultural events.  All this, plus the untouched beauty of the land and natural wildlife, present an unmatched opportunity to experience and photograph rich cultural practices that will soon become history.  Join us as we take on one of the truly finest adventures on Earth.

To view the itinerary or to reserve a space, click here.  
 

 
  
Mexico's Copper Canyon 
August 7-16, 2015 with Ralph Velasco
 
During this special tour, participants can shoot while travelling on one of the greatest train rides in the world; featuring 37 bridges and 86 tunnels along the route.  The canyon's beauty abounds with sheer cliff walls and lush landscapes.  The layered gorge is akin to America's Grand Canyon, though four-times deeper and bigger!  During the journey, we'll explore and photograph the areas around the rim of the canyon in the towns of Creel and Divisadero, and photograph locals who inhabit the area.   Plus, a chance to see how daily life operates in a charming town located 6,000 feet below the rim of the canyon.  If you enjoy outdoor photography, exploring, trains, and nature - hop on board and join us!

 

To be added to the interest list for this tour, click here. 


 
  
Rustic and Rural Romania
August 30 - September 12, 2015 with Ralph Velasco
  
The picturesque regions of Romania will be your muse as you travel with award-winning photographer, Ralph Velasco. From Bucharest, to the region of Maramures, one of the last truly rural areas in Europe, we'll meet and photograph interesting locals who will be harvesting fresh hay, making traditional hats, building wooden gates and more.  From rustic wooden churches to world famous painted monasteries in Moldovita and Sucevita, this area is supremely photographic. We'll also explore and shoot Bran castle, the so-called "Dracula castle," set in a picturesque valley. 
  
To view the itinerary and reserve a spot, just click here.        
 
  
Amazing Myanmar
September 21 - October 5, 2015 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. 
 
  
Exploring Historic Central Europe
October 1 -14, 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.


 

India: Pushkar Camel Fair & Taj Mahal
November 11 - 25, 2015 with Karl Grobl

Trip full, wait list available  

To add your name to this list, 
 


  
Chiapas:  The Mayan World
November 12 - 21, 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 released, click here.  

 
 
2016 Photo Tours and Workshops 
 
 
Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
 January 20 - February 4, 2016 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.  
 
For full details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is released, click here.

 

Colonial Mexico: Land of the Aztecs - 
Highlights of Mexico City, Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende
 February 18 - 28, 2016 with Jim Cline
  
Discover the incredible diversity of Mexico on this photographic journey through the heart of Mexico. We'll start in Mexico City, former center of the Aztec empire (1519), today the largest city in the western hemisphere which offers tremendous photo opportunities: The colonial splendor of numerous buildings and churches in the city center, colorful locals, the giant Toltec stone warrior figures and lots more experiences and images await. Other tour highlights include visiting the magnificent pyramids at three sacred sites. 

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

 

Vietnam Explorer
March - April, 2016 with Karl Grobl 

  

The Wonders of Baja: Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, 
Loreto and Mulege 
April 12-23, 2016 with Jim Cline

Guatemala: The Living Maya
November 2016 with Jim Cline 
  
 





Jim Cline Photo Tours LLC

Who we are:



Where to find us:
info@jimcline.com
11387 Ocean Ridge Way
San Diego, California 92130
(858) 350-1314 


Like us on Facebook  
JimClinePhotoTours

Follow us on Twitter
@jcphototours
@JimClinePhotoTours


 
 
 
 
 
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)

 

August 2014 

June 2014 

 

  

 

 

 

 







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! 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Oaxaca resulted in some of the best people images I have ever shot. Wouldn't have happened without you providing all those many opportunities.  -Dan Nougier, 2013 participant.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

"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




























I have never been on a photo workshop that offered so many different photographic opportunities in such a short period without feeling rushed:   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 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
 

 
 
  
 
 




  

  

 

 

"The Oaxaca trip was incredible. I absolutely loved it and want to do it again in a couple of years." -Becky Wallace, 2013 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 participant
 
 
  
 
 

JIM CLINE PHOTO TOURS LLC

858-350-1314

Toll free 877-350-1314

email: info @ jimcline dot com