E-Mail Newsletter
  
 November 17, 2015
Photo by Karl Grobl
     

I hope you are doing well. I've just completed another extremely successful Day of the Dead in Oaxaca trip. There is nowhere like Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead - I have gone there 17 years straight! We are now releasing the 2016 trip to those on the Interest List. 

Karl is in India leading his annual Pushkar Camel Fair & Taj Mahal trip. His 2016 trip will be released soon, as well. We are happy to have Jeremy Woodhouse leading trips for us beginning in 2016, along with Karl, Ralph and me. That's it for now - I hope to see you on a trip soon!

Cheers,
Jim  

 
Participant Spotlight

Animal Market, San Francisco el Alto. Photo by Margaret Mallory
An article written by JCPT Alumnus, Ken Mallory, was recently featured in the publication International Travel News. The article is about Ken's experiences with his wife, Margaret, on our Guatemala photo tour. Click here to read the full article online, or simply click the photo, above.
Congratulations and thank you, Ken! 

2016  Tours & Trips


 

Cuba: People-to-People Cultural Exchange

January, February & March 2016 with Jim Cline 

All currently released trips are full. Waitlists are available. To add your name to a wait list, click 'wait list' on your preferred month, below. If you'd like to be added to the interest list for future trips, send us an email.

 

2017 Cuba schedule coming soon!

 

January 20-31 add to waitlist

February 16-27 add to waitlist

March 2-13 add to  waitlist


 
India: Gujarat & the Malabar Coast
 February 10-23. 2016 with Karl Grobl
 Trip full, to add your name to the wait list for 2016 or interest list for 2017, click here.

 


 Vietnam Explorer
 March 15-29, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Just 2 spaces left!
  
Vietnam is a country rich with photographic opportunities: The diverse landscape includes the roughly 1000-mile-long and beautiful coastline, magnificent mountain ranges and karstic rock formations to capture the eye. Newly developing in the modern world, traditional lifestyles are still very part of the daily life of the Vietnamese.  The robust itinerary for this trip will have our group experiencing and photographing an exciting mix of landscapes, people, places, philosophies, cuisines, crafts, and religions.

For full details or to reserve your spot, click here.

 


Turkey: Bridging Two Continents
 April 4-16, 2016 with Ralph Velasco

  
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 not to be missed.

For full details and to reserve your spot, click here.


 


Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 11-21, 2016 with Jim Cline
  
Peru deserves its reputation as a mystical travel destination. From the beautiful colonial gem of Cuzco to picturesque Andean towns, Peru is a place rich with photo opportunities.  Tour highlights will be stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and magnificent Machu Picchu to capture and experience the unique Incan lifestyle and culture.

For full details and to reserve a space, click here.

 

  
The Philippines
May 15-29, 2016 with Karl Grobl

Filipino Carriage
 
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 full details and reserve your spot, click here.

 
  
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 25 - August 8, 2016 
with Karl Grobl and Jeremy Woodhouse

 
This trip is unique among our tour offerings. The workshop gives participants a chance to hone their photo storytelling skills working under two seasoned professionals by way of lectures, one-on-one instruction, critiques, assignments, and exploration of all things photographic.  You will have the chance to apply what you've learned exploring Angkor Wat and the town of Siem Reap. 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 13-27, 2016 with Karl Grobl
2016 trip just released!
Journey with Karl through the dynamic and primitive environments of Papua New Guinea for an unforgettable adventure and iconic tribal images. Cruising down the rivers, it will be like a journey back in time as we spend a couple of days living 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.  Plus, Karl has secured passes to a Paiya mini-show, to get close-range photos of tribes as they prepare and perform dances and demonstrate their way of life. All this plus untouched beauty of their 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. 

For more information, click here.
 


 
  Rustic & Rural Romania 
September 4-17, 2016 with Ralph Velasco 
 
Traveling the most picturesque regions of Romania with tenured Guide Ralph Velasco - an abundance of people, architecture, landscape, food, animal and other photo opportunities await you.  From Bucharest, we'll make our way 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.  

Old wood churches and world famous painted monasteries beckon us to Moldovita and Sucevita.  We'll also explore and shoot Bran castle, the so-called "Dracula castle," which is in reality, a wonderful medieval castle set in a picturesque valley.  Join us, and see why the rustic and rural aspects of Romania are truly a photograph's dream.

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

 
  
Amazing Myanmar
September 20 - October 4, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Only 4 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.

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

  
  Highlights of the Adriatic: Slovenia, 
Croatia & Montenegro 
September 24 - October 6, 2016 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 book a space, click here.

 
  
Ensenada/Tecate  Tour & Workshop
October 2016 with Jim Cline
 
During this dynamic 3-day photo adventure, we'll first explore Ensenada Mexico, which lies only an hour and 15 minutes south of the border and full of wonderful photographic opportunities. From the bustling fish market at the colorful wharf to the elegant Riviera Cultural Center - downtown Ensenada has numerous subjects to photograph.  We'll shoot the harbor scenes, pelicans, sea lions, locals, colorful shops and signs, vendors and their wares, classic musicians, and lots more.  En route to Tecate, a winery tour and wine-tasting await,  as well as a chance to explore and shoot all aspects of a very rustic pottery factory to document the lives of the local people and pottery making.  During the trip, Jim will give slide show lectures on creating more dynamic photographs and on maximizing your results with digital SLR cameras.      

For more information or to add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.

  
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
October 27 - November 5, 2016 with Jim Cline
2016 trip just released!
 
Join-in to experience the most Mexican of holidays as we explore and photograph innumerable parties held for the dead.  We will experience and capture the local goings-on in various cemeteries, elaborately decorated altars, costume parades, markets, and at splendid colonial churches.  We'll meet locals and observe their daily life in Oaxaca. The villages in the surrounding area, busy marketplaces and the ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban are also highlights of this fall photo tour. 

For more information, click here.


India: Pushkar Camel Fair
  & the Taj Mahal
October 31 - November 2016 with Karl Grobl
2016 trip release coming soon!
  
India's Pushkar Fair is Asia's largest camel and livestock market, with unparalleled photo opportunities.  We'll photograph camel herders and their encampments among the rolling sand dunes then retreat to a desert encampment at night.  We will also be visiting other fascinating locations such as Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Our group will explore ancient forts, wander the markets, and the famous Taj Mahal. During the day our group will be "out in the thick of it" not just shooting the action, but being part of the action.

For more information or to add your name to the interest list for the 2016 or 2017 trip, click here.
.
  

Guatemala: The Living Maya
November 2016 with Jim Cline
 2016 dates/release coming soon!
 
 
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.

 
2017  Tours & Trips
  
Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
January - February  2017 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 enroute 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 more information or to add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.

 
  
Japan Winter Wild Watch
February 14-27, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse
Now booking!
 
For travelers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, let us show you this unexpected side of Japan, delving deeper into the rich diversity of its ancient culture, exotic cuisine, and, above all else, its extraordinary wildlife.  There is a wonderland of rugged landscapes and fascinating congregations of wildlife that only occur in the snowy winter months, including remarkable concentrations of Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles on the ice edge at Shiretoko Peninsula.  Our expedition also includes the enthralling Japanese Macaques at Jigokudani, whooper swans and dramatic landscapes around Lake Kussharo, and encounters with the highly endangered red-crowned crane at Tsurui and at the International Crane Center at Akan.  

For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.

 
JCPT  goings-on  Online
 Participant Galleries

It goes without saying that Jim, Karl & Ralph have captured some great photos in lands afar, but tour participants have also shot very impressive photos, as well. Have a look for yourself in our Participant Galleries (http://jimcline.smugmug.com/). The page is also accessible via our website. You'll see the tab at top of each page. We hope you'll stop by to see the varied subjects which other photo enthusiasts have captured during their experience on one of our photo tours.

JCPT Alumni Facebook Group 

Great News! We have created a Jim Cline Photo Tours Alumni Group on Facebook. It's a great place to share the fond memories of your JCPT travel adventures. Post your stories and photos so that the group can reminisce together. Reconnect with fellow photographers and continue in creative comradery. 

If you haven't been added yet by us, send a request. You can also request to add other tour participants who you may be friends with. Just follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JimClinePhotoToursAlumni 

Chat with us!

In an effort to serve you better, we've added a new "Chat" feature on our website. You'll see a pop--up window located on the bottom right of our website. If we're, online and available, it will read, "Have a question about a tour? Chat with us!". If not, it will read, "Contact Us". 
 
Rest assured it will be one of us on the other end, standing by to answer your questions. We're excited about this new feature and hope you'll find it helpful!
 
  
Additional 2016/2017 Tours ...in the works 
 
Cuba:  People-to-People Cultural Exchange 
Eastern Cuba & Havana (several trips)

November 2016

Jan - Feb - March, 2017

 

 Morocco, with Jeremy Woodhouse

November 24-December 8, 2017 



If you'd like to join us on one of these trips, send an 
email (info@jimcline.com) and ask to be added to the Interest List for the trip. We'll email you when more information becomes available and/or the trip is released. 

 





Jim Cline Photo Tours LLC

Who we are:
Jim Cline, Founder/Trip Leader
Karl Grobl, Co-Founder/Trip Leader



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


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@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)

 

October 2015

August 2015

July 2015

May 2015 

February 2015

December 2014

August 2014

June 2014 

April 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 C. 2013 participant (India tour) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"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 G. 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 D. 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 S. 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 B. 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 T. participant Vietnam tour







"This trip started me on fulfilling a life-long wish to visit India. I will go back!  I loved the train rides, even (especially) the long one in that funky first-class car.  The Golden Temple was fascinating.  I'm grateful that we had the opportunity to stop at the various villages along our route, which would not be possible without your planning and past experiences. Every place we visited offered something special.   In general, the lodging was very good, and a few places stood out.  Thank you all, and especially you, Karl, for all of your hard work. You are the best...and don't ever give up this day job, Karl! I have a bucket list to complete with you!" -Nancy B. participant India Pushkar tour, 2014












"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 C. 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 S. participant (Ensenada tour 2014)
 






 

  

 

  

 

 

"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 F. 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 S. 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 W. 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 S. participant
 
 



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


"We had some excellent photo opportunities that seem well chosen for the most part and did not concentrate on any one area, thus, lots for everyone. I liked the sharing of images and found it interesting to see what others see.  Jim is a great leader and makes everyone feel comfortable and is very fair.  I also noticed his generosity.  The local guides on hand were very pleasant and helpful as well." -Susan C., Yucatan participant 2015    







   
"Our tour leader Ralph was very good at organizing, keeping things moving, and finding the special shooting locales.  The local guides were all outstanding as well.  My photographic skills improved and I captured some great photos.  It's hard to pick my favorite part of the trip, but probably Auschwitz-Birkenau.  The Intercontinental in Budapest was over-the-top with beautiful views.  I like the small group size and the good arrangements (hotels, busses)."  -Alan B. participant 2014


 





"This trip was fantastic, as well as the photo opps!  The scenes that await capture are beyond anything imaginable! Karl was amazing with his fantastic attitude and enthusiasm, as well as the local guides who were such an important part of this fabulous trip!  The pace/timing of the itinerary was wonderfully exciting!  All the restaurants I found to be enjoyable.  I took the optional extension and, what a treat to be in some really isolated areas.  My main objective in taking the trip was to photograph, photograph, and photograph; and that we did!  This was truly a fantastic trip far beyond any imagination!" -Ann T., Myanmar participant 2015 




 
"I believe this trip was just terrific.  How so?  It offered perfect photo ops, the tour was expertly organized, always on schedule, had awesome/top-notch food, excellent hotel selections, a delightful set of photographers, etc.   My favorite part and an unforgettable experience was seeing gray whales breaching & skyhops in Guererro Negro.  As far as photos- my goal was to capture 3 "keepers" per day but ended up with an average of 10 per day. i.e. Exceeded my expectations by a mile. The photography discussions at dinner were super useful, and Jim was super helpful and super well organized. This tour is the best way to experience gray whales and Baja landscapes. I totally enjoyed every moment."  -Murali N., Baja Whales participant 2015  


  

 

 
 
"Our tour leader Ralph was a delightful gentleman and one of the most knowledge trip leaders I have
experienced over the past 40 years. He is a very experienced photographer and generously shared his knowledge, talents and experienced with us. The local guides were very good and added to the enjoyment of each city. The photo opportunities were excellent and the time allowed was very generous. I think I learned more composition skills and believe I am a better photographer.

I found all the hotels very excellent and enjoyed the somewhat unique personality each had. The smaller hotels were enjoyable and added to the special experience each city offered.  Overall, I was very impressed with all the aspects of this tour and am a Jim Cline fan." -Larry E. participant 2014


 


That's all for now! We hope to see you on one of our trips, soon!
 

JIM CLINE PHOTO TOURS LLC
 www.JimCline.com

858-350-1314

Toll free 877-350-1314

email: info @ jimcline dot com