How to choose the right photography holiday for you

Photography holidays have become increasingly popular among travellers who want more than just sightseeing – they want to capture the world through their lens while improving their skills. But what exactly is a photography holiday, and how do you find one that suits your needs?

What is a photography holiday?

A photography holiday combines travel with learning and creative exploration. Unlike a typical vacation where photography might be an afterthought, these trips are designed specifically with photographers in mind. They often include guided tours to photogenic locations, expert instruction, group critiques, and opportunities to practice shooting in diverse conditions.

Photography holidays vary widely — some are workshops focusing on technical skills and post-processing, while others are more like photo tours, prioritizing access to incredible subjects and landscapes. Both offer unique benefits depending on what you want to get out of your trip.

Will Gray Photography Namibia Photo Tour group at Deadvlei in Nambia

WIll Gray providing one-to-one tuition on a photography holiday in Namibia

A photography holiday group with Will Gray Photography at the Giant's Playground in Namibia

Tips for Booking Your Photography Holiday

If you’re considering a photography holiday, here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Skill Level: Look for holidays that clearly state whether they cater to beginners, intermediates or advanced photographers. If you’re new to photography, a workshop with hands-on teaching might be best. More experienced photographers might prefer tours focused on exploration and creative challenges.

   
   

2. Group Size: Smaller groups usually mean more personalised attention from instructors, better logistics and a more intimate experience.

   
   

3. Itinerary and Locations: Review the itinerary carefully. Does it include diverse locations that interest you? Will you have enough time to shoot at the best times of day – typically early mornings and late afternoons?

   
   

4. Instructor Credentials: Research the guides leading the tour. Experienced photographers with a track record of teaching or publishing are usually preferable.

   
   

5. What’s Included: Confirm what’s covered in the price – accommodation, meals, transport, park permits and editing workshops. This helps avoid unexpected expenses.

   
   

6. Travel Logistics: Check the trip’s pace and difficulty level, especially if you have mobility considerations or prefer a more relaxed pace.

   
   

Assess Your Photography Experience

Before booking, take a moment to honestly evaluate your skills. Are you comfortable with your camera’s manual controls? Have you shot in a variety of lighting conditions? Would you benefit from formal instruction, or do you prefer an independent approach with guidance on hand? Understanding your needs will help you find a holiday that supports your growth without overwhelming you.

What to Look for in a Photography Holiday by Skill Level

• Beginners: Look for tours or workshops that explicitly cater to novices. These will focus on fundamental skills such as exposure, composition and using different lenses. You’ll often find structured classes, one-on-one help, and plenty of shooting time to practice.

  
  

• Intermediate Photographers: At this stage, holidays that offer a mix of technical tips and creative challenges work well. You might want to experiment with different styles like landscape, wildlife or long exposures, with some personalised feedback from the instructor.

  
  

• Advanced Photographers: Experienced shooters often prefer photo tours emphasising unique or hard-to-reach locations, with less formal teaching and more freedom to explore creative vision. These tours sometimes include post-processing workshops and advanced techniques like night photography.

Like the sound of this? Find out about photography holidays in Namibia, Iceland and Costa Rica with Will Gray Photography: https://www.willgrayphotography.co.uk/photography-workshops-and-tours