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What they're saying about Vagabond Vistas Photo Tours:  "The Philadelphia photo tour was a fantastic learning experience. Not only did I learn a great deal about photography, but I also met some facinating individuals along the way. I have and will continue to recommend David's tours to my family and friends."

           Dan McElwee, Philadelphia, PA                                                          (see more testimonials here)

PHOTO TOURS OVERVIEW

Like his classroom-based photography workshops, during his popular Photo Tours David empowers his clients to reach outside of their creative comfort zone in order to gain in in-depth understanding of their gear and of the compositional techniques required to produce "great" photos, instead of just "good" ones.  By no means is David just a "tour guide" for these events.  His time is spent providing brief group instruction as well as personal individual assistance.  With such small groups, he is able to spend ample time looking over the shoulder of each client and demonstrating best-practice techniques for a variety of subject matter.

Events will typically be held on weekends, although David will schedule weekday tours on occasion (particularly on Friday afternoons and Monday mornings).  These events are laid back, fun, and a great way to meet like-minded people.  They are also ideal for tourists who are looking for something extra special from their vacation.  If you are just passing through town, and David does not have any group tours planned, you can always arrange a "private" tour with him if he is available.  More on David's One-on-One Instruction can be found here.

David will have a full schedule of events announced soon.

If you have any unique ideas for a Vagabond Vistas Photo Tour please be sure to contact David with your suggestion.  Thanks!
|  Asheville  |     |  Appalachian & Smoky Mountains  |     |  USA / Global  |
Asheville
Asheville Downtown - The Urban Trail
If you're looking for photographic variety in Asheville, this is the tour for you! From the historic architecture to street buskers.  The group will meet at a designated location near to Pack Square and then hit the pavement walking, covering the entire Urban Trail over the course of the day. The day includes stops at the St. Lawrence Basilica, Pack Square, the Flat Iron Building and more.  And, with so much going on in Asheville, there's no telling what type of street entertainment the group may come across as they traverse the "trail."
NEXT DATE:    November dates TBD
Asheville Downtown "Mini Tour" - Pack Square
IFor those who are just passing through town, or don't have a lot of spare time on their hands, David has designed a couple of two-hour "mini" tours in Downtown Asheville.  The Pack Square tour concentrates on the area around City Hall, including some unique architecture, as well as a good chance to photograph some of Asheville's melodious buskers and colorful street performers.
NEXT DATE:    November dates TBD
Asheville Downtown "Mini Tour" - Wall Street
Like the Pack Square event, this tour is geared toward those who don't have a lot of time to spare.  The Wall Street area is home to Asheville's Flat Iron Building, as well as its iconic "iron" sculpture, not to mention many comfy cafes and restaurants.  Like the Pack Square tour, there is always a good chance of crossing paths with a street artist or two.
NEXT DATE:    November dates TBD
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is by far Asheville's most popular tourist attraction. The Biltmore photo tour explores the exterior of the extravagant building, as well as the colorful gardens near to the "house".  This tour takes advantage of the morning light, giving participants ample time to learn a few photo tricks with David, but still have time left over to wander through the interior of the mansion independently (where photography is NOT allowed). Given the beauty of the estate's beautifully-manicured gardens, this tour not only presents great opportunities for architectural and historical imagery, but there is plenty for the nature photographer as well.
NEXT DATE:    November dates TBD

West Asheville
Take a walk with David on the funky side of Asheville.  The group will meet at a designated location on Haywood Road and then work their way up and down this eclectic neighborood.  Shooting content includes details of the area's architecture to candid street scenes.  This is a half-day of flat walking that is sure to challenge everyone creatively, but leave plenty of opportunity to capture the essence of the "other" side of Asheville.
NEXT DATE:  November dates TBD

  

Asheville River Arts District ("RAD")
For the "RAD" itinerary, the group will meet at David's studio on Depot street and set off for a casual walk through the district.  Content includes the colorful architecture of Pink Dog Creative studios, to graffiti walls near to The Hatchery Studios.  There will also be opportunites to photograph an artist or two as they do their thing.
NEXT DATE:  November dates TBD
Appalachian &
Smoky
Mountains

Graveyard Fields & Blue Ridge Parkway
Graveyard Fields Trail is one of the most popular along NC's Blue Ridge Parkway, not only because of its history, but because of the easy access to two amazing waterfalls (Second Falls & Upper Falls).  This full-day tour takes in both falls over the course of a casual 4.5-mile hike.  Opportunities exist for shooting the falls, the foliage, and macro / close-up of nature.  The event is open to only three participants. Transportation from Asheville included.
NEXT DATE:  TBD

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cataloochee Valley
This Photo Tour offers the entire package of nature, landscapes, wildlife and historic architecture, all in a single day event.  An early start provides the best chance of seeing the elk that have been re-introduced into the Cataloochee Valley.  Combine this with a pleasant walk and drive through the valley to capture the historic settlement buildings back-dropped by beautiful fall colors, and you have yourself a well-rounded day of photography.  Event is open to only three participants.  Transportation from Asheville included.
NEXT DATE:  TBD

Dupont State Forest - Waterfalls & Foliage
This tour is all about photographing waterfalls and forest scenics.  The trip takes in High Falls and Hooker Falls, with an option to venture up to Triple Falls if time permits.  Being a forest-based event, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the fall colors and to creatively capture them along with David's expert guidance.  The meandering streams also make for great photo ops along the way.  Open to only three participants.  Transportation from Asheville included.
NEXT DATE:  TBD

North Carolina Arboretum
As the Romantic Asheville website suggests, "...the NC Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in America."   With 434 acres, including 65 acres of cultivated gardens, this is a nature photographer's paradise.  And, as a bonus, it's also an educational experience located at Asheville's doorstep.  What more could one ask for when it comes to easily-accessible photo ops?  Open to only three participants.  Transportation from Asheville included.
NEXT DATE:  TBD

Chimney Rock State Park - Waterfalls, Foliage & Vistas
Chimney Rock is renowned for its spectacular views of the valley below, including Lake Lure.  But, that is not the only thing worth photographing in this beautiful state park.  A 45-minute hike from the parking lot leads to the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, so participants on this tour have the opportunity to create wondrous waterfall images, as well as vast landscape vistas.  Of course, with fall colors coming late in this part of North Carolina, there should be plenty for leaf chasers to keep occupied.  Open to only three participants.  Transportation from Asheville included.
NEXT DATE:  TBD
USA / Global
  

Peru:  Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley

Details available soon! Please contact David to register your interest in this event.

NEXT DATE:  TBD
Paris

Details available soon! Please contact David to register your interest in this event.

NEXT DATE:  TBD

Christmas in New York City

Details available soon! Please contact David to register your interest in this event.

NEXT DATE:  TBD

Sanibel / Captiva, Florida

Details available soon! Please contact David to register your interest in this event.

NEXT DATE:  TBD

MORE ASHEVILLE & WNC PHOTO TOUR REGISTRATIONS
TO BE OPEN SOON.

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