PHOTO JOURNEYS
Our photo journeys are the result of years of returning to the places on the planet we have found most compelling and a pouring of our deep expertise and passion for building potent travel experiences in them—with an eye to what photographers will prioritize & find most interesting… And this we know intimately as photographers ourselves.
Each trip is meticulously developed via extensive on-the-ground scouting, as we pledge to present a compelling & logistically-sound production only once we are truly familiar with all the puzzle pieces available for it. They are brought to life via deeply-trusted in-country partners and encyclopedic local guides that enable rich exploration and an ability to meet the unexpected.
Our journeys stand on their own as immersive, thought-provoking, awe-inducing ways of encountering a place. But they are designed with the timing, pacing and variety of experience that fits best for photographers.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Our Photo Journeys are designed to give you a seamless travel experience so you can experience the destination to its fullest. Most feature:
✔️ Photography Focused Itinerary
✔️ Professional Photo Instructor
✔️ Open Sky Trip Leader
✔️ Expert Local Guide
✔️ Small Group (6-12 Participants)
✔️ Accommodations
✔️ Majority of Meals
✔️ On-Trip Transportation
✔️ Private Traveler Portal with Live Updates
✔️ Thorough Pre-Departure Information
✔️ Live Trip Briefing and Q&A via Zoom
✔️ Flight Guidance and Booking Partners
✔️ Insurance Guidance and Trusted Partners
OUR ONBOARDING PROCESS
REGISTRATION | Fill out the registration form for your selected photography expedition. We'll follow up quickly!
DEPOSIT PAYMENT | Submit trip deposit through our online payment processor. With that payment, you will be 100% confirmed for the trip.
PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE | Receive a pre-departure timeline and guidance packet with a checklist of next-steps including travel insurance recommendations, parameters for booking flights, on payments, etc.
LIVE ZOOM BRIEFING AND Q&A | Join your Open Sky trip leader and photo instructor for an overview of your experience, including trip logistics, packing recs, camera gear, and more.
YOUR EXPEDITION | Embark on your photo journey with a small group of like-minded creative travelers. With our team of dedicated travel guides, you can be fully present to the multi-sensory experience of place, undistracted by any logistical hassles
PHOTO JOURNEYS COLLECTION
ABOUT OUR PHOTO JOURNEYS
We offer a collection of photography-focused international journeys that stand on their own as immersive, thought-provoking, awe-inducing ways of encountering a place. They are carefully crafted to provide the perfect blend of timing, pacing, and diverse experiences for photographers. Whether you're a seasoned photographer, or just learning the ropes, each of our Photo Journeys is designed to suit any skill level, with professional instruction to further elevate your shots. Each Photo Journey includes:
Professional Photo Instructors
Each Photo Journey features a seasoned professional photographer, with experience as an instructor, ready to guide you on your journey to capturing stunning moments and mastering your technical camera skills both in the field and during post-production workshops.
Expert Trip Leader
Experience seamless travel with our professional tour leader who possesses extensive logistics expertise. Your journey's transportation, lodging, meals, and more will be guided by a travel expert, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable exploration of your destination.
Top Local Guide
Our trips are led by local guides with encyclopedic knowledge of their home countries. These passionate experts become your personal portals to a place, offering immersive insights, untold stories, and a genuine connection to the culture. Experience travel at its most authentic.
Intimacy as a Guiding Principle
We organize trips with small groups ranging from 6 to 12 participants, allowing us to foster a sense of interconnectedness among travelers and our shared passion for photography. This is a guiding principle in the selection of hotels, restaurants, and experiences.
Extensive Pre-Trip Scouting
Each destination, experience, and partnership we offer has been carefully scouted in-person by the Open Sky team with remarkable attention to detail. We are prepared to present exceptionally unique photographic opportunities, while keeping your safety as a top priority.
Thorough Pre-Trip Prep
Each journey includes a private trip portal for registered travelers, pre-departure trip briefings, and industry partners to easily obtain insurance & flights. Personnel from our team are intimately familiar with each trip offering, and are prepared to help with any questions or concerns.
WORDS FROM OUR PHOTO JOURNEY TRAVELERS
"Traveling with Open Sky means experiencing the perfect curation of adventure and luxury. Antarctica was our fourth photography trip with Alex and his team. Not only does Alex plan for every eventuality, he has back ups for his back ups. In remote locations, where conditions can change unexpectedly, Open Sky delivers exceptional experiences and the brilliant photos to prove it."
- Antarctica Participant
"Temu was simply great. Communication to the group, the welfare of the people, the need to make the trip excellent for everyone at any level of experience was clearly paramount in his thoughts, plans and actions. His greatest strength which was obvious and appreciated by us was his ability to think and re-plan on the fly depending upon weather and other circumstances."
-Jerry & Beth, Norway Participants
“You guys are great - so organized and helpful…everyone at Open Sky made this a seamless journey. I had never used a tour company before…I think the level of detail and care allowed me to focus on photography and trust the rest would be handled. Loved it - would highly recommend you and would go anywhere with Temu.”
-South India Participant
"Our trip to Morocco was absolutely flawless. Moulay was a delight, and so interesting and informative. He really let us into the Muslim world. Temu kept everything so organized, and running smoothly. He was also funny, and charming. Morocco was a very Magical and visual place, especially for photographers. David was excellent, and even the best of us all learned from him."
- Tom, Morocco Participant
"You guys are simply the BEST. Thank you for an amazing, one- of-a-kind, never-to-be-forgotten, awesome, experience... This was my first photography tour, I have only before traveled by myself, and never even knew these things really existed. So I cannot compare it to any others, but I have a feeling that you guys have spoiled me for any others."
- Sally, Morocco Participant
"It was a trip of a lifetime—a great adventure. Juan is probably the best there is! And Temu... he is the best thing about Open Sky (and there are many great things). I would go anywhere in the world with Temu. He went above and beyond to ensure our safety and happiness."
- Connie, Galapagos Participant
"Michael is extremely talented and knowledgeable but I think even stronger than that is his teaching ability. He is patient and helps you learn and understand more throughout the process. He gave me the encouragement and confidence to take my photos and enjoy the experience. I will continue to take workshops with him to further improve my knowledge and comfort."
-Jessica, Norway Participant
“Keep up the good work! Thanks for providing me with yet another once-in-lifetime wonderful travel adventure. Namibia is simply one of the most amazing places on earth, mind-blowing scenery, the most outstanding night skies in the world, and people with a welcoming warmth. Animals and birds were breath taking is variety and abundance. But what made the trip stellar was Temu and Open Sky.”
- Hal, Namibia Participant
Expedition Feature:
Antarctica 2024
We return in December 2024 for a 6th season partnered with the most experienced operator of air-cruises on the planet, flying across the treacherous Drake Passage to explore the incredible 7th continent aboard the best expedition ship we know, the Magellan Explorer. Hosted by tour leader & photo pro Temu Nana, our group aboard gets extra perks & special treatment. It is truly an experience unlike any other.