2019 – 2020
The photographic expeditions listed on this page offer a brief introduction to travel photography tours & workshops led by Julian Charles that are currently open to the public. All expeditions are small group tours to hand picked locations around the world, promising personal service, the very best in comfort and lodging (unless we are backcountry!) and daily photographic workshops for those interested in improving their photographic skills.
Expeditions customized for special interest groups and all ages, traveling throughout the USA and overseas. Minimum of 6 required for a trip to run. Expedition themes from our past catalog include:
- Photography instruction
- Backcountry & wilderness travel
- Mindfulness & purpose programs
- History, genealogy, art and culture
- Long distance hiking, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling
- Nature, safari, birding
- National Trust properties and gardens of England and Europe
2019, March 25 & April 1: Getting Started with Photography
This two-session workshop is intended for anyone who is a complete beginner, or needs a refresher on how to get started with a camera. Students will learn step-by-step how to take control of their camera, shoot manually, and become creative photographic artists by starting to understand light and exposure, composition and photographic styles. We will also cover equipment choices and preparation.
Ideally, students should have a DSLR camera to bring to the workshop, though this is not essential. If bringing a DSLR, students are required to bring their user manual.
In partnership with the Foothills Arts Council. 2 x Monday evenings 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Register here.
2019, March 29 – 31: Gorges State Park & the Pisgah
A weekend of wild country & waterfalls. 2 places left. Contact me for more info!
2019, May 11 – 18: The English Lake District [Sold out]
A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience this beautiful corner of England.
Each year I take a small group of clients to visit and photograph the English Lake District. This magical place has become my second home and over the years I have become increasingly familiar with it’s best kept secrets. So this tour is one that visits my favorite and less visited regions.
It’s a place I have decided to share. To see some images and artwork from my last tour, check out my portfolio.
We go in the Spring; when the flora is at it’s best, when the birds are singing louder and longer. We stay in the most beautiful and historic hotels; chosen because they have the best standards, staff, food, beer and views!
This is a 8 day/7 night guided tour staying in select regions of the Lake District. The tour is structured with workshops for those who are interested in the art of photography. Tour begins/departs at Windermere, where there an easy and scenic rail journey to London – for those who will to travel from overseas. Price is $2,500 per person based on 2 people sharing a room. Includes bed & breakfast, packed lunch (on days when we can’t get to the pie bakery), all travel to/from Windermere and during the tour. Places are limited to 11. Photography highlights will include historical buildings & sites, flora & fauna, landscapes of mountains, lakes, waterfalls and ancient communities. Hill walking and exploring to suit the group fitness level.
Email me with any questions here.
2019, May 31 – June 2: Weekend Photography Workshop,
The Foothills and Blue Ridge of North Carolia
A weekend dedicated to the art of landscape and nature photography with Julian Charles; mountain guide and photography instructor. Based at the beautiful Frog Holler Cabins in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 2-night workshop is ideal for beginner to advanced photographers. Begins 5pm Friday May 31 at Frog Holler Cabins.
What’s included: photography instruction, transport during the workshop, welcome evening meal and beverage on the Friday evening. $365pp without lodging $535pp with lodging at Frog Holler based on 2 sharing a cabin. Registration: Limited to 14 – online registration at www.foothillsartscouncil.org/workshops Fitness level: Some light hiking, to suit the group. In partnership with Foothills Arts Council. More information & registration here.
2019, September, 1 week TBA, Waterton Nation Park, Alberta.
2019, November, 1 week TBA, Arches National Park, Utah.
2020, November, 2 weeks TBA; New Zealand, South Island
Brief: The South Island of New Zealand is like nowhere else on Earth and for many, a once in a lifetime destination. This 2 week South Island tour has been crafted from 8 years of exploration. It is about getting the very most from your time in Aotearoa; the grandest of scenery, the incredible array of wildlife, the culture and the people.
- Group size: 8 max
- Fitness level: Any
Luxury level: Transport around the island in luxury mini-coach, with the occasional steamboat, jetboat and 4 wheel drive. Hotel lodging chosen for best standards available.
2020, October, 1 week TBA; Banff & Jasper, Alberta.
Where do you want to go? Some ideas from our past catalog:
England, Wales, Scottish Highlands and island hopping, most long distance trails in England and Europe (such as England’s Coast to Coast, or the Alpine Haute Route, Tour du Mont Blanc, etc), French and Spanish Pyrenees, French, Swiss, Italian and Austrian Alps, city exploring in most European countries, Corsica, Morocco, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Borneo, Australia, New Zealand, Samoan Islands, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, Alaska, and throughout all the western mountainous states.
Individual Tuition
One on one, personalized instruction offered in one-hourly classes. From the basics of getting to know your camera, through to how the photographic artist creates artwork that is both unique & extraordinary. Location to suit student.
Purpose Programs
How to Live an Extraordinary Life on Purpose
Series of 6 x 2 hour classes, or over a weekend. Indoor facility or backcountry.
Julian Charles hosts this series of 6 mindfulness programs following a path he has named Dream. See. Do. Classes begin with a short meditation, followed by a presentation combined with inspirational photography. The program then moves into facilitated group discussion and break-outs for written and sketching exercises – bring a fresh journal! Classes will conclude with Mindfulness Mapping, how to steer toward our purpose and passion in everyday life.
Dream: In programs 1 & 2 we conduct an inquiry into how the past can keep us from our true purpose, through self-imposed limitations & daily distractions. See: Programs 3 & 4 focus on the truth – the present moment. Do: Programs 5 & 6 examine the difference between happiness and fulfillment. This is where we choose to follow our calling from the artist within.
Live your dreams. On a purpose expedition we focus on what is important to you and steer your life in that direction. Making space to discover your calling – your purpose in life. In our modern day lives we are surrounded by speed and noise. These distractions keep us from our true passions. We only have one life to live; one chance to sing our own song.
Testimonials on Dream.See.Do: How to live an Extraordinary Life on Purpose
“Julian’s course ‘Dream, See, Do’ is the real deal. Get ready to dive deep. If you are only interested in skimming the surface, skip it. His course will challenge you to explore the uncharted territories of your innermost being.” Don Cox, April 2015
“The reasons I think you are a natural, Julian, is that you are talented, but humble .. that is one of your finest qualities as a teacher.” Shawn Schmid, April 2015
“I’m really glad I signed up for that workshop last fall because it opened up a whole lot of things for me .. I have been thinking about the chain reaction of your being on purpose causing us to be on purpose, which causes others to be empowered and go towards their purpose. That’s neat.” Allison Gagnon, April 2015
“The Purpose Expedition was a great experience for me personally. I had my doubts going into it but found myself fully submerged in the message once we began. This trip perfectly merged a fun adventure with a meaningful point.
I felt very much at ease on this trip with Julian. This was my first real experience with camping and hiking and Julian looked out for me the entire time. I could tell he was a true outdoorsman which made me feel comfortable, even with me being out of my element. On a personal note, Julian’s personality made him very easy to talk to. We actually came away from this trip as friends, more than just colleagues.
I walked away from this program with a clearer understanding of what is most important in my life. Before this program, I found myself getting bogged down and stressed about things that had no real importance in my life. I still have a ways to go, but this was a great first step to get put on a path to be able to enjoy my life to the fullest.” Wes Hammond, December 2013
“Julian sets a good example, is very personable, and has a real knack for inspiring his campmates to go beyond the comfort zone of city life into the wilderness of discovery where the real tests of one’s inner self are sometimes found .. as teammates, during the hikes up and down the mountainside, we enjoyed switching off into different pairs, which encouraged depth and diversity in the way we see the world from distinctive angles and levels of experience. This new sense of perspective will stick with me for some time.” Rick Chatham, December 2013
Courses run on demand. Small groups and individual programs. Contact Julian for more.
