2020 – 2022
Individual Tuition & Photography Mentoring
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.
Photography Expeditions, Workshops & Classes in Partnership with the Foothills Arts Center, NC.
Please read through the relevant information pack before registering for any expeditions.
Beginners Photography: 4 Workshop Series. Monday evenings 6:30 – 8:30pm, Oct 26 – Nov 16 2020
Status: Registration open until Oct 20 2020
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of using the Zoom app.
The class is designed for those who are just starting out with digital photography or need a refresher on how to to get to know their camera. The classes will run once a week, giving students time to practice and troubleshoot between sessions. Topics covered will include the basics of using a camera: camera set-up, handling image files, exposure, focus, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, composition and artistic style, equipment choices, plus a brief introduction into editing.
Ideally, students will have their own DSLR camera with user manual, but this is not considered mandatory. Please note that every camera uses a different interface and menu system and it will be the student’s goal to become familiar with their specific camera through individual exploration between classes. This in turn will provide the necessary knowledge to successfully make photographs using ‘manual mode’ by the end of the series.
Digital Photography for Beginners with Julian Charles
Monday evenings, Oct 26 – Nov 16, 6.30 – 8.30pm
Tuition: $165
Foothills Arts Center 321 E. Main St. Elkin, 28621
Registration & event link
Scotlands’ Highlands & Islands: May 8 – 19, 2022
Status: Registration open
11 nights, 10 days. Exploring the landscapes, history & culture of the western highlands. Hebridean island hopping by ferry. Dramatic Scottish scenery from mountain to glen, inland lochs and ocean. Castles, churches, stone circles and standing stones. Scotlands’ west coast is wild and rugged, with some of the best sunsets on the planet. Wildlife viewing could include the golden eagle, puffin, seal, otter, red deer, whales and dolphins.
A photographers’ dream-tour of the Scottish highlands and islands, based upon many years of exploring this magical part of the world. Highlights as they unfold on our route will include Loch Lomond, the Grampian Mountains, Loch Linnhe, the Glenfinnan viaduct and monument, the west-highland route to the fishing port of Mallaig, over the sea by ferry to the isle of Skye, the Storr, Faerie Glen, Dunvegan Castle, the Quiraing; by ferry to the isles of Harris and Lewis, Callanish stone circle, wild windswept beaches and headlands; Wester Ross, Plockton, Lochalsh, Ardgour, Glencoe, Eilean Donan castle, Loch Duich, Loch Lochy and Inverary castle. Tour begins and ends in Glasgow, Scotland.
Registrations by email: info@juliancharles.org
New Zealand South Island Tour: November 2022
Status: Join priority list by email, registration open soon.
14 days, 13 nights. Trip begins/ends in Christchurch. This will be spring season in New Zealand, avoiding the busiest travel months (cheaper air fares) and with a good shot at some stable weather. It’s also an excellent season to be there for wildlife photography, end of lambing season and some snow still left on the peaks. Clear, dark night skies of the southern hemisphere with an outside chance of seeing the southern lights. Group size 5.
Pre-registrations by email: info@juliancharles.org
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. 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
Previous Expeditions:
Fall in the Appalachian Mountains
A weekend photography retreat amongst the wonderful fall colors of the northwest Appalachian mountains. Shared lodge accommodation with extensive private grounds.
Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks
7 nights, Saturday to Saturday. In the footsteps of Ansel Adams.
Capturing the grandeur of the majestic scenery within the national parks. Mountains, waterfalls, vistas, wildlife, sunrise & sunsets, night sky.
The English Lake District
Glacier National Park
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, Corsica, Morocco, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Borneo, Australia, New Zealand, Samoan Islands, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, Alaska, and throughout all the western mountainous states and National Parks.
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
“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
“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
“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
“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
Courses run on demand. Small groups and individual programs. Contact Julian for more.
