Choosing the Right Nepal Photography Tour

Upper Mustang, Nepal

The allure of a Nepal photography tour is undeniable. But with a plethora of options available – workshops, photo tours, guided photo tours – choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To make the most out of any photography tour it’s crucial to know what you want out of your journey - and what these different terms mean. This guide will equip you to navigate the world of photography tours and pick the one that perfectly aligns with your goals.

1. Understanding the Nuances: What are photography workshops? 

2. And What Are Photography Tours?

3. Guided Photo Tours: Bridging the Gap

4. Choosing Your Ideal Photo Tour: A few Considerations

5. Beyond the Basics: Refining Your Search

6. Booking Your Dream Photo Tour

1. Understanding the Nuances: What are photography workshops? 

Photography workshops prioritize skill development. The key distinction lies in the learning focus. They typically involve smaller groups, dedicated instructors, and a structured curriculum. Expect classroom sessions covering technical aspects like composition, lighting, and editing. You'll then put your newfound knowledge to practice through field exercises under the watchful eye of your instructor, receiving personalized feedback throughout. Think of workshops as a class - specific to a particular style or technique.

Travel photography workshops might emphasize one aspect of travel photography in a short amount of time - capturing sunsets at a particular location, for example. Photography workshops often involve a type of skill or style of photography. Think portraiture, street or night photography. These workshops are often shorter in duration, a day, or a few days, and they are specific to the curriculum. 

2. And what are photography tours?

Photo tours, on the other hand, differ from travel photography workshops as they prioritize the travel experience only. They cater to photographers of various skill levels, offering a pre-planned itinerary focusing on capturing iconic locations. While some basic guidance might be provided, the emphasis is on exploration and independent learning. You'll receive logistical support, like transportation and accommodation arrangements, but the focus will be on capturing your own unique vision of the destinations. Photo tours can be as simple as hopping on a bus to specific locations within a city for the tourist highlights. There is limited to no ‘instruction’ - no ‘how tos’ or a chance to ask a professional for tips on composition or getting the best out of the available light. If you’re already a competent photographer, and just want a trip to the sights, these types of tours are fine. If you’re interested in more - a deeper dive into the culture, perhaps, or some hands-on instruction, you might be sorely disappointed.

Time to explore on your own or a more structured tour?

3. Guided Photo Tours: Bridging the Gap

Guided photo tours bridge the gap between travel photography workshops and photo tours. They offer a structured itinerary with a focus on capturing specific locations, similar to photo tours. However, they incorporate learning elements like on-site instruction and technique demonstrations, catering to those who want to enhance their skills while experiencing new places. In our Nepal photo tour, we incorporate a fair amount of cultural context into each location, and always have an expert keenly familiar with the surroundings available for tips, tricks and techniques to help you get the most out of your photography.

4. Choosing Your Ideal Photo Tour: A few Considerations

Now that you understand the core differences, here's how to go about selecting the perfect photography tour:

1. Skill Level Assessment: Be honest about your current photographic expertise. Are you a complete beginner seeking foundational knowledge? A seasoned photographer wanting to refine specific techniques? Workshops cater best to beginners and those seeking targeted skill development. Photo tours and guided photo tours are ideal for photographers of all skill levels, particularly those comfortable with their camera. Here at Brooksbank Photo Tours we cater to all levels of photography. 

2. Learning vs. Exploring - What do you want out of this?: What drives your travel photography aspirations? Do you crave in-depth learning and personalized instruction, or is your focus on exploring captivating destinations and capturing them through your lens? Workshops prioritize structured learning. Photo tours and guided photo tours provide opportunities to explore and capture, with varying degrees of on-site instruction.

3. Group Dynamics: Consider your comfort level in group settings. Photography workshops typically involve smaller groups, fostering closer interaction with instructors and fellow participants. Photo tours will usually have larger group sizes, while a guided photo tour offers a nice balance between the two. We structure our guided photo tours to accommodate an intimate group of photographers, fewer than 9 guests, to help you benefit from a more independent learning experience, access to the photo guide, and the benefit of a group learning experience to further guide you in honing your craft.

4. Budget Considerations: Workshops generally cost more due to the personalized instruction and smaller group sizes. Photo tours come in on the less expensive side, whereas guided photo tours tend to be more budget-friendly on a cost-per-day analysis. Guided photo tours run the gamut, however, from uber-luxurious (and expensive) affairs to more bare bones, with more of an emphasis on exploration than luxury. Our photo tours strike a balance between the two.

5. Beyond the Basics: Refining Your Search

Once you've identified your ideal tour type, delve deeper into specific options. Here are key factors to consider:

• Destination: Do you have a specific location in mind, like the vibrant streets of Kathmandu or the gorgeous vistas of Upper Mustang??

• Itinerary: Scrutinize the planned activities. Does it align with your photographic interests? Are there enough shooting opportunities at iconic locations?

• Guide Credentials: Research the guide's expertise. Do they possess photographic skills aligned with your interests? What's their local knowledge like?

• Group Size: Determine if the group size aligns with your preference for personalized feedback or independent exploration.

• Physical Requirements: Assess your fitness level. Does the tour involve strenuous hikes or challenging terrain?

Our guides are experienced and contain a wealth of local knowledge.

6. Booking Your Dream Photo Tour

By understanding the distinct offerings of workshops, photo tours, and guided photo tours, setting clear objectives, and meticulously evaluating available options, you'll be well-equipped to choose the perfect photography tour. Remember, the ideal tour hinges on aligning with your skill level, learning goals, travel aspirations, and budget. 

Brooksbank Photo Tours offers a guided Nepal photo tour to Kathmandu and Upper Mustang. Request a brochure here.