E-Mail Newsletter
  
 August 8, 2016

Photo taken by Jim Cline in Vinales, Cuba
   

I hope you are having a great summer! We are very excited here with all of our new trip offerings, as well as some of our perennial favorites, of course. We are releasing our Cuba trips, and there are still some spaces available. We have a few different itineraries, so there will be something for everyone. Karl is busy planning new trips as well - to India, Tribal Myanmar, and more.

In addition we have new trips being planned with Jeremy Woodhouse, Christopher P. Baker and Ralph Velasco. Please take a look below to see all of our offerings. 

We hope to see you on one of our trips soon!

Cheers,
Jim



New Trips + Exciting Opportunities! 

 
Vietnam- in 2017
You spoke, we listened!

After an overflowing interest in Vietnam, we have decided to run the trip this next year, instead of waiting until 2018. If you signed up on the interest list, you should have received an email earlier this week with all of the details. It's not to late to book your spot on this popular trip. Click here for more information.

Tribal Myanmar
Rural Myanmar and it's Tribal People

On this trip we will delve further into the remote areas of Myanmar and the beautiful, intriguing, and fascinating cultures of the tribes people there. Great for first timers or those who have visited the more well-known areas of Myanmar. Click here to add your name to the interest list for this tour!

 
India Festivals
Holi, Holla Mohalla & Kavant

With an itinerary packed full of three of the most photogenic and breathtaking cultural and religious festivals in India, this trip is sure to amaze. Full of color, life and history...and we still have 2 spaces left! Sign up here to join us. 
 
2016 Tours & Trips
  
Papua New Guinea
August 13-17, 2016 with Karl Grobl
2016 trip full 
Interest lists forming for 2017 & 2018




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 the final space, click here.
 
  
Amazing Myanmar
September 20 - October 4, 2016 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 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.

To reserve one of the final spaces, click here.

 
  
Ensenada/Tecate Photo Tour & Workshop
October 8-10, 2016 with Jim Cline 
 
Click here to add your name to the wait list for this year or interest list for 2017.
 
  
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
October 27 - November 5, 2016 with Jim Cline
Trip full! (Wait list available)

 
Trip Full (wait list available) - 
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


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.  

Click here to reserve one of the final spaces.


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


Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
November 15-25, 2016 with Christopher P. Baker
NOW BOOKING!
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 tour, click here.
 

2017-2018 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
Full information coming soon!
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
Full information coming soon!
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
  Trip Full - wait list available
To be added to the wait listclick here.


Cuba Cultural Exchange:
Havana - Vinales - Trinidad
February 18 - 28, 2017 with Jim Cline
NOW BOOKING!
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 for more information.

India Festivals: Holi, Holla Mohalla, & Kavant
March 6-21, 2017 with Karl Grobl
only 2 spaces left!
                            
 You've heard about it, now witness the first Holi Celebration, India's "Festival of Colors"!   Next we travel to Punjab to see the Hola Mohalla festival where Sikhs will provide thrilling shows to remember!   To round out our three festival tour, we travel to the Kavant Fair, a gathering of Gujarat's Rathva community, to recreate the joy of existence and life. We will photograph the exuberance of Rathva men and women dressed in their distinctive finery, who congregate to sing, dance, discuss marriages and liaisons and barter goods and services.  There is also a trip extension available to Udaipur, home of the Majarajas where we will photograph the city palace and environs. We'll lodge at the beautiful Trident Hotel - 40 acres and surrounded by wooded lawns and containing 150 year old wild life conservatory, this elegant hotel overlooking Lake Pichola is the perfect spot to wind down your visit to India.

To reserve one of the final spaces, click here. 


 Vietnam Explorer
April 18 - May 2, 2017 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 more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, click here.


Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
May 10-20, 2017 with Jim Cline 
  
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 score the final spaceclick here.

  
 Tribal Myanmar Photo Tour
September 2017 with Karl Grobl 
 
If you are looking to dive deep into the remote, fascinating, vanishing cultural diversity of this amazing country, this trip will deliver!   The tour concentrates less on the well known landmarks and focuses more on the last remaining vestiges of tribal cultures that still cling to the traditional ways of life.

We will see and photograph many tribes unique through some of the most scenic areas of Myanmar and through countless traditional villages. If you are looking to get off-the-beaten-track to capture unique, once in a lifetime images, then this is the trip for you!  

For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, click here 
  
  
Chiapas: The Mayan World
November 11 - 20, 2017 with Jim Cline
Trip full, wait list available 
 
Trip full (wait list available).  
Click 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 join the interest list for notification when the trip is releasedclick here.

  
The Philippines
May 2018 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. We can expect a wonderful journey full of friendly, smiling and photo-ready locals.
 
For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released, click here.

 
  
Participant Spotlight

Our congratulations to Jim Cline Alumna, Ivy Gordon. In July, Ivy's photography exhibition, titled "Distant Reflections", was on display at Bread and Cie cafe in San Diego. Ivy is on the board of the organization "Outside the Lens" whose mission is to empower youth through photography, film-making and digital media. Proceeds from image sales from the exhibition went to Outside the Lens'. 

Photo by Ivy Gordon.





To learn a bit more about the exhibition, click 
here.
To learn a bit more about Outside the Lens, click 
here.
 
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another JCPT alumna, Susan Kanfer, is deserving of a 'Thank You' for her kind words about us in her recent blog post published by Photofocus

Photo by Susan Kanfer

Susan traveled with us to Cuba earlier this year. Her post gives some insight on what to expect while traveling in Cuba as a photographer. The post can be read by clicking 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
 
 
 
 
 
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