RADIANT ROMANIA

6th -13th April 2024
Welcome to Romania, a region of the world teeming with hidden gems and beautiful architecture as well as the forgotten and abandoned. The West in particular offers a captivating blend and as you embark on this off-the-beaten-path style photography tour, be prepared to immerse yourself in the beauty of structures that have weathered the passage of time. Transylvania and the West, is characterized by a rich historical tapestry, offers a treasure trove of hidden architectural marvels waiting to be discovered. From forgotten castles and mansions to Synagogues and quaint old towns, this region is our playground as we concentrate on architecture and off-the-beaten-path sites during these urban adventures.

about the destination

Romania offers a captivating blend of hidden, ruined, and abandoned architecture that will captivate the imagination of any photographer. From forgotten castles and mansions to industrial relics and elegant palaces, this region is a veritable playground for those seeking to capture something different.

This is a chance to join a group of like-minded photographers or traveling urban enthusiasts for an 8-day adventure tour, this will include a trip into Bucharest to look at historical architecture. And I only work with the best drivers in the country to provide transport to each of our photography locations, which is of course provided, alongside all overnight accommodation and transfers in Romania. I take care of all the bookings, so you can relax and take in our splendid surroundings as well as focus on travel, the experience, and perhaps your photography. This tour runs with six guests but needs five to run. Reserve your space now for £299, with the final balance due 10 weeks prior to the trip taking place. 

DURATION

8 Days

PRICE

£1,729

FROM

06/04/24

UNTIL

13/04/24

In stock (can be backordered)

Trip

Features

Transfers

Airport collection and drop off is included. You shall be collected at anytime by a dedicated driver who will bring you to the accommodation.

Transportation

We provide the wheels, the fuel and the driver throughout your stay in Romania. This includes airport transfers upon arrival and pre departure.

Accommodation

9 nights of accommodation (includes night prior) – as usual where possible you get your own room and private bathroom across the length of the tour.

Group Size

Maximum of 6 guests – plus a driver and of course myself leading the group. This is a tried and tested group size, the tour needs 5 to run.

Heritage Tour

The key objective of my tours is to make donations made to local Heritage Initiatives, caretakers and suppliers around Romania.

Post Processing (Q&A)

I host a Q&A about post-processing techniques over a spot of lunch, in a cool venue over lunch/dinner during this tour.

Refreshments

Breakfasts included, including coffee, tea, bread, med style breakfast and fruit, bagels – served in the hotels/accommodation.

Support & Guidance

8 days’ of photography guidance or advice with myself James Kerwin – we can discuss gear, editing, or travelling.

A Good Balance

This time of year offers an excellent balance of some ‘down’ time in the evening, whilst still affording a great amount of daylight.

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, to advanced photographers searching for great locations to rekindle or feed their enthusiasm and inspiration or perhaps wanting to know how to use a specific lens.

We will be hunting out great image opportunities like this throughout your time in Romania, following a tour route that I have designed entirely from the ground up during 2022 and 2023. We seek out a mix of interiors and architecture as well as iconic locations and extraordinary places that I have researched and previously visited.

Images on this page might not represent the architecture that shall be visited, but can be used as a guide – an exact itinerary will be provided by November 2023 (a more comprehensive guide will be sent in the welcome pack) but here are some examples of what we could visit:

We take a look at many stunning disused Synagogues with beautiful features.

A visit to a huge former spa town, where once was located casinos, baths, hotels and more.

We visit a handful of heritage buildings across Romania.

We shoot exteriors in a stunning old town of a historic city called Arad.

The ancient Corvin Castle (perhaps at sunrise) -This gothic castle has stunning surroundings and is seen as one of the seven wonders of Romania

We get permission to shoot in a historical palace/castle.

We take a stroll through Oradea – before we continue to explore the underbelly of the city.

This trip’s main focus is a broad overview of the West of Romania, as we hit a few highlights – I will do my best to keep the driving time to a minimum, but please do keep in mind that Romania is a large country, so some longer drives between destinations might be inevitable.

*Note: As mentioned the itinerary in Romania is not set in stone and can change based on environmental variables. This is in order to maximise the guest experience but a guide shall be sent out in late 2023.

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Băile Herculane

Located in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, this charming city has a unique architectural style that is intricately linked to its well-known hot springs and extensive history. The town’s architecture successfully blends traditional design aspects with the rustic charm of the surroundings. The architecture of Băile Herculane transports tourists to a bygone period of sumptuous leisure and healing, we visit a few of the historical structures.

Synagogues

Unused synagogues can be found scattered across Romania’s small towns and rural areas, waiting patiently for revival. Although many of Romania’s synagogues are now inactive, they frequently serve as moving reminders of the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. These architectural wonders, which were once thriving hubs of Jewish community life, preserve vestiges of a rich history spanning generations.

Arad

Arad has a beautiful architectural landscape that showcases its fascinating past and many different cultural influences. Baroque and Art Nouveau are juxtaposed, resulting in an intriguing visual tapestry that enthrals both locals and tourists. With its magnificent façade and elaborate details, Arad’s old centre displays the city’s previous affluence and global spirit. We walk Arad’s old town picking out exteriors.

START TO TAKE PORTFOLIO WORTHY PHOTOGRAPHS

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, to advanced photographers searching for great locations to rekindle or feed their enthusiasm and inspiration or perhaps wanting to know how to use a specific lens.

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 the mood of an image and the key technical elements if needed.

YOU MAY ALSO ASK:

Should you have any other questions please email me on info@jameskerwin.uk

Accommodation

Throughout the trip, I do my best to provide you with amazing accommodation, but what you get might not be 5-star throughout. Particularly during our time in rural areas, some modern luxuries simply won’t be available despite us staying in a nice hotel. However, we can guarantee the essentials you’ll need in order to enjoy your stay: warmth, good food; power plugs for charging batteries; plus a modern, heated bus, and comfortable beds. The wifi will be at least consistent, if not necessarily fast.

Activity Level

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. You’ll also need warm outerwear.

  • What Should I Bring With Me?
  •  
  • There could be storms, or it may be raining at points so maybe bring a raincoat.
  • Enough clothes for the entire trip.
  • Solid boots – such as walking boots.
  • Lots of spare batteries (as they will soon run flat) and memory cards.
  • A sturdy tripod – 99% of my work is shot using a tripod (a loan could be arranged if you tell me in advance).
  • Manual for your camera.
  • Laptop for editing during the week (if interested/mentioned in the tour listed).
  • Phone – wifi will be provided at hotels.
  • Power adaptor(s).
  • Check the welcome pack for any additions to this list.

Welcome to…

Once you arrive in the coutry and settle in at our Hotel – we’ll gather for a brief welcome and introduction, this will be mentioned in the WELCOME PACK and on the Whats App group chat (that I will set up prior). The aim here is to get together to chat about travel, cameras, and all the things we’ll see in our time together.

Goodbyes…

We’ll arrange transportation for you back to the relevant airport and from here, head homeward or onto your next destination. If you’d like to extend your time in the destination, I will be happy to offer advice and suggestions of things to do and photograph.

Just make sure to let me know as it might be more convenient to stay in the same start/end hotel or accommodation spot. If this is the case, I will usually offer to book it for you (additional fee due upon check-in). 

All of my destinations are connected – it is key for me when I am choosing tour destinations. In the welcome pack – I will list the start and end destination for your tour. The pack will ALWAYS be sent out 6 months prior to the tour taking place. 

However, 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 since 2022.

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.

I can highly recommend Turkish Airlines as one example – they have been “photographer friendly” since 2020. But of course this only works if they fly to the tour spot. 

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.

Sure you can – just make sure to let me know as it might be more convenient to stay in the same start/end hotel or accommodation spot. If this is the case, I will usually offer to book it for you (additional fee due upon check-in). 

  • Any personal expenses/gifts for friends etc.
  • Alcohol costs – accept where stated in the welcome pack.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Photography Insurance.
  • Some food might not be included – check welcome pack for details.
  • International air tickets – See “how do I fly” section for more information on flights.
  • Visa fees (if applicable) – but I can offer advice or assistance.
  • Photography equipment, although some hire can be arranged through James in advance.

WITH REGARDS TO MY CANCELLATION POLICY, YOUR PERSONAL INSURANCE, WAIVERS AND MORE , YOU CAN HEAD ON OVER TO THE FAQS BACK ON THE EXPERIENCE PAGE – YOU CAN FIND THEM BY SCROLLING TO THE BOTTOM!