Solo photography vacations

Joining a small group vacation can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. One of the biggest concerns people have is whether they’re likely to get on with their fellow travelers, so having a shared interest such as photography to bond over from the start is a big advantage. In some cases, it can lead to lifelong friendships.

“Oh yes, and it’s fabulous!” affirms Geraldine Westrupp, the co-founder of our partner Wild Photography Vacations, and an incredibly experienced photographer and guide. “We did one trip in India to the source of the Ganges and that group was entirely composed of people who got to know each other on previous tours with us. And I know of three women, each of whom had independently picked up their late husbands’ cameras and started experimenting, who have become really good friends through our vacations. In fact my partner, Martin, and I have even vacationed with friends we’ve made while running these trips!”

We outline what newcomers can expect from a solo photography vacation, from group sizes to guides, accommodation to skill development. We also explain why this is a type of vacation that people tend to book over and over again.

From Iceland to Greenland, India to Scotland, the majority of people on Wild Photography Vacations’ trips are traveling solo. It’s also likely that this won’t be their first trip. “A lot of people get a buzz from being in a group with likeminded travelers,” says Geraldine, “and while first-timers can be a bit nervous, in the weeks before departure there is the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other by WhatsApp, which people have said it makes them feel a lot more comfortable.” Group sizes range from seven to around twelve, meaning you can stay in smaller hotels and guest houses. This means more money stays in the local economy and also gives your stay more warmth and character.

It's easy to see why firm friendships are often struck on these vacations, with everyone complimenting each other’s photographs, comparing equipment, and sharing tips. At each location you can do your own thing or pair up with someone, and Geraldine is keen to point out how natural the process is: “We’re so far away from the image of a line of people all queuing up to take a photograph of the same thing. We’re all about wandering around freely.”

Geraldine and Martin, also a professional photographer and Wild Photography Vacations’ senior tutor, personally deliver location training to all of their tour leaders. And when we say ‘leaders’, don’t assume you’re just being led to different places and then left to get on with it. All of them hugely experienced and accomplished, these tutor-guides are very much a part of the group dynamic, fostering creativity with practical and constructive advice. As Geraldine puts it, “that does mean we work very long hours but it’s precious to us, to give people what are sometimes life changing experiences.”

Iceland, India, Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands – all of them are iconic destinations for keen photographers. On a responsible photography vacation however you’ll be getting well away from the most well-known haunts and viewpoints, leaving the tourist crowds far behind.

In fact, Geraldine notes, so good are Wild Photography Vacations’ local connections in some countries that their groups meet people who are completely new to being photographed. Naturally respect towards privacy is vital, but these interactions can lead to some thrilling, unique portraits. This is where joining a group tour really comes into its own – it would be very difficult to access these locations and have these experiences if you were organising a trip independently.

Taking your pictures is only half of it on our photography vacations for singles. On several evenings (as well during daytime if the weather is bad) tutors lead professional workshops where you can discuss technique, pick up pro tips, get constructive feedback from the group on your own work and gain prowess.

There’s absolutely no need to feel inhibited by lack of experience. Groups are made up of total beginners, semi-professional photographers and everyone in between, and there’s always something new to learn. “I think as well as the sociability factor that this is a reason why so many people book again and again,” says Geraldine. “They see this continuous skill development.”

Non-participating friends and partners are very welcome to join because, as Geraldine emphasises, these trips are designed to appeal to all levels. “Often you get people who are amazed at how powerful their phones can be, sometimes they’ll be turning out better images than those with cameras. They might not see it that way at first but I always say: if you took a photo, that means you can call yourself a photographer.”

Roaming around on foot is a big part of solo photography vacations, but mobility issues are not necessarily a barrier to taking part. Groups will occasionally visit places with uneven or tricky terrain, and with enough notice it may be possible for the itinerary to be split temporarily, while another guide takes you to a more accessible location. If you have concerns it’s best to check with the tour operator to ensure you’re on a trip that’s appropriate for you.

Your precise itinerary will be subject to change. On a photography vacation you’re naturally going to be outside for much of the time, which does leave you at the mercy of the weather. You’re also reliant on your subject matter. On a bird photography vacation somewhere such as Iceland or the Lofoten Islands, for instance, you must accept that the birds don’t always show up as expected.

“I think that changing things up on the go is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job for me!” says Geraline. “In some places, like Iceland, where we lived for years, we don’t just have one or two back-up locations, we have ten or eleven. We’re never short of places to go. We do need to be flexible on this kind of trip but there is this trust that develops as soon as the group and the tour leader meet, they know we’re going to get everything organised well.”

Before I left Geraldine to her work (plotting a new tour to track snow leopards in the Himalayas), I asked her what she felt was most important to tell someone considering a single’s photography tour for the first time. “Remember it’s a vacation,” she said, “People go with us and they often achieve things and experience things that they might never have done by themselves. We help them to learn as well, especially through our workshops, but the most important factor is the ‘vacation’. You come back feeling better than before you went away, and already thinking about your next trip.”