Where would you go?

[pnodrog]

I haven't, but from what I've read, the experiences can, it seems, be massively different - from the small, learning group where teaching and learning is at the top of the agenda, to the group where it seems that the 'students' are only there to pay for a photo-trip for the pro who generally goes off and does his/her own thing. So, choosing very wisely and carefully seems to be the 'rule'.

The 'challenge' for me of such a tour would be the fact that, for me, photography is a very isolationist (is there such a word?) activity. I'd love the opportunity that group travel would allow to get to some wonderful locations. But once there, I'd want to get away on my own, which I don't think is the ethos of the thing.

Solitary is the word I would use... Occasionally I have been out with a group or a friend to take photographs. I either ignore them completely while wandering around concentrating or treat it as a social occasion and only take the odd grab shot. It would not take me long to be considered the unsociable outcaste if touring with a group.

[rpcrowe]

I have not taken a "photo tour" but, have attended photo shoots with two different camera clubs... I have also taken a tour to China which was not a photo oriented tour...

The reasons why I attended these shoots were varied. Sometimes I was able to get into events free of charge and at other times I was able to enter events early and have more access to the area. Other times, my group has scheduled a model or models to shoot...

The China tour was a great bargain - I could never have seen as much over the two week period at the low price I paid for the trip.The problem with that tour was the lack of free time for shooting what I wanted to shoot. I could not "play hooky" from the tour and go off on my own because when we left our hotel room in the morning, we placed our luggage outside the room door. We would tour all day and then fly or bus to another city that afternoon or evening. The next time we saw our luggage was in the new location.

When we arrived in Shanghai, I knew that we would spend two days in that city - so I played hooky and went off on my own to shoot. These were the best photos I shot during the China tour.

My normal way to work with a group is to stay with the group for a short time and then wander off on my own. I get better photos but, do not ingratiate myself with fellow tour members...

I have heard of one "photo tour" in which the "expert" just folded his "students" in with a regular, non-photo tour. That would be the worst of all compromises for me...

[BobGilbody]

I spent three years in China. I was supposed to be teaching English but classroom teaching was a waste of time. After class the students wanted to talk, in class they didn't. I did most of my teaching outside the classroom. I got to learn a lot about China. Made friends with people. Took a few photos. That was in the period 2003-2006. I got my flights and accommodation paid for, earned enough to have a good time. Should have taken more photos but didn't.
Doubt things would be the same if I returned. Can't return anyway, too old.

[logo]

Tuscany for the light and the landscape then New Zealand

[Chataignier]

Not being a great landscape fan I could save the cost of travel to exotic lands and use the money to stay in the best hotels in big cities just about anywhere so that I could spend my days photographing my favourite subject : my fellow citizens.

...and I do agree with Manfred, photography is a solo activity. We photographers meet at photo clubs to compare notes and photos and to talk about photography but rarely to take photos.