Colombia through the lens

COLOMBIA'S leading supplier of motorcycle tours and rentals in South America, PhotoMotoColombia, is happy to announce their grand opening in Medellin, #Colombia. Guided by international photographer, world traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast Jeff Cremer, PhotoMotoColombia is unlike any other #motorcycle #touring company in Colombia.

Trips are led by professional travel and wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer. Jeff worked as a photographer in the Peruvian Amazon for six years and has had his work featured in National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Wired Magazine and the BBC. Tour the most beautiful and picture-worthy locations in the country to get an experience and the pictures of a lifetime. You will not only tour Colombia from your bike, you will focus on truly seeing, photographing and experiencing all of its beauty,culture and people.

All trips start in Medellin, Colombia, also know as the “City of Eternal Spring” pleasant warm weather all year round. The city is surrounded by mountains and it is very clean with lush trees and beautiful flowers.

Colombia motorcycle trips range from day trips to Guatape, to take in the sweeping views from the top of the famous El Peñol rock to week long trips to the Colombia’s Coffee Triangle where riders can journey into the spectacular Valle de Cocora to find eight species of hummingbirds as well as the famous wax palms — Colombia’s national tree — which regularly grow up to a height of 150 feet, or sometimes up to 200 feet.

Other tours such as the 12 day Ultimate Coffee Region motorcycle tour is perfect for riders looking for an expedition through the adventurous Andean mountain range. This route starts in Medellin and takes riders through on a full loop through Colombias staggering peaks, rugged ridgelines, and diverse elevations bringing riders full circle arriving in Medellin again at the end of the trip.

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Unleash your creativity

ONE of the best ways people can portray their art is through the lens of a camera. While many of the younger generations take up their mobile phones and take selfies or landscape photos that are severely filtered before posting them on social media, this is a far cry from the experience of an actual photographer.   Creative Escapes offers a unique and one of a kind #holiday experience that combines the relaxation of a luxury vacation with a #photography training program.

These amazing photography holidays have earned a lot of praise from different publications such as The Guardian who named this as one of the "Top Ten Photography Holidays", "Six Best Hands on Holidays" as said by the Independent on Sunday, as well as being called the "Best Photo Breaks" by The Sunday Telegraph.

Holiday destinations range from the secluded deserts of the Sahara to the mountains of California. There is a destination that is perfect for everyone’s ideal holiday and picturesque destination. As the Wall Street Journal once said: "There tailor-made trips give visitors an insider’s perspective of the countries they are touring with local experts guiding them."

While the local tour guides know all the best spots for shopping, dining, and drinking the expert photography tutors know the best places for the most gorgeous and jaw-dropping photographs in the area. The small groups of eight people can learn the best techniques from their tutors who all have different, but equally amazing experience in the field of photography.

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Photo series highlights Japan's Chugoku region

#JAPAN National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Los Angeles Office, together with photographer, Krista Rossow and National Geographic have released a photo series highlighting Krista’s recent photography tour through the beautiful natural landscape of Japan’s Chugoku region.

This photo series, which can be viewed on National Geographic's website, appears in three parts that take readers on a journey through the rugged coastlines, mystical shrines, and intense natural beauty of Shimane and Hiroshima prefectures. "Behind the Lens: A Peaceful Moment in Japan" is Krista's own account of finding a spectacular photo opportunity in the most unsuspecting circumstances. 

"Shimane Prefecture: Japan's Best Kept Secret" introduces readers to Shimane's very best from a trip to Japan's most sacred shrine to a hike through the volcanic Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Finally"Hiroshima: Ancient Works, Stunning Sights, and a Passion for Peace" highlights Hiroshima's lasting quest for world peace against a backdrop of historical sights and unforgettable experiences. Japan's abundant natural beauty, cultural experiences, and expansive history are brought into sharp focus through Krista’s photographs which are sure to inspire and excite travelers to recreate her journey themselves.

JNTO has begun an online consumer campaign as of January 18th to entice American travelers to follow in Krista's footsteps and discover the wonders of the Chugoku region. 


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An unlikely social media sensation

A lone tree that grew from a fence post in the South Island of New Zealand has become an unlikely social media sensation. The straggly crack willow tree on the shores of Lake Wanaka is thought to be at least 80 years old and is attracting photographers from around the world, keen for the perfect shot.

Amateur and professional photographers gather on the shores of Lake Wanaka at dawn and dusk to photograph the “most photogenic tree in the world”. The tree even has its own dedicated Facebook page and has been featured in international publications such as The Guardian and The Sydney Morning Herald. The hashtag #thatwanakatree has been used more than 13,000 times on Instagram.

The tree is the focus of photography tours and people pose naked beside it, have their wedding photographs taken in front of it or meditate beneath it.

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Isles of Scilly Photography Competition

VISIT Isles of Scilly has launched its Photography Competition for 2017 in partnership with St. Mary’s Hall Hotel Isles of Scilly Travel.  The 2017 competition is open to all photographers living on, working on, or visiting the islands between 1st May and 30th September.

The winner will win a three-night break for two on a Bed & Breakfast basis at St. Mary’s Hall Hotel, together with two return tickets on the Scillonian III passenger ferry courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel.

For further information about the competition and how to apply, visit our dedicated Isles of Scilly Photography Competition web page.

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

Behind the lens in St Lucia

ONE of the world's most accomplished photographers is hosting a master class at Anse Chastanet Resort in St. Lucia for National Geographic Expeditions this year.  Joe McNally, whose acclaimed career includes assignments in more than 50 countries, will lead the classes at the eco-friendly resort.

"Advanced Photography and Lighting Workshop," the session, to be held October 10-15, 2017, is designed for 16 advanced photographers and National Geographic Photography Workshop alumni.

Named a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens and voted one of the 30 most influential photographers of the decade by Photo District News, McNally will deliver lectures and guide participants through the complexities of advanced photography while taking them through the sprawling Anse Chastanet property, which features a tropical rainforest, an organic farm and jungle bike trails.

Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, two of St. Lucia's most picturesque resorts, have been recognized by the TripAdvisor® GreenLeaders™ program, which helps travelers around the world plan ecologically responsible trips by identifying hotels engaging in environmentally friendly practices.

For further information about and participation in the workshop, visit http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/saint-lucia-tour-caribbean-photo-workshop/detail.

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Australia from Above

TOURISM Australia is sponsoring a new #competition to inspire aerial #photographers from around the world to share new creative perspectives of #Australia.

The Australia From Above contest is being run by SkyPixel, the world’s most popular aerial photography community, and is co-sponsored by Tourism Australia and drone manufacturer DJI.

The contest is open from March 2 to May 2 and welcomes professionals and enthusiasts alike to share their visions of the country.

Competition details and entry submissions are online at
www.skypixel.com/events/australia and the Grand Prize consists of a DJI drone package, a three-day journey to Lord Howe Island for two and a three-day journey to Kangaroo Island for two.

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Eyes Down

THE Civial Aviation Authority (CAA) in partnership with VisitEngland have launched '400ft Britain', a #drone #photography and videography #competition.

In keeping with the national tourism organisation's #OMGB marketing campaign to celebrate amazing 'Oh My Great Britain' moments and experiences, budding drone enthusiasts are invited to submit an image or short video of the British countryside, whether it's the stunning Yorkshire Dales, a sunset over the South Downs or the picturesque Lake District.

Running until 31 January 2017 imagery can be submitted through the simple hashtag #400ftBritain either via Twitter or Instagram.

The competition terms and conditions can be read here: www.400ftBritain.com.

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Picture Credit: William Hook flickr.com/photos/83542829@N00/29546352454 Milford Canal & River Sow Panorama  via photopin.com

London - A Birds Eye view

THE LONDON HELICOPTER has a new first for #London – a unique chance for lovers of #photography to book a seat to fly over the city in a helicopter, with the doors off, giving unobstructed views of the very best of the capital. 

The 'Doors Off Photography Flights' launched on Friday 9 September 2016 an 18 minute ‘London Sights’ tour, starts from the London Heliport in Battersea, flying as far east as Canary Wharf, and back along the Thames as far west as Barnes Wetlands, returning to Battersea.

Sights that will be seen as the Flights soar above the River Thames, looking down on Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the financial district, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, The Shard and so much more.

The 'Doors Off Photography Flights' are offered based on specific times and availability.

To book go to www.thelondonhelicopter.com

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Picture Credit: 125912004@N02/28038508014 London by Helicopter via photopin.com

Picture Perfect

AN IMAGE of the cliffs at #BurtonBradstock in Dorset taken by a local #photographer has beaten hundreds of entrants to scoop the South West Coast Path's annual photographic #competition. 

The photograph shows the coastal landscape at twilight and was taken by Ian Alcock, who describes how he captured the image: ‘This was taken nearly 15 minutes after the sun had set below the horizon and the remaining clouds reflect the pink tones left from the suns afterglow.

‘I am passionate about the Dorset coast. I grew up in Weymouth, so I know Portland and the area quite well.’

Mr Alcock’s prize package includes a two-night stay at the Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon, and £100 worth of camera equipment.

His picture will feature alongside 11 others pictures in the official 2017 South West Coast Path calendar.

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Picture Credit: Ian Alcock

Get snapping!

#EDINBURGH BUS TOURS is challenging visitors and locals to capture the best vistas of the city’s historic skyline with a #photography #competition. 

Running until January 4, visitors can submit their best snaps via Facebook (facebook.com/edinburghtour) and Twitter (@edinburghtour), using the hashtag #wishyouwerehere.

The winner will have their photograph displayed in all of the Transport for Edinburgh group's Travelshops, and a donation of £500 will be made in their name to a local charity.

Kenny Campbell, tour operations manager at Edinburgh Bus Tour, said: ‘With three routes running this winter, people will be able to snap a host of famous sites and landmarks, from the gothic history of the Old Town and the Georgian grandeur of the New Town to the shimmering waters of Leith and the natural beauty of Holyrood Park. Our buses run every day except Christmas Day, so there are plenty of opportunities to capture a masterpiece over the festive season. I look forward to seeing all the entries and I'm sure it'll be a tough job to choose a winner.’

www.edinburghtour.com

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Prizewinning landscapes

‘LANDSCAPE Photographer of the Year: Collection 9’ is a coffee-table book featuring full-colour prints of the winning and commended entries in the 2015 Take a view Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. 

The exhibition of the winning entries can be seen at an exhibition London’s Waterloo Station, which runs from November 23 to February 7.

Both the book and competition showcase the UK’s scenery through the eyes of some of the country’s best amateur and professional photographers.

From saltmarshes, chalk cliffs, and misty lochs to tumbledown villages, geometric farmland and jagged cityscapes, Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 9 captures the splendour of Britain’s rural and urban landscapes, from Scotland’s Outer Hebrides to Cornwall.

The overall winner is Dorset-based Andy Farrer, with a shot of the Jurassic Coast under snow. He gets a £10,000 prize.

Charlie Waite, head judge, award founder, and Britain’s leading landscape photographer said: ‘Andy’s winning photograph of this beautiful area of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is a gentle image with a simple, effective composition that reflects the mood of a cold winter’s morning. It is believable and appealing, with the snow adding an interesting dimension to a classic scene.’

Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 9 is published by AA Publishing at £25. The Landscape Photographer of the Year awards are held in association with VisitBritain.  

www.take-a-view.co.uk

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Picture Credit: Andy Farrer, Bat's Head, Dorset - Landscape Photographer of the Year 2015 , Gary Telford, Sunset ride, Blackpool - Lancashire Landscape Photographer of the Year 2015,  Lynn Fotheringham, Slipway, Morecambe Promenade, Lancashire - Landscape Photographer of the Year 2015