One of the questions Nicole and I are asked most often is whether someone should book a photo tour or a photography workshop.
While the two experiences have a lot in common, they are designed with different goals in mind. Understanding those differences will help you choose the experience that’s best suited to your photography, your confidence level, and what you hope to get out of your time in the field.
The good news is that there isn’t a right or wrong choice. Both are incredibly rewarding experiences, but they each offer something a little different.
What Is a Photo Tour?
A photo tour is primarily about the destination and the photographic opportunities it offers.
Whether we’re exploring Yellowstone, photographing the incredible wildlife of Costa Rica, or travelling to the Galápagos Islands, the focus is on immersing yourself in an amazing location and making the most of the photographic opportunities it presents.
Of course, instruction is always part of the experience. Nicole and I are there to answer questions, offer suggestions, help solve photographic problems, and make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. But our main job is to handle all of the planning, logistics and local knowledge, allowing you to concentrate on creating images.
One thing participants are often surprised by is how little I photograph myself during a tour. My photographs always come second to yours. My priority is helping everyone in the group come home with images they’re proud of.
To get the most from a photo tour, it’s generally helpful to have a good understanding of your camera’s basic controls so that you can concentrate on composition, light and timing rather than camera operation.
What Is a Photography Workshop?
A photography workshop is much more focused on learning.
Workshops are usually shorter, more intensive and intentionally kept to small groups (typically eight participants or fewer) so that everyone receives plenty of individual attention.
Rather than simply visiting great locations, workshops are designed to help you become a stronger photographer. We spend time discussing techniques, exploring creative ideas, solving photographic challenges in the field, and developing the skills that allow you to create stronger images wherever you photograph.
One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is helping photographers learn to see differently. Often it’s not about changing camera settings; it’s about recognising better light, improving composition, simplifying a scene, or noticing opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
During a workshop, I rarely spend much time photographing myself. When I do, it’s usually to demonstrate how I would approach a particular subject or solve a specific photographic problem.
Photo Tour vs Photography Workshop: What’s the Difference?
Although both experiences involve photography, travel and spending time outdoors, their priorities are slightly different.
| Photo Tour | Photography Workshop |
| Destination focused | Learning focused |
| Longer itineraries | Usually shorter and more intensive |
| Designed around photographing great locations | Designed around developing photographic skills |
| Guidance throughout the trip | More structured teaching and one-to-one instruction |
| Best suited to photographers comfortable with their camera | Ideal for photographers wanting to improve their technique |
In reality, there’s often some overlap.
Every photo tour includes instruction, and every workshop involves creating great photographs. The difference is simply where the emphasis lies.
Which Experience Is Best for Beginners?
This is another question we hear quite often.
If you’re still becoming familiar with your camera or would like more structured tuition, a photography workshop is often the best place to start. The smaller group size allows more time for individual guidance, questions and hands-on learning.
If you’re already comfortable with your camera and are looking to photograph incredible wildlife or landscapes in spectacular locations, a photo tour may be the perfect choice.
Many of our guests enjoy both. Some begin with a workshop to build confidence before joining one of our tours, while others return year after year because they enjoy the combination of travel, photography and continued learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although it depends on your confidence with your camera.
Our photo tours are designed for photographers who have a basic understanding of camera operation and are comfortable changing settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Because the focus is on making the most of the photographic opportunities in the field, there is less time for in-depth tuition than during one of our workshops.
If you’re completely new to photography or would like more structured instruction, a photography workshop is often the best place to start. That said, we always provide guidance throughout our tours and are happy to answer questions or help solve photographic problems whenever they arise.
No. While many of our participants use professional camera bodies and long telephoto lenses, great photographs are far more dependent on understanding light, composition and timing than owning the latest equipment.
Whether you’re using an entry-level DSLR, a mirrorless camera or a more advanced professional setup, we’ll help you get the very best from the equipment you already own.
If you’re unsure whether your gear is suitable for a particular tour or workshop, we’re always happy to offer advice before you book.
One-to-one instruction is an important part of both our photography tours and workshops, although the amount naturally varies.
During a photography workshop, group sizes are intentionally kept small so we can spend plenty of time working individually with each participant, helping you improve your technique, solve problems and develop your creative vision.
On our photo tours, instruction is more informal and happens naturally throughout the day. We’ll help with camera settings, composition, light, fieldcraft and photographic challenges whenever you need us, while still giving everyone the freedom to enjoy the experience of photographing incredible wildlife and landscapes.
No matter which experience you choose, our goal is always to help you become a stronger photographer.
If your main goal is to visit an incredible destination and come home with a portfolio of images from that location, a photo tour is probably the best fit.
If your priority is improving your photography, learning new techniques and receiving more structured tuition, a photography workshop is likely to be the better choice.
Many photographers enjoy both. In fact, we often see guests begin with a workshop to build confidence before joining one of our longer photography tours. Others alternate between the two, combining the excitement of photographing new destinations with opportunities to continue developing their skills.
The Goal Is Always the Same
Whether you join us on a photo tour or a photography workshop, our goal never changes.
Photography isn’t simply about pressing the shutter. It’s about learning to see. It’s about recognising beautiful light, understanding composition, simplifying a scene and communicating your own vision through the images you create.
We hope that every photographer who spends time with us comes away with much more than a collection of beautiful photographs. We want you to leave with greater confidence, stronger technical skills, fresh creative ideas and a new way of looking at the natural world.
If that happens, then we’ve done our job.
We hope to see you in the field someday.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve & Nicole
Related: Visit Our Photo Tours Page