January 29, 2025 10:57 am Published by Glen PROVENCE PHOTO TOUR JUNE 2026 Destination Summary I’m excited to offer this the second Lightstalker’s Provence Photo Tour exploring some of the iconic sights of one of France’s most celebrated regions. We’ll also be photographing the wild horses of the Camargue on the Mediterranean coast. Other highlights include the villages of the Luberon and the nearby Provence town’s of Arles and St Remy de Provence. Both are associated with post impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh and during this tour you’ll gain an insight to his life and visit some of the locations that he painted. A unique experience is photographing the White Horses of the Camargue along the shores of the Mediterranean during the golden hour and sunset. On a vast scale is Europe’s largest Canyon, the Gorges du Verdon. We’ll travel the Route de Crete and from its 15 vantage points capture some dramatic compositions. From our base in Valensole we’ll photograph the soft hues of Lavender as they begin to bloom around the town with soft morning and evening light. A trip to Provence would not be complete without sampling the flavours of the region. So from roadside stalls and/or markets selling fresh produce you can try the high quality wines, cheese, fruit and other regional products. The Camargue Our Provence photo tour begins by the Mediterranean Sea. A session with a local photographer and the Gardians* capturing the wild horses of the Camargue. After some guidance and advice on technique you’ll photograph the horses at golden hour and sunset by the sea and a nearby lagoon. *These legendary horsemen and women are custodians of the beautiful and wild Camargue Horses. Arles and St Remy de Provence The Provence Photo Tour includes two of the most accessible and interesting Provence towns, Arles and St Remy De Provence. Here your can follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh took inspiration from the light, landscapes and scenes of these quintessential Provencal towns. We’ll visit the scene where he painted “Starry Night over the Rhône” and the both the moving Hotel and Hospital scenes where he spent time. Roman Ruins, Château des Baux, and bold new architecture also add to the subject matter. The Petit Luberon To the north you’ll explore the villages and landscapes of the Luberon Valley. Atmospheric villages, rustic farms , vineyards, wild flower and Lavender fields. Valensole and Gorges du Verdon The fields around Valensole provide the largest area of Lavender cultivation in France which starts to bloom in June and peaks in July. Along with wild flowers and golden wheat fields the scene is one of rich vibrant colour especially at dusk and dawn. Further east is the amazing town of Moustiers – Sainte Marie, labelled “ the wonder of Haute Provence” a staggeringly impressive period town. Moustier marks the gateway to Gorges du Verdon. At 25km long the huge canyon provides jaw dropping vistas from the Route des Cretes that clings to the edge. Getting there Meet up @ 14:00 6th June at the Hilton Garden Inn- Marseille Provence Airport, Zone Hôteliere, BP50 ( walking distance from the terminal). departing for Arles at 14:20. Ends 11:00 -12:00 Marseille Provence airport 12th June Marseille Provence International airport is a few km west of the city. You may need to book a night prior to the tour at the venue above or nearby. What to expect Weather The Lavender only begins to flower in June in Provence. The first month of summer typically sees temperatures from 25 -35 degrees from 12-5pm. Mornings and evenings are the most comfortable time to shoot with temps in the mid 20s. With that in mind we’ll prioritise early and late evening sessions and making time to rest and edit during the day. This can mean some early starts around 0600 and evening sessions ending around 21:30 with longer rest periods in between. Some transition days will involve locations during the warmer parts of the day, other days we’ll visit cultural experiences such as museums , a small family owned winery for tastings and the mind blowing Carrieres de Lumieres. Accomodation Provence covers a huge area , so to keep travelling to a minimum we will have more than one base as we travel through the region. This will enable us to have easier access to our locations at dusk and dawn. Arles 2 nights – Le Regénce Hotel in the heart of Arles overlooking The Rhone, Parc Naturel Luberon 2 nights Family run Hotel Carina, with gardens, outside terrace and swimming pool Valensole 2 nights Les Chambers de Hotel de Valensole, family run just outside the town in a rural setting. Meals Breakfast is a light continental style with tea / coffee and may be outwith our accommodation. Lunch is the main meal of the day in France and we’ll make sure we eat well with the evening taken up with location sessions and a drink or light meal. Fitness There are some walks up and down steps and lanes in villages, around Ochre sites and in Arles, so try and travel light where possible. Hiking shoes, hats , T-shirts and shorts are the best option. Other stuff Mosquitoes can be prevalent especially around the Camargue marshes so make sure you bring some spray and lots of sun cream. Water bottles that are refillable to stay hydrated when out and about. Equipment A wide angle 16mm to telephoto 200mm lenses A light tripod may be useful but if you Mirrorless and have good image stabilisation you may get away without . Note that tripods aren’t practical nor useful when photographing the Camargue Horses. Camargue Horse Session These unique 3 hour sessions are organised by a local photographer who works with the Gardian and specialises in Horse photography. The evening beach session begins with a 45 minute introduction before heading to a nearby location. The photo session lasts around 1.5 hours which is plenty of time to create a mixture of images from reflections to galloping in the surf. The group size is a maximum of 10 photographers with exclusive access for the duration. Note that the Camargue horses are managed by the Gardian with instructions from our local guide who calls the shots with different scenarios presented for our group to photograph. Payment of £200.00 p/p* for the session must be made at the time of booking and are bound by the providers T&Cs. These can be provided. The Camargue horse sessions require a minimum of 7 participants by our guide and will be confirmed once this has been met. You can find more about the region of Provence here More information will be available soon. Check out some of the trip testimonials here
June 28, 2016 1:41 pm Published by Glen Tuscany Photo Tour The Lightstalker’s Tuscany photo tour combines the classic towns of Pisa and Siena and the incredibly beautiful landscapes around the Val D’ Orcia. Pisa We initially kick off the Tuscany Photo Tour with an evening session in the city of Pisa where we’ll meet. You’ll then be guided on an early dawn shoot around the incredible Piazza die Miracoli, (before the crowds arrive) to capture the world heritage listed architecture which includes the leaning tower, the Duomo and the Romanesque Baptistery. Siena The home of the Palio di Siena, the wild horse race around the Piazza del campo, we’ll capture the massive cathedral a dusk and take to the streets for some “Italian” street photography. Get lost in the lanes and alleyways sampling Gelato, Pizza or a glass fine Tuscan wine along the way .. it’s all here. Volterra and San Gimignano After feasting on and photographing the classic sights of the two cities you’ll drive south from Pisa to Pienza. We’ll make stops at the walled hilltop town of Volterra and San Gimignano, the town of the five towers famous for its medieval architecture. Some street photography and lunch. Val D’orcia A total contrast to that of the previous days shooting the World Heritage listed Val D’orcia and nearby Renaissance town of Pienza offer some of the most photogenic landscapes in Tuscany. The photography here is unrivalled for a pure, subtle mix of rolling hills, Tuscan villas, Cypress trees and soft light at dawn and dusk. Around every corner, over every hill is a composition waiting to be photographed. By day you’ll explore and photograph the villages and landscapes of this classic heart stirring region, all captured in glorious autumn light. In the evenings you can enjoy the classic wines of the region at our self catering house and collectivly create some dishes from the regional produce to enjoy together. Simple Tuscan flavours combining to bring an end to a great day of photography and exploration. We’ll also photograph and explore the medieval towns Montepulciano and Montelcino. Magical image making in one of the most photo rich parts of Europe. From the Val D’ orcia on our final day we return to Pisa via the Chianti region. Some handpicked photo locations along the way will bring to an end a great week of photography. Tuscany Photo Tour Extra information Start time 15:30 Grand Hotel Duomo in Pisa 5th October End time 1500hrs – drop off point at Pisa Aiport on the 11th October. If you are staying additional nights the PISAMOVER aiport mono shuttle takes 6 minutes into the town centre. Getting there Easy jet offer good value flights to Pisa from Gatwick and other UK hubs as do other European budget airlines. Accommodation – Pisa, 1 night at the Grand Hotel Duomo a classic hotel, a throw back to the 50s and 60s, guests have included Sophia Lauren and Fred Astaire. The hotel is adjacent to the Piazza dei Miracoli with a roof top terrace over looking the tower. 1 nights in the city of Siena at the Albergo Chiusarelli, a neo classical style hotel a short stroll from some classic sights. Then 4 nights at the wonderful hill top Tuscan Agruturismo Cosona. Just outside Pienza this classic property is surrounded by breathtaking Tuscan countryside. All accommodation is single occupancy with some shared facilities. Essential equipment Camera, lenses (a 70-200mm is strongly recommended) good quality tripod. Due to limited space place in the van please limit your luggage to 1 camera bag and one medium suitcase or hold-all. Non essential but recommended Polariser, neutral density graduated and straight neutral density filters would be useful. I use Lee ND filters both hard and soft. A Laptop with Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop or other image editing software. Good quality waterproof camera bag. What to expect Photo Adventure This photo adventure includes an initial practical tutorial on basic shooting skills, use of camera gear and equipment on location. This includes camera workflow, shooting in manual mode and reading histograms. A photo adventure’s main objective is guiding you to the best locations at the right time with suggestions on types of shot, general settings and composition advice. Participants should be familiar in the use of their cameras to get the best out of the locations, however help is always on hand and advice freely given. Participants will be invited to share 6 of their final images with Glen and their fellow participants for comment after the trip via a secure online link. Weather Even in early autumn the weather can be unpredictable with a few showers. It can still be pleasantly warm during the day with temperatures around 19 – 23 centigrade (69 – 74F) but evenings and early mornings can be cooler. It’s important that you are comfortable and you have adequate outdoor clothing ( light rain jackets and outdoor lightweight trousers) lightweight trekking shoes or boots that are waterproof are ideal. Tuscany in October there can be some showers of rain around but it’s still pleasantly warm with average highs of 22 C during the day and lows of 11C at night. Locations In Tuscany there is some walking in villages and towns but these are moderate and pretty easy going. Many rural locations are by the roadside. Walking times around towns can be up to 45minutes – however participation is optional at every location. Fitness All ages above 18 years are welcome but a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required, regardless of age in order to fully participate and appreciate a Lightstalker’s photo adventure or workshop. If you have any doubts of your suitability for a specific trip please contact Glen directly. Check out some tour Testimonials here
December 12, 2024 2:09 pm Published by Glen Destination Summary A Photographic Journey through the Cycladic Islands of Santorini, Folegandros & Milos. A Master of Candid photography Henri Cartier – Bresson described the Greek Islands as a “ labyrinth of lines and shadows “ filled with “ brilliant whiteness and intense sun “ where he focused on capturing the “ decisive moment “ in daily life” This trip is inspired by those sentiments and you’re invited to join me to explore and photograph the colour, light and shade of Santorini, Folegandros and Milos. Three Islands that form part of Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. You’ll walk the lanes of white washed villages, exploring street photography techniques while creating a folio of life in the Cyclades. A great opportunity to experience the magic, people, light and colours of the Greek Islands. For many on this Greek Islands Photo Tour, Santorini could be the star of the Cyclades Islands and with good reason. But this tour will also include two lesser known islands with their own highlights, drama and unique features. The colourful island of Milos along with low key and relaxing Folegandros provide some wonderful contrast to complement our Aegean adventure. From Santorini you’ll cruise out to the islands by fast Seatjet ferries into the deep blue Aegean Sea to experience and photograph two more of the colourful Cycladic Islands. Santorini Our first Island location Santorini is a dream for dramatic landscape and travel photography. Since I first visited this volcanic Island in the late 1980’s it’s remained firmly in my memory. It offers a rare mix of volcanic terrain, incredible cliffside villages, blue dome churches, caldera views and surreal light. Highlights include Imerovigli – elevated and stunning vistas ideal for wide shots of the caldera with cliffside dwellings. Oia is said to be the most beautiful town in the whole of Greece and probably has the most iconic views of the island. We’ll be here at dusk and dawn beating the crowds ( which are less at this time of year ) to ensure we get the best light and options. A classic view of the white and blue dome chapels Accommodation – 3 nights single occupancy rooms at the stunning Finikia Memories Hotel Folegandros A much slower and quieter pace of life on this dramatic little island offering stunning cliff views from Chora its main village and the old Kastro at its core. Said to be the most picture perfect village in Europe. Here daily life feels unhurried, villagers potter around the narrow alleyways, cats roam car free streets between Cycladic whitewashed houses, colourful doors and floral displays. We will explore the village in the late afternoon and capture the drama from Panagia church at dusk and Blue hour. After dark we’ll relax in a classic Taverna to enjoy some classic Greek flavours and local wine. At dawn we’ll capture the sunrise over the peak and Panagia church. Mid afternoon we’ll catch the Seatjet to our next destination – Milos. Accommodation – Maistrali or Meltemi comfortable guesthouses either by the sea or in the old town of Chora – 1 night Milos A unique feature of this colourful Island is Sarakiniko, a moonlike landscape with white rocks surrounded by turquoise water, a key location for dusk and dawn sessions. Nearby Firopotamos & Klima feature colourful fisherman’s boathouses hewn into the cliffs, old rustic dwellings and beautiful reflections at sunset. Rising above the Island’s little capital is Plaka. Castle ruins and a chapel are perched on a hilltop above and offer stunning sunset views over the old capital along with stunning Aegean seascapes. The Plaka itself is great to wander and photograph some street scenes and we can visit the gallery of local fine art photographer Dimitris Tsirgoris who’s black and white street photography is inspiring. Most of the Islands locations are short drive apart and accessible plus we’ll have time to relax between morning and afternoon sessions. Accommodation- 3 nights single occupancy rooms at the Christina Aparthotel, close to the port town of Adamantas. Late Autumn offers warm weather and ideal conditions to capture the light, shade and colours of the Cyclades Islands, scattered through the Aegean Sea. Start / end and Meet up We will meet in Santorini and end in Athens. Meet up from 14:00hrs on the 23rd October in Santorini . The trip will conclude at 1900hrs in Athens after we arrive from Milos by Seajet at 18:35 on the 30th October. You may wish to depart Athens that evening or extend your trip to explore the city of Athens in your own time or join Glen for dinner at a roof top restaurant in the city. You can also depart Milos by air ( Sky Express / Aegean ) on a short flight to Athens Airport if it suits your schedule. Travel Insurance Please ensure you have adequate travel and health insurance for this trip to cover any delays, cancellations or health issues. What to expect Days should be sunny and warm ( low to mid 20s Centigrade) but there is a chance of a passing shower in October. Our premium shooting times will be dusk, dawn and Blue hour sessions to make the most of the good light. There will be time to relax through the day or explore should you want to be more active. There is some walking and steps involved but mostly along the caldera edge between view points, a few steps on well made paths. Walks though the lanes and alleys of the villages can be tailored to your own preference. Meals will be a local restaurants featuring typical Greek favourites, local wines, grilled meats, salads, seafood and other traditional Greek Dishes This promises to be a sociable and laid back tour. Santorini is popular place , but visitor numbers are thinning out in late October. We’ll be avoiding the hot spots at busier times when possible and making the most of this wonderful part of the world . Getting There Charter flights direct to Santorini are available from major European hubs with EasyJet, Jet2 etc. International Flights to Athens and onto Santorini with Aegean and Sky express are also available. You can learn more about the Cyclades Islands here Lightstalker Adventures Photo Tours have a client return rate of over 80% – check some testimonials here
February 5, 2024 11:07 am Published by Glen MADEIRA PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE – THE GARDEN OF THE ATLANTIC Destination Summary Escape the winter blues and enter a world of vivid colour and drama. This Madeira photography adventure takes place on the autonomous little Portuguese island that lies off the coast of the north west African coast. It combines an abundance of waterfalls, misty woodlands, colourful villages all dotted over mountain vistas. Lush colourful flora, soaring sea stacks and wild ocean pools and a cable car ride into the capital Funcal all give a unique Madeiran flavour to this tour. Part of an archipelago of 4 islands, Maderia is known as the Garden of the Atlantic and year round has a warm subtropical climate. The lush forested slopes, deep ravines and huge oceanside cliffs are sit on the peaks of high mountains / shield volcano that lie submerged 6km below. On this 7 day Madeira photography adventure you’ll experience and capture the ancient Levadas ( centuries old, stone channeled water courses ) high waterfalls and cascades surrounded by cool lush laurel woodland with glimpses of mountain landscapes and coastal cliffs. Madeira has a mountainous interior and late afternoon we’ll make our way to Pico Areeiro summit (by van) for incredible views and vistas. Looking out over the peaks there are short trails that lead to view points and we’ll capture the sunset as it drops into the Atlantic Ocean covering the rugged peaks with warm atmospheric light. Little villages cling to the vivid green terraced hill sides and waves crash into the black volcanic rocky beaches and headlands that fringe the island. We’ll visit Porto de Cruz in the north, sample the local Poncha, Coral des Freis which is surrounded by high mountain peaks and Porto de Sol in the south to capture a stunning sunset and crashing surf. Natural swimming lagoons have been cleverly adapted as safe cooling off spots to relax after a day exploring the Levadas and villages (bring a towel). The island’s reputation is changing from a winter retreat to a more adventure driven location, with people discovering the hidden secrets of this beautiful Portuguese Island full of varied locations, vivid colour, history and adventure. So grab some winter sun and your camera gear and book your spot on this Madeira Photography Adventure. We will meet up in the beachside town of Machico late February late in the afternoon. We’ll then have a dusk session nearby before having a group dinner together at a typical Maderian restaurant. Contact Glen now to register your interest before it sells out. Accommodation We’ll have two bases during our trip in Madeira , the first one in the south east in the old capital of Machico for 4 nights, close to the beach and cafes – White Waters Hotel or comfortable apartments. All single occupancy double rooms with breakfast. Our second base lies in north west in the little town of Porto Moniz, ( the Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel for 2 nights) famed for its azure blue swimming holes. Rooms here will be single occupancy with breakfast for two nights. Extra Info Getting There Madiera has Funchal airport ( Cristiano Ronaldo Airport ) and International flights are available via Lisbon (Long Haul) or direct from most European cities. Madeira is a popular year round destination with holiday flight providers like Tui, Ryanair, Jet 2 plus more all providing economical fares. Time zone – same as UK Meet up 17:00 15th February in the town of Machico a short 5 minute taxi ride from the airport. Location to follow. End point will be in Machico or the nearby International airport on the final day @ 13:30 Climate It’s a year round easy going climate with winter / early spring temps around 18-22C. It can be cooler early on and late evening with showers on occasion and some cloudy misty mountains are not unusual. So pack a light rain jacket, hiking shoes, short and long pants and light layers. Fitness levels Medium Fitness levels Madeira has a mountainous interior so we’re going to encounter some hills and short climbs once we get away from the coast. We plan doing one or two Levada hikes to experience and capture this unique aspect of the Island. One is a short 20 min walk to a balcony and the Fontes 25 walk has a 15 – 20 min steep section (on the way out) with some steps, but most people will have no problems taking their time with rests. Your invited to check out some testimonials from previous photo adventures here
June 15, 2023 3:06 pm Published by Glen PUGLIA AND MATERA SOUTHERN ITALY PHOTO ADVENTURE Destination Summary Photograph and experience the azure blue of the Adriatic and the contrasting rich red earth and olive groves of the Itria valley. This Puglia and Matera photo tour highlights two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Trulli houses and architecture of Alberobello and one of Europe’s most unique and ancient inhabited sites, the Sassi di Matera. This immersive seven-day Puglia and Matera photo tour focuses on the captivating region at the heel of southern Italy. It offers a rich historical background with both stunning Adriatic coastline and vibrant rural landscapes that are dotted with charming villages. Both the region of Puglia and Matera in Basilicata offer a visual feast combining culture, food, architecture and natural landscapes for the adventurous travel photographer. This part of Italy retains plenty of its authentic charm and allure and its only in the last couple of decades that it’s being taken seriously as one of Italy’s most important regions. The tour will be bookended by two costal sessions firstly around Polignano di Mare and Monopoli before heading inland to explore the hill top towns and landscapes of the Itria Valley and breathtaking Matera and the Sassi. From Matera you travel back to the colourful port town of Trani where we’ll spend our final night. After our coastal sessions we’ll take to the higher ground and back roads of the Murgia plateau that connect the hill top towns to capture some rural scenes including olive groves, vineyards and Trulli architecture. One of the unique locations of this trip is the UNESCO World Heritage listed village of Alberobello, famous for its Trulli houses. These unique white drystone huts with conical roofs create a fascinating atmosphere. Nestled in the picturesque Itria Valley, we’ll also explore other captivating towns of Locorotondo and experience the allure of Ostuni, known as the “White City,” with its whitewashed hilltop architecture both ideal locations for exploration and photography to capture a sense of place. Adjacent to Puglia, the region of Basilicata is home to the awe-inspiring vistas of the ancient town of Matera and its Sassi cave dwellings, providing a captivating visual centre piece to this tour. One of the oldest continually habited places on the planet, it’s full of history and interest. We’ll pay a visit to Casa Noha museum at the start of our visit to get the full emotive back story to better understand its past. Finally we head back to the Adriatic coast to the coastal town of Trani. Labeled the Jewel of the Adriatic. The town’s colourful harbour is packed with fishing boats, fishermen mending and sorting nets , selling their catch of the back of the boats and locals trying their luck for Octopus and squid in the dawn light. On our final evening we’ll sample some of their catch at one of the towns good seafood restaurants. In addition to the remarkable sights, we’ll immerse ourselves in the local culture and savor the diverse food scene. You’ll have the opportunity to sample Burrata cheeses, seafood stews, Bombetta, Friselle (toasted bread), and specialty local pastas. Moreover, we’ll indulge in the exquisite wines of the Pugliese wine country Negroamaro and Primitive being two of the best. Taking place in early October, the Puglia and Matera photo tour offers a pleasant climate, free from the intense summer heat. The landscape will also display the start of autumn colours, creating a picturesque backdrop for your photography. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around the low twenties. Getting there We meet up near Bari airport at 11:30 late September 2027 You may need to arrange pre trip accommodations around Bari depending on your flight arrival times. Tour start TBA – Meet in the coastal suburb of Palese or Santo Spirito a short taxi ride from Bari airport. Details to follow. Or if you choose to stay in Bari city you can take the Metro from Bari Central to Europa station (15 mins) and I can pick you up there. *Please note we aim to be on our way by 11:30 End point will be at the Europa Metro station at 12:00 – 1300hrs If you have any specific requirements or further questions, please let us know. Accommodation After meeting up and some sessions the on the coast we head up towards Locorocondo for a 3 nights stay at an outstanding Agriturismo. 3 nights near Locorocondo. You’ll be staying in well appointed 16th century Trulli houses at the Masseria Aprile ( former fortified working agricultural estates). Comfortable, stylish single occupancy accommodations hosted by an Italian family. 2 nights Matera* – Staying in the heart of the Sassi with less than a minutes walk to one of the best views over the old town. Single occupancy room with breakfast 1 night Trani* – one night in the Jewel of the Adriatic in a single occupancy room with breakfast. Meals We’ll be eating at simple but good restaurants and cafes with the best the region has to offer. Fitness levels Like most medieval towns and villages in Europe, steps and hills will be encountered. There are plenty places to rest up but a lot of the towns are explored on foot. For any other information please get in touch directly.
February 13, 2026 2:23 pm Published by Glen ANDALUSIA PHOTO ADVENTURE SPAIN FEBRUARY Destination Summary This winter photo tour will commence in February to capture the Almond blossom that will be in full bloom in the region. Daytime temps average 15C with some days reaching 20C. Granada and the Sierra Nevada Moorish architecture, the Alhambra, the Alpujarras Mountain villages & terraced landscapes throughout the Sierra Nevada. Cordoba The colourful and white washed town of Córdoba with its iconic bridge & incredible Mezquita and Cathedral. Ronda Rhonda’s gorge, bullring and old town Capture Flamenco dancers, sample Andalusian flavours and of course wander in the beautiful pink and white almond blossom that adorn the landscape at this time of year. Starts ends: Malaga Spain More info coming soon
