FAQ
It sounds like you need to be a photographer to take your tours. I only take pictures for fun—will I fit in?
ABSOLUTELY! Our tours are for anyone with a camera. People joining our tours range from smartphone photographers to professionals with their tour groups. Many of our clients are on holiday traveling with a non-photographer partner’s, which is perfect as we’re also qualified and accredited tour guides.
What makes your photo tours different?
Our tours are led by LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS who are also fully QUALIFIED GUIDES so you get the best of both worlds. A Photography Teacher, a Local Photographer who knows locations intimately and a Qualified Guide who has passed theoretical and practical tests. Our knowledge of Cape Town locations is second to none, we’ve been doing this since 2010 so can adapt our tours and locations to your preferences or if the weather changes. Also If you don’t like a spot, we can take you to another, if you love a location and want to stay longer, no problem. Our tours are private so you full flexibility. For our Safari and Bird Photo Tours, James is a highly qualified Safari Guide who has worked at some of the very best Safari Lodges in Africa and hosted Safari Tours for the very best Safari Operators in Africa too.
What happen if it rains?
The beauty of photography is that every weather condition offers a unique photo perspective, many award winning photos have been captured in the rain. For our multi day photo tours we work with the weather, trying to capture those award winning photos. Of course light will be affected and we’ll have to protect gear from the wet but this allows you to learn how to use these conditions to your advantage, working the overcast conditions like a giant diffuser, softening the light for wildlife or outdoor portraits or close up macro of flowers and insects. Then of course there are those MOMENTS WHEN THE SUN PEAKS OUT against a stormy grey sky that makes for exceptionally imagery!
For our Cape Town day tours if the forecast is for really heavy rains, if possible we postpone your tour to another day, if not we offer post processing training in Lightroom/Photoshop while we wait for the weather to clear, if it doesn’t we teach for the equivalent time of a half day tour.
What is the age range of the people who travel with you?
For our Private Photo Tours there is no age restriction, we have hosted families with small children.
For our Photo Walks minimum age is 12 years
What is the size of your tour groups?
PRIVATE GROUP SIZE: We can cater for any group size, largest to date was a group of 12 photographers from Dubai.
PHOTO WALKS: Up to 6 Participants
SAFARI AND BIRD PHOTO TOURS: To maximize everyone’s photo opportunities we prefer to keep these groups small. Min 2 | Max 6
How challenging are your trips?
The beauty of private photo tours is that we can tailor it to preferences, as a general we tend to use locations that relatively easy walking, if not. we do our best to provide an alternative place to wait while the rest of group photographers that specific spot. For those who wish to access lesser known locations and have the fitness to hike, we’re happy to take you.
For our Safari and Bird Photo Tours a lot of the photography is done from a vehicle, boat or a hide (blind). For walking trips segments some degree of fitness will be required if you are carrying a large tripod and heavy camera but of course that is optional, many of our clients, also use smaller lens like 100-400mm or 200-600mm and handheld them.
What is included in your photography tour?
For our Cape Town Day Tours a qualified local English speaking specialist photography guide, a comfortable vehicle with space for your equipment, parking fees, toll roads, entrances fees as per each itinerary and bottled waters. For our multi day photo tours, please see each specific tour page includes/excludes section.
What is not included in the day tour price?
Meals, drinks, tips for the guides and any items of a purely personal nature
How do I make a booking?
You can use our contact form or call us (Whatsapp) +27760332343 so we can assist you further.
Email info@photographytours.co.za
Can I pay using a credit card?
Yes you can, we use www.yoko.com as our service provider. We only send a payment for customised tours. Please note there is a 5% surcharge.
How do I make the payment for the tour after my booking is confirmed?
EFT – Payments can be made into our bank account, the details of which can be emailed through to interested parties.
CREDIT CARD – We send a payment link .There is a 5% surcharge
CASH PAYMENTS – Payments be made with the guide before the tour starts.
PAYPAL – Payments can be made into our PayPal account however there are hefty fee 5% PayPal and an additional 5% surcharge for banking fees.
What if I need to cancel?
CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS
Cancellations 30 days+ before the tour full refund (minus transaction fees)
Cancellations 21-30 days before the tour 75% refund
Cancellations 8-20 days before the tour are required to pay 50%
Cancellations 7 days before the tour are required to pay the full tour price
SAFARI AND BIRD + PHOTO JOURNEYS
Due to the nature of these trips with advanced bookings paid to secure accommodation, guides and activities, 40% booking fee is non-refundable.
Cancellation 60 days prior ro tour commences 50% refund
Cancellation less than 60 days before tour commences no refund , however you can find someone to take your place or if it is possible reschedule to a different date .
Our Multi days tours require travel insurance,