I regularly lead small groups of enthusiast photographers to some of the most spectacular and interesting places on earth.
The international trips are open to a maximum of 12 photographers and run between 10 and 21 days. Closer to home, and in collaboration with Wild Bush Luxury and Baillie Lodges, I host five-day photographic safaris at stunning locations in the Australian outback.
The trips give participants with a special interest in photography the opportunity to develop their technical and creative skills through informal tuition, discussion and feedback while taking pictures in inspirational locations. No matter what equipment you use I’ll do my best to help you improve your camera skills with practical guidance on all aspects of travel photography. Each day is planned to maximise photographic opportunities. My aim is to get the group to the right place at the right time to give you the best opportunity of capturing great photographs in the best possible light. And we have a lot of fun too! See what others have to say at the bottom of the page.
Altiplano/Puna, Chile, Bolivia & Argentina 2025
There is only one spot left if you would like to join me and Ignacio Palacios as we explore the remarkable
landscapes of the high deserts of Chile, Boliva & Argentina. In the Atacama, we will visit the Tatio geysers
and the Valley of the Moon and photograph the symmetrical Licancabur volcano from viewpoints in both
Chile and Bolivia. At El Salar de Uyuni we will have plenty of time to photograph world’s largest salt flat at an
elevation of 3656 meters. At night, the high altitude and clear air of the Atacama and the Altiplano offers
great opportunies for astrophotography. And in a remote corner of northern Argentina the high desert plateau
of Puna de Atacama contains some of the most incredible desert scenery in the world and we will spend our
days photographing surreal rock formations, massive sand dunes, endless salt pans, dramatic mountains,
volcanoes, lava fields, cinder cones, and turquoise-coloured pools.
For full details and to book the last spot email me at richard@richardianson.com
Zambia 2025
I will be returning to Zambia in May, 2025 for another fantastic photo safari in conjunction with my friends at
Time + Tide Africa, who have a long history of providing conservation-based safari experiences in Zambia.
We will be staying at three exceptional luxury safari properties, gaining access to varying landscapes, wildlife
habitats and photographic opportunities. We will have four nights in the Lower Zambezi National Park, five nights
in South Luangwa National Park and two nights in Livingstone, where we will witness the awesome power of
Victoria Falls. We will have brilliant wildlife photography right on our doorstep, as well as on morning and evening
game drives and boat cruises.
This trip is limited to just eight guests so if you would like to join me on what will be an unforgettable African safari
experience please email me at: richard@richardianson.com
Storm Chasing, USA 2025
Tornados are more common in the United States than in any other country in the world and the United States receives
more than 1,200 tornadoes annually. Join me, Ignacio Palacios and Tempest Tours, the most respected storm chasing
tour company in America, as we go in pursuit of the frequent storms and severe weather events that occur in America’s
mid west in June.
Places are limited. Email me for full details and to book your spot on this exciting and adventurous photography tour
at richard@richardianson.com
Mustang, Nepal 2025
Join me and Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet, on a bespoke trip to the fascinating Kingdom of Mustang,
in Nepal’s far north, with World Expeditions.
As well as experiencing the unique culture and landscapes of this remote region the trip has been initiated to raise
funds for the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s programs in Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalaya. Consequently,
a donation is required from all participants, however although we are recommending a donation of AUD2,000 per
person, the amount is discretionary and is fully tax deductible.
The trip is timed around the important and colourful Yartung Festival featuring processions, horse racing, drinking, dancing,
and prayer. Before and after the festival we will visit villages, monasteries, and a nomad camp, all set amid dramatic
landscapes on an arid plateau known as the Plain of Aspiration!
This is a touring trip that will see us travel to Upper Mustang by plane and 4x4 jeeps. First, we fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
in central Nepal, then drive on the recently completed road that runs parallel to the Annapurna Range, so expect some
rugged sections, but this is well and truly made up for by the magnificent Himalayan scenery. On the return leg we will drive
to Jomson in Lower Mustang and then take two spectacular flights from Jomson to Pokhara, flying parallel to the Annapurna
Range, and then onto Kathmandu, flying parallel to the main Himalaya Range.
For all the details and to book your spot click here: Mustang with Richard I'Anson & Tony Wheeler.
Antarctica & South Georgia 2025
Join me on this quintessential polar voyage, as we follow in the footsteps of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, best known
for the Endurance Expedition in 1914–16, famous as a story of remarkable perseverance and survival. We will experience the
magnificent icy landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, home to extraordinary icebergs and entertaining penguins. Further north,
we sail into the spectacular Antarctic Sound and navigate as far as possible into the Weddell Sea, where Shackleton’s Endurance
met its fate. We will then make our way to Elephant Island, the desolate outpost where Shackleton and his men finally made landfall
after 497 days at sea. The final leg of our voyage will take us across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia, where Shackleton’s voyage
reached its remarkable conclusion. We will spend our time exploring and photographing the rugged mountain scenery and huge
congregations of wildlife, including the largest king penguin colonies on Earth.
Contact me at richard@richardianson.com for further information and to book your cabin.
Antarctica 2025
Join me on this classic Antarctica expedition. Departing from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, we sail
across the famed Drake Passage to the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, a place of remarkable mountain
scenery, magnificent icebergs, cute penguins, historic huts, and endless photographic opportunities. We typically
make two landings or zodiac cruises each day, always at incredibly scenic locations. Between excursions we may
ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, enjoying classic
Antarctic views from the comfort of the ship.
Contact me at richard@richardianson.com for further information and to book your cabin.
Subantarctic Islands 2026
I will be the guest photographer on Aurora Expeditions brand new ship the Douglas Mawson on one of its first
voyages to the Subantarctic Islands, in January 2026.
Join me on this 15-day journey, departing from Dunedin, New Zealand, to discover the rugged landscapes and
prolific bird and wildlife of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian & New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, including
Macquarie, Stewart and Auckland Islands. Among the many highlights on this voyage will be the opportunity to visit
seldom visited wildlife hotspots that are a sanctuary for millions of breeding albatross, penguins and seals. We will
experience the majesty of Fiordland’s deep Sounds, and Zodiac cruise the craggy coast of the Snares, breeding grounds
for the rare Snares crested penguin and Buller’s albatross.
Like the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, the Douglas Mawson is a small, beautifully appointed, purpose-built expedition
ship that features the Ulstein X-BOW® design, that cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves while minimising
its environmental impact.
Contact me at richard@richardianson.com for further information and to book your cabin.
Northern Lights in Iceland & Sweden 2024
This trip is sold out.
Join me as we go in search of the Northern Lights in Iceland and Swedish Lapland.
The trip begins in Reykjavik, Iceland, from where we will set off to see many of the most iconic sights in south west
and south east Iceland, including Geysir, the glacier outlets in Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon,
the waterfalls of Gulfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black basalt columns and sea stacks on Reynisfjara Beach,
and weather permitting the northern lights.
After eight days we fly to Stockholm and head north to Swedish Lapland in search of early winter landscapes, wildlife,
Sami culture, and hopefully more clear nights with aurora borealis. After seven days above the Arctic Circle the trip
ends in Stockholm.
These destinations are all fantastic to photograph at any time of year, but in October we will also be hoping to photograph
them under the aurora borealis. Although seeing the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the trip has been timed to coincide
with the solar maximum that is occurring in 2024, which is the peak period of greatest sun activity over an 11-year cycle,
meaning solar activity is ramping-up and auroras are increasing in frequency and intensity. All we need are clear skies.
This tour is limited to just seven photographers
If you would like to join me on what will be an unforgettable northern lights experience, please email me at richard@richardianson.com
for further information.
Testimonials
I am writing to express my appreciation for the way you conduct your photography tours and mentoring. The time you spent with me on Lightroom and my images was very much appreciated: another step-wise increase in my understanding of photography.
Michael, Arkaba Photo Safari 2018
We are still dreaming of wonderful pictures we have seen on our trip to Arkaba and Kangaroo Island, thank you for two wonderful and very educative workshops. We are looking forward to our next workshop, see you next year. Ute and Gunther, Arkaba & Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre 2018 & Kangaroo Island Photo Safari 2019
What a fantastic experience the Peru trip was. Once again, Richard delivered the best one could expect from a photo tour. If you enjoy photography and travel (not to mention food and wine), then Richard's trips are perfect. Peter, Peru Photography Tour 2016
I cannot say how much we enjoyed the past few days. Thank you so much for all your help, patience, expertise and good humour. From top to bottom Bamurru has been a special experience and a very special time. Malcolm & Wendy, Bamurru Photo Safari 201
Since 2013 I have participated in 40 photo tours led by 25 professional photographers worldwide. It has been a fascinating, fabulous photography journey. That said, Richard is the photographer whom I have undoubtedly learnt the most from. Ever approachable and always encouraging, his exceptional mentoring, patience, generosity, skill and professionalism is perfectly balanced by the fun and variety he offers on his trips. Meticulously planned, perfectly executed and jam packed with adventure and variety his tours are perfect for aspiring photographers of all levels.
Clara, Turkey, Peru, Ladakh & more Photography Tours from 2013-2023
The Silk Road with Richard I'Anson was such a great trip. Memorable for so many reasons - the great company, the fabulous photos, the many laughs and a recipe for the perfect Negroni! And thanks to you, Richard, for making it all run smoothly and for your endless good humour and patience with those of us who were tripod and ISO challenged.
Ros, Central Asia Photography Tour 2019
Thank you so much for the best photography workshop that I have been on. The opportunities to shoot such a variety of subject matter in such a stunning location was very special. Your patience and help was very much appreciated. Also, your organisation and getting us to the right locations at the right time is to be commended. I know it is difficult to make sure that all participants adhere to the timeline but you managed to do this so thank you.
Kaye, Bamurru Photo Safari 2018
I wanted to thank you for a really great trip and
bringing Asia closer to me and for having the
opportunity to take pictures from a different point
of view and a different way of techniques and settings.
Perdita, Tibet Photography Tour 2014 & Ladakh & Zanskar Photography Tour 2015