E-Mail Newsletter
  
 March 29, 2016 
Photo by Karl Grobl taken on our India: Gujarat & the Malabar Coast photo tour

     

It has been a busy 2016 for us and it's only March! My January, February and March were spent in Cuba leading three successful trips. What an amazing photo-rich country, and fascinating to see all the changes taking place! Karl spent February in India, leading his India: Gujarat and the Malabar Coast photo tour and is just wrapping up his Vietnam Explorer tour this week. Keep an eye on this newsletter for information about new destinations in India for 2017 and 2018. 
 
Cheers,
Jim

 
Upcoming Presentations
  Journeys in Latin America
A photography presentation by Jim Cline

 
For those of you in Southern California, there are two opportunities to see Jim's "Journeys in Latin America" presentation in the coming weeks.

Jim's presentation features the very best from his recent travels  through the fascinating and beautiful countries of Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala and Peru , both traveling solo, while leading groups on photo tours, and on assignments for humanitarian organizations. 

Details:
SAN DIEGO:  THIS Wednesday , March 30, 7:30 p.m.,  Darkroomers Photographic Club,  Photographic Arts Building,  Spanish Village, Balboa Park,  1780 Village Place  San Diego 92101
Questions - Jeff Booher
jeff@darkroomers.com

LAGUNA HILLS:  Monday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Laguna Hills Camera Club,  23822 Avenida Sevilla,  Laguna Woods Village,  Clubhouse 3, Dining room 2
Questions - Mike Bray
949-291-8552
mikebray1@cox.net
 
2016 Tours & Trips
   
Angkor Photo Workshop
July 25 - August 8, 2016 
with Karl Grobl and Jeremy Woodhouse
Bamboo Train
 
This trip is unique among our tour offerings. The workshop gives participants a chance to hone their photo storytelling skills working under two seasoned professionals by way of lectures, one-on-one instruction, critiques, assignments, and exploration of all things photographic.  You will have the chance to apply what you've learned exploring Angkor Wat and the town of Siem Reap. If you're looking to improve your photography skills in a big way, this workshop is for you.  
 
To view the itinerary and reserve your spot, click here.  

 
   
Papua New Guinea
August 13-27, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Trip Full, t o be added to the wait list or the
 2017 interest list,   click here.


 
   Rustic & Rural Romania 
September 4-17, 2016 with Ralph Velasco 
 
Traveling 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.  From Bucharest, we'll make our way to the region of Maramures, one of the last truly rural areas in Europe.  We'll meet and photograph interesting locals who will be harvesting fresh hay, making traditional hats, building wooden gates and more.  

Old wood churches and world famous painted monasteries beckon us to Moldovita and Sucevita.  We'll also explore and shoot Bran castle, the so-called "Dracula castle," which is in reality, a wonderful medieval castle set in a picturesque valley.  Join us, and see why the rustic and rural aspects of Romania are truly a photograph's dream.

For more information or to book a space, click here .

 
   
Amazing Myanmar
September 20 - October 4, 2016 with Karl Grobl
Only 2 spaces left! 
 
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.

For more information or to book a space, click here
.

   
   Highlights of the Adriatic: Slovenia, 
Croatia & Montenegro 
September 24 - October 6, 2016 with Ralph Velasco 
Only 3 spaces left!
 
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.

For more information, or to book a space, click here .

 
   
Ensenada/Tecate  Tour & Workshop
October 8-10, 2016 with Jim Cline
 
During this dynamic 3-day photo adventure, we'll first explore Ensenada Mexico, which lies only an hour and 15 minutes south of the border and full of wonderful photographic opportunities. From the bustling fish market at the colorful wharf to the elegant Riviera Cultural Center - downtown Ensenada has numerous subjects to photograph. We'll shoot the harbor scenes, pelicans, sea lions, locals, colorful shops and signs, vendors and their wares, classic musicians, and lots more. En route to Tecate, a winery tour and wine-tasting await,  as well as a chance to explore and shoot all aspects of a very rustic pottery factory to document the lives of the local people and pottery making. During the trip, Jim will give slide show lectures on creating more dynamic photographs and on maximizing your results with digital SLR cameras.      

For more information, or to book a space,  click here.

   

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
October 27 - November 5, 2016 with Jim Cline
 




Trip full,  to add your 
name to the wait list 
or interest list for the 2017 trip, 


India: Pushkar Camel Fair
  & the Taj Mahal
October 31 - November 14, 2016 with  Karl Grobl
Just 1 space left!
  
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.

For more information, or to book the final space click  here.

   

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

 
Cuba Cultural Exchange: Havana, Vinales & Trinidad
November 15 - 25, 2016 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, Vinales Valley, Trinidad and more.

For more information, or to join the interest list for notification when the trip is released click here

2017  Tours & Trips
   
Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
January - February 2017 with Karl Grobl
 
This adventurous tri-country tour begins in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capitol 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 enroute 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 capitol 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 add your name to the interest list when this trip is released, click here.


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 
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.
 
Click here to add your name to the interest list.
 

Cuba: Havana & Vinales Tobacco Country
 January 20-27, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse 
The wonderful energy of Havana combined with the beauty of Vinales and the Tobacco country, makes this a great introduction to magical island of Cuba trip.
 
Click here to add your name to the interest list.


India: Gujarat & the Malabar Coast
 February, 2017  with Karl Grobl
To add your name to the Interest list for the 2017 trip,   click here .

 

   
Japan Winter Wild Watch
February 14 - 27, 2017 with Jeremy Woodhouse
 
For travelers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, let us show you this unexpected side of Japan, delving deeper into the rich diversity of its ancient culture, exotic cuisine, and, above all else, its extraordinary wildlife.  There is a wonderland of rugged landscapes and fascinating congregations of wildlife that only occur in the snowy winter months.  Our expedition also includes the enthralling Japanese Macaques at Jigokudani (shown left).  Also expect to see whooper swans and dramatic landscapes around Lake Kussharo, and encounters with the highly endangered red-crowned crane at Tsurui and at the International Crane Center at Akan.  

For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.
 

Cuba Cultural Exchange
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
 February 18-28, 2017 with Jim Cline 
Interest List Forming
Jim will be leading this trip which is terrific for the first time visitor to Cuba. Even if you've been before, Jim is has been working closely with local agencies and arranged lots of unique cultural opportunities that you may not have experienced on your first visit to the island. With 18 years of experience traveling in Cuba, Jim is ideally suited to show participants the varied and unique sights and experiences Cuba has to offer. Join us on this extraordinary adventure.   

Click here to be added to the interest list for notification when this  trip is released.

   
The Philippines
May 2017 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. 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.
 
Click here to be added to the interest list for notification when this  trip is released.
 

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of th e Incas
May 2017 with Jim Cline
  
Peru deserves its reputation as a mystical travel destination. From the beautiful colonial gem of Cuzco to picturesque Andean towns, Peru is a place rich with photo opportunities.  Tour highlights will be stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and magnificent Machu Picchu to capture and experience the unique Incan lifestyle and culture.

For full details and to be added to the waitlist, click here.

 


 Vietnam Explorer
 March  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 full details or to be added to the wait list, click here.

 

JCPT  goings-on  Online
Chat with us!

In an effort to serve you better, we've added a new "Chat" feature on our website. You'll see a pop--up window located on the bottom right of our website. If we're, online and available, it will read, "Have a question about a tour? Chat with us!". If not, it will read, "Contact Us". 
 
Rest assured it will be one of us on the other end, standing by to answer your questions. We're excited about this new feature and hope you'll find it helpful!
 
JCPT Alumni Facebook Group  

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 follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JimClinePhotoToursAlumni 

  Participant Galleries

It goes without saying that Jim, Karl & Ralph have captured some great photos in lands afar, but tour participants have also shot very impressive photos, as well. Have a look for yourself in our Participant Galleries (http://jimcline.smugmug.com/). The page is also accessible via our website. Just look for the "Participants Galleries" tab at top of each page.  We hope you'll stop by to see the varied subjects which other photo enthusiasts have captured during their experience on one of our photo tours.

   
Tours in the works
  • Festivals of India with Karl Grobl, March, 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 (info@jimcline.com) 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 C. 2013 participant (India tour) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"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 G. 2014 participant (Angkor)  

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 "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 D. 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 S. 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 B. 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 T. participant Vietnam tour


"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 B. 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 C. participant








"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 S. participant (Ensenada tour 2014)
 






 

  

 

  

 

 

"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 F. 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 S. 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 W. 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    







   
"Our tour leader Ralph was very good at organizing, keeping things moving, and finding the special shooting locales.  The local guides were all outstanding as well.  My photographic skills improved and I captured some great photos.  It's hard to pick my favorite part of the trip, but probably Auschwitz-Birkenau.  The Intercontinental in Budapest was over-the-top with beautiful views.  I like the small group size and the good arrangements (hotels, busses)."  -Alan B. participant 2014


 





"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  


   

 

 
 
"Our tour leader Ralph was a delightful gentleman and one of the most knowledge trip leaders I have
experienced over the past 40 years. He is a very experienced photographer and generously shared his knowledge, talents and experienced with us. The local guides were very good and added to the enjoyment of each city. The photo opportunities were excellent and the time allowed was very generous. I think I learned more composition skills and believe I am a better photographer.

I found all the hotels very excellent and enjoyed the somewhat unique personality each had. The smaller hotels were enjoyable and added to the special experience each city offered.  Overall, I was very impressed with all the aspects of this tour and am a Jim Cline fan." -Larry E. participant 2014


 


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