Japan Photography Workshop and Tour

13 Day Japan Photo Tour conducted by
professional photographers Michael Snedic and David Burren

No New Dates Currently Available

Join us on this 13-day adventure, exploring the the culture and scenery of Japan and learning new photographic skills with two professional photographers and tutors: David Burren and Michael Snedic.

The tour starts in Kyoto, and finishes in Tokyo. We travel by a mixture of high-speed train, private bus, and on foot. We will be exploring some of the cultural highlights which make Japan so special. This is not a pure “nature” photo tour (although we will of course be visiting and photographing some natural areas with wildlife and landscapes). Each region we visit also has its own range of local cuisine, which we aim to be able to experience along the way.

Japan map

Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965

japan temple | Japan Photography Workshop and Tour

Photographers of all experience levels are welcome. David and Michael will be guiding you and supporting your photography during the week. Not just in taking photographs in the field, but also in reviewing and refining your photos along the way using software such as Lightroom.

During the tour we have a number of group tuition sessions where we will be covering practical photographic advice as well as some digital topics.

No matter what your level of experience, Michael and David will help you gain valuable photographic techniques that will ultimately lead to you taking better quality photos.

Anyone in normal good health can join us on this adventure. There are no special fittness requirements, although we do advise you to bring good walking shoes for some of the longer walks.

Highlights

  • Kyoto has many attractions: temples, parks, people (including costumed geisha), and even the train station is stunning.
  • In Hiroshima we explore nature, more temples, and the Peace Memorial Park.
  • We explore the Edo-era Nakasendo trail in mountainous central Honshu.
  • We visit (and spend a night in) a buddhist monastery. The rest of the accommodation is in “western-style” hotels.
  • We finish the tour with several days in Tokyo, which is an experience unto itself!
  • With two professional photography tutors and 14 workshop participants, you will have plenty of opportunities for one-on-one tuition.
  • Our itinerary and activities have been planned throughout to provide exciting photographic and cultural experiences
  • Our local bi-lingual guide will be with us throughout the trip, helping us concentrate on the photographic opportunities and tuition.

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Shinjuku at night – photo by David Burren

Your Photography Leaders

On this workshop you will have access every day to two professional photographers and instructors. David and Michael are there to help you photograph the scenes we will encounter. We will be conducting a series of classes throughout the tour, as well as being on-hand throughout the trip.

As full-time professionals, David and Michael are both accredited members of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). As well as being experienced photographers they’re both experienced photographic tutors who regularly conduct workshops together.

bamboo forest japan | Japan Photography Workshop and Tour

certified expert photoshop lightroom

Australian Institute of Professional Photography

Lowepro Ambassador

Michael Snedic

Michael is an experienced (20-years) and widely published photographer, writer and Photo Expedition Leader. His photography articles and images have featured in numerous publications in Australia and across the world.

He is owner of ‘WildNature Photo Expeditions’ and presents exciting photography workshops and tours to many wonderful photographic and travel destinations including Australia, Antarctica, the Arctic, SubAntarctic, Africa, Galapagos, Peru, the Amazon and many more. He is also an Australian Ambassador for both Lowepro and Lenscoat. Michael loves sharing his photographic knowledge and passion with workshop participants, helping them improve their photographic skills.

Michael Snedic

David Burren AAIPP AAPS

David has been photographing since the 1970s (professionally since 2002). As well as winning awards for his photography, and teaching the field craft to hundreds of people, his IT background provided important tools in managing the photography workflow.

He is an Adobe Certified Expert, and has spent years teaching Photoshop and Lightroom at a tertiary level and to individuals and groups. As the principal of LuminOdyssey Photo Expeditions, David regularly conducts photographic workshops and tours to destinations around Australia and the globe. This will be David's second expedition to Japan.

luminodyssey.com

David Burren

Itinerary

Day 1 (4 September)

Our tour commences on arrival at Kyoto airport, where we meet up with our local guide and travel by train to our hotel. If you have different travel arrangements you’ll be able to meet us at the hotel instead.

After a briefing in the hotel we head out with our cameras to explore the atmospheric Gion district, to trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways.

Hotel: Granvia Kyoto or similar.

Day 2

This morning we have a short tuition session at our hotel before heading out on a tour of Kyoto. We visit the Golden Pavillion (Kinkakuji temple, then on to Ryoanji (perhaps Japan’s most famous Zen garden). Then we walk in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain with its tunnels of red Torii gates.

Day 3

In the morning we explore the beautiful bamboo walkways of Arashiyama before the crowds arrive, then head to Kiyomizu Temple for views over Kyoto city. Later we visit the Uji area for a special photo opportunity.

Day 4

In the morning we have a second tuition session and then you have a free day to explore Kyoto. We can of course help you decide where to go.

Day 5

We leave Kyoto and travel by train to Koya-san. This has been a centre of Buddhist activity for over 1200 years, and the area is dotted with 120 temples.

We visit the temple complex of Kongobu-ji, and tonight we stay in monastery lodgings, eat and live alongside Buddhist monks, following their routine of evening prayers and morning meditation. This should be an amazing cultural experience, with wonderful photographic opportunities!

Hotel: Kumagaiji temple or similar.

Day 6

We leave the monks behind today, and travel by train to Hiroshima. We explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a sobering World Heritage-listed site. At the end of the day we have another tuition/review session.

Hotel: Granvia Hiroshima or similar.

Day 7

Today we explore Miyajima Island, a ferry-ride across the Inland Sea from Hiroshima. There’s a lot to see on the island, from the Itsukushima Shinto shrine with its huge orange tori gate rising from the sea, through the forests as we climb on foot and by cable car to the peak of Mt. Misen.

Day 8

We travel by bullet train to Nagoya and then by express train to the Tsumago area. We will walk for about 8km along the old Nakasendo trail exploring the countryside between Magome and Tsumago. In the days of the Shogun, this was the road used by the Daimyo travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo (Edo). The section we will walk is one of the best preserved sections of this piece of history.

Hotel: Hotel Kisoji or similar.

Day 9

This morning we explore Tsumago, including the castle ruins. Cars are prohibited in the centre of Tsumago, and the town deliberately maintains a medieval atmosphere. Then we travel by train north to Matsumoto. In the afternoon we explore the former merchant district of Nakamachi, and visit Matsumoto Castle (the oldest in the Japan).

Hotel: Dormy Inn or similar.

Day 10

Today we head to Tokyo! We spend the next 3 nights here. This afternoon we have an introductory tour of the Shinjuku area, followed by another review session. In the evening we will be photographing the city lights from on high.

Hotel: Hotel Niwa or similar.

Day 11

Today we have a full day tour around Tokyo, beginning in the Asakusa area. We will explore historic temples and shrines as well as the bustling city (including the famous Shibuya crossing).

Day 12

Today we take a break from the city and travel to Hakone, where we will find hot springs, mountains, bush walks, lakes, and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

Day 13 (16 September)

After breakfast we say goodbye to Tokyo, and travel by train to the airport to head home!

Price and Booking

The price of this photographic experience is $9495 (Australian Dollars) Twin Share. To reserve your place a 10% deposit is required, with the balance due by the start of July 2017.

The trip is being put together with our partners at Peregrine Adventures, and they take care of the travel arrangements for us, while we are running the photography program and will be your local contacts during the trip.

japan mountain

Reservations

To book to your place or just to ask more questions about the workshop, contact Michael or David:

Our workshops typically book quickly, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

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Inclusions

  • Twin-share accommodation, with breakfasts.
  • Dinner at monastery (day 5).
  • Group transport within Japan.
  • Professional photography tuition by Michael Snedic and David Burren.

Golden Pavilion-Kyoto

Exclusions

  • Airfares and other travel expenses to Kyoto and from Tokyo.
  • Personal/travel insurance coverage.
  • Own transport for free day.
  • Meals (other than as above).
  • Single supplement not available.

Again, if you have any questions about the workshop (and especially the photography component) please use the contact form. I will be in touch with you by email.

japan temple

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