Lebanon, despite its troubles, is now in my top three destinations for urban-style photography. Boasting beautiful landscapes and waterfalls as well as spectacular architecture and ruins from an array of eras. The country also offers world-class cuisine that caters to all tastes and palates, the country is eye-opening but beautiful at the core. This trip is a fantastic opportunity to improve your photography (I will be on hand to answer any questions along the way) and feed your creativity whilst discovering this amazing and less-traveled country.
I only work with the best drivers in the country to provide transport to each of our photography locations, and this is of course provided, alongside all overnight accommodation in Lebanon. I take care of all the bookings, I have created a more intimate experience so you can relax and take in our splendid surroundings as well as focus on your photography. On this trip, we will move locations once every two days, as we push our focus onto photography. Ideally, with two days in Beirut, Tripoli, and the final two in the Bekaa Valley – this allows us to focus on the images as we capture them at the perfect time of day!
This trip is for a maximum of four guests (it needs 3 to run) and you can reserve your place for £325, with final payment due 9 weeks prior.
6 Days
£1,335
16/11/23
23/11/23
Out of stock
We will be hunting out great image opportunities, following a tour route that I have designed entirely from the ground up. We seek out a mix of interiors and architecture as well as iconic Lebanese locations that I have researched and previously visited.
I wanted to build an itinerary that would showcase the best of Lebanon in the time that we have available. I wanted to show you the two extremes of this beautiful country. We mix interior and architecture photography locations with historic exteriors and locations on this comprehensive adventure. The key objective of this tour is to make donations made to local Heritage Initiatives, building owners, caretakers, and suppliers from around Lebanon.
Here are a few of the possible examples (a more comprehensive guide will be sent in the welcome pack):
We take a look at a stunning abandoned theatre in Beirut
A visit to a former train yard (with over 15 trains) closed during the civil war
We visit a number of heritage palaces across Lebanon – one of which was never completed
A number of Abandoned Ottoman Houses
A seriously cool house (turned Musee), built from 100 soon-to-be demolished Beirut houses
The interiors of former bathhouses (both re-purposed and closed)
We take a stroll through Tripoli with a local architect – he will showcase the Tripoli story – before we continue to explore in his city.
We visit the ancient city of Baalbek – located east of the Litani River in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, about 67 km northeast of Beirut. In Greek and Roman times, Baalbek was also known as Heliopolis and it houses insanely beautiful ruins.
*Note: The itinerary in Lebanon is not set in stone and can change based on environmental variables. This is in order to maximise the guest experience.
No Single Supplements – you get a bedroom to yourself!
This is a photography retreat, with comfortable accommodation featuring 24-hour power (important in Lebanon). We have booked TWO spacious apartments in the heart of Beirut – this is where you will be based during your time in Lebanon with us. The Apartments feature large bedrooms, balconies, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, two bathrooms between the guests in each, a living room, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen in either, a washing machine, and a balcony. I fill the fridge with breakfast, snacks as well as water, and some treats for your stay.
The city of Beirut has often stood out in people’s minds for the wrong reasons, given its turbulent history. However, these days it is a thriving and welcoming metropolis, with redevelopment booming amidst its stunning mix of historic architecture and different cultures. The exterior of the city has changed over time due to the country being in a constant state of transition. We explore what the capital has to offer over the course of two days – visiting heritage spaces, vantage points and extraordinary places.
We take a stroll through Tripoli with a local architect – Bassem will showcase the Tripoli story through the old town area as he joins us for the day – we explore and photograph throughout his city. This would include a hammam built in 1333, the ancient souks, an architectural park that is now on the UNESCO world heritage list, and an old house with a beautiful ceiling – once owned by a Mufti. Traditionally, a mufti was seen as a scholar of upright character who possessed a deep knowledge of the Quran and legal literature.
My photography, travel, and urban adventure tours are aimed at any level of photographer who is looking to improve their photography and meet like-minded people that love travel. From beginners looking to understand the basics and improve, through to advanced photographers searching for great locations to rekindle or feed their enthusiasm and inspiration.
The key aim of our time together is to have fun and enjoy being outdoors, whilst leaving inspired to take photos for your own photography portfolio.
However, during our adventure, I can help you, should you require this guidance – and talk you through the key elements of producing a great image. Key elements such as post-processing techniques, composition, and subject choice as well as timing and light.
I will also chat with you about the technical aspects of photography, helping you understand your camera and settings whilst keeping it simple. The typical areas that we discuss will be the exposure triangle of f-stop, ISO, and shutter speed, but also, composition and finding unique angles.
We also discuss understanding light and how it can impact on the mood of the image and the key technical elements if needed.
Should you have any other questions please email me on info@jameskerwin.uk
Some elements of this trip will require walking and sometimes over rough ground – so be sure to bring proper walking boots or other outdoor footwear.
Since the global pandemic hit us all in Spring 2020 – huge changes have hit the travel industry and multiple airlines/carriers have changed routes/destinations. My best advice is to look on Skyscanner – but also don’t rule out looking on airlines sites directly for flights, such as on Ryanair, Pegasus or Middle Eastern Airlines. Sometimes deals don’t pop up on sites like Skyscanner and things are changing/improving daily – Wizz air for instance had lots of options change in mid 2020 – but have said they are revising routes daily throughout the rest of 2020.
I would also STRONGLY advise booking directly with airlines for the foreseeable future – as should the worst happen, you would stand in a better position to get a refund or to make a claim through your insurance firm. In other words – don’t book with firms that act like agencies (Lastminute.com) etc.
For this trip please check with me if you are ensure which airport to fly into or out of. If unsure, please email me on info@jameskerwin.uk.
