E-Mail Newsletter
  
 May 12, 2016
Chiapas
"Mari", San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Photo by Jim Cline. 
     

I hope you are all doing well. Here at Jim Cline Photo Tours, we are busier than ever, with about 20 trips planned in the next year. I spent most of the first part of the year in Cuba, and am excited about all of our trips there in the coming year. Karl has been busy planning his new India offerings, and is looking forward to his annual Angkor Photography Workshop in July. Please take a look at our upcoming trips, we have more new destinations than ever before!

Cheers,
Jim


2016 Tours & Trips
  
  
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 25 - August 8, 2016 with Karl Grobl
 
Attend this workshop to push yourself to the limits of your current photo skills and imagination; to have an outstanding and unusual cultural experience; and to enjoy and learn from the company of others. Participants will hone their photo story-telling 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.

To view presentations produced by participants during past workshops, 
head over to Karl's blog.
 
  
Papua New Guinea
August 13-17, 2016 with Karl Grobl




2016 trip full. To be added to the wait list for the 2016 trip or the
interest list for 2017, click here.

  
Rustic & Rural Romania
September 4 - 17, 2016 with Ralph Velasco
 
Travel 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. Join us, and see why the rustic and rural aspects of Romania are truly a photographer's dream.

For more information or to book a space, click here.
 
  
Amazing Myanmar
September 20 - October 4, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Just two 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.
 
  
  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 add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.

 
  
Ensenada/Tecate Photo Tour & Workshop
October 8-10, 2016 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 the itinerary and reserve a space, click here.
 
  
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
October 27 - November 5, 2016 with Jim Cline 

 
2016 trip full, (wait list available). 2017 Interest list forming

Click here to be added to this year's wait list or the 2017 interest list.
 


India: Pushkar Camel Fair
  & the Taj Mahal
October 31 - November 14, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Two spaces now available!



Trip full
wait list available. Click here to be added to this year's wait list or the 2016 interest list.


Guatemala: The Living Maya
November 11-21, 2016 with Jim Cline
Trip Full. To be added to 2016 the wait list or the  
2017 interest list, click here.


Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
November 15-25, 2016 with Christopher P. Baker
Renowned Cuba expert, Christopher P. Baker, will be leading this cultural exchange trip.  He has spent many years traveling and photographing Cuba, and thus is ideally suited to introduce participants to the diverse and unique array of Cubano sites and folks.  Consider joining us on this extraordinary adventure, with stops in Havana, Vinales Valley, Trinidad and more.

For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, click here.
 

2017 Tours & Trips

Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Eastern Cuba & Havana
January 3-13, 2017 with Christopher P. Baker
Renowned Cuba expert Christopher P. Baker will be leading this People-to-People Cultural exchange trip. He has spent many years traveling and photographing Cuba and thus is ideally suited to introduce participants to the diverse and unique array of Cubano sites and folks. Consider joining us on this extraordinary adventure, with stops in Havana, Santiago, Baracoa and more.

For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, 
click here.


On the Road: Eastern & Central Cuba
January 6-19, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse
On this journey with Jeremy Woodhouse, you'll fly to Santiago de Cuba, then head to Baracoa, the eastern tip of Cuba and the island's oldest Spanish settlement. From Baracoa, you'll wind your way back to Havana with stops all along the way including Holguin, Camaguey, Remedios, and a stop in Santa Clara, as well. You'll meet folk dancers, musicians, artists, farmers, fishermen, and more characters than imaginable. So dust off your Spanish and join Jeremy for an unforgettable journey through a part of Cuba which most American tourists rarely get a chance to experience.
 
For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, click here.


Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Havana & Vinales Tobacco Country
January 20 - 27, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse
The wonderful energy of Havana, combined with the beauty of Vinales and the Tobacco country, makes this trip a great introduction to the magical island of Cuba.
 
For tour details or to be added to the interest list for notification when this tour is released, click here.


 India: Gujarat & the Malabar Coast
 January 31 - February 13. 2017 with Karl Grobl
  
Join Karl exploring and photographing the array of paradoxical and moving events, people and culture unique to India's Malabar Coast.  We'll partake in festivals, fairs, traditional performances c- together creating multi-sensory experiences and memories.  Hindu temples, an elaborate mosque from 1573, and an ancient exotic market are favorite tour stops as well. Cruising the labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between Cochin and Quilon, promises rich photo opps and experiences of rural life in India.  

Karl has planned multiple opportunities for participants to experiment and expand their photo skills, some by interacting with tradesmen at work: pottery-making, embroidering, baking, soap-making, fishing, leather tanning, and other cottage industries prevalent in Southern India.  Join us for a memorable, moving journey.

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

 


 Japan Winter Wild Watch
 February 14 - 27, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse
  
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. Rugged landscapes and fascinating congregations of wildlife only occur in the snowy winter months-creating a wonderland of photo opportunities. Our expedition also includes the enthralling Japanese Macaques at Jigokudani (shown left). Also expect to see 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.

Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Havana - Vinales - Trinidad
February 18 - 28, 2017 with Jim Cline
This trip promises to be enticing for first time visitors to Cuba, as well as experienced travelers.  Jim has been working closely with local agencies and arranged many unique cultural opportunities.  With 18 years of experience traveling in Cuba, Jim is ideally suited to introduce ten fortunate participants to the unique sights and experiences only Cuba has to offer. Join us on this extraordinary adventure. 

Click here to be added to the interest list for notification when this trip is released.


India Festivals: Holi, Holla Mohalla, & Kavant
March 6-21, 2017 with Karl Grobl
Come along as we visit three of India's most exciting festivals! This trip will be released shortly. To be added to the interest list, click here. 

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 10-20, 2017 with Jim Cline
Only three spaces left!
  
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.

 

  
Chiapas: The Mayan World
November 11 - 20, 2017 with Jim Cline
 

Click here here to be added to the wait list for 2017 or the interest list for 2018.

 

Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
 January/February 2018 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 more information or to reserve your spotclick here.

 


 Vietnam Explorer
 March 2018 with Karl Grobl
  
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.

 

  
The Philippines
May 2018 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.

 
  
Accolades


 
Congratulations to Marilyn Telen, a JCPT alumna, for winning the "Focus on Haematology photography contest, sponsored by medical journal, The Lancet Haematology. The photo was published in their December, 2015 edition. Marilyn, a hematologist herself, captured the photo in Luang Prabang, Laos during our "Thailand, Laos & Cambodia" photo tour. In Marilyn's words:
 
"Travelling downstream on the Mekong from northern Laos to Luang Prabang, we stopped at a small isolated village along the river. While wandering through the 
village of thatched huts on stilts, I came across a woman washing her pots and pans at a public tap. She was stick thin, but her most notable feature was the forward growth of her facial bones, almost certainly due to thalassaemia, a common disorder in the region."

Way to go, Marilyn!
  
 
JCPT alumnus, Phil Perry is the feature artist this May at Prescott Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. His solo exhibition, "Camera Travels", includes images from Cuba, Myanmar, Peru, Mexico and more. 
 
"There is a back story to every photograph. The viewer doesn't see the impending storm or the run to avoid cars, animals, or other people. They don't smell the odors that permeate like the smoke from a wood fire. The buzz of insects, the frozen fingers or the soaking wet set of clothes are all left behind to provide what I hope is a compelling image that the viewer's imagination can then use to fill in the blanks behind the scenes." -Phil Perry

Congratulations, Phil!


 And finally .... 
Harvard University Exhibition: 
"A Common Humanity"

A representative from the Harvard University International Relations, (Massachusetts, USA) recently contacted JCPT co-founder and award-winning humanitarian photojournalist, Karl Grobl, to supply images for an exhibit coinciding with their International Relations Week. Harvard staff extolled his shots and creativity by conveying: "Not only does your photography document relevant international issues of human trafficking, prostitution, and environmental degradation, but it also provides an extremely intriguing perspective on these conflicts because of your work with NGOs."  

The images were on display earlier this month

Kampong Cham, Cambodia 2004
Woman suffering from AIDS at home with her grandmother.

More photos from the exhibition can be found on Karl's blog, linked here.  

  
Upcoming Tours for 2017
 

Colombia

with Christopher P. Baker ~ July/August 2017

Costa Rica
with Christopher P. Baker ~ November 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, ([email protected]) 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
 
 
 
 
 
Secrets of Successful 
Travel Photography

 
 
 
 
 
Testimonials!


 
 
 
 
 
Past Newsletters
 






We're in Rough Guides!

 

 

 

"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) 

 

 

 

 

 



Chat with Us!


We're in Rough Guides!

 

  

  

 

 "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, 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, participant Vietnam tour







Participant
Galleries





"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 Brandt, 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 Colbert, participant







JCPT Alumni 
Facebook Page



We have created a Jim Cline Photo Tours Alumni Group on Facebook. It's a great place to share 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 click here!








"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 S. 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       


 





 "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


 


 


 

 
 


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

JIM CLINE PHOTO TOURS LLC

858-350-1314

Toll free 877-350-1314

email: info @ jimcline dot com