Photography Holidays

Why go

Most of us photograph our travels in the middle of the day, in the worst light, on the way to somewhere else. A photography holiday reverses that: dawn and dusk in the best places, time to wait for the light, and expert help with composition and settings. Small groups and specialist leaders make all the difference, whether you use a phone or a full camera bag.

How to choose

Decide whether you want landscapes, wildlife, travel and street photography, or a mix. Check the group size, ideally six to twelve, and the leader's own work. Look at the pace: photography tours involve early starts and late evenings, and some involve rough ground. Make sure the tour suits your equipment and experience; many welcome beginners and offer help with editing.

Our picks

Our picks range from UK workshops to some of the world's most photogenic places. Price bands are a typical cost per person for the holiday or course described, excluding flights.

• Light & Land

  UK and worldwide

  ££

  • Photography tours
  • 1 day to 2 weeks
  • All year

  Best for Expert-led small-group tours

  Founded in 1994 by the landscape photographer Charlie Waite, with tours led by leading photographers, from day workshops in Snowdonia to Jordan and Venice.

• Pangolin Photo Safaris

  Chobe, Botswana

  ££££

  • Photo safari
  • 4 to 10 nights
  • April to November

  Best for Wildlife from purpose-built boats

  Photo boats with gimbal-mounted swivel seats on the Chobe River, with resident photographic hosts and the option to borrow cameras and lenses.

• Lofoten in winter

  Norway

  ££

  • Destination
  • 5 to 7 nights
  • February to March

  Best for Aurora over fishing villages

  Red fishermen's cabins, snowy peaks and the northern lights. Combine with our Northern Lights voyage.

• Iceland

  Iceland

  ££

  • Destination
  • 7 to 10 nights
  • June to September, February to March

  Best for Waterfalls, ice and midnight light

  Glacier lagoons, black beaches and endless golden hours in summer. See our Ring Road trip.

• Kyoto in autumn

  Japan

  £££

  • Destination
  • 5 to 7 nights
  • Mid-November to early December

  Best for Temples, maples and lanes

  Red maples, moss gardens and lantern-lit streets; go early in the morning for empty temples.

• Venice in winter

  Italy

  ££

  • Destination
  • 3 to 4 nights
  • November to February

  Best for Mist, reflections and quiet canals

  Out of season, Venice's fog and soft light make it one of the most atmospheric cities to photograph.

• An expedition cruise with photo instructors

  Antarctica and beyond

  ££££

  • Expedition cruise
  • 10 to 14 nights
  • November to March

  Best for Wildlife and ice with expert help

  Several expedition lines carry photography instructors on board. See our Antarctica trip.

• The Isle of Skye

  Scotland

  ££

  • Destination
  • 4 to 6 nights
  • April to October

  Best for Dramatic UK landscapes

  The Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and Elgol at sunset, with weather that makes every picture different.

Price guide: £ Under £1,000 per person · ££ £1,000–2,500 per person · £££ £2,500–5,000 per person · ££££ £5,000+ per person

When to go

Light, not weather, decides the best time. Winter brings low sun, short days and the aurora in the north; spring and autumn bring colour; summer brings long golden hours in the far north. For wildlife, the dry season is usually best.

Going solo or with a partner

Photography tours are very sociable and suit solo travellers well. A non-photographing partner may find the early starts and long waits tedious, so choose a destination with other things to enjoy.

How to book

Our advisors can find the right course or retreat, check the teacher and dates, and wrap it into a complete trip with flights, transfers and a few extra nights somewhere lovely before or after. Speak to an advisor.