Destination Trips for Photographers

One of photography's unique features is to be able to travel in time and space. This is the very reason the French undertook Missions Héliographiques in the mid 1800's. The ambitious missions sent photographers all over France to photograph important historical monuments. This was one of the first organized destination trips for photographers.

With this historical event in mind, Project Basho is starting to offer destination trips specifically catered to photographers. We select destinations based on careful research and actual visits to the locations. Some of the trips are teaching-oriented while others are excursions for photographing with like-minded photographers. Though they can be different in approach, one common thread is that you are using your camera to explore different cultures.

There will be opportunities for cultural exchange with people in the regions we visit. These elements will bring photographing and cultural appreciation together which is a key ingredient in producing great images.

2008 Destinations

Le Bez, France

June 28th — July 5th, 2008

On this trip to France, the opportunity of discovering the local landscapes of small villages will be enhanced by the rich history of the region. In Le Bez, located in Southwest France in the region of Tarn, one can enjoy both medieval architecture and the hilly landscape of a quiet village.

This region is also important in the history of French photography. Alongside the beautiful scenery and in this historical context, the trip for photographers will explore some of the historical approaches of photography for both photographing and printing. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the local landscapes for their own areas of interest.

If you are interested in the rural landscape of France and would enjoy a different sense of time passing, then this trip is for you.

More details...

Kanazawa/Noto Peninsula, Japan

September 1st — 13th, 2008

If you ever wanted to visit a land with a rich history and tradition, this trip will be a great introduction to the culture, people, and food of Japan.

This photographic excursion will take place in the countryside of Japan where slower lives and a sense of tradition are still preserved. Project Basho, which was started by a Japanese photographer, has chosen Kanazawa and several locations in the Noto Peninsula to be the first desitnation in Japan for this excursion program for photographers.

This one of a kind trip is organized by a Japanese photographer for photographers who appreciate the sensibilities of both Japanese culture and landscape.

More details...