Photographer and Tour Host - James Cowie - Director of Photo Tour Trekkers
James is a third generation photographer with a passion for sharing the art of capturing images through adventure travel. Exploring unique destinations around the globe, he affords his guests wonderful photographic opportunities and interesting ways to learn more about photography. James has over 40 years of experience in the photo industry, and coupled with his 20 years of travel skills, each guest will enjoy an enriching experience while expanding upon their photographic knowledge, skills and the art of observation. James also serves on the Advisory Board for the photography program at Fanshawe College, in London, Ontario.
James' number one belief is to have fun with your camera. The more comfortable and relaxed you are when out on an adventure, the better your powers of observation, resulting in more exciting images. With James' knowledge of the areas being visited along with his sense of humour, and his skills as a professional photographer, you will find yourself seeing what is out there in a different light. You will come home with great memories, new friends and amazing images.
James is well versed in Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom and many other photo management programs, and works with both MAC and PC computers. One-on-one time is always available to our photographers during our tours.
Photo Tour Trekkers has now partnered with Tourcan Vacations, one of Canada's premiere travel companies. This has opened many more travel opportunities for our photographers and guests.
“Over the past years we have shared many locations, traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Sedona, Scotland, Death Valley, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Monument Valley, New York City, Istanbul, Turkey, Greece, the Greek Islands, the Galapagos and Polar Bear adventures to Churchill, Manitoba just to name a few. We have travelled together to all 7 continents. I look forward to sharing the many places this world has to offer and invite you to join me on one of our future journeys."
Photographer and Host - Dave Chidley - Western Canada
I would like to introduce my long time friend and co-host on many of our photo treks, Dave Chidley. Dave has travelled with me over the years sharing his passion for photography and his unique way of getting you excited about capturing images.
As of mid 2018 we are pleased that Dave will be representing Photo Tour Trekkers western division based in Calgary, Alberta. Dave will be hosting tours and conducting workshops as he works with photographers in the western regions of Canada
Dave's view on Photography and Travel ...
"Travel and photography for me, has always been synonymous. As a professional photographer, working mostly in the journalism world I've had tremendous opportunities to travel, meet people and photograph memorable experiences. Those three decades of work experience is a natural stepping-stone to my involvement with Photo Tour Trekkers. Working with people, photographing some amazing experience and sharing our collective knowledge is what Trekkers is all about.
I always say that if you aren't having fun doing something, than it's not worth doing. The trips that I've co-hosted have been a blast. We learn, we challenge, share and laughed. What more could anyone want during an adventure away. I'm a firm believer in the concept of Photo Tour Trekkers, if I wasn't I would not be involved.
I've been teaching photography for many years to all sorts of groups and abilities, from camera clubs, to high school classes, to university and college courses. You won't find a more enjoyable way to learn than with a like-minded group, while witnessing some of nature's most spectacular destinations.
Hopefully we can have the opportunity to travel together some time in the near future. My bags are packed."
Photographer and Host - Leif Petersen
It is a great pleasure to have Leif joining the Photo Tour Trekkers group of photographer hosts. Leif and I go back over 30 years in photography and I’m pleased that he is now involved with us, hosting tours and teaching workshops.
Leif is originally from northern Norway’s fabulous Lofoten Islands. He moved to Canada with his family in 1951 and had his first trip back to Norway 34 years later. Since then, he has returned to Norway 19 times, most often to Lofoten, and has led several photo tours to the islands over the past 7 years.
Leif has been involved in photography for over 30 years and his skills have been recognized in regional and national competitions and publications. He joined the Oshawa Camera Club in 2008, spent several seasons on the Executive Committee, including 2 terms as the President. He is the President of the Toronto Focal Forum, a group of avid photographers who print and evaluate their images. He enjoys his role as an ambassador for Panasonic Canada, which involves evaluating their equipment and promoting their technology. He is an Ontario Council of Camera Clubs (O3C) accredited judge.
Leif traveled extensively throughout the world, during his career. That has continued since retiring, in 2007, but now his travels are primarily for photography, in several countries: Norway, India, England, Wales, Ireland, Italy, China, Mexico, Iceland and South Africa. After his trip to the Antarctic, in February 2020, he has traveled to all 7 continents. His photographic portfolio covers several genres: travel, land and seascapes, architecture and macro. Leif enjoys sharing his photographic knowledge and enjoyment of traveling by offering photo tours to Norway and India, as well as workshops on various aspects of photography including software applications, macro photography, black and white photography, printing, etc. He prints, mats and frames his own images and offers these services to other photographers
A personal note….
My passion and inspiration for photography is life itself. Being at a happy and satisfied point in my life, I see things around me more clearly, and often differently, than I would without a camera up to my eye. Traveling and photography has given me the opportunity to see, appreciate and capture many beautiful places and wonderful moments in life around the world and enjoy several life-changing experiences. The entire process, from image capture through digital processing to printing and preparing my images for exhibit, is fascinating, relaxing and fulfilling.
Photographer and Host - Bill Hall
It is with great pleasure to introduce you to my friend and travel companion, photographer Bill Hall. Photography is a pastime that along with his wife Deb, have enjoyed together for many years. Bill got his first camera at age 14 and photography has been his passion ever since. Deb's move beyond the world of snap shots came soon after they met. She figured that taking photographs had to be better than just lugging Bill's equipment around, and soon turning into a passion for her as well. They told me that if it didn't make them sound so old, they'd admit to having over 80 years of experience between them.
"I'm are thrilled to be part of the Photo Tour Trekkers team. Over the years, Deb and I have loved sharing our travel experiences through audio-visual presentations, thus encouraging people to get out to photograph and travel (be it near or far). I'm really excited to share my photo and travel experiences with you first hand.
Deb and my love of travel has regularly taken us to destinations in Canada, the U.S.A. and abroad, both as independent travellers and on organized tours. Both types of travel can offer a rewarding experience. The advantage of travelling with a group of photographers is the fun and satisfaction you will have while sharing your experiences and improving your photographic skills through the exchange of ideas and techniques. Bill's knowledge of digital processes and experience teaching photo workshops, allows him to offer one-on-one coaching for those seeking a little extra help while on tour.
Join Bill for a fun and well-balanced travel experience, regardless of your photographic skill. He looks forward to traveling with you on an unforgettable photography adventure."