Please note this tour will run with a minimum of 2 participants. If you want a guaranteed departure for one person please look at our private tours which can be customised to your requirements. 

The world renowned, extraordinary Numbung Desert with limestone pillars  as far as the eye can see are a photographers dream. At sunset, which is often spectacular, we are provided with the perfect light to
take photographs of this unique and other worldly landscape.

Although the Pinnacles (the Nambung Desert National Park) is our final destination we will stop along the way at various photographically interesting locations.  

Our Journey will take us up the coast for the chance to photograph some of the amazing West Australian coast.

We then head north towards a bush reserve which has a wide variety of native flowers and if lucky some amazing lizards and golden orb spiders.

We then carry on our journey north, stopping at some pristine sand dunes before our BBQ lunch. 

We will arrive at the Pinnacles well before sunset and give ourselves time to explore the area before the light begins to change. We will depart to Perth after a picnic tea in the Park.  

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required at a small cost. 

We provide:

Transport to and from our pickup points either Midland Station or Currambine Station (hotel pickup can be arranged at a small charge)

Water, Morning tea, BBQ Lunch, afternoon tea and Picnic tea after sunset

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees

If our advertised date does not suit you please contact us as we may be able to run the tour on an alternative day for you. We can also accommodate a larger group, please contact us for a quote using info@CTLPhototours.com or +61 (0)401 840 516 

Our first stop will be either Yanchep Lagoon or Yanchep National Park depending on  your preference. The Lagoon gives as the opportunity to see a beautiful beach and rock pools at low tide or the National park has kangaroos, koalas and birdlife. Our Journey will take us up the coast for the chance to photograph some of the amazing West Australian coast. We will stop at a nature reserve in search of flora and fauna before carry on our journey north, stopping at some pristine sand dunes before our BBQ lunch near the ocean.  The world renowned, extraordinary Numbung Desert with limestone pillars  as far as the eye can see are a photographers dream. At sunset, which is often spectacular, we are provided with the perfect light to

take photographs of this unique and other worldly landscape.

Although the Pinnacles (the Nambung Desert National Park) is our final destination we will stop along the way at various photographically interesting locations and these can be changed if you would like to visit other places so long as time permits.

If you are interested we will visit the ancient Stromatolites instead of the Nature Reserve which will give us an interesting photographic challenge. We will arrive at the Pinnacles well before sunset and give ourselves time to explore the area before the light begins to change. We will depart to Perth after a picnic tea in the Park.  

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required. 

The start time will depend on the time of sunset so although it is advertised as 9am it maybe later. Our return time to Perth also depends on the time of sunset and will vary to being as late as 11pm in the Summer. 

We provide for yourself or your party:

Transport to and from our pickup points either Midland Station or Currambine Station (hotel pickup can be arranged)

Water, Morning tea, BBQ Lunch, afternoon tea and Picnic tea after sunset

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees

We will be exploring and photographing the laneways, street art, architecture, parks and the streets of Perth. We will go over the basics of photography, putting them in to practise as we walk. We will cover aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and metering as well as how to compose stronger images taking your photographs to another level. 

There is a fair distance to walk (approximately 4km) but there is plenty to photograph along the way. At the mid point we will stop for morning tea (a drink and cake is included) and have a chance for feedback and discussion on what we have done so far. Our aim we will be to finish at St George's Cathedral or  Elizabeth Quay but it will depend the how much time we spend taking pictures along the way. 

Non photographers (someone attending with no camera) are welcome to accompany the photographer and enjoy a slower paced tour. The morning tea is included. 

Children who are interested in photography are welcome with a full paying adult. 

A minimum of 2 people are required for this tour to go ahead but a private tour can be arranged. Alternative days can be arranged if Wednesday does not suit you. Contact Anna-Mair on info@CTLPhototours.com or +61 (0) 401 840 516 

Please note: this tour costs US$6995 which is approximately AU$ 9995 per person in a twin room. A single supplement of $US400 extra for our own room. This is US$7395 approximately AU$10495. The final price will depend on the internal flight price, transfer fee & exchange rate at the time of payment. An early bird $Au500 discount is in place for bookings placed before April 6th 2026 which will be taken from your final balance.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayas, it is full of temples, fortresses, forests, beautiful landscapes, animals and has a unique culture. It is one of the few countries which is carbon positive due to the large areas of forest and low pollution. We have designed a shorter photography tour for those who can not commit to our extended 19 day tour. Whilst it is shorter in duration the experience will be just as incredible. 

To make the most of the time we will be making an internal flight to Central Bhutan (hoping for clear skies the see the Himalayas from above) and then driving back through picturesque villages, valleys and over high mountain passes topped with temples and prayer flags. We will visit 2 traditional and colourful festivals which will give us the opportunity to mix with the locals in their beautiful national costumes. We will be expecting to photograph landscapes, people, cultural scenes, magnificent Dzongs, flora and fauna along the way. Our professional photographer will be on hand for technical and compositional support. We have engaged one of the most experienced Bhutanese guides who guides many other photography tours so understands exactly the different expectations of a group of photographers over a regular tour group. 

 The final price paid will be determined may vary up or down depending on the exchange rate, transfer fees and internal flight price. The correct rate will be determined by our Bhutanese agents when the balance is due. Please contact us for clarification. 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change:  

Day 1 Paro (LD)

Arrive in Paro - Explore town with market, archery field and picturesque Dzong (Dzong is a fortified monastery)

Overnight Paro

Day 2 Paro-Bumthang (BLD)

We fly into Central Bhutan and will head to the first of our traditional festivals with colourful masked dancers and locals in their finest costumes. The festivals are important religious and cultural events with the dances having various significance from chasing out evil to blessing the harvest. 

After lunch we will go to Mebartsho or the Burning Lake. It is not actually on fire but gets it's name from a legend dating from the 15th Century. It is a pretty water hole nestling in a deep rocky gorge It is a sacred site and has an area where people come to lit candles and pray. 

As we return I hope we can visit the Red Panda Micro Brewery and have time for some street photography in the town we are staying in. 

Overnight Bumthang

Day 3 Bumthang (BLD)

Today we are heading to Chummey, a small village that hosts several festivals during the year. As we will be here most of the day with time not only for photography but to soak out the atmosphere and be in the moment. It has a intimate courtyard that the dances take place in which means we are very close to the dancers and audience for great action and candid shots. We will have a picnic lunch on a nearby hillside before returning to the festival. If we have time on our return to our hotel we will stop at a local craft centre with beautiful products great for photos and gifts. 

Overnight Bumthang

Day 4 Bumthang to Phobjikha (BLD)

We start our drive westward stopping along the way for photography. We will visit the lovely Trongsa Dzong which is perched on the hillside overlooking the town and surrounding valley. It has some resident monkeys who are a little cheeky but make for some great shots. We will cross the Lawa La Pass at 3300 metres which is topped by a picturesque Chorten surrounded by white prayer flags. There is a change of seeing yaks and their herders in the meadows below the Pass as we descend into the towards the Gangtey Gomba, a striking monastery overlooking the glacial valley below. We will take the 1.5km nature trail from the monastery into the wide Phobjikha valley below with the hope of seeing some of the black necked cranes who migrate to the valley for the Winter at this time of year. The valley is known for a large variety of flora and fauna . 

Overnight Phobjikha 

Day 5 Phobjikha to Punakha (BLD)

We return via the Lawa La Pass through a heavily forested area before following the Puna Tsang Chu river on our drive to Punakha so we should have many landscape opportunities today. 

We will visit Punakha Dzong, one of my favorite buildings in Bhutan. It is surrounded by jacaranda trees and is situated on the banks one of the tributrities of Puna Tsang Chu river. We will photograph it from various positions inside and out. We will return in the evening when then building is flood lit. 

Overnight Punakha

Day 6 Punakha to Thimphu (BLD)

We will take a short trek to Khamsum Yuling Namgyal Chortan, a stunning 3 level temple with views over the valley and the mountains beyond. We will have lunch at a farmhouse before continuing our drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's Capital. We have an optional stop at the Royal Botanical Park at the base of the Dochu La Pass. It has some lovely gardens and a lake that attracts local wildlife. There is a nominal entry fee to enter. The Dochu La Pass (3150km) is one of the most famous of the Bhutanese passes as it's home to 108 memorial chortens standing in memory of Bhutanese fallen soldiers. There is also a lovely tea house on top of the pass. If we have a clear day we will see the surrounding mountains. We will stop on the Pass to photograph Sunset before descending into the valley and Thimphu. 

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 7 Thimphu (BLD)

Thimphu is a Capital city like no other, it has very traditional buildings and shops. It is known for having no traffic lights instead a white gloved policeman directs the traffic on the busiest junction with a complexed series of hand signals. 

Our full day in the Thimphu will give us some great photo opportunities. We will visit the Kaja Throm (the central market) which is close to a traditional covered wooden bridge.  We will go to Semtokha Dzong which is the oldest in the country and will give us some interesting photographs of the monks there. We also hope to visit the nearby Nunnery, home to a lovely group of women who gave us some wonderful joyous images on our last visit. If there is time we will make a optional stop at the Takin Preserve to see the national animal which we are unlikely to see in the wild. The takin is an unusual animal so whilst we will be seeing them in a zoo like setting it's certainly worth the effort. There is a nominal entry fee to enter. There is one of the largest statues of Buddha that over stands over the City. The 54 metres bronze statue is gilded in gold and will give us some amazing images. 

 Overnight in Thimphu

Day 8 Thimphu to Haa (BLD)

The Haa Valley is a pretty Valley which for many years was closed to tourists. It is one of the most important agricultural regions including dairy farming but also known for stunning landscapes with alpine forests, small villages and mountain peaks. We hope to stay in a homestay to have an authentic, rustic experience this may mean that single rooms and private bathrooms will not be available. 

Day 9 Haa to Paro (BLD)

We leave early to drive up the highest drivable mountain (3988m) pass in Bhutan,  Chele La Pass. The road switches back and forth up the mountain until it reaches the top which is crowned with prayer flags and on a clear day commanding views of the surrounding mountains. We will have many photo opportunities on route to Paro and a short hike. 

We will explore Paro town including some street photography. 

Overnight in Paro

Day 10 Paro (BLD)

Our last full day of photography will start with a hike to the most famous of Bhutan's monastery, Taktshang or Tiger's Nest. The trek is a round trip of around 6 km and is described as moderate, it's path snakes through pine forest past waterfalls, pray flags and shrines. There is an option to hire a horse (approx US$20) for those under 85 kg. The horse ride will go part the way up the path as far as the cafeteria.  Although there is no photography within the monastery itself there will be so many photo ops on route. For some of the group walking to the top of the monastery steps is reward enough for the trek whilst others will want to commit to the extra distance to visit the iconic building. 

After our day of trekking we will go to a farmhouse to soak our muscles in traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse. There will also be an opportunity to try your arm at archery before we have our final dinner together. 

Overnight in Paro

Day 11 Paro (B)

Departure for Paro International Airport to your chosen transfer hub and then to your home country. For those coming from Australia Bangkok is probably the best option although there are other choices. 

Costs: USD $6995# twin/double room

*Single supplement addition of USD $450 applies. Please note that single rooms may not be available in heritage homes. 

Includes:

• All internal transport including internal flight


• 11 full days in Bhutan


• Two authentic cultural festivals


• Small group size maximum 12 people


• All your accommodation and meals on tour

• All entry fees to listed locations

• Traditional hot stone bath on day 10

• Highly experienced Bhutanese guides and drivers


• Photographic support from internationally renowned photographer Anna-Mair Francis.

What’s not included:

• Flights to/from Paro to your home city** 


• Alcohol or soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Horse ride up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery café  if required (approx US$25)


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance

**Please note that the main group will enter and exit Paro from/to Bangkok but you can also access from other hubs including India, Nepal or Singapore. You need to be in Paro for the start of the tour on 25th October 2026. 

Payment schedule: Deposit of US $2000 to secure the booking (US $500 of which is non refundable). Please note that the trip is not locked in totally as far as the Bhutanese agency is concerned until the total balance is received. So the balance will need to be paid as soon as practical. Bank transfer costs and international fees may be deducted. 

See our Terms and Conditions

# Price is based on cost of internal flight from Paro/Bumthang. This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent. The exchange rate between the US$ and AU$ will also affect the final cost. 

Ask about our multi tour discount.

Please note that that a medium level of fitness is recommended for this tour. We will not be walking that far but the jungles can be very humid which makes all activities more draining. We will be climbing in and out of boats and safari vehicles with the aid of our staff which requires some fitness. 

We have been able to retain the 2026 price for this tour which ultimately will be paid in Malaysian Riggots (RM25000 per person twin share or RM30595 single) so the final price in AUD may be slightly different than advertised. An early bird discount of $AU500 is in place for those booking before April 6th 2026. The $500 will be taken off your final balance.

As with all our tours, this private wildlife tour is designed for photographers by photographers. Our senior guide is very knowledgeable with all things animals and birds. He is also an excellent photographer so really understands what we value. We take our time, going out at times when the animals are more likely to be active and resting when the animals rest. We use private boats and vehicles with our own private guides, drivers and boatman. This is a small group tour with a maximum of 6 photographers lead by photographer, Anna-Mair Francis. 

We visit in late May/ early June (May 28th-June 9th) when there should be an abundance of fruit and flowers, which should increase our chances of seeing a variety of animals. We are intentionally visiting some remote jungle areas in the hope of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and then visit some rehabilitation centres where will see orangutan, sun bears and proboscis monkeys so one way or another you will see these wonderful creatures. 
We arrive on the Thursday to start our 12 days of photography refreshed on the Friday morning. 

Our locations are chosen for the birds, flora and fauna known to be there which increases our chances of seeing some extraordinary wildlife. Borneo is a diverse Island, made up of 3 countries, Indonesia, Brunei and our destination, the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Sabah has much to offer a photographer from the deep steamy jungles to the long winding waterways and from the mysterious caves to amazing birds so there are plentiful opportunities to get amazing photos. It offers a varied amount of flora and fauna including the orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills,fireflies and over 5000 species of flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. 

We will begin in Kota Kinabalu where we will start by visiting a cultural village experience where locals in traditional dress bring alive tribal customs. After lunch we will drive South for our first private river cruise to see monkeys and birds along the river before we stop for dinner. After dark we return to our boat to explore the banks for masses of fireflies that light up the trees like fairy lights. Although it's very hard to photograph it is one of the most wonderful nature experiences you will ever have. 

Saturday we take an early flight to Lahad Datu on the Eastern Coast where we will meet our driver and venture into the rain forest jungle to experience all that it has to offer. We will be staying within Tabin National Park which is known for a huge variety of flora as well as insects, spiders, birds as well as the chance of the wild animals like orangutan, gibbon, macaque, otter and pygmy elephant.  Night drives or walks will give us the chance to see some of the nocturnal animals like the flying squirrels, civet cat and with any luck, the clouded leopard. We have seen 2 porcupines here too.  Tabin National Park is known as Sabah's greatest wildlife sanctuary. It was created in the year 1984, the 300000 acres reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It has areas of mud 'volcanoes' which ooze mineral salts that attract many different varieties of creatures to it, even sun bears are known to visit although we would be very luck if we saw one. We will stay in the heart of the jungle at a river resort.  We may see the 3 largest of Sabah’s mammals, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant and Tembadau or Banten, which is like a wild buffalo. There are many mammals including otter,  nine species of primate, three species of cats all of which are on the protected wildlife list and more than 300 species bird. 

Our next destination is the Kinbanatang River which is the longest river in Sabah (560km). It passes through many diverse habitats and eventually spreads out in to a huge fertile floodplain which supports many animals, birds and water life. The area was under threat from logging but now Sabah’s government have gazetted 27800 hectares creating the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.  As we head West we will stop in the car park of the Gomantong Cave which is a favourite haunt of wild orangutan. They are often spotted here on the edge of the jungle, lazing in the canopies during the heat of the day. If you wish to visit the caves this is an optional extra as it is not for everyone. The cave itself is known for the swiftlets that create nests harvested for bird's nest soup. The caves main chamber is massive and with multiple openings which allows the light to filter through giving it a cathedral like atmosphere and great photo opportunities. However, the cave is also home to thousands of bats and insects which over the decades have produced mounds of guano so the smell is quite overpowering. As I said, it's not for everyone but if you wish to go at your own cost (RM60), then Anna-Mair and the guide will accompany you. 

We will stay on the river for 4 nights staying at 2 different resorts so that we get the most of what the river has to offer. We will head out early each morning and late afternoon along the river to spot for macque and proboscis monkeys, gibbons and many other primates (including an orangutan if we are lucky), as well as crocodile, lizards and plentiful birdlife including hornbills and kingfisher. With luck we might see pygmy elephants coming down to for a drink or to bathe. The cruise back in the afternoon also provides a beautiful sunset along the river. There is an option to join a night walk when you can get up close with birds whilst they sleep and if you are fortunate see frogs and the tiny western Tarsier. We will transfer by boat down the river between the resorts which will give us more chances of seeing wildlife as we journey that we would certainly not see by road. Our second river resort is new to us but we have chosen it because the wild orangutan in the area are known to come down to the rivers edge at low tide in search of tasty mangrove roots which would give us some amazing photo opportunities. 

 

Our final full photographic destination is Sepilok where we will have 2 nights. The main reason for coming here is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre that works with orphaned, injured and stolen apes. If we haven't seen any orangutan in the wild we certainly have an increased chance of seeing them here. Although many of the apes here have come through the rehabilitation process, it backs onto unfenced jungle meaning that wild apes will visit occasionally. We will visit the centre at least twice seeing the nursery and feeding sessions so you will get some great photos here. Next door is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre which does an incredible job at with over 40 rescued captive sun bears. The facility has large forest enclosures providing a natural environment facilitating their rehabilitation back into the wild. Sun Bears are the world's smallest bears and are on the vulnerable list. There is the option of a night walk around the hotel or the nearby the Rainforest Discovery Centre with a tree top walk which will bring us close to some amazing birds and nocturnal animals. We will also visit Labuk Bay for a close up experience with the proboscis monkey. We will transfer to Sandikan staying at waterside hotel for our farewell dinner at an amazing local restaurant. Our hotel is close to a great market for a quick shoot after breakfast on our last morning or you can chose to head to the shopping mall for some retail therapy. Our tour will finish on Tuesday late morning with a transfer to Sandakan Airport. 

The full itinerary will be given on request although some small changes may be applied before departure. 

Tour extensions: If you care to arrive early in Kota Kinabalu or stay longer in Sandikan please let me know.  I can arrange extra nights B+B at the hotels we are using at a discounted rate. I can also arrange a snorkelling trip to Turtle Island though our local agent. Please let me know if you would like a quote. 

Please Note: A deposit of $AU2000 will secure your place now ($AU1000 of the deposit is non refundable)  If the tour does not go ahead then your full deposit will be refunded minus any bank fees. The final balance need to be paid in Malaysia Ringott to the account of our agent.  This balance will reflect the price in Malaysia Ringotts so depending on the exchange rate changes between the Australian Dollar and the Ringott so it may not totally reflect the price quoted it may be a little less or a little more. The quoted price is based on the exchange rate of March 2026. This tour will only take place with a minimum of 3 people booking so please do not book flights to Kota Kinabalu until the tour has been confirmed. 

What's Included:

• Airport transfers

• Internal flight from Kota Kinabalu - Lahad Datu

• Small group size

• All internal transport and accommodation


• 13 days/12 nights in Borneo -12 days of photography


• Entry fees unless otherwise mentioned


• All meals on Tour


• Highly experienced local guides and drivers


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis

What's not included:

• Flights to/from Sabah and your home city arriving Kota Kinabalu departing Sandakan


• Camera tax (local tax on photographers charged at some location approx total RM150)


• Tourism tax in hotels (RM10 per room/per night)

• Entry into Gomantong Cave (RM30 plus RM30 camera tax) or optional night walks in Bilit and Sepilok

• Alcohol/soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance (we require a copy of your insurance with your final payment)

Book a 2 hour session within the Perth Metro area at a location (a 30km radius from the Perth CBD or further afield at an extra cost) of your choice with  professional photographer Anna- Mair Francis. 

Anna-Mair has many years experience teaching photography (some of her students of gone on to win national photographic competitions) and is also a highly accomplished landscape photographer- having her photographs on display in several countries around the world.

Learn how to improve your shots and understand your manual mode settings.

This is also a great opportunity to refresh you photography skills and get the most out of your camera.

In this session we will cover camera settings such as aperture, shutter priority, white balance, metering, ISO and why to use Raw and JPEG or talk about what ever area of photography you find challenging. 

We will also go over some aspects of composition like the rule of thirds, leading lines, foreground interest and colour dominance.

The lesson can be adjusted to your needs if there is a particular area you wish to cover or just need to brush up your skills on.

The lessons are suitable for beginners to advanced photographers.

If you wish t bring a second person along you can do so for $100.

Feedback will be given after the session.

This event needs a minimum of 2 people to run but a private session can be arranged as can a different day. 

Please contact me at info@CTLPhototours.com or +61 (0)401 840 516. 

From Perth we will drive through part of the Swan Valley and head to Caversham Wildlife Park in time to experience their Meet the Wombat and friends interactive experience with 20 Australian mammals, birds and reptiles are on hand to photograph. We will also visit the Kangaroo enclosure where we can get up close and personal to feed the kangaroos. 

Heading West towards the coast to a beach that offers limestone cliffs, white sands and often fishermen on the beach giving us foreground interest as we enter the golden hour.

We will then have a picnic by the beach, a favourite West Australian social occasion before photographing the sunset. 

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, phones, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required at a small cost. 

A DLSR camera can be hired at a cost of $100 plus a $250 dollar refundable deposit if required.

We provide:

Transport to and from our pickup point, Guildford Train Station (hotel pickup can be arranged at a small charge)

Water, afternoon tea and a picnic by the beach

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees

Please note: start time will change depending on sunset times

Please note: We generally run this tours on a Tuesday or Thursday but alternative days may be arranged please contact us via info@CTLPhototours.com or +61 401 840 516 to change the dates. The exact dates of the start of wildflower tours depends on Mother Nature but the approximate season is late July to October. 

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people. 

Join us on this small group tour ( maximum of ten people or a private tour can be arranged on request) as we head towards areas within easy travel distance from Perth that have provided us with the best opportunities to find a wide variety of orchids and wildflowers that Western Australia is so famous for.

We will be heading from Perth to various country locations depending on the best locations for the flowers each week. These locations may include Perth Hills, Chittering Valley, Toodyay, Moora and York areas.

We will include transport, bottled water, a picnic lunch and input from a professional photographer. 

All of our destinations have not disappointed us in the past but of course we can not guarantee exactly what we will find although we have had many years experience in finding the best locations. Wildflowers, especially orchids, are sometimes there one day and gone the next but you will see a variety of flowers nonetheless. 

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, phone, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required. 

We provide for yourself or your party:

Transport to and from our pickup points from Midland Station or Currumbine Stations depending on the direction of travel. We will notify you of our pickup points on booking (hotel pickup can be arranged at a small fee) 

Water, Morning tea, Picnic lunch and afternoon tea

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees if applicable 

*Please note the price is based on $US9995 which is approximately $AU$14250. This amount in AUD may vary up or down depending on the exchange rate. The correct rate will be determined for you on booking. Please contact us for clarification. 

We need a minimum of 3 people for this trip to go ahead so please do not book flights until the trip has been confirmed. Although the tour commences on April 8th 2027 in Guwahati, India and finishes in Paro, Bhutan on April 25th 2027. The final price will depend on the internal flight price, transfer fee & exchange rate at the time of payment. An early bird $Au500 discount is in place for bookings placed before April 6th 2026 which will be taken from your final balance.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayas it is full of temples, fortresses, forests and has a unique culture. 

Join this amazing small group tour (maximum 10 people)  to the Land of Happiness with professional photographer Anna-Mair Francis who will be on hand for technical and compositional support. We will be entering Bhutan from Assam, India, flying into Guwahati International Airport. We will meet our guides and drive up the foothills of the Himalyas and enter Bhutan from Samdrupjongkhar, crossing the country from the East which are rarely visited by Westerners into Central and Western Bhutan. We will attend one (hopefully two) local festivals in villages away from huge crowds where we will mix with locals and monks in their beautiful traditional dress to watch masked performers who enact historic dances about the fight between good and evil. We will visit a remote mountain town where women create complex silk  fabrics in their homes which sell worldwide. We will be expecting to photograph landscapes, people, cultural scenes, magnificent Dzongs, flora and fauna and so much more along the way. 

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayas it is full of temples, fortresses, forests and has a unique culture. Our professional photographer will be on hand for technical and compositional support. 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change but our route will be via Samdrupjongkhar, Trashigang, Khoma, Jakar Valley,  Phobjikha,  Panakha, Thimphu, Haa Valley and Paro. 

Day 1. 8/04/2027  Guwahati – Samdrupjongkhar (D)

The main party will enter arrive from Singapore but you can fly from other Cities so long as you are there for our pick up time to meet our guide. 

Arrive in Guwahati by 1440 and meet our expert guide, Namgay and drive to Samdrupjongkhar.

We will stop at a local Tea Garden for refreshment and photography en route to the border crossing. 

Overnight in Samdrupjongkhar

 

Day 2. 9/04/2027 Samdrupjongkhar – Trashigang (BLD)

 After an early breakfast, we have about  5-6 hours drive (with photo stops) up the Himalayan foothills to Trashigang, the major town in the East which nestles about a scenic valley with paddy fields above it. 

Overnight in Trashigang

 

Day 3. 10/04/2027 Trashigang (BLD)

 Day excursion to town of Trashiyangste with it's  wood turning and arts and crafts school which teaches traditional methods giving us some interesting images. We will  visit beautiful Gomphu Kora (temple) which sits on a river bank. 

Overnight in Trashigang

 

Day 4.11/04/2027 Trashigang (BLD)

Today we will head out to meet the Merak or Brokpa People. These semi nomadic yak herders have a unique culture and are known for their colourful costume and unusual headgear.   We will also spend some time in Trashigang township which is the centre for trade in the region. There will be many opportunities for street photography and to capture day to day life in Bhutan. 

Overnight in Trashigang

 

Day 5. 12/04/2027 Trashigang - Khoma (BLD)

 After an early breakfast, drive to Khoma, Lhuntsi via Mongar. Our route takes us through the valley between the Dangme Chu River and the Mountains. The drive is about 5-6 hours with photo opportunities en route. We will stop in the town of Mongar for lunch before heading North through wooded valleys to our home for the next 2 nights, the village of Khoma. Khoma is famous for it's weavers who produce the most beautiful textiles which are sold world wide. 

Overnight in Khoma Home stay

 

Day 6. 13/04/2027 Khoma (BLD)

 I opted to spend 2 nights in this village so we have time to soak up local life and photograph and documenting the women weaving Kushithara (textile) in Backstrip looms. Most homes have a loom set up on the porch on which ladies produce the most amazing fabric. We hope to visit the local school for some interaction between the local kids. In the evening we will visit the nearby Lhuntse Dzong. 

 Overnight in Khoma

 

 Day 7. 14/04/2027 Khoma – Mongar  (BLD)

 Today we start our drive towards Central Bhutan but we will break the journey part the way there so we avoid a massive drive.  We will stop to photograph a long wooden suspension bridge, suspended high above a raging river. It's decorated with pray flags perhaps to gaurantee a safe crossing! After lunch on Mongar we will visit Kadam temple and photograph lay monks.

Overnight in tbc

 

Day 8. 15/04/2027 Mongar – Bumthang  (BLD)

Today will be the longest drive (6-7 hours) through the Thrumshing la National Park. If we are lucky, we might see red panda and hornbills. The road is slow due to the many switch backs which wind through wooded valley following the edge of the mountain. There will be waterfalls and other photo opportunities. As we leave the high country for a while we visit Ura valley before heading to Bumthang. If time allows we will stop at the Red Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory. Entry price, a beer! The local town of Jakar offers us some great street photography opportunities. 

Overnight in Bumthang

 

Day 9. 16/04/2027 Bumthang (BLD)

 Today we will attend the Dhomkhar festival in one of my favourite locations. It is in the court yard of a village temple at which we will mix with locals dressed in their colourful traditional costumes. The festival is will be full of ancient dances about the fight between good and evil or for fertility lead by musicians with local instruments. The photo opportunities are endless. If time allows we will also visit the Burning Lake, a sacred waterhole steeped in legends. It is a pretty gorge with surrounded by steep cliffs and small waterfalls. Locals come to pray and light candles.

Overnight in Bumthang

 

Day 10. 17/04/2027 Bumthang – Trongsa (BLD)

 We continue West today stopping for a second visit to the festival before driving on to Trongsa. The town nestles in the valley with the beautiful Trongsa Dzong on the cliffside above it. The Dzong has some resident monkeys who are on the mischievous side so watch what you put down as it may not be there when you turn around! 

Overnight in Trongsa

 

Day 11. 18/04/2027 Trongsa – Phobjikha  (BLD)

 Today we will drive  on to Phobjikha Valley via Pele la mountain pass (3500 metres). This pass used to be the demarcation between east and west in the olden days and is surrounded by rhododendron forests and topped by a chorten and pray flags. It offers views of Himalayan peaks like Mt. Jomolhari if we have clear skies. We will have a special stop at our Guides home village of Tshangkha. We will stop at Gangtey Monastery, an impressive building standing proud over the Phobjikha Valley before descending into the valley to hike through the Natural Trail (approx 1.5 hours). Phobjikha Valley is a wetland of international importance and the winter home to the black headed crane. The fauna recorded are deer such as muntjacs (barking deer) and sambar plus black bear and leopards are occasionally seen.

Overnight in Phobjikha

 

Day 12. 19/04/2027 Phobjikha – Punakha  (BLD)

 We head back over the Pele la Pass through mossy forests stopping in a valley full of paddy fields to visit the Divine Madman's 15th Century Temple, Chimi Lhakhang. After a local lunch we will head to Punakha, home to the Punakha Dzong. This stunning building is built between 2 rivers and lined with Jacaranda trees. We will visit the inner courts this afternoon and return in the evening to photograph it under floodlights from the river. 

Overnight in Punakha

 

Day 13. 20/04/2027 Punakha – Thimphu (BLD)

We head to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu , via Dochu La pass  (3150m). The Dochu La is topped by 108 Memorial white and gold Stupas, known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens, built to honour Bhutanese soldiers who died in a 2003 military operation. On a clear day we can see some of the Himalayan mountains but often the pass is covered in mist which will give us some very atmospheric shots. Once we reach the City we have options. It is not a large city and had a very traditional feel about it.  We may visit oldest dzong in the country, Semtokha dzong, a fortress with thick walls giving us some interesting shots of red robed monks in an ancient building or Thimphu's Nunnery for something different.  Zorig Chusum Art School is another option which trains students in the 13 traditional arts and crafts preserving ancient methods of carving and painted. 

 Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 14. 21/04/2027 Thimphu (BLD)

One of the more quirking sights in Thimphu is it's famous traffic Police. They tried to install traffic lights to control the flow of traffic but it was decided that traffic lights did not fit with the Bhutanese philosophy so they were removed and a traffic policeman now directs at the busiest junction with a series of complex hand movements. 

We will also visit the Centenary Farmer's Market and the nearby covered bridge for some interesting people and cultural shots. The takin is the national animal of Bhutan, a very strange looking animal that looks like a cross between a yak and a goat with a bit of deer thrown in. We are unlikely to see them wild so we will make a quick stop at the Motithang Takin Preserve to photograph them. Towering over Thimphu is one of the largest Buddha stupas in the world at 54 metres,  the Buddha Dordenma Statue. It is made of bronze and gilded with gold. It gives us a great vantage point for the surrounding area. 

 Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 15. 22/04/2027 Thimphu – Haa Valley (BLD)

We depart Thimphu and drive towards an area which was off limits to travellers for many years and it still few visit. It is an agricultural area with  untouched alpine forests, traditional villages, and rich cultural heritage so we should get some great people and landscape photo opportunities

Overnight in Haa

 

Day 16. 23/04/2027 Haa – Paro (BLD)

We will get up early for the soft light and explore the village and photograph farmer doing their morning chores before driving over the Chele La Pass the highest motorable road in Bhutan (3988m). There are often yak grazing on the side of the road as we wind up the mountain to the summit which is covered with pray flags. We will had descend towards Paro where we will explore the town for street and architectural photography.

Overnight in Paro

 

Day 17. 24/04/2027 Paro (BLD)

Our last full day of photography will start with a hike to the most famous of Bhutan's monastery, Taktshang or Tiger's Nest. The trek is a round trip of around 6 km and is described as moderate, it's path snakes through pine forest past waterfalls, pray flags and shrines. There is an option to hire a horse (approx US$20) for those under 85 kg. The horse ride will go part the way up the path as far as the cafeteria.  Although there is no photography within the monastery itself there will be so many photo ops on route. For some of the group walking to the top of the monastery steps is reward enough for the trek whilst others will want to commit to the extra distance to visit the iconic building. 

After our day of trekking we will go to a farmhouse to soak our muscles in traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse. There will also be an opportunity to try your arm at archery before we have our final dinner together. 

Overnight in Paro

Day 18. 25/04/2027 Departure (B)

Departure for Paro International Airport to your chosen transfer hub and then to your home country. For those traveling to Australia, Bangkok is probably the best option although there are other choices. 

Lok Jay Gay (see you again)!

 

Costs: USD $ 9995(approx AUD $14250)per person twin/double* room 
 
*Single supplement addition of USD $800(approx AUD $1125) applies

#Pay a $AUD2000 deposit (AUD $500 of which is non refundable) on this site to hold your place and we will instruct you how to pay the balance in US Dollars once we have reached minimum numbers. If we do not reach minimum numbers we will return your deposit in full. Please do not book flights until we confirm departure.  This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.

Includes:

• 17 nights and 18 days in Bhutan

• Visit to Merak to meet the semi nomadic yak herders

• One (hopefully two) authentic cultural festivals

• Visiting traditional weavers in Khoma

• Small group size 

• All your accommodation and meals on Tour


• Highly experienced Bhutanese guides and drivers


• Photographic support from internationally renowned photographer Anna-Mair Francis.

What’s not included:

• Flights to Guwahati or from Paro to your home city


• Alcohol or soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Horse ride up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery café  if required.

• Entry to sites not on the itinerary 


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance

• Bhutan or Indian Visas

Please note that the main group will fly from Singapore and return via Bangkok but if you are travelling from Europe then flights should be arranged via India. 

Payment schedule: Deposit of AUD $2000 to secure the booking (AUD $500 of which is non refundable). Please note that the trip is not locked in totally as far as the Bhutanese agency is concerned until the total balance is received. So the balance will need to be paid as soon as practical. We need 4 people for the trip to go ahead, if we cancel the trip we will refund your full deposit to you(minus any bank or transfer fees). Please do not book flights until we confirm departure. 

See our Terms and Conditions

 This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.

Astroscape is a genre of photography where we photograph the night sky with something on Earth in the foreground. We are heading to a total dark sky area in various country or coastal locations where we will have something in the foreground like a lake, trees, rock formations etc. We will teach you how to photograph the night sky to get amazing images of star trails, stars and the Milky Way.

All levels of photographers are catered for from beginner to professional. A camera and lens capable of full manual settings is necessary along with a tripod. Ideally your lens needs to be wide angle, with an aperture of between F1.4- F4.

The evening will start with a Sunset shoot at our location followed by a light meal after which we will return to our cameras for the main Astro shoot.

The all inclusive price of $175 includes a meal and all photographic instruction from Anna-Mair Francis, a formally trained photographer with years of experience teaching people to become better photographers. Full details will be given on booking.

Please note that these workshops take place in various locations and on different dates. Please check that you have chosen the correct venue that you wish to attend when you fill out your booking information.

Current dates: Point Peron, Sunday Sept 22nd 2024 (during the King's Birthday long weekend)

Book a  portrait session for you and your family*. We will arrange to come to your home or meet you in a suitable outdoor location for the shoot which will take between 30-45 minutes. We will take different arrangements to vary the choices of images. You will receive a selections of images from which you can chose 10 digital images and we will print your favourite to 10"x 8" picture for you to frame. Extra digital and printed images are available by arrangement.

*A family group of more then 10 people will require more time and therefore will cost a little extra. We will include extra digital prints with a larger group. Please enquire to discuss your requirements on 0401 840 516 or info@annamairfrancis.com. 

Anna-Mair Francis has many years experience in taking portraits of families, children, individuals, pets and business profiles. 

She will make you feel relaxed so that you can get the lasting memories that you desire. She will help you choose the perfect location, at the perfect time to get unique and beautiful shots.

After the shoot we will send you the digital images to view so that you can choose your favourites and the one that you would like printing.

Buy for yourself or buy as a gift for someone else. 

The session can also be used for an individual, business profile or pet portrait session if you should so wish.

All sessions are by Anna-Mair Francis, a formally trained professional photographer with many years experience. 

Join us on this small group photography tour for an action packed day to Wellington Dam with it's amazing murals. It's the world largest mural covering 8000sqm of the dam wall depicting the place the river has had in the lives of the people of Collie over the years.  Along the way we will visit the historic homestead in Pinjarra and the colourful English style gardens in Harvey. The National Park gives us many photographic opportunity such as macro, landscape and long exposures at a waterfall. 

It is inclusive of transport with pickup from Midland Train Stations, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, together with photographic input from professional photographer, Anna-Mair Francis. 

Price includes:
Transport
Morning/afternoon tea
Picnic lunch

Photographic Input and advice from Anna-Mair Francis
Entry Fees

Tripods are available to hire on request 

Please note: We need a minimum of 2 people for the tour to run in this format although private tours can be arranged and customised for one person. 

Pick up can be Midland Train Station at approx 8.30 am or Armadale Train Station at approx 9.10 am and drop off in Midland Station at approx 6 PM. Please advise when booking where you would like to be picked up from. 

Please note: This tour needs a minimum of 2 people to run. Please contact me for details if you would like the price of a private experience.  

Although the Pinnacles (Nambung Desert National Park) is our main destination we will stop along the way at various photographically interesting locations and these can be changed if you would like to visit other places so long as time permits.

Our Journey will start at a lovely nature reserve in the Chittering Valley which has a good variety of different wildflowers and orchids plus many iconic Balga or grass trees. We will then head West through some lovely scenery to join the coast road stopping in a small country town with a pretty area of paperbark trees by the river. We will have a BBQ lunch along the way.  

We will enter the world renowned, extraordinary Numbung Desert with limestone pillars  as far as the eye can see are a photographer’s dream. We will be there in time to explore  the rock formations and textured sands before we set up for sunset. Sunset is often spectacular, with the rocks appearing to change colour as the Sun gets lower in the sky, providing us with the perfect light to take photographs of this unique and other worldly landscape.

We will depart to Perth after a picnic tea in the Park and weather permitting, we will return to the sand dunes for some shots of the Milky Way before returning to our pick-up point at approximately 11pm.

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds mirrorless cameras. We can provide tripods if required at a small cost. 

We provide for yourself or your party:

Transport to and from our pickup points either Midland Station or Currambine Station (hotel pickup can be arranged)

Water, Morning tea, BBQ Lunch, afternoon tea and Picnic tea after sunset

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees

Children over 10 with a photographic interest are welcome to join you on tour but this is not suitable for children with no photographic interest. 

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people. 

Western Australia is home to some unusual sights one of which is Wave Rock. It is a huge monolithic
striped granite rock with an unusual wave formation formed by centuries of rain and wind situated some four hour drive from Perth. We will drive past huge wheat farms, historic country towns and see many quirky Australiana sculptures. We try to schedule these tours on dark sky nights so that we have the opportunity to photograph the Milky Way or star trails. We also hope to see and photograph some wildflowers including orchids if in season. This overnight trip will be full of content to maximise our time together. 

Day one: Our tour to the rural area East of Perth is overnight with 2 full days. It includes a variety of photographic subjects and genres.  After pick up, we head to the lovely old town of York to spend some time exploring and photographing the architecture before morning tea. 

As we move East we will stop along the road, if it is safe to do so, if we see something of photographic interest before arriving at Hyden to photograph some local scrap metal sculptures. We will then head to our accommodation to check in and settle in. After dinner we will go to the foot of Wave Rock to photograph the night sky. We will also do some light painting at the base of Wave Rock.(weather permitting )

Day two: We starts with a walk from Hippo's Yawn to the base of Wave Rock (looking for wildflowers in the winter and spring). After morning tea, we start heading back to Perth via the Tin Horse Highway. Locals have built over 70 humorous  tin horses made out of all manner of metal on either side of the town of Kulin, known for it's annual bush races. We will stop at other points if time allows and aim to be back in Midland around 6pm. 

All levels of photography are catered for, from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. Tripods can be hired for $10 if required.

• Transport from Midland Train Station (please contact us directly for cost of alternative pickups)

• Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 evening meals, tea/coffee/water;


• Overnight accommodation in a 2 bedroom cottage with a shared bathroom;


• Any entry fee to locations;


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis.

Please note that our accommodation will be in shared 2 bedroom cottages.  If you'd would rather have more private accommodation please contact us to discuss your preferences. We can customise any tour. As it stands, the layouts of cottages vary but usually the combination is a double and single bed in one room and 3 single beds in another room. If you are traveling on your own and wish to have your own room please book using the single price but if you would like us to try to pair you with another single of the same gender, please choose 1 person in a twin room*. If you are travelling with 3 friends, you can book individually but please reference who you are sharing with. The triple room is only available to 3 friends sharing and we will try to book a cottage with 3 single beds in the room but this can not be guaranteed. 

*If you are the only person booked for the tour then the whole single supplement will apply but if we have someone else booked who takes a different room then we will not charge the whole single supplement. 

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people. 

This two day small group tour travels South out of Perth.  Most people would use the Bussell Highway but we take the old road through largely forgotten historic towns with old homesteads and lovely landscaped gardens. Wellington Dam is the home of the world's largest wall mural covering 8000sqm and depicts scenes of the importance the river to the local Collie community. Wellington and Crooked Brook National Parks give us opportunities for landscape, wildflowers and long exposure images. We will drive through the beautiful Ferguson Valley and visit the quirky Gnomesville.  As we are in a dark sky area we will explore night photography as long as the sky is clear and there is no moon. We will spend the night in self-catering cottages with two or three bedrooms, with shared bathroom. 

It is inclusive of transport with pickup from Midland or Armadale Train Stations, meals, and overnight accomodation, together with photographic input from professional photographer, Anna-Mair Francis.

Day One: Our first stop is in the town of Pinjarra at an old homestead which has many restored buildings which now house displays of yesteryear. We will visit one of them which is full of interesting subjects and machines to photograph from the area's farming past. We'll visit Collie before lunch and check out a few of the works of art on their mural trail before moving on to see the world's largest mural at Wellington Dam. The National Park is lovely with a permanent river which runs through the middle of it cascading down small waterfalls and through lush green waterholes. The park has a variety of wildflowers including orchids in season. Weather permitting we will photograph the sunset and look to the night sky for Moon, astro or light painting. 

Day Two: We will head through the Ferguson Valley to the quirky Gnomesville where thousand of gnomes have been placed in and around a shaded glade, we might even add to the collection ourselves! Crooked Brook National Park offers several walking trails which will give us the opportunity to see other wildflowers and with luck, birds and wildlife too. After a picnic lunch we will start our return to Perth via another country town with lovely English style gardens. We plan to be back to the Train Station between 5-6pm. 

Cost includes:

• Pick up from Midland or Armadale Train Station;


• Transport;


• Meals;


• Overnight accommodation


• Any entry fee to locations;


• Drop off at Cockburn or Armadale Station;


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis.
• 
  

Tripods are available to hire on request 

Please note: We need a minimum of 2 people for the tour to run in this format although private tours can be arranged and customised for one person. 

Pick up can be Midland Train Station at approx 8.30 am or Armadale Train Station at approx 9.10 am and drop off in Armadale around 5pm and Midland Station at approx 6 PM. Please advise when booking where you would like to be picked up from. 

Hidden Corners of the South West

Traveling South out of the City of Perth most people use the Bussell Highway but we take the old road through largely forgotten historic towns with old homesteads and lovely landscaped gardens.

Wellington National Park will be our main location with its lovely water holes, rivers and forests. We visit Pinjarra, Harvey, the beautiful Ferguson Valley and Gnomesville. At night we will explore night-time photography(as long as the sky is clear). 

We will spend the night in self-catering cottages with two or three bedrooms.

Our second day, after exploring the area further, will end with a sunset shoot on the coast near Rockingham. We will finish with Fish & Chips at the Beach before driving back. 

Cost includes:

• Pick up from Cockburn Station;


• Transport;


• Meals, tea/coffee and water;


• Overnight accommodation 


• Any entry fee to locations;


• Drop of at Cockburn Station;


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis.

The world renowned extraordinary Numbang (Pinnacles) Desert with limestone pillars as far as the eye can see are a photographers dream. At sunset, which is often spectacular, we are provided with the perfect light to take photographs of this unique and other worldly landscape.

Although the Pinnacles (the Nambung Desert National Park) is our final destination we will stop along the way at various photographically interesting locations.  

After being picked up we will head to Yanchep Lagoon which offers many opportunities to practice seascapes. We travel north, stopping for a BBQ lunch en route, heading to Cervantes to check into our accommodation then on to the Pinnacles to photograph them in the changing afternoon light before sunset. As the sky changes colour it gives us an ethereal light on the rock formations around us.

We will have a picnic tea and then set up our cameras ready for some astro photography and the spectacular Milky Way.   

Day 2 we will head to the stromatolites before heading south to photograph some pristine sand dunes that are only accessible on foot. We will stop at some other points of photographic interest whilst heading back to Perth. 

The price includes transport pick up and drop off at Midland or Currambine Station; overnight accommodation; meals (2 lunches, 1 evening meal and 1 breakfast) and refreshments; Entrance fees to National Park and photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis. 

All levels of photographer  and cameras are welcome.

The tour is lead by accredited guide and professional photographer, Anna-Mair Francis who has many years experience in leading tours in Western Australia.

Please Note: the accommodation is in a 3 bedroom cottage with a shared bathroom. If you would rather stay at the nearby motel please contact us for rates. 

Western Australia is home to some unusual sights one of which is Wave Rock. It is a huge monolithic
striped granite rock with an unusual wave formation formed by centuries of rain and wind situated some four hour drive from Perth. We will drive past huge wheat farms, historic country towns and see many quirky Australiana sculptures. We try to schedule these tours on dark sky nights so that we have the opportunity to photograph the Milky Way or star trails. We also hope to see and photograph some wildflowers including orchids if in season. 

Day one: Our tour  is to the rural area East of Perth is for 3 days/2nights and includes a variety of photographic subjects.  We head to some Wildflower spots before morning tea and then head to the lovely old town of York to spend some time exploring and photographing the architecture. After lunch we will head towards our first overnight stay at Quairading stopping at various spots of interest along the way. 

Our first astro opportunity (weather permitting ) will be at a lake reserve close to Quairading where we will set up for sunset and then astro after dark. We will have a picnic tea in between. 

Day two: We will continue towards Wave Rock, stopping along the way if we see something of photographic interest before arriving at Hyden to photograph some local sculptures.  We will head to the historical Mulka's Cave, which is covered in aboriginal hand print art and explore local area. There will be an opportunity to photograph a rusty old truck before we head to Wave Rock for the base walk to Hippo's Yawn. We will then head to our accommodation to check in and settle in. After dinner we will go back to the foot of Wave Rock to photograph the night sky. We will also do some light painting at the base of Wave Rock.(weather permitting) 

Day three: We will have an early start, photographing dawn over Lake Magic. After breakfast and checking out we will climb the Rock (via a stair case) to photograph from the top of Wave Rock.  We return the Perth via the Tin Horse Highway, which shows Australian country humour and ingenuity, 70 or more horse sculptures made of oil drums and scrap metal either side of the town of Kulin, home to an annual bush horse race. We will stop at other points if time allows before arriving back in Midland by approx 5-6 pm.

All levels of photography are catered for, from beginner to professional, phones, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. Tripods can be hired for $10 if required.

• Transport from Midland Train Station. (please contact us directly for cost of hotel pickups or alternative meeting points)

• Meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 evening meals, tea/coffee/water;


• Two nights accommodation in 2 bedroom cottages with a shared bathroom;


• entry fee to Wave Rock;


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis.

Please note that our accommodation will be in shared 2 bedroom cottages.  If you'd would rather have more private accommodation please contact us to discuss your preferences. We can customise any tour. As it stands, Quairading cabins have 2 bedrooms and shared bathroom but there is also private room with a double bed available but these are not ensuite, the bathroom is a short walk away shared with the camp ground. 

The layouts of cottages in Wave Rock vary but usually the combination is a double and single bed in one room and 3 single beds in another room. If you are traveling on your own and wish to have your own room or cottage please book using the single price but if you would like us to try to pair you with another single of the same gender, please choose 1 person in a twin room*. If you are travelling with 3 friends, you can book individually but please reference who you are sharing with. The triple room is only available in Wave Rock to 3 friends sharing and we will try to book a cottage with 3 single beds in the room but this cannot be guaranteed which might mean that you might have a double and a single bed in the room to share. 

*If you are the only person booked for the tour then the whole single supplement will apply but if we have someone else booked who takes a different room then we will not charge the whole single supplement. 

Our first day will take us East of Perth to areas around York known for wildflowers and orchids. We will stop in York itself to look at the historic buildings and capture the essence of the town. We will drive on to Quairading which is our first night's stop firstly exploring a nature reserve before we head out to our astro location on a nearby lake. The lake has many dead trees in the shallows which will give us some interesting foreground interest and the lake itself, reflects the Milky Way especially when there is no wind. 

On day two we will continue towards Hyden and Wave Rock, stopping along the way, if it is safe to do so, if we see something of photographic interest before arriving at Hyden to photograph some local sculptures.  We should arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon walk along the base of Wave Rock from Hippo's Yawn. We will then head to our accommodation to check in and settle in. After dinner we will go to the foot of Wave Rock to photograph the night sky and then to a second location near our accommodation where there is a rusty car which makes for great foreground interest with the Milky Way. 

Day three: We return the Perth via the Tin Horse Highway, which shows Australian country humour and ingenuity, 70 or more horse sculptures made of oil drums and scrap metal either side of the town of Kulin, home to an annual bush horse race. We will stop at other points if time allows before arriving back in Midland by approx 6 pm.

The tour is lead by professional photographer Anna-Mair Francis who will be on hand to give you instruction so that you can get some great images over the weekend. This tour is suitable for any level of photographer with any camera. 

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people. 

Day One: Following pickup at either Midland or Currambine Stations we head north stopping at either Yanchep National Park or the beautiful Yanchep Lagoon. Our Journey towards a bush reserve which has a wide variety of native flowers and if lucky some amazing lizards and golden orb spiders.

We then carry on our journey north, stopping at some pristine sand dunes before our BBQ lunch. 

The world renowned, extraordinary Numbung Desert with limestone pillars  as far as the eye can see are a photographers dream. At sunset, which is often spectacular, we are provided with the perfect light to
take photographs of this unique and other worldly landscape. 

Although the Pinnacles (the Nambung Desert National Park) is our final destination we will stop along the way at various photographically interesting locations.  

We will arrive at the Pinnacles well before sunset and give ourselves time to explore the area before the light begins to change. We will depart to Perth after a picnic tea in the Park whilst it gets dark before setting up for Astro photography with the Pinnacles as our foreground. 

Day Two

We head to the harbour for our cruise with Turquoise Safaris to swim with the Sea lions (if you are not a swimmer you can observe the sea lions from the boat). Turquoise Safaris offers an authentic offshore Eco adventure specialising in smaller, more personalised groups exploring the Jurien Bay Marine Park and is operated by a Jurien Bay Local with the knowledge to ensure you experience the best the area has to offer.

All equipment including wetsuits is supplied, we have snacks, light refreshments and sunscreen on board. If you do not have an underwater camera a GoPro or similar can be hired for $50. We will need to know in advance if you require this to be arranged. 

We will explore Jurien Bay on our return and will have morning tea before heading Southwards towards Perth stopping at other places of photographic interest. Returning to your drop off point in the late afternoon. 

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required at a small cost. 

We provide:

Transport to and from our pickup points either Midland Station or Currambine Station (hotel pickup can be arranged at a small charge)

tea/coffee/water, breakfast, lunch x 2 and evening meal (picnic tea in the Numbang National Park)

Overnight accommodation in a one or two bedroom holiday unit in Jurien Bay

Photographic input from a professional photographer

Park entry fees

Swimming with the Sea loins experience with Turquoise Safaris  (wetsuit, snorkel included) There is a non swimmer option too. 

What's not included: 

Meals not listed

Underwater camera or other camera equipment (hire of some equipment can be arranged) 

Pick up from hotel (can be arranged at additional cost) 

We recommend travel insurance for all our tours

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people. 

We will be journeying to some of our favourite wildflower spots around York and Beverley and into some newly discovered bush reserves in search of orchids and other W.A wildflowers around the country town of Narrogin where we will spend 2 nights. We will then move locations to the nearby Dryandra Woodland National Park, a very special pocket of woodland which is home to many endangered animals including Numbats, Woylies, Quendas, and Chuditchs as well has over 100 species of birds. It also has many orchids and other wildflowers growing in the area. On our return we will explore some areas with the Wandoo National Park before arriving back to our pick up point in Perth around 5pm. 

We will be staying in self contained cabins which have 1 or 2 bedrooms. In Narrogin we can offer an alternative option in an ensuite room at the Motel next door which will we offer to those who want their own room who pay the single price. Both locations have bathrooms within the cabins but none of the rooms have ensuite rooms. At Dryandra will be staying in the historic timberman's village run by the Lions in homely wooden cabins originally built to house the families of the timbermen who worked in the Mallet Forest. They are basic but clean and comfortable but this is all about Location, Location, Location! The cottages are in the middle of the National Park and visited frequently by all manner of animals and birds, most have their own possum that lives in the nest box on the verandah. At night if you are lucky some quenda or bush curlew might wonder past, we will certainly hear them after dusk. 

We will organise an evening visit to Barnia Mia which is an enclosed area of bushland which houses several types of critically endangered mammals. They offer a wonderful nocturnal experience where we can photograph bilby, woylie, mala, quenda and boodie. The fence keeps predators such as foxes and feral cats which have had a devastating effect on so many of our native animals and birds. 

We have timed this tour to be during a dark sky period so is we have no cloud we will head away from like pollution to photograph the Milky Way and star trails. If we are unfortunate to have some cloud we will introduce you to light painting which is a lot of fun. 

This small group tour is lead by photographer and tour guide, Anna-Mair Francis who has years of experience taking clients to amazing places around the globe and is known for her patience and good communication skills in simply explaining photographic techniques. 

This tour runs with a minimum of 2 people. 

We have been asked for a shorter wildflower and wildlife tour so we have created a 3 day/2 night adventure on which we will visit less nature reserves for wildflowers but still have all the wildlife options. We will be journeying to some of our favourite wildflower spots around York and Beverley for orchids and other W.A wildflowers before heading into  Dryandra Woodland National Park, a very special pocket of woodland which is home to many endangered animals including Numbats, Woylies, Quendas, and Chuditchs as well has over 100 species of birds. It also has many orchids and other wildflowers growing in the area. On our return we will explore some areas with the Wandoo National Park for wildflowers before arriving back to our pick up point in Perth around 5pm. 

We will be staying in self contained historic timberman's cottages which have 1 or 2 bedrooms plus a shared bathroom. The Dryandra Village is  run by the Narrigin Lions Club and are homely wooden cabins originally built to house the families of the timbermen who worked in the Mallet Forest. They are basic but clean and comfortable but this is all about Location, Location, Location! The rooms have either a queen bed and bunk or some single beds and bunks. We will not fill the cottages to capacity but only use the queens, single or lower bunks with no more than 3 people sharing the rooms. However if you are coming as a group and do not not mind sharing with more of your friends please contact me for a lower per person price.  The cottages are in the middle of the National Park and visited frequently by all manner of animals and birds, most have their own possum that lives in the nest box on the verandah. At night if you are lucky some quenda or bush curlew might wander past, we will certainly hear them after dusk. 

We have organised an evening visit to Barnia Mia which is an enclosed area of bushland which houses several types of critically endangered mammals. They offer a wonderful nocturnal experience where we can photograph bilby, woylie, mala, quenda and boodie. The fence keeps predators such as foxes and feral cats which have had a devastating effect on so many of our native animals and birds. 

We have timed this tour to be during a dark sky period so is we have no cloud we will head away from like pollution to photograph the Milky Way and star trails. If we are unfortunate to have some cloud we will introduce you to light painting which is a lot of fun. 

This small group tour is lead by photographer and tour guide, Anna-Mair Francis who has years of experience taking clients to amazing places around the globe and is known for her patience and good communication skills in simply explaining photographic techniques. 

We will travel through parts of the Wheatbelt north of Perth visiting many nature reserves and places of natural beauty and historic interest. At this time of year we can expect to see many varieties of Australian orchids, other wildflowers and hopefully the stunning wreath flower. 

This tour will run with a minimum of 2 people

Day 1 

The tour will begin at Midland Train Station at 8am (you are welcome to park/ meet us in Gidgegannup if you wish - exact location will be given to you once you have booked, or contact us directly for the cost of a pick up from your accommodation)

From here we will head North towards Moora stopping at a nature reserve along the way before arriving in time for morning tea. We will then go to a reserve in the area before continuing our journey North, stopping at an area renowned for its everlastings and other spring flowers and orchids. We will arrive at our accommodation for the next 3 nights, a homely farm cottage near Perenjori, in time for dinner.   L,D

Day 2

We will depart our accommodation after breakfast and spend the day exploring some lesser known local nature reserves that have not disappointed us in the past. We have found many different species of orchids and wildflowers as well as everlastings. We will return to our accommodation in time for sunset. 

After dinner we will head outside to do some Astro photography (weather permitting). The farm is in a totally dark sky area so it's perfect for photographing the Milky Way has several locations that give us great foreground interest for Astro.  B,L,D

Day 3

Today we will head north stopping at a couple of nature reserves that are well known for their spring flowers. We will then continue to Coalseam Conservation Park (if we have confirmation of flowers in bloom) in time for lunch or continue with exploring the numerous nature reserves in the area. Time permitting we will visit an old homestead which has rustic farm equipment and a ruined building.

(If we have not done Astro on the previous day we will do it tonight - weather permitting). B,L,D

Day 4

Today we will say goodbye to our farm home and head back towards Perth. 

We will stop at several reserves, including a couple of granite out crops which are known to be home to several varieties of wild flowers including reserves around Wongan Hills. 

We will arrive back at the Midland Train Station by approximately 6pm and Gidgegannup 30 minutes later. B,L

Abbreviations: B Breakfast; L Lunch: D Dinner

Please note:

The itinerary is subject to change depending on access and local advice on flowers in bloom. Wildflowers are wild and therefore subject to the forces of nature. They are unpredictable blooming one day and gone the next. We know many great spots for wildflowers and have been very successful in the past in finding orchids and other flowers, we can't guarantee what we will find. 

We hope to see wreath flowers on all trips but this is more likely in September and a larger variety of orchids is normally in bloom in August.

All levels of photographer are welcome. If you wish to bring a non photographer with you they will be made welcome but will either have to join us on the road and have the patience to go at the rate of the photographers or be happy to stay at the farm for the day with a good book or a jigsaw puzzle. A small discount will apply if they do not require any photographic input and share the room with the photographer, please contact for details at info@CTLPhototours.com

What's included:

Transportation from Midland or Gidgegannup.

Accommodation in a homely cottage on a farm (*shared bathroom and toilet)

All meals as listed

Bottled water/tea/coffee

Photographic input and tuition from Anna-Mair Francis

Entry fees

What's not included:

Snacks

Alcohol (you may bring some if you wish)

Pick up can be arranged (contact us directly for cost)

If you wish to hire a tripod you can do so for $10

Travel insurance

Travel expenses to and from Perth; 

Pre and post tour accommodation (we can arrange hotel accommodation in Midland,please enquire for details); 

All other private expenses (e.g.  camera batteries, memory cards, any other purchases); 

Tour Information

Fitness: We will be doing some bush walking over some rocky ground so a moderate level of fitness is required. Orchids grow at low levels so for the best shots you need to be able to bend or kneel down to get the shots. A camping stool can help to get lower if you are unable to do this. 

Vehicle & Equipment: Our tour vehicles are chosen for comfort and ability to go over all terrains. They are fully checked and covered by all state government requirements for Passenger Transport Vehicles. 

Single Travellers: On Capture the Light Photographic Tours single travellers will be allocated a room to themselves in the cottage if you pay the single supplement but will still have to share the bathroom and toilet. If you are happy to share a room with another single of the same sex we will try and match you with someone and then the single supplement will not apply but if we can not match you with another single then the single supplement will be applied. 

Accommodation:
*Accommodation on this tour is a comfortable homely cottage on a farm. It sleeps up to 10 people (5 bedrooms) with shared bathroom facilities configured as 1 king bed, 2 Queen beds and 2 twin bed rooms or a 3 bedroom cottage (3 bedroom 1 queen, and 2 twin bed rooms) with shared bathroom. 

Meals: All meals are included throughout the tour - including morning tea. There will be fresh fruit and water available throughout the day. Please contact us directly if you have a special dietary requirement so that we can cater accordingly.

Weather: This tour runs during the wildflower season which is through the Winter/Spring. It is generally between 16 - 18 degrees during the day but can get quite cool at night with temperatures going as low a 3 degrees. 

Clothing: You will need closed in shoes with a good grip. Layers are a good idea as the temperature changes during the day. Waterproofs and an umbrella are also recommended as it does rain at this time of the year.

As we will be spending a lot of time at low levels it is a good idea to bring a kneeling pad ( we do have some you can borrow if you wish)

Join us on this small group tour (Minimum of 2 and maximum of ten people or a private tour can be arranged on request) as we head towards locations close to Perth that have provided us with the best opportunities to find a wide variety of orchids and wildflowers that Western Australia is so famous for. If the day of tour does not suit you please contact me to see if we can change the day to suit you. Private tours can be arranged to suit your requirements. Please contact me on info@CTLPhototours.com. 

We will include transport, bottled water, afternoon tea and input from a professional photographer. 

All of our destinations have not disappointed us in the past but of course we can not guarantee exactly what we will find although we have had many years experience in finding the best locations. Wildflowers, especially orchids, are sometimes there one day and gone the next but you will see a variety of flowers nonetheless. 

All levels of photography are catered for from beginner to professional, phone, point and press cameras to the latest DLSR model. We have knowledge of different makes and models of camera including full framed, cropped sensor and micro four thirds. We can provide tripods if required. 

We provide for yourself or your party:

Transport to and from our pickup points (they change depending on the direction of travel). We will notify you of our pickup points on booking. In the past we have used Gidgegannup, Mundaring, Midland or Cockburn Stations as pickup points (hotel pickup can be arranged at a small fee) 

Water and afternoon tea

Photographic input from a professional photographer

We are advertising this tour early as we need to confirm it with our partners. We need a minimum of 6 people for the tour to run. The exact date and cost will need to be confirmed nearer the time but the itinerary will be similar. ACT NOW if you are interested as I will need to give my French partners a strong indication of numbers in May (2026). The itinerary and price is based the last advertised trip. For Sept/Oct 2027 there may be changes to both but it will be similar.  To join the wait list please contact me via my email info@CTLPhototours.COM

Provence captured my heart some years ago and it's long been my desire to add it to my photography tour options. It has drawn artists for centuries with its unique light quality and amazing views; it has even driven a few of them mad! We will spend our time in two distinct regions, the Camargue and the Luberon. The Camargue is a wetland of international importance home to hundreds of species of birds, including pink Flamingos and the Camarguais, a traditional breed of white horses who have lived wild in the harsh marsh environment for thousands of years. The Luberon is renown for its picturesque landscapes and charming medieval villages with ochre coloured buildings and rich history. Between the 2 regions we will visit some iconic places including Arles, St Remy de Provence and the Roman Aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. 

Our French partners will give us private access to the bird sanctuary, at dawn before they open to the public so that we can capture the flamingos and many other birds as they come into the marsh ponds from their roosting sites. They will arrange 5 different private shoots with the horses, some at the beach and others in the marshes. All shoots will give us time to photograph these magnificent animals. Our visit to the Camargue coincides with an amazing 2-day festival that celebrates the skill of the horseman of the Camargue, the Gardians, who look after the semi feral horses and the famous black Camargue bulls. 

After 5 full days of photography in the Camargue we will move further into Provence to explore more of what it has to offer. Our first destination is the ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. The incredible UNESCO site is over 2000 years old and is an architectural masterpiece, 275 metres long built on 3 levels to move water to the Roman city of Nimes. We will move on to the walled town of Arles, one of my favourite towns in Provence, complete with its own Roman arena. It dated back before the Roman era but it has a medieval feel with narrow cobbled streets, shuttered windows and street cafes. Vincent Van Gogh spent time here and it feels like he only left last week as locations he painted works like Starry Night over the Rhone and Garden of the hospital are almost exactly the same. We will stay in Arles overnight, as it is a great place to wander around in the evening with so many photo opportunities. Just near our hotel there is a modern art centre called Luma Arles with an extraordinary 56-metre tower covered with 11000 stainless steel panels. It stands in a garden with a reflecting lake that gives us images so different from the rest of the region. 

We start our eighth day together with a visit to the picturesque Saint Remy de Provence on the way to the Luberon region. Saint Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and that has been associated with Van Gogh and other painters. The pretty paved streets give us multiple photo opportunities with little shops displaying their wares on the street edge, churches, hidden fountains and markets. We will move on to our hotel for the next few days in the village of Roussillon. After checking in we set off to photograph the first beautiful Luberon village, with the warm sunshine lighting up the flamboyant, technicolour glory of reds, yellows, oranges and pinks that merge one into the other as you wander around the spiralling streets of the village.

Our time in the Luberon will be a mixture of landscape, architectural and street photography, photographing different medieval villages perched atop ancient rock formations, frozen in time, with breathtaking views. Cobbled, winding, narrow streets, tall stone houses, with coloured shutters and quaint doors, dominating the valleys below, each with its distinct flavour for us to capture. 

For our final full day we will move to the City of Aix de Provence via one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin. Aix is the essence of Provence, where people sit on street cafes along the wide streets and plazas drinking coffee to see and be seen. Although it’s a larger place it still has the same relaxed feel that the villages and towns have. It was the home of artist, Paul Cezanne, and has inspired many more. The city has many fountains, churches, pretty squares and countless other images for us to capture.

We will have time after breakfast on our last morning in Provence to have a short photo walk near our hotel before we transfer to Marseille Airport by noon to check in for our homeward flights. 

What is included: 

11 nights Hotel Bed & Breakfast in single room (if you are traveling and sharing a room with a friend a discount can be applied) 

Welcome and farewell dinner

All land transport from pickup in Montpellier Airport to drop off at Marseilles Airport

Photographic guidance from 2 professional photographers, Anna-Mair Francis and Serge Krouglikoff

5 private shoots with the horses of Camargue

Hire of waders for horse shoots

Early entry into the Parc Ornithologique

What's not included: 

Airfares to Montpellier and from Marseilles

Camera or equipment

Snacks, Lunches or Dinners if not listed

Soft drinks or alcohol 

Mosquito spray (recommended for the Camargue) can be purchased at GBP 15 per bottle

Travel insurance

Tips

Laundry

Please note: The total cost of the tour is Pounds Sterling GBP 4630 as per our partners requirements which is approximately AUD$9555 (as of March 25) this figure in AUD may change. The deposit can be paid in AUD ($2000) using this website but I will also accept a deposit GBP1000. You will need to contact me to pay in this way. The final balance is to be paid in GBP (Pounds Sterling) to a UK bank account. 

Due to our partners terms and conditions we need a minimum of 6 people on this tour for it to go ahead so please do not book European flights until this tour has been confirmed. With this in mind we need to firm this tour up quickly. We will need deposits as soon as possible as we will need to confirm the dates with our partners twelve months in advance, End of September 2026. Once the tour is confirmed the deposit of $2000 is non refundable but if we do not numbers before then we will refund your deposit (minus booking fees). 

ITINERARY Tuesday 29th September – Friday 9th October 2026

As our days will have early starts we will have a break most afternoons to nap or upload images etc. Some days there will be sessions with photographer Anna-Mair Francis. 

Day 1. Tuesday 29 September

Flights arriving at Montpellier airport by mid-afternoon. You will be collected from the airport for transfer to your hotel in Aigues-Mortes
(Hotel Canal, Aigues-Mortes).

Late afternoon welcome/briefing meeting at the hotel.
Welcome dinner at local bistro included 

Day 2. Wednesday 30 September

We leave before dawn for the Parc Ornithologique, which is a natural Camargue wetlands area with one of the largest arrays of birdlife in Europe, including the famous Pink Flamingos. Our privileged local contacts provide us with access the park, before sunrise and before it opens to the public, so you can capture wonderful, exclusive images as the birds fly in at sunrise. We will guide you to the prime locations, among the waterways and lakes, to capture a variety of species, from single birds perched at the nest, to large flocks of pink Flamingos.

Late afternoon sunset, we photograph the Wild White horses running through the marsh. We shoot several drives with the horses running across and towards your field of view. We will also take shots of the ‘Gardians’ (Camargue Horseman) dressed in their traditional Camargue shirts & hats, trident in hand, surrounded by the herd as well as some close-up portraits of both the horses and the ‘weathered’ ranchers.

Day 3. Thursday 1st October

At sunrise, we our session with the wild horses, running together through the shallow waters of the marsh, with a different composition. In-between the action, we take portraits and close-ups of the horses on their own or in small groups.

In the afternoon, we head to the beach for a shoot with a beautiful trained white Camargue stallion. We photograph him rearing on the top of the sand dunes and running along the golden sand of the beach, making for striking action shots and beautiful portraits.

Day 4. Friday 2nd October

In the morning, we head out early to a different beach for the ultimate spectacle of the wild white horses running along the golden sand and through the surf, with sea spray flying. We shoot several drives in different directions, so you can capture an assortment of action pictures, with a variety of lighting conditions. We will also photograph the horses at a nearby lagoon.

In the afternoon, we photograph two sparring wild stallions, which is a unique opportunity to see the white horses entwined at full height, in feisty temperament, with their manes flying.

Day 5. Saturday Festival 3rd October

We start with traditional breakfast (‘casse-croûte’) in the meadow with the Gardians and locals, in traditional Camargue dress. Standing in the shallow stream, we are in the centre of the action to capture the Gardians rounding up the bulls to herd them into town for the Abrivado (the arrival).

Early afternoon capture festival life in and around the beautiful town of Aigues-Mortes, including bull racing; pop up theatre animation; abundant food and wine! 

Late afternoon, in Aigues-Mortes, it is time for the Bandido (the departure) – the Gardians flank one bull at a time as they gallop back through the narrow streets of town. The youngsters test their bravery by standing in the way as long as possible, to destabilise the horses and allow the bull to escape! Capture stunning action pictures of the horses and bulls, with the sun setting behind the stone archways of the old city gates. At midday and in the evening, there is a party atmosphere with a ball and concert on the main square.

Day 6. Sunday Festival 4th October

In the morning we capture the Abrivado, as they arrive for the day’s festivities. Again, the Gardians flank the bulls and they arrive at a gallop, clattering through the cobbled streets. Each farm (Mas) displays their skills with the bulls, herded by Gardians on horseback. Young lads attempt to get the better of the young bulls by distracting the horses –called the ‘Vachette’.

In the afternoon, we return to the meadow to capture the action of the arrival of the Bandido.

Day 7. Monday 5th October

Check out of the hotel after breakfast to visit the Roman Aqueduct the Pont du Gard. The bridge was constructed by the Romans, between 19 BC and 50 AD, as part of a grand undertaking to carry water 50 kilometres by aqueduct across hills and valleys, to Nimes.

We then leave for Arles, the capital of the Camargue and home to an ancient Roman arena and theatre. Arles is a lively melting pot of Celtic, Roman and contemporary culture. It was one of Vincent Van Gogh's favorite locations and little has changed since he set up his easle. 

Check into our Hotel in Arles Centre.

Enjoy a shoot on the river at sunset and capture the atmosphere of the old streets and the Roman arena at night.

Arles photo walkabout guided by Anna-Mair & Serge

Day 8. Tuesday 6th October

Check out of the hotel after breakfast to depart for the Luberon area of Provence, stopping at the picturesque Saint Remy de Provence on the way
(photo walkabout guided by Anna-Mair and Serge).

We check into our hotel in Roussillon and after a briefing meeting, we set off to photograph the first beautiful Luberon village, with the warm sunshine lighting up the flamboyant, technicolour glory of reds, yellows, oranges and pinks that merge one into the other as you wander around the spiralling streets of the village.

Optional group dinner in a family-run, local bistro at your own cost. 

Day 9. Wednesday 7th October

We set off before sunrise to photograph a stunning hilltop village known for its picturesque beauty and considered the jewel of the Luberon. We will capture the moment the sun rises over the valley floor and lights up the village, in the soft morning light. We return to the hotel for breakfast before returning to capture another of the famous Luberon villages.

In the afternoon, we set off again to photograph different medieval villages perched atop ancient rock formations, frozen in time, with breathtaking views. Cobbled, winding, narrow streets, tall stone houses,with coloured shutters and quaint doors, dominating the valleys below.

Day 10. Thursday 8th October

After breakfast we check out of the hotel to drive to the famous city of Aix-en-Provence (1 hr drive), home of Paul Cezanne. On the way we stop to enjoy and capture the town of Lourmarin, one of the loveliest Luberon villages and also officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.

On arrival in Aix, we settle into the hotel and enjoy a walk to soak up the ambience of the beautiful city and capture street life.

Overnight Aix-en Provence and farewell group dinner included.

Day 11. Friday 9th October

After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque city to for a final opportunity to capture its hidden treasures.

Check out of the hotel to depart for Marseille, arriving at around 12h00 to take your afternoon flight home.

Please note the itinerary is subject to change, due to unforeseen circumstances

Additional hotel nights before the tour in Montpellier and after the tour in Aix en Provence in Marseille can be arranged at extra cost.