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February 27, 2015
Photo taken during the Angkor Photo Workshop by Karl Grobl
  

 

I hope your year has started off well and that you've had the chance to make some great photographs. We've had a busy couple of months, already. I've just finished leading my Yucatan: Land of the Maya photo tour, and, by the time you read this, I will be leading the Baja Gray Whales trip. Karl is in India, currently leading his Southern India photo tour, which he'll follow with his Vietnam Explorer tour in March, and Ralph is getting ready to lead two sold-out trips in April and May - Turkey: Bridging Two Continents, and Highlights of the Adriatic.

We are planning many new trips in the next couple of years, and many have open spaces now, so have a look below. We hope to see you on one of our trips soon! 

 

Cheers,

Jim  
  
 
2015:  Photo Tours & Workshops


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

Trip full, wait list available  

To add your name to this wait list, click here. 
 




Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 6 - 16, 2015 with Jim Cline
Two spaces now available!


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.  

For more information or to reserve a space, click here. 




Highlights of the Adriatic: Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
May 21 - June 2, 2015 with Ralph Velasco


Trip full, wait list available  

To add your name to this
list, 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
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. This tour provides 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
Only one space left!
  
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 the final spot, click here.        
 
  
Amazing Myanmar
September 21 - October 5, 2015 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 is 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.


 
  
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
October 27 - November 5, 2015 with Jim Cline 
 
Join this tour to experience the most Mexican of holidays as we explore and photograph parties held for the dead in cemeteries, elaborately decorated altars, costume parades, colorful markets, splendid colonial churches, the locals and their daily life in Oaxaca. We will also explore villages in the surrounding area, busy marketplaces and the ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban. 
 
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.  
   
For full details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is released, click here.  

 
 
 Photo Tours & Cultural Trips in 2016-17
 
 

Cuba: People-to-People Cultural Exchange  

 January 2016 with Jim Cline 
  

Jim will be leading a People-to-People Cultural exchange trip.  With 18 years of experience traveling in Cuba, he is ideally suited to show participants the varied and wholly unique sights and experiences Cuba has to offer.

 
For information 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.

 

  
Philippines 
May 2016 with Karl Grobl
Filipino Kalesa
 
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. We can expect a wonderful journey full of friendly, smiling and photo-ready locals.
 
For more information or to add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.

 
  
Guatemala, the Living Maya
November 2016 with Jim Cline
 
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.
 
For more information or to add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.

 
Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
 January 2017 with Karl Grobl 
This tri-country tour begins in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital 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 capital 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 details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is released, click here.

 

  

2016 Tours in the works

 

Interest lists are also forming for the trips listed below. If any sound interesting to you, email us to be notified when exact dates, full itineraries, and trip registration becomes available.

 


Southern India
 February with Karl Grobl
Vietnam Explorer 
 March
with Karl Grobl

 

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


 


  
Participant Spotlight

 
Congratulations to trip alumnus, Claude LeTien, who had three images selected by Foundation EuropAtlas for their 2015 exhibition in France! Claude's photo, was taken on our Myanmar photo tour. For more on the exhibition click here.
Photo credit: Claude LeTien
 
  

 
The words and photographic work of trip alumnus, Steve Wallace, were recently published on The Huffington Post website. Steve wrote an article about his experience with the locals while on Jim's Day of the Dead, Oaxaca photo tour. The full article can be found by clicking, here.
 
Photo credit: Stephen Wallace
  

Participant Galleries

 
Our participant galleries are filling up nicely and can now be accessed directly from our website. Just click on the word 'Galleries' on top of each page on our website, or simply click on the photo above. There are lots of great photos from participants on our recent trips. We hope you'll stop by to see what others have captured during our photo tours.

 





Jim Cline Photo Tours LLC

Who we are:
Jim Cline, Founder/Trip Leader
Karl Grobl, Co-Founder/Trip Leader
Ralph Velasco, Trip Leader
Kat Miner, Logistics Coordinator



Where to find us:
JimClinePhotoTours.com
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)

 

December 2014

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:
www.karlgrobl.com/blog


 
 
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! 
See our write-up here

 

 

 

"I thought the trip was excellent with zero disappointments!  Karl did a superb job of guiding, teaching and making everyone comfortable.  My photography improved during the trip and now I will always think 'What would Karl do in this situation'.   Both guides have made this trip so many times that most things seemed "seamless". I would absolutely recommend the tour and look forward to joining another tour."  -Michael Clayton, 2013 participant(India tour) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Copper Canyon has so much to offer and all my expectations for a wonderful time were exceeded.  The planning and attention to detail by Ralph, in advance of the trip, assured that everyone had the opportunity to make the most of the area. Importantly, that advanced planning and the quality of the lodging allowed our group to talk about photography, not logistics ~ Amen.  I started the trip with a set of learning goals and was able to devote a great deal of energy to improving my skill level in a variety of scenic and adventurous settings."  -David Toombs, participant (Copper Canyon)

 

 

 

 

 

"This trip opened up a whole lot of possibilities for me for which I am hugely grateful.  I have struggled about how to get motivated to shoot at home.  With the idea of doing stories and projects vs. random shots, suddenly the world feels like it is opening up. Regarding recommending this workshop, I would unconditionally recommend it to anyone wanting to learn and practice story-telling type photography. I look forward to more trips with Jim Cline Photo Tours"   -Ivy Gordon, 2014 participant (Angkor) 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 "Another great trip and Jim was great, as always; he is a pleasure to travel and shoot with.  I thought the photo opps were all good.  I can definitely recommend this trip considering it is a short, less expensive trip that gives you an authentic experience of Mexico and some great photo opportunities."  -Robert Dominis 2014 participant (Ensenada tour)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

"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





"I would rate this trip a 10 as it exceeded my expectations and feel that it is good value for the cost.  The restaurants were fine, I enjoyed photographing the models and definitely got some great shots."  -Alan Barber, 2013 participant (Chiapas tour)














"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 tour offers lots to shoot that's out of the ordinary, including many opportunities to think out of the box.  So much of it was just great shooting and I got lots of great pictures!  The workshops [and leader] helped me think in different ways/capture images out of my typical pattern. Thanks so much for putting together a great trip...which exceeded my expectations."  -Rose Schierl, 2014 participant (Ensenada tour)
 






 

  

 

  

 

 

"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
 



"Karl was excellent at resourcing the diverse needs of each and every participant. I Loved Karl's enthusiasm whether it was pouring rain, full sun or anything in between Karl would enthusiastically point out the benefits, and learnt so much from Karl and appreciated his guidance.  The guide was (also) excellent - he shared his knowledge about Myanmar, demonstrated care for each person and resourced their individual needs, and managed the organizational details of the trip with great skill and professionalism." -Cheryl Phillips (2013)


 
  
 
 

JIM CLINE PHOTO TOURS LLC
 www.JimCline.com

858-350-1314

Toll free 877-350-1314

email: info @ jimcline dot com