Testimonials – Luminous Journeys Photo Tours & Leaders
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. China - David Lazar - 2025 First Edition!
"It was a really wonderful trip. I was amazed that the ambitious itinerary came off so smoothly. The photo opportunities were breathtaking!" – Lucy Kennedy, USA
"The China Workshop was exceptional and holds its place with the other Luminous Journeys workshops I have participated in. It was an outstanding blend of culture, historic treasures, and landscapes, all of which were unique to China and offered exceptional photographic opportunities. I particularly liked the locations, as several were off the Western tourist radar and different from what I had visited previously. A successful trip and a fantastic agenda!" – Mark Teitelbaum, USA
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“Firstly David, China was managed very well … with your patented Lazar patience and style! I could never lead a tour like you do … You are a master of dealing with people’s specific needs … even mine . You are a master leader and photographer. I really enjoy your tours and hope to go on more, especially since Benn has authorized a “Buy 10 get one free” tour coupon!
Seriously, your trips are at the top of all the dozens of photo tours I have participated in. I have mentioned you and Luminous to many travel companions and I hope you get more business because of this!” – Antony Chodas , Canada - President, Camera Canada
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“It was a fantastic photo tour and I love David’s easy going, thoughtful suggestions. Awesome itinerary and the photo opportunities were amazing.
Love the tour! Well planned!!” – Hyonsook Kang, USA
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"We had a wonderful and memorable trip to China. Our photo tours with David have all been great.We found the guides to be very knowledgeable and respectful and willing to answer questions and accommodate requests. All the shooting locations were interesting and worthwhile, Overall, we had a great experience with excellent opportunities for improving our photographic skills. We look forward to new destinations with Luminous Journeys." – C. & M. , USA
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"I joined the inaugural Luminous Journeys photography tour to China with David Lazar, and it was an excellent experience, consistent with my previous trips with Luminous Journeys (this was my third tour with LJ). One of LJ's core benefits is that guests are paying for an all-inclusive package and not having to worry about relying on any China-specific payment platforms for basics. This was a significant benefit for me, especially post the pandemic years, when cash and credit cards are becoming less and less accepted throughout China.
The itinerary was a well thought out choice of locations showcasing the best of Eastern China: the Yellow Mountains, which inspired Avatar; the heritage villages of Huangshun, with their well-preserved traditional houses; a quiet, authentic section of the Great Wall near Beijing; and the Lijiang Rice Terraces, among others. Each stop provided picturesque photographic opportunities and meaningful cultural context.
Our local guides were knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Roger and Nick were excellent! The hotels were well chosen — very comfortable, well located, and with an emphasis on properties that had traditional character and charm (not generic). The guesthouse in Lijiang terraces was like a museum! Food was great on the entire trip, too.
The tour included a variety of photo shoots of both landscapes and cultural shots with locals (the fisherman with the cormorant birds was my favourite). David Lazar’s instruction and leadership were excellent. Beyond being an award-winning photographer, he is also a kind, humble human being and a competent group leader. As on other tours, image review and post-editing session by David were a big highlight for our entire group - we all enjoyed seeing others' photos and having David share his expertise on how to take them to the next level. This itinerary does include more hiking than other Luminous Journeys tours I have been on. I personally enjoyed the hiking and exercise, but it may be more challenging for travelers with mobility limitations.
The trip was smoothly run, especially for an inaugural tour. Any minor refinements that any of us communicated were addressed in real time or noted by David for future trips.
I highly recommend Luminous Journeys for photography tours and can't wait for my next one with them." – Anna Taylor, Canada
Bali - David Lazar
“David Lazar is one of the world’s foremost travel photographers.” – Practical Photography
"Thank you David (Lazar) for hosting us on a most extraordinary photographic extravaganza a person could wish for! I can see why it is your favourite! It is a very special photo tour. I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into planning a trip that delights not only our lens, but also our souls. Pande, hit the mark when he said 'photographs with stories and their souls inside'. I really appreciated your kind heart, sense of humor, photographic guidance, and your nimble spirit. I am sure we will meet again for another photographic adventure!" – Judy Ustina, Canada
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"Coming to Bali with Luminous Journeys was a dream come true, something I had wanted for a long time. I am immensely grateful to David Lazar and Luminous Journeys for the great opportunity they gave me to photograph the essence of Bali on this photo tour. David’s attention and dedication throughout the journey was very impressive; we traveled unforgettable paths, learned, explored and photographed incredible places. This is not the first time I have participated in photographic journeys with LJ and I would like to express here their professionalism, dedication and responsibility for making this journey unforgettable." – Sinisia Coni, Brazil
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"Bali 2024 was my second tour with Luminous Journeys, and as expected, it was spectacular! The team created an exceptional itinerary capturing the beauty and unique culture of Bali and its people. I especially appreciated how Luminous Journeys took us well beyond the touristy areas to more remote locations with scenic landscapes and cultural events; they also arranged private cultural performances, which were authentic, vibrant, and magical.
David Lazar, a wonderful person and a master of portrait photography, once again led the group brilliantly and offered expert guidance on photography and editing. I particularly appreciate how David always prioritizes our photography, ensuring we get the best positions and prime shooting time before he takes his own shots.
Thank you for another fantastic tour! I look forward to joining many more with your company." – Anna Taylor, Canada
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"David and Pande - I just want to express my gratitude for being such patient and caring guides during our visit to Bali. I really enjoyed all the locations we visited. The photography was amazing, and some were not only beautiful to photograph, but really fun to shoot as well.
For me the trip took on an unexpected layer of meaning. Part of the reason why I’m focusing my photography on Asia after doing landscapes all these years is my attempt at reconnecting with my childhood memories. I spent part of my childhood growing up in the Philippines, and I actually did some of the things we photographed on this trip - splashed water in the river with my friends, shot birds with slingshots, flew my kites high up in the sky, and raised and played with fighting roosters. Thank you for rekindling the wonderful memories from that part of my life.
I cannot honestly think of any significant improvement that can be made to the Bali tour. I think it’s great as it is. Benn's description of Awan Biru as a “totally awesome villa” was spot on. Each morning I would wake before sunrise and sit out on the deck sipping my high mountain oolong tea, listening to the cacophony of birds announcing the dawn of a new day, and watch in awe as the clouds slowly dissipated to reveal the majesty of Mount Agung. Rare are the moments in this life when we are able to truly sit back and say to ourselves, “Yes, my life is perfect now.” I will truly miss that villa and those moments, but the memories will stay with me for a lifetime." – Hilton Chen, USA
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"What a fantastic experience! David Lazar is known for capturing the cultural essence and breathtaking landscapes of places like Bali, and being able to experience this with him and Luminous Journeys was truly inspiring. The photos opportunities are amazing! Those fun intense days in such a vibrant setting certainly leave lasting memories. Now, already thinking about the next adventure!." – Armando CR , Brazil
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"Absolutely incredible 1st photo journey & a dream of mine for last few years. Amazing group!, leader/drivers, and photo opportunities. I learned so much from everyone of you. You were so generous and it’s appreciated. . It’s also ignited as spark for me to really get into this wonderful adventure of photography and sharing that passion with others. – Dave Grice, USA
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“Though I’ve traveled to 45 countries on a huge variety of photo tours over the decades, I can honestly say that Bali wasn’t really in the Top 10 of my ever-changing Bucket List. BUT several factors came together to change that. 1) Email exchanges with sooooo many questions with Benn at Luminous Journeys, were always prompt, polite, and patient with a sense of humor. 2) It was time to explore Asia after multiple trips to the Americas and Europe. 3) David Lazar’s mastery in travel photography portraiture drew me in like a fly to honey! 4) LJ offers SE Asia Unleashed but I couldn’t wait til January 2025. So, I decided to go to Indonesia in September 2024. And THANK THE HEAVENS that I did!
Not surprisingly, our group was composed of articulate, passionate and skilled photographers. Several were LJ alumni whose eyes would go dreamy when they talked about past LJ trips.
David’s #1 man in Bali is the ever helpful Pande, who has worked with him for almost a decade. There is no problem that will arise that these two won’t be able to fix! The hotels are almost always magnificent and the last 4 nights are spent at a beautiful private villa reserved only for us. Bali, my first LJ trip, has made such an impression that I ran out of superlatives to describe it. On Day 3, I was already perusing their website for the next trip!! Then, near the end of the tour, we find out that they will be adding China in 2025 giving even more choices.
One super-satisfied customer – Alicia Casabar - USA
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"Hi Team - At the risk of inflating your egos! - Bali was great. The best tour so far, in fact probably the best Photo Tour I have been on. Accommodation went from the good to the fantastic, photo opportunities excellent. I can’t praise David and Pande enough, and the local photo guides were also excellent. What more can I say except that I am looking forward to Bhutan." – Dave McKay, UK
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“I have to commend Luminous Journeys and David Lazar for putting together what I consider to have been the best photo tour we’ve been on…and we’ve been on quite a few around the world. From start to finish, Luminous Bali was impeccably researched, planned and executed with a rich, full and unique itinerary that left no photographic stone unturned.
David was a joy to travel with; often cracking us up along the way and, a fantastic mentor from whom I feel I learned a great deal. I really appreciated how genuine and generous he was sharing his knowledge and creative talent. I think my mom has unofficially adopted him! I should also mention just how much we adore Pande. What a gem. For future trips, the first place I’ll check for photo tours will be Luminous! Looking forward now to Vietnam in June with David.” – Lee Ann Birkenstock, USA
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“David Lazar and his team at Luminous Journeys know what it takes to put together the perfect photo tour. After first traveling with David Lazar in Bali, I can say they are experts at searching out locations that yield the best photos and are sure to get you there in the very best light. So many elements have to come together perfectly and Luminous Journeys manages them all. Our hotels were comfortable, clean and often downright cushy. Our local guides/drivers were both champs. They perfectly navigated Bali’s winding roads, getting us where we needed to be on time, every time. In spite of their long hours, they were unfailingly kind, caring and great representatives of their cultures.
The real star of the tour, still, was David who devoted every minute to helping us understand his process and what it takes to come home with beautiful images. He is very generous with his knowledge of photography and always put our photos ahead of his own. I especially appreciate his comfort with the local culture and the way he interacts with the people he photographs. He shows a real closeness with his subjects and that comes out in his photographs.
Anyone fortunate enough to travel with David or any of the Luminous Photography team is in for a real treat. I know that I’m already planning out my next trip!”– Susan Flickinger, USA
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“I really enjoyed the Bali photo tour and learnt a lot. I enjoyed watching David work, set up shoots and consider the light more than anyone else I have ever observed. David was highly organised and everything ran to schedule. The villa at the end of the tour was amazing, food, staff and amenities all excellent. I have lots of great photos …” – Dr. Patricia Barbour, UK
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“Luminous Bali was a most interesting, well run and rewarding trip. The research that had gone into it and the attention to detail was impressive. I liked the fast pace and full days. We were left in no doubt that this was a photography trip and had a fabulous line up of opportunities to take good shots. Both David Lazar and Rarindra Prakarsa were extremely generous with their knowledge… All accommodation was good and the last few days in that superb villa proved to be the icing on the cake. A chance to unpack and relax a little, but with no lessening of the photographic feast! Still the action kept rolling on….
As the primary leader, David was well organised and thoughtful and kept the entire trip ticking over perfectly. He was an absolute pleasure to travel with and I am most interested in travelling with him and your company in the future.” – Beth James, Australia
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“I remember when I signed up for my first photo tour with . Benn (LJ’s photo tour director, Benn Stevens) told me that this trip will take my portfolio to the next level. Not only was he right about that; but images from that trip have also won me several awards in the last two years.
The photo tour in Bali was Utopia – the place, the people, the team and arrangements. The Luminous Journeys team did an excellent job with tour design and logistics… David Lazar & local Balinese guide, Pande Sura, were extraordinary. I have already signed up on my next trip with LJ and David in Vietnam.” – Sesh Seraday, USA
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“Luminous Bali took us well away from the touristy south of the island, up into the mountains and the traditional heart of Bali, where life is lived much as it has been for centuries. Subjects were everywhere, from green and graceful rice fields to colourful ceremonies, volcanoes and a rampaging buffalo race.
The Balinese were pleasant and welcoming and not camera shy at all. There were lots of portraits, lots of sunrise silhouettes, lots of people at work and many stops at the ubiquitous “warung-warung” (cafes) for refreshment. Then sleep and dine at the best hotels. Expect long, active days. Expect good pictures. Bali, away from the metropolis, really is beautiful. The villa was a stroke of genius, and top marks to David, Rarindra & Pande. Thanks for a memorable experience, Luminous Journeys!” – Dick Beilby, Australia
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“I had never been on a photo tour and was very reluctant to come along, believe it or not! I can tell you I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a great experience with David Lazar and the team. We went to some amazing places thanks to LJ’s great planning. Excellent opportunities to photograph and awesome locations, with effective leadership made this trip a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t do it any other way…”– Swamy Kumar, India
Vietnam – David Lazar
“David Lazar’s travel photography is among the best we’ve ever seen.” – Photo Review Australia
“This was probably the best photo workshop I have ever taken. The photography in Vietnam was amazing. Every-day was new and exciting. David was a great leader. Always there and willing to help. I was amazed how Diep handled the logistics. Great job. I would definitely take another photo-workshop with Luminous Journeys. You guys are the best!” – Cliff Briggin, USA
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"Wow! You guys nailed the organization, everything ran like clockwork, exactly as planned. And our guides, David (Vietnam and Southeast Asia Unleashed!) and Diep, were just phenomenal. They're both incredibly talented photographers and so generous with their knowledge. I learned so much from watching their distinct styles. David was wonderfully gentle and observant, with a knack for making people feel comfortable, which resulted in some truly soulful portraits. Diep, on the other hand, brought this amazing energy to the shoots, especially with models, and his technical precision was simply brilliant. Both approaches were fantastic! – Dr. Patricia Turner, USA
"David Lazar is everything I could ask for in a lead photography guide; he is even mannered, kind, intelligent, and willing to help. Artistically, he is in a league of his own. From what I gathered from the other tour members, placing your clients first for the best shot ahead of your own is not common, and he should be commended on that. I also would like to mention Diep, (logistics), as he was instrumental in making sure that everything ran smoothly. To that extent he was truly amazing—the ease of coordination and the timeliness that the tour functioned was remarkable. Diep deserves much of the credit for that. His restaurant and menu choices were stellar. I am especially grateful for the care he took to manage my dietary preferences. Thanks again to all of Luminous Journeys for the experience. You put out a great product. I hope to see LJ and David again..." – Dan Schoenwald, USA
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“The photo tour in Vietnam was amazing! I loved the locations, the photo opportunities, and the professionalism of David, who is an interesting and talented fellow. Diep's logistical skills were impressive. Diep also helped me a lot with my drone, allowing me to improve my skills and become more confident. Vietnam is a very beautiful country with beautiful people… Time passed so quickly that I almost wished this photo tour lasted forever. Thank you for this opportunity, and a special thank you to David and Diep. See you next time in India 2026!”– Hans Graf, Switzerland
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"I felt compelled to give my Frank feedback on the 2022 Vietnam Photo Tour - In a word, OUTSTANDING! This was my second tour with Luminous after the incredible India experience in 2020. Whilst I am not a professional photographer, I have a deep passion for photography as it provides me with an outlet to be creative and express myself artistically. The biggest thing I have learnt over the past few years is that no one really cares about your photos, unless they have a huge WOW factor and stand out from the millions of images that are posted on social media every day!
So here is my secret to taking WOW factor images - Being at the right place at the right time with the right people. Luminous Journeys does this brilliantly. You take care of all the planning and logistics, so the only thing I needed to do was show up at the agreed time and have my camera gear ready to go.
I was overwhelmed with the beauty and uniqueness of the locations chosen and delighted with the images I was fortunate enough to capture. None of this would have been possible without Luminous Journeys and the entire team that made Vietnam a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience. You really are “World Class” when it comes to photo tour adventures.
I look forward to booking my third Luminous adventure as soon as my commitments allow. A big thank you to all the Luminous Journeys team." – Frank Romano, Australia
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“My Luminous Vietnam Journey was far and away the best photo tour I have been on. It was more than a photo tour, it was an investment in myself as a keen photographer, it gave me the opportunity to engage with ordinary Vietnamese people and some extraordinary professional photographers in David and Phuoc – I have visited 42 countries and been on enumerable holidays and tours – this one really was the trip of a lifetime”– Lindsay Earle, Zimbabwe
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“You won’t be surprised to hear that our trip was wonderful. We had a great diverse group from all over the world. You should have heard the chatter at dinner and in the vans! David Lazar was superb. So approachable and encouraging… He was the consummate lead photographer for a group. Cindy (my beginner friend) who only knew she had a black camera when she left on the trip is now on the lookout for a new camera and even knows the brand names! She now feels confident with her new skills and understands what the buttons and dials are all used for! She asked lots of questions and answers were always forthcoming. She took some fabulous photos. Not possible without the guidance of a good teacher and a supportive and encouraging group!
David would almost always show us examples of images taken at our next stop so we had an idea of what to expect and what was possible. There was no expectation to fall in line with photo styles but for someone like me that was invaluable. Diep’s drone expertise was also valued by the ‘droners’. They were often engaged in deep drone talk. Diep was wonderful, everything at every location seemed seamless. He was most helpful and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Vietnam. The restaurants and food were another highlight. Sensational!
Photo opportunities abounded and there were opportunities for everyone- travel photography, street, landscape, urban and of course people. There was no problem for those who wanted to wander off and take their own images as well. Having David help with the editing of some of my images was a highlight for me. To be able to see the potential in what I had taken was wonderful. Another highlight - David’s piano playing! Our little concert was a joy.
Congratulations on the top-notch locations, on David’s wonderful leadership, communication and knowledge, on Diep’s masterful logistics and your organisation. Thank you all for a wonderful tour. I’m so impressed with you all and Luminous Journeys I’d be mad not to participate further.”– Margaret Flower, Australia
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"I had an amazing time in Vietnam. I came away with a lifetime of memories and images, and would do it all over again if given the chance. Overall the accommodations and food were great, and the guides were wonderful."– Hilton Chen, USA
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“I have just finished the Vietnam tour with David Lazar and I believe I took the best photos of my life. The trip was great, well organized, and Diep (logistics coordinator) was typically ahead of everything and kept the group moving well. David Lazar is a great leader, he knows his camera stuff, loves what he does and offers great ideas to achieving outstanding photos – the trip would not have worked as well except for his presence. Phuoc was priceless, his eye for photos, attitude, energy and good nature made the tour a joy. I appreciated all of the effort that went into organizing and executing this tour. You folks did a great job and your company will be on my list for future photo tours.”– Chuck Mauter, USA
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“Having been on several organized trips to Asian destinations over the past few years I have found Luminous Journeys trip to Vietnam to have been the best value for money organized tour that I have been on. The opportunities to take unique photos of people and landscapes could not have occurred without the professional organisation of the tour leaders. Their expert photographic guidance meant that all members of the tour were able to capture shots that were technically accurate and artistically composed. We were guided to areas and local villages that are not accessible to the ordinary traveller. I was happy to go on this photo tour and will be more than happy to do Luminous Journeys photo tours in the future.” – Robbie L, Australia
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“Big THANKS to Luminous Journeys for delivering another excellent photo tour. Overall I was very pleased and I’d recommend this tour to other photographers who want to capture the wonders of Vietnam. Any trip with David Lazar maximizes your chances to get epic shots.'” – Antony Chodas, President, CameraCanada.com
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"I thought the tour was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed it. Many of the hotels were lovely especially La Sinfonia del Rey. The homestay was fine for one night and added to the experience. David Lazar was very helpful and generous with his time and made sure the tour ran well. Diep (logistics coordinator) was outstanding. His organisation was seamless and his attention to detail was amazing. Truly a great team. I will definitely do another Luminous tour. Could you please add me to the interest list for Bali 2023?" – Sara Dunn, UK
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“We feel very privileged to have participated in “Luminous Vietnam”, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is a keen photographer, especially those wanting to take some distinctly different images to give an edge to their portfolio. Our photographers and the itinerary provided so many opportunities for fantastic and unique photos which would be impossible to get on our own.
David Lazar was always patient and kind in offering his expert help. He didn’t monopolize the best shooting position, ensuring everybody had their turn. Expert Vietnamese photographer Nguyen Vu Phuoc was persuasive with the locals, creative and a genuinely nice guy. The friendly positive atmosphere and good humour contributed to the wonderful time had by all. We enjoyed the trip so much that we are considering doing Luminous Journeys Bali photo tour next year. In the meantime we will continue to speak very highly of your company and of our amazing experiences. Thank you Luminous Journeys for providing us with the photographic opportunity of a lifetime!” – Lyn Vernon, Australia
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“Our Vietnam photo tour with Luminous Journeys was a fantastic trip… David was charming as expected and Phuoc was a very nice surprise – active, creative and a fun person to work with. Some of the set-ups were simply astonishing, and the locations were amazing… Logistics man Diep Van was perfect – a real gem.” – Benny Hanigal, Israel
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“Lived up to expectations, great photo tour all around, good companions and great guides! Certainly recommended. Seriously considering the Southeast Asia 3-country trip early next year - Dave McKay, U.K.
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“…the Vietnam trip was great – exceeded my expectations. David was a terrific leader and a great photographer. I learned a lot from him about composition, colors and post processing. He was very pleasant, outgoing and accommodating (an all-around nice guy). Phuoc was a lot of fun and also went out of his way… All in all a great trip that I’d recommend to others.” – Len Seeve, USA
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“I like to travel and I love photography. Luminous Journeys Vietnam photography tour offered me an opportunity to combine the two. The tour was perfectly organized and run smoothly by the resourceful Diep. We had multiple unique shooting opportunities arranged by David Lazar and the playful Phuoc. If you love travel photography I definitely recommend this tour.” – Matty Karp, Israel
India – David Lazar & Swarup Chatterjee
I signed up for the Luminous Journey’s India Tour with great expectations and they were exceeded at every level. The destinations were amazing, the photographic opportunities beyond belief, the leadership and guidance by David Lazar tremendous and the help and assistance of the local guide, Vikas Kumar, made the whole trip seamless. I would definitely travel with Luminous again. –Peter Hickson, Australia
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“I had an incredibly great experience with Luminous Journeys on their 2023 India Photo excursion. Luminous Journeys, David Lazar and their “local feet on the ground” Vikas Kumar put together an incredible experience. First, the tour itself was well organized and well thought out. It hit several major cities in the Rajasthan that offered exceptional and varied photographic opportunities ranging from landscape to intimate people shots – both arranged and impromptu. David Lazar was outstanding in his photo advice and he has incredible people skills, helping both the photography group, and also engaging many of the local people we came upon…He was great engaging children, groups, street vendors, etc. He also offered exceptional post processing tips. The Luminous team was always engaged and always helpful. I will join more tours in the future.” –Mark Teitelbaum, USA
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“I took the 2019 Luminous Journeys (Kumbh Mela) tour of India led by David Lazar, and all I can say is WOW! There is no better way to capture the colors and flavors of this fascinating country than to take this journey. David is the best kind of leader–not only an expert photographer himself, but also a self-less, patient teacher, and a lovely fun guy who set the tone for our great adventure… I also truly enjoyed my fellow photographers, and the local guides.” –Emily Kelting, USA
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“India (2023) was an amazing experience… I didn’t really know what to expect beforehand, as this was my first time in the country. India was for me a transformative experience. It’s one of those places that changes how you look at the world after you’ve been there and have interacted with the people and experienced the culture and understood the history of the country and its impact on the rest of the world. It was almost sensory overload walking around the old quarter in Delhi and the narrow streets and alleyways of Jodhpur and Varanasi. The photography (in general) was simply exceptional…the opportunity for street photography was phenomenal and endless.” –Hilton Chen, USA
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“Luminous India was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever done!! The trip was awesome and as always (this was my third Luminous Journeys photo tour) I had a lot of fun with David Lazar and the group. India was not among my countries to visit but when I read the itinerary I knew I would not be disappointed. And heck, you have organized an amazing journey under many points of view: beautiful places, nice people and dozens of photographic opportunities! Now I LOVE India!! Really, I can’t think to a better itinerary for a 2 weeks trip, thanks for having organizing it so well :)” – Paul D., Switzerland
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“Oh my feet haven’t really touched the ground since returning from India. It was such a fantastic trip and I am still on a high. I so appreciated having been on another Luminous Journeys trip where everything was well organised and all I needed to do was focus on photography. It is also great to spend time with like minded people who are just as enthusiastic to get up early in the morning and stay out after sunset … and we had a lot of fun!
David is an amazing photo-tutor – always looking out for great compositional opportunities for us; humble and generous with his knowledge and encouragement. He’s relaxed and completely joins in the fun of the team, while being available for one-on-one advice and assistance should we ask for it. I appreciate that we are presented with access to great image making; have some model shoots organised for us but also have opportunities to do ‘our own thing’.
Swarup was enthusiastic and energetic with a totally different approach/style of photography from David’s. I learned a lot of different things from him. So I really feel completely spoilt by having two tutors on your Luminous Tours. Swarup’s management of us at the Holi Festival is to be highly commended – pre-planning and organisation was excellent. Although I usually hate crowds and this was “chaos on steroids”, I felt completely safe in the care of the team and was able to really enjoy myself.
Vikas is a remarkable tour guide. Well organised, fun and with such an inspirational life story! It was great to have him interpret and explain situations, history and culture. I can’t actually speak highly enough of him – one gem of a tour guide.” –Rosalyn Johnson, New Zealand
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"The workshop was amazing. Thank you for putting together such a fantastic team and for all your assistance in preparing us for this trip. David was delightful and incredibly easy to spend time with. He was knowledgeable, helpful, inspiring approachable, open minded and a pleasure to work with. I learned a lot and came away with so many images that make me proud and will forever remind me of the fun we had.
I cannot say enough about Vikas. I adored his sense of humour, and his endless dedication to helping us all have the best time possible in India. Our group certainly threw some unexpected curves his way and his professionalism and patience was above and beyond what anyone might have hoped. He made us all feel welcome and never stopped smiling. I would not hesitate to say he was the best guide I’ve ever been privileged to meet.
And, although we didn’t have much time with Swarup, he was generous with his experience and relaxing to share with. Thank you again for making my India adventure such a great treat! " –Susan Rogers, Canada
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"I had a fabulous time in India! It blew my mind, no place like it in the world! It was an absolute blast. Thank you so much and I’ll see on my next Luminous Journey!!!! I’m thinking about doing the Vietnam tour next year." –Shelly Lailberte, USA
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I loved the India tour! David & Vikas were quite wonderful!! (I also liked the local guides at each city.) Great tour! Amazing experience! - Hyonsook Kang, USA
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“This (2024) was my first trip to India and it was excellent. If I was to try to pick out highlights from the trip I suppose that The Taj Mahal for its beauty and story, Varanasi for the opportunity to see the way of life along the Ganges and among the narrow streets of this old city, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer and a night in the desert were also great. I greatly appreciated the local model shoots, expertly arranged by David Lazar. To top it all, given my interest in wildlife photography, was Ranthambore, where we spent two days and had a great 4 hour session watching and photographing a mother tiger and her three cubs.
I must also mention our guide Vikas, always at hand to explain customs and history of each area. I hope to travel with you again in 2025.” -- Dave McKay, UK
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”Swarup (Chatterjee) was fantastic! My husband and I discussed after the workshop that having him as our photography trainer was one of our best decisions! Swarup is not one of those prototype trainers. He touches your heart!” – Kaushiki Sen, India
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“Luminous India 2018 was a fantastic journey… I’m still dreaming and refusing to wake up! The trip was perfectly organized all the way through, and the amazing photography was always a good mix of arranged shoots and freestyle. As for tour leader David Lazar, what a lovely person! Far, far away from any star attitude, always open for suggestions, to answer questions, share his experiences and offer advice. He was excellent in taking care of all 10 participants and seeing that our needs were met. In other words, a perfect choice!
I also I learned a lot from Swarup Chatterjee, and really enjoyed his fellowship. He’s an excellent, well experienced photographer… His expert guidance and instructions in preparing to shoot the Holi Festival was for sure most helpful. Local guide Vikas was also a brilliant choice, always open to chat about India and arrange some extra wishes. He was tireless, always living the slogan – ‘In India, everything is possible!’
It was just an amazing, brilliant, fantastic journey every hour of the way. I really fell in love with the country and I can’t wait to return!” – Mario Becker, Switzerland
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“I was in Mumbai and had attended Swarup’s Basic Photo Workshop. Good that I did! The two day workshop with Swarup was very informative, practical & enjoyable. Swarup really knows his stuff & will share all his knowledge with enthusiasm! I can’t recommend this workshop enough. The first day was full of information and the second day that followed was action packed full of different locations to target specific techniques & settings. I only wish I did this sooner! Thank you India!” – Ted Moore, USA
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“Travelling with Swarup Chatterjee is always so much fun. Not only he carries an incredible amount of knowledge about India, he exactly knows where to shoot and when to shoot.” – Tushar Pandit, India
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“Swarup’s sincerity of approach and commitment to the art of photography runs very deep.” – Anand Sharan, (Internationally Acclaimed Indian Photographer)
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“Swarup Chatterjee is a thorough professional. He exactly knows the art of conducting photo travel. He is also a go getter. An amazing personality to deal with.” – Washim Khan, India
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“Spending a day with Swarup on his Basic Photography Course was an absolute revelation! His easy but technically informative style of teaching gave me the knowledge I needed to finally get off the ‘auto’ setting and actually use the camera for what it is designed to do. It also made us look at beauty as a concept in a completely different and innovative manner. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a keen amateur, I could not recommend this course more highly! – A.M. Sachdeva, India
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“We feel a sense of respect and dignity for all of (Swarup Chatterjee’s) photo subjects… (His) work is outstanding.” – Lens Culture , 2017
Bhutan – David Lazar
"From start to finish the organisation was perfect, the photo opportunities were excellent, and with David’s expert advice…very successful. My expectations were high given my experience of other Luminous trips and I wasn’t disappointed. One special opportunity was being able to photograph the masked dancers at the Ura Yakchoe festival from a high viewpoint inside the temple. I must also mention Dorji (local photography guide) and his team, ever present and helpful.
I am looking forward to the India trip in February next year." – Dave McKay, UK
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“I wholeheartedly recommend Luminous Journeys for travel photography tours. I attended the photo tour with David Lazar in Bhutan and found the tour to be spectacular! The itinerary was spot on - the team handpicked the most picturesque landmarks of the country, considered optimal timing (i.e. during festivals, optimal lighting for landmarks), and organized a variety of both pre-arranged and ad-hoc photoshoots with the locals (monks, festival performers, locals in traditional clothing, etc). The tour execution was exceptional - the local tour operator (Dorji and his team) were going above and beyond to make our trip comfortable, enjoyable, and fun.
And, most importantly for me, we were getting hands-on photography guidance from the master himself - David Lazar. David is a highly skilled photographer - he is a master at asking strangers to pose, figuring out the best backgrounds & lighting conditions, and creating beautiful artistic compositions. I thoroughly appreciated David's high professionalism in prioritizing our photography above his own (i.e. he was first making sure that we were getting the best angles and opportunities to take the shot, before he was taking his). David passionately and patiently spent his time providing guidance on our photography (I learned a lot!). In addition, David is an all-around wonderful human being that is a pleasure to spend time with - he is super humble, positive, and genuine.
I am very pleased with the tour and am very much looking forward to going on other tours with Luminous Journeys in the years to come. –Anna Taylor, Canada
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"The Bhutan trip was really great and I enjoyed the travel, the people and the group. To get an insight into the daily life of Bhutanese people was a great and enjoyable experience. I liked the leadership of David, and it was fully professional with individual care. Also, the accommodation, food, and driver service was perfect. I am interested in doing further photo tours with Luminous Journeys, especially interested in India with the tigers and Japan in winter." – Andreas Schoepe, Germany
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"Bhutan was TERRIFIC, and expectations were SURPASSED. David Lazar's leadership was EXCELLENT and I was happy with the all photo opportunities. THE PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION AND THE SPECIAL ACCESS AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS stood out the most. Also, EVERYTHING WAS VERY WELL ORGANIZED AND THE LOCAL TEAM WAS EXCEPTIONAL." – Sam Ruby, USA
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“First, the Bhutan tour was the best run tour that we have been on with Luminous Journeys or anyone else. And this is not to say that the previous Luminous Trips were not run well, they were. David, Dorji and the two drivers worked together seamlessly. Everyone went above and beyond what I would have expected. For our two drivers, their availability, good nature and helpfulness could not have been better. Everything from helping with gear, to providing information, to insuring everyone had water, to making sure the vehicles were cleaned for the next outing, and much more. All the details were taken care of before we had to ask.
David was of course, David. He is patient, funny, creative and constantly available with his excellent guidance. He works well with everyone and his company is always a pleasure.
Dorji was amazing. A perfect complement to David. He was always available and always smiling. He thoughtful and caring as well as professional and organized. He came across as easy going and laid back (perfect to create a no stress environment), but he never missed a detail.
The day to day pace was perfect. What I mean is that I appreciated the flexibility we had as we traveled to be able stop and photograph whatever caught our eye. I never felt rushed on a shoot. I felt I was able to enjoy all Bhutan had to offer. It was a great trip!” - Kathryn Dannay, USA
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“It (Bhutan) was a fantastic trip. Everything was handled so smoothly, and David is an absolute gem. Dorji was also a wonderful addition. I’ve already been recommending LJ to everyone I know. I hope to be able to do another one sometime down the road. I already spoke to David about possibly doing India in 2026...” – Todd Stern, USA
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“I just wanted to let everyone know what a great experience I had on our Bhutan trip. Along with being a master photographer, David always made sure everyone got the best possible shots. Our local guide and drivers were terrific, and in fact became part of the group! This was an exceptionally well organized trip. Sincere thanks to all that made it possible.– Bob McLean, Canada
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“Bhutan was a country I always wanted to explore. Normally I go on my photo journeys alone, because I love working and photographing independently. Then I discovered that Luminous Journeys and David Lazar offer a photo journey to Bhutan. I decided to join and as I soon discovered, he was an excellent photo tour leader, and I didn’t regret it for a second!
David possesses a unique talent of organizing shoots and being able to place people skillfully in the shot. His relaxed way of communicating allows him to connect with the native population and he manages to make everyone laugh, both those in front of and behind the camera. David ensures that all participants get the opportunity to create unique pictures. In addition to the technical support and help with the composition, it was apparent that the chosen locations were very well researched in advance. We visited locations that are only rarely searched out by other travellers, resulting in an exceptional choice of photographic possibilities for us.
But even Dorji, our Bhutanese tour guide, and our two drivers, Jigme and Kencho, ensured spirits were always high throughout our journey. Being in their company gave us the opportunity to discover Bhutanese culture even on a more personal level. Bhutan possesses an abundance of cultural richness and offers unlimited possibilities for photography. If you have been dreaming for ages, just as I had, to go on a photo journey in the Himalayan kingdom, then Luminous Journeys would be – by far – my best recommendation!” – Sina Falker, Germany
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"I have just travelled to Bhutan with Luminous Journeys. The trip was led by David Lazar who did a terrific job of guiding our very keen group around the highlights of the country. David and his team were superb in getting us around the countryside. He was a great leader and the group was successful in capturing the essence of a very interesting country.
Bhutan is a unique photo experience and I feel that this tour helps capture what the country is all about! I hope to travel with David and Luminous Journeys again soon." – Terry Jackson, Canada
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“In April 2019 my husband and I joined Luminous Journeys Bhutan photography tour. The Bhutanese people we interacted with were charming, sweet, and not averse to having their picture taken. We went to festivals, enjoyed some excellent home cooked meals, went to lovely hotels with views, and hung out with monks on several occasions. We had a photo shoot with Monks that were about six years old and it was magical.
The staff went out of their way to be accommodating and presented us with multiple opportunities to experience Bhutan with our hearts, souls and cameras. When I hurt my ankle at one point, our local guide Dorji was great in helping me to create a slideshow. If I couldn’t keep up I sent him ahead with the camera. He was an excellent photographer, and extremely thoughtful. We had a blast being slideshow co-creators, which helped create a special synergy between us.
I think each of the photographers on the trip improved over time. I was not embarrassed asking questions that were perhaps considered basic. David Lazar made it easy to talk to him, or check camera settings, all in a nonjudgmental manner. He was a great camera coach assisting each of us at our own levels. He’s also a Lightroom/Photoshop marvel beyond my comprehension!
We truly enjoyed the trip, along with our get-along-well international group! One gentleman was on his 4th trip with Luminous Journeys, and another his 3rd. Now we know why. We liked this trip so much we are seriously considering a second trip with LJ next year.” – Anne & David Steinberg, USA
Japan - David Lazar & Francis Ansing
“Japan was FABULOUS! I loved it. David and Francis, and indeed James the driver/translator were so wonderful, and the group was amazing. Everyone got on like a house on fire, and we had a very fun and enjoyable time. Just the nicest group. The logistics worked very well, and all went swimmingly. The hotels were excellent - we all adored the Brighton in Kyoto, and prying us away from their delicious breakfast every morning was quite a feat! It was a truly memorable experience and I can't wait to come back on another LJ trip!” – Katie Garrod, UK
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“I highly recommend Luminous Journey’s Japan Workshop. I’ve taken numerous workshops with several photographers, and this is one of the best. So much so that I’ve committed to two additional workshops with Luminous Journeys.
This workshop offered access to many of the top highlights in Japan (not an easy task for such a rich in location country) across both Honshu and Hokkaido Islands. Moreover, the agenda offered a widely diverse range of subjects – these ranged from landscape, to wildlife to cultural opportunities. In short, something for everyone. So much so that one highly focused wildlife photographer found her favorite moments on this trip were cultural portraiture – in addition to the numerous wildlife opportunities.
Both of the photography leads were strong and highly engaged. I’ve previously worked with David Lazar and he continued to offer great support, advice and composition recommendations. He worked hard to get people in the right place and right light, at the right time. Francis Ansing brought considerable expertise, knowledge of Japan (especially Hokkaido) and wildlife. He was constantly checking in with participants to see if they needed support.
All together, the combination of photographic leads, locations, and mix of landscape, wildlife and cultural experiences made for a terrific workshop. I may attend again!” – Mark Teitelbaum, USA
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“David, you are simply the best! You made Japan sensational! I learned so much from you, patience, going with the flow, photo editing and particularly being in the moment! Breath! Also, I really enjoyed our conversations and exchange of ideas! Too much to put in a card!! Thank you once again from my heart!” – Judy Ustina, Canada
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“This was my first tour with Luminous Journeys but I very much doubt it will be my last! Japan Winter Spectacular was a tour like no other I have seen advertised. From unique opportunities to photograph the snow monkeys, to private photo shoots with a Geiko and Maiko, to the snowy minimalist landscapes of Hokkaido, every day was another exciting experience to get some amazing shots. The trip was organised and executed extremely well. Both David and Francis were excellent, as well as just friendly, approachable guys.
I have followed David’s impressive work for a while so when I learned he was the leader, I jumped at the chance to join the tour. I am relatively new to photography and was a little apprehensive that my lack of knowledge may have hindered my enjoyment of the tour, or that I would have felt too embarrassed to ask questions that seemed basic, but I needn’t have worried. David is as good of a teacher as he is a photographer, patient, approachable and generous in sharing his knowledge. I would not hesitate to do another tour with him again in the future.”– Caroline Leech, Ireland
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"There are three qualities that I value in a photo tour: organization, communication and opportunity. Looking back, now a month removed from the experience, I can honestly say that this tour with David Lazar and Francis Ansing exceeded expectations in all three categories. Was I happy with my tour choice? YES! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering a photography tour of Japan." – John Kalson, USA
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"The Luminous Japan Winter Spectacular photo tour led by David Lazar and Francis Ansing was truly amazing in every respect - definitely my stand out favorite of the 7 photo tours I have done so far! The day to day organization, timing for the locations (we always aimed to be there before others arrived – and this was particularly important with the early morning shoot with the snow monkeys!), the unique photo locations selected and the wonderful help and tutoring of first class photographers David and Francis - all A+. Special thanks also to our expert driver/translator James.
Our LJ tour group consisted of 10 photographers from the US, the UK and Australia who got on so well and there was fun and laughter every day… I feel privileged to have been part of this fantastic group. I’ve now taken 3 wonderful Luminous Journeys photo tours - Vietnam, Bali and Japan and I can thoroughly recommend them all. I definitely plan to do more photo tours with David and LJ in the future." – Lyndall L, Australia
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"All of the Luminous Journeys Photographic trips that I have been on have been highly professional and enjoyable, and this Japan Winter Spectacular with David, Francis and James lived up to my expectations. The photography is number 1 consideration and this, with David and Francis’s guidance and organization has been of the highest quality.
Accommodation, meals and transport have also been first class and have made the difference from being a great trip to being an excellent trip that caters for all levels of photography, while being comfortable and enjoyable. David and Luminous Journeys will find those locations that are little visited by other photographers and will give you the opportunity to return home with many unique and diverse photos." – Roby L, Australia
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“As usual (this was my 4th LJ trip) I cannot say enough good things about the tour. David, Francis and driver/translator James, as well as the planned itinerary, were phenomenal. Can’t go wrong with Luminous! Really enjoyed the trip!! Currently counting my pennies to see if I can make it to Ladakh, lol… had my eye on that one for some time.” – Lee Ann Birkenstock, USA
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“We thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip to Japan and enjoyed David’s relaxed and unflappable style! The Luminous Journey’s team did a fantastic job from the pre-trip briefing notes, the organisation of shooting opportunities on location, and David’s calm leadership on tour. As passionate photographers who love entering competitions in Australia and around the world we arrived home with a disk full of candidates! David went the extra step in providing organised model shoots and even arranging people walking near our location to enhance the story telling aspect of our imagery. We look forward to doing another Luminous adventure!” – Martin & Elizabeth Riley, Australia
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“My Japan winter photo tour with Luminous Journeys was excellent. There were numerous photo opportunities in stunning locations. I really appreciated the chance to work with some Japanese models in gorgeous settings. Highly recommended!” – Marc Turcan, France
Southeast Asia - David Lazar
"Southeast Asia with David Lazar was fantastic – he is a near-perfect trip leader as well as an inspiring photographer. Kudos on the trip notes guide as well – clear, comprehensive and well thought out. That doesn’t happen most of the time. I’ll definitely keep Luminous Journeys in mind when I return to Asia, my great photographic love." – Fred Bierman, USA
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"Overwhelmingly positive and incredibly rewarding experience. I had an absolute blast and captured some truly fantastic photos! I'm already raving about Luminous Journeys to all my photography friends. Thank you so much again for your meticulous planning and for creating such wonderful opportunities.
I'm eagerly looking forward to my upcoming Bali tour (following Southeast Asia and Vietnam) and hope to join many, many more Luminous Journeys adventures in the future! – Warmly, Dr. Patricia Turner, USA
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“The Southeast Asia trip was everything I expected after a very enjoyable Vietnam tour with David. I would put the two Luminous tours I have done among the very best. Good organisation, great photo opportunities, and good company! Photo advice from David when needed is always excellent. I’ll certainly be looking out for more of your trips. Not sure of what could be improved on the tour. If you are up for the impossible, maybe arrange for sunrise to be a little later? But seriously, keep doing what you’re doing, and I’ll be seeing you guys again…” – Dave McKay, UK
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“The Southeast Asia trip was great! It’s always such a pleasure to travel with David Lazar. I was doubtful that I would get good photographic opportunities in the tourist spots, but I have to change my mind: we went against the flow and off the beaten track as much as possible. In so doing I got some shots that I can define as “unique”, in places photographed millions of times. I think this is quite an achievement!!” – Paul D’, Switzerland
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"Everything about the trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations. I've been raving to my friends. David is an amazing tour leader and his excellent organisation meant that we saw few other tourists and those we did see were behind us. We also visited interesting places that other tourists don’t visit and we had some extraordinary experiences.
David’s teaching was also valuable. I have learned a lot and improved my photography skills considerably. As a bonus David’s friendly (and often playful) manner meant that we had some very enjoyable interactions with the local people we photographed. He also created a friendly atmosphere within our pretty diverse group so that most of us are still in contact with one another. I hope to do another tour with David in the future, so don't let him get away! – Ruth Brooks, Australia
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"I really loved the trip. The timing on everything was wonderful as far as light and access. I was particularly impressed with the Cambodian guide (Kimleng Sang) and how we got to all the well traveled temples when there was the fewest number of people (ie, jungle temple, Buddha face temple). Very well done. David was a fantastic guide. We was so calm and collected...so warm and welcoming...so generous with all his knowledge and all things photography...so helpful and accommodating. He is definitely one of the best photo guides I have ever had. I would totally recommend the trip, David and the tour company hands down. When I am ready for another photographic trip - I am looking toward you first for sure!" – Kelley Priddy, USA
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“I had a positive experience throughout. The accommodation was very good, food was excellent, the local guides and transportation were top notch, and the group got along famously!” -- Tareq al Duaij, Kuwait
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Cambodia Leg - "Kimleng is terrific!! He is not only a very good photographer, but he is knowledgeable about Cambodian history, architecture, politics, economics, etc. He is refreshingly candid in his observations, determined to provide the best experiences for his clients. At first we were puzzled by scheduling the tour of Angkor Wat on the last day of our visit. And we learned why he gave priority to other less known temples. He correctly perceived that as photographers we would find more satisfaction in the less visited, more remote temples.. He provided detailed history of the sites and made great suggestions on best spots for photos. In the markets, he engaged the sellers with welcome, humorous banter and paved the way for good photos and experiences. He is among the top guides we have had in our many years of travel. He was always waiting and ready for pickups, had cold drinks and towels and went out of his way to be helpful. He is a gem!" – Gary & Ginny Theisen, USA
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"I thoroughly enjoyed the (Southeast Asia) tour and thought David was an excellent pro to lead us.
- I particularly enjoyed the days when we packed in a lot of varied shoots.
- The extra inclusion of the sunset boat trip in Laos was a great touch.
- Great company and camaraderie across the whole group.
- David’s tutorial on processing was very informative and well presented.
- The use of very cooperative locals to model for us.
– David T., UK
Mexico - Sina Falker
"I really enjoyed the workshop. (Day of the Dead). Sina is a gem...personal, professional, accommodating, patient with all our questions, and both knowledgeable and passionate about her craft. I appreciated her good communication skills and advice about gear, both before and during the workshop. I also appreciated your responsiveness--something I found lacking with a few other companies in my pre-trip research. Overall, it was a very well-planned and organized workshop and I hope to travel with Luminous again in the future. – Melissa Adams, USA, Netherlands
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"Sina has done a remarkable job of creating incredible photographic opportunities. With her connections and efforts, we had fantastic experiences that would never have been possible on our own. We were amazed at the breadth of the range of settings she organized for us: bread making … mezcal shop + tastings … multiple cemeteries and at different times of the day … planned shoot in flower field … makeup preparation for Catrinas … blind potter / sculptor … meal preparation … family gathering … Catrina competition … parades…All of it !
It was a lot of work and effort on her part, and our photos were amazing thanks to Sina.
And she also had excellent restaurant recommendations. The days were long, but we always had extraordinary shooting opportunities. Any fatigue we felt came with the complete satisfaction of another great day!
We highly, highly recommend this tour and so glad that we had this wonderful experience." – Bob Parrish & Catherine Le Roux, USA
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"Photographing the Day of The Dead Festival was a bucket list experience for me and joining Luminous Journey’s tour made it happen. From the moment I arrived I was joined by like-minded, wonderful people from all over the world willing to share their experiences and expertise. The tour was extremely well organised as lead by Sina and other informative guides. The people of Oaxaca were so friendly and safety was never an issue.
Every day and evening as fun and interesting and I loved all the other experiences we had in and around Oaxaca that weren’t festival related. I just loved it all, the cemetery visits and festival parades challenged me as a photographer and the Flash photography sessions led by the ever patient Fernando were informative and elevated my photographs to another level.
If you are looking for a photo tour that gives you access to events, people and experiences that you would never get as a tourist, then this one is for you! I highly recommend and would not hesitate to take another trip with Luminous Journeys.” – Belinda Bath, Australia
"The (2025) Dia De Los Muertos tour was FABULOUS. I loved it. I particularly loved:
- The perfect mix of in-town chaotic celebration and festive vibe, with out of town villages and people. A perfect balance. Sina's contacts and relationships made all of that possible. The photo ops were perfect!
- The hotel. It was great. Great location, great breakfast, great staff.
- Local guide Ricardo. He was fantastic. Great stories, friendly, always on time. I felt very very comfortable and safe whenever he was around.
- Sina! She became a friend. :-).
- The restaurants Sina chose - WOW!
It was a fantastic trip and one I would highly recommend. – Erin Donalson, USA
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“…I thought the trip (Mexico & The Last Mayans) was truly fantastic. Getting to see so many different sides of Mexico and experience the real country, and not just the tourist version, was truly a pleasure. Sina was an excellent guide. Her ability to find exciting locations and diverse models helped me create some great photographs but it was her genuine interest in and respect for the local culture that impressed me the most. She showed great adaptability when dealing with challenging situations and was always responsive to people´s problems, when they came up. Without her, this would’ve been a completely different trip. I wholeheartedly would recommend this trip- as well as any other trip led by Sina - to anyone.”– Elisabet Olafsdottir - Iceland
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“I took part in Luminous Journeys Day of the Dead photo tour in Oaxaca, México. with Sina Falker. This exposed me to the wonderful Mexican culture in many ways, but I especially enjoyed being welcomed into the homes of many wonderful people. These are opportunities you just never get if you do this on your own. Not only did I take some amazing photos, I captured some amazing moments shared by not just our group, but the families we were so lucky to meet”. – Jemma Hilliard, Australia
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“Sina did an incredible job researching and planning 14 days packed with wonderful varied photographic opportunities. Her strength is her personal connections with people so we were able to meet and photograph people other tours would never have access to. We all had a great time together. Kudos to Sina, she did a great job!” - Ann Moore, USA
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“We had a great time. Sina put an inordinate amount of time and effort to provide the best experience possible. Mexico is a hidden gem; perhaps not appearing as exotic as some of your Asia trips but every bit as interesting. Sina is very diligent and professional and went to great lengths to assist the group both while shooting and with post processing. Many lead photographers I find, feel they are part of the group and do nothing but shoot themselves. Sina was always there to assist those who needed help! I would be ready to join her on any other trip she led.” – Bob McLean, Canada
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"Frankly, I went into this experience expecting nothing different than any other photography tour that I have taken. It was quickly apparent that this tour would be very different. Sina put her heart into planning every event-filled day. We shot the ruins, landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, indigenous people and models. She guided us seamlessly through each transition, always helping us prepare for the next shoot. Sina made this experience unique because of the love she has for Mexico and for the indigenous people she has made her friends. I can guarantee you that there is not another tour in Mexico that goes where we went and does what we did. Sina worked tirelessly, in spite of being ill for several days. She is a gem. I would travel with her again in a minute." -Vera Hershenberg, USA
