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7 Best Photography Tours for Women Over 50 – Capture Memories Around the World

By Sandra Roussy December 07, 2023 Travel

Photography is a timeless journey of discovery and self-expression in a world painted with countless hues and framed by endless horizons. For adventurous mature women with a passion for photography, this stage of life gifts us with the time to go deeper into our passions. Amid these pursuits, photography shines as a profound means to capture the world’s breathtaking beauty.

  1. Costa Rica and the Panama Canal – Cross the Panama Canal on the National Geographic Quest, gain insights into its intricate lock system, and explore the Barro Colorado Nature Monument.
  2. Galápagos Voyage – Go on a comfortable Galápagos adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided island walks with knowledgeable naturalists to witness the captivating wildlife. Don’t miss the chance to meet iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat, as part of conservation efforts, leaving you with a deeper connection to the Galápagos.
  3. HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra & Delhi – Explore the vibrant sensory delights of India on an 8-day Photo Tour. Starting in Delhi, the journey immerses you in four days of Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and Barsana, with a visit to the Taj Mahal. Beyond photogenic locations, the tour focuses on enhancing your awareness and refining your photographic skills while immersing in India’s rich culture and traditions.
  4. Scoresby Sund Northern Lights and Wild Landscapes Photo Tour – Join an exceptional Greenland photo tour with Arctic photography and Northern Lights expert Virgil Reglioni. Explore the largest fjord system in the world, Scoresby, with a small group of like-minded photographers.
  5. New York, New York, New York Street Photography Galore – Join the 6-day Street Photography experience where you’ll explore diverse neighborhoods, capturing the essence and energy of New York through your lens at six iconic locations, from Midtown to Chinatown.
  6. Autumn in Acadia – Join an educational photography workshop led by renowned outdoor photographer Colleen Miniuk, offering insights and expertise from her award-winning guidebook. Explore Acadia National Park’s iconic and lesser-known locations, honing your creative and technical skills with immediate feedback in a small, supportive group.
  7. Birds of the Louisiana Gulf Coast – Love birdwatching? Go on a photography tour to witness the diverse avian wonders of the Louisiana Gulf Coast in their natural habitats. With expert guidance, capture majestic birds and the delicate ecosystems that sustain them, merging your passion for photography with the awe of birdwatching.

If you’re seeking an opportunity to unveil the world’s wonders through your lens, going on a photography tour may be the best solution for you. These dedicated tours offer more than just breathtaking landscapes; they provide safe itineraries, give you the chance to capture memories, and forge connections.

What Are Photography Tours

Photography tours are specialized travel experiences designed for people who hold a keen interest in photography. These tours are typically led by professional photographers, photography instructors, or guides who have expertise in both photography and the destinations being visited.

The primary aim of a photography tour is to provide participants with the opportunity to capture stunning images while exploring unique and picturesque locations. These tours often include workshops, tutorials, and hands-on guidance provided by the tour leader. You can learn new techniques, receive feedback on your work, and enhance your photography skills during the trip.

How to Choose a Photography Tour

Choosing the right photography tour is essential to ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience.

Define Your Goals and Interests

Determine what you want to achieve with your photography tour. Are you looking to improve your skills, capture specific subjects, or simply enjoy photography while exploring new places?

Research Destinations

Start by researching potential destinations that align with your photography interests. Consider factors such as landscapes, cultures, and wildlife that you want to photograph.

Tour Focus and Expertise

Look for tours that match your photography style and skill level. Some tours may focus on landscapes, wildlife, street photography, or a combination of these. Check if the tour offers specialized instruction or guidance from experienced photographers.

Accommodations and Comfort

Check the type and quality of accommodations provided during the tour. Ensure they meet your comfort and accessibility requirements.

Instructors and Guides

Research the qualifications and experience of the tour’s instructors or guides. Experienced leaders can significantly enhance your learning and photography experience.

Reviews and Recommendations

Read reviews from previous participants to gauge their satisfaction with the tour. Personal recommendations and testimonials can provide valuable insights.

Accessibility and Physical Demands

Assess the physical demands of the tour, such as hiking or long walks. Make sure you can comfortably participate in the planned activities.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can select a photography tour that’s perfect for your goals, interests, and comfort level.

Photography Tours Around the World

Be open to new experiences! Remember that photography tours are not just about capturing images but also about learning, enjoying the journey, and immersing yourself in the culture and environment.

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Leave Costa Rica aboard the National Geographic Quest and cross the historic Panama Canal with expert guides, learning about the marvels of this engineering masterpiece. You’ll gain a profound understanding of the intricate lock system that has fascinated the world for generations.

You’ll get to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument, where National Geographic-supported wildlife tracking studies offer incredible insights into Panama’s diverse ecosystems. Witness the beauty of this tropical haven, teeming with unique flora and fauna.

Dive into the pristine underwater world surrounding Isla Coiba, one of Panama’s most remote national parks. Snorkel through vibrant coral reefs and discover a thriving marine realm. Uncover the hidden waterfall pools nestled deep within the jungles of the Osa Peninsula. These tranquil oases offer a serene escape into the heart of the rainforest.

  • Tour Operator: National Geographic Expeditions
  • Type of Trip: Cruise Ship
  • Trip Duration: 8 days
  • Group Size: Max 100
  • Activity Level: Light to moderate

Galápagos Voyage

Galápagos Voyage

Prepare for a remarkable voyage aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, specially equipped for your Galápagos adventure. Imagine the thrill of exploring the islands with kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiacs! Their knowledgeable naturalists will accompany you on island walks, providing captivating insights into the Galápagos wildlife. Witness astonishing animal interactions and take in the beauty of their natural habitats.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises. Observe these magnificent gentle giants in their wild, natural environment, offering a deeper connection to the Galápagos’ unique ecosystem.

  • Tour Operator: National Geographic Expeditions
  • Type of Trip: Cruise Ship
  • Trip Duration: 10 days
  • Group Size: Max 96
  • Activity Level: Light to moderate

HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra & Delhi

HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra & Delhi

India is a land of vibrant sensory overload. The tastes, sounds, smells, crowds, and sights envelop you at every turn. The 8-day Holi Festival of Colors Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure is designed to immerse your senses fully, leaving you utterly captivated.

The tour starts in bustling Delhi, then plunges headfirst into four days of Holi revelry in Vrindavan and Barsana, two of the most significant Holi cities. Along the way, you’ll visit the iconic Taj Mahal, a symbol of timeless beauty.

Holi, a cherished Hindu festival, heralds the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated worldwide, it’s renowned for the colorful powders that celebrants joyfully toss, leaving everyone awash in hues.

This adventure isn’t just about guiding you to photogenic locations; it’s also about helping you envision a scene before capturing the perfect moment. The goal of the tour is to heighten your awareness and ignite your creativity, enabling you to return home with images you’ll be proud of and sharpened photographic skills.

You’ll learn how to survey landscapes, engage with your environment, photograph the local people, and navigate the cultural considerations of shooting in a foreign land.

  • Tour Operator: Photo Workshop Adventures
  • Type of Trip: Walking
  • Trip Duration: 8 days
  • Group Size: 4-8
  • Activity Level: NA

Scoresby Sund Northern Lights and Wild Landscapes Photo Tour

Scoresby Sund Northern Lights and Wild Landscapes Photo Tour

Go on an extraordinary Greenland photo tour led by the Arctic photography and northern lights expert, Virgil Reglioni. This unique journey offers you the opportunity to explore Scoresby, the mythical and awe-inspiring fjord system that is the largest in the world. With just 12 other like-minded photographers by your side, you’ll have a rare chance to capture this breathtaking landscape under the guidance of a world-class photographer.

Set during the latter part of September, this voyage is perfectly timed for encountering the Northern Lights, a natural wonder that never fails to mesmerize. While they can’t guarantee this celestial display, there’s no better place to witness it than in Scoresby, a location blessed with zero light pollution and surrounded by majestic mountains.

  • Tour Operator: Secret Atlas
  • Type of Trip: Ship
  • Trip Duration: 8 days
  • Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level: NA

New York, New York, New York Street Photography Galore

New York, New York, New York Street Photography Galore

Join the 6-day Street Photography experience, expertly led by Leanne Staples, a local Street Photographer and the creative force behind Shoot New York City.

Leanne’s street photography workshops offer a compelling way for both locals and visitors to learn the art of street photography while walking through the diverse urban neighborhoods of New York. The journey will carry you through carefully selected neighborhoods, each possessing distinct characteristics and demanding unique shooting styles, ensuring that each day presents a fresh photographic canvas.

You’ll explore six quintessential New York locations, including Midtown, Soho, Coney Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the lively streets of Chinatown.

  • Tour Operator: Women in Photography
  • Type of Trip: Walking
  • Trip Duration: 6 days
  • Group Size: 6-10
  • Activity Level: NA

Autumn in Acadia

Autumn in Acadia

Capture the enchantment of Acadia National Park at the pinnacle of autumn during this educational photography workshop led by renowned instructor and outdoor photographer, Colleen Miniuk. As the author and photographer behind the award-winning guidebook, “Photographing Acadia National Park: The Essential Guide to When, Where, and How,” and a former three-time Acadia Artist-in-Residence, Colleen’s expertise in the park is unparalleled.

In a small, supportive, and learning-intensive group, Colleen will guide you through a transformative photography experience. You’ll discover how to infuse creativity into your work, forge deeper connections with Acadia’s landscapes, and harness visualization, composition, and lighting techniques to craft emotional and distinctive visual narratives. Technical aspects such as exposure controls, depth of field, and the use of filters will also be explored.

With immediate feedback in the field and during image critique sessions, you’ll hone your skills. Colleen will lead you to both iconic and lesser-known spots where you’ll capture vibrant autumn hues, the dramatic clash of waves against rocky shores, and historical sites throughout Acadia.

  • Tour Operator: Colleen Miniuk
  • Type of Trip: Walking
  • Trip Duration: 4 days
  • Group Size: 10
  • Activity Level: Moderate

Birds of the Louisiana Gulf Coast

Birds of the Louisiana Gulf Coast

Take photos of the captivating avian wonders of the Louisiana Gulf Coast on this photography tour. This immersive experience is designed for bird enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike. Led by seasoned naturalists and birding experts, you’ll have the chance to witness the incredible diversity of bird species in their stunning natural habitats.

Your adventure takes you to the heart of this vital birding region, where millions of migratory birds make their seasonal stopovers. As you travel through the pristine marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands, you’ll encounter an array of majestic birds. With expert guidance, you’ll learn the art of bird photography, sharpening your skills to capture these avian beauties in their most captivating moments.

This tour promises not only an extraordinary opportunity to document the avian life of the Louisiana Gulf Coast but also a deep appreciation for the delicate ecosystems that sustain these magnificent birds. It’s a journey that combines your love for photography with the awe-inspiring world of birdwatching, promising unforgettable moments and breathtaking images.

  • Tour Operator: Women in Wildlife Photography
  • Type of Trip: Walking
  • Trip Duration: 4 days
  • Group Size: 5
  • Activity Level: Moderate

Read 5 TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS.

Also read 5 MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS TO GET YOU IN A STATE OF FLOW.

Let’s Have a Construction:

Do you love photography? Have you ever been on a photography tour? Are you thinking of going on a photography tour? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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