Testimonials

 

Cynthial Dial, Photo Journalist

 

As a journalist whose career has been traversing the world to write about it and accompanying my work with images, I’m no stranger to photos on the run in foreign lands.  But being a member of a comprehensive photo tour was not in my background.  So, I set out to study them and uncover the best. 

 

What did I learn?  Photo tours are typically tour/workshop combos with emphasis on having the best subject in the best light with optimum time to get thebest shot.  Translation of best shot: A photo that is perfectly exposed, precisely cropped, properly composed, defines a sense of place and has no background distractions.

 

With a photo tour a professional photographer will likely shoot alongside you and be available to explain his process on every element . . . from exposure to focus to lighting.  Transformed by early morning or late-in-the-day light, even the most stagnant landscape becomes inspired, and the best photographers eternally chase this “magic” light.

 

Unlike typical tour companies that design trips geared to general travelers (albeit many return with full memory cards), photo tours attract sincere photo enthusiasts – those interested in maximizing their photography while traveling, rather than dashing from place to place for snapshots in memory of the innumerable brief stops.

 

In short, photo tours separate the tourist from the traveler.

 

Once sold on the concept, I discovered Roger Nelson and Global Travel Photography (GTP).  As an entrepreneur and owner of a successful software company, it was after selling his company that Nelson began to devote his time and talent to his avocation, travel photography.  He had spent over two decades traveling the world and photographing it.  It seemed a natural transition.

 

But before beginning his own operation he traveled with top photo tour outfits.  And from these experiences he mirrored what he best liked and eliminated what didn’t work.  What did he like?  Small-size groups, luxury accommodation (as luxurious as the destination allows) and local guides with exceptional photo knowledge. 

 

The results of his research are evident.  When you travel with GTP all of the complicated tour logistics and planning are handled; your tour begins and ends with the same local guide; it’s timed to coincide with a noted festival, cultural event, full moon, whatever the locals consider a celebration and you receive behind-the-scenes, VIP access.

 

And unlike many photo tour leaders, Roger’s time is devoted to your photography, not his.  His informal hands-on teaching style is coupled with patient, knowledgeable instruction.  And his photo workshops complement this on-the-road tutorial.  But both work toward one goal – to hone your photo skills.  

 

GTP tours accommodate the seasoned photographer with expensive, sophisticated camera gear as comfortably as the beginning novice with a point-and-shoot camera.  Nelson’s only requirement:  a participant who desires to shoot photography, not snapshots.

 

As a writer, I long ago learned that the description “once in a lifetime” is overused to the extent that it has become a trite accolade.  But in this case, I’ll make an exception because GTP is sincerely in the trip-of-a-lifetime business.

 

Jim Johnson – Myanmar Photo Tour and Workshop

 

"As an overall comment, the experience was fantastic!!  It far exceeded my expectations in many areas.  I was particularly impressed with the number and quality of interactions with Myanmar culture.  The fact that we were “honored guests” wherever we went, that we were welcomed without question in monasteries, schools, marketplaces and people’s homes made the experience highly memorable.  When you combine this incredible access with the people’s willingness to be photographed the experience becomes even better.  From a photographic perspective I could not have asked for more.  I have photographed all over the world, both on my own and in photo groups, and I have to say that this was the most rewarding experience I have ever had.  The photographs are fantastic and the stories that go with them are incredible.  This tour is a photo journalist’s delight!! 

 

Of course experiences like this do not just happen; they are the result of careful planning and flawless execution.  And I give the tour full marks here.  That you have been to Myanmar many times and knew exactly where to go and what to do was crucial to the success of the tour.  And your choice of tour guides could not have been better. 

 

Of course I would be remiss if I did not comment on the accommodation and the food.  I was more than surprised at the high quality of both.  This was one area where I had low expectations and not only were they exceeded but what we experienced was American standard 4 to 5 star accommodations and food that was nearly as good.  The tour is billed as a luxury tour and it certainly is that.  You have chosen the best lodging available; it was always pleasant to return at the end of the day to comfortable surroundings. 

 

Finally, the photography.  When I go on a tour it is because I trust the guide and the leader to get me in the right place at the right time.  You certainly succeeded in doing this.  I also appreciated that we were able to take advantage of every sunrise and every sunset when the light was at its best.  The sunrise experience, in particular, is well worth getting up early for.  The atmospheric conditions at that time, especially with the combination of fog and smoke, made for many ethereal shots which could not have been accomplished any other way.  It was all photography, all the time and I could not have asked for more opportunity.  In short, this was a fabulous tour and I would highly recommend it."

 

Shauna Anderson – Costa Rica Fitness & Photography

 

"My husband and I were looking for an adventurous, active vacation that incorporated yoga.  So we were thrilled to learn about Roger’s photography/yoga tour to Costa Rica.  The trip turned out to be exactly what we were looking for and more.  We really appreciated how organized and worry-free everything was for us. 

 

Roger had planned a good balance of relaxation and activities.  We started out each day by practicing yoga with of view of the ocean or mountains, followed by a delicious breakfast at the all-inclusive resort.  Afterwards, we would either relax by the pool or leave for another adventure. 

 

We would definitely do it all over again and feel confident that the accommodations would be outstanding, the logistics would be properly aligned and the activities would be first class."