Capture the Extraordinary: The Best Photography Workshops Around the Globe
By Kevin Pepper |
Discover the World Through Your Lens with Akari Photo Tours
Ever felt that irresistible tug to chase light across a windswept landscape or freeze that perfect moment as a lion locks eyes with you across the savannah? Yeah… us too. That’s why we created Akari Photo Tours—not just to teach photography but to help people like you experience the magic behind the lens.
At Akari, we don’t just run photography workshops. We craft adventures that blend creativity, human connection, and a touch of wild wonder. Whether it’s the golden dunes of Africa, the icy brilliance of Antarctica, or the soulful faces in a village in Asia, we handpick every destination because we’ve been there—and we know it’s worth photographing.
Our mission? To help you capture stories that stir the soul. To teach you how to see beyond what’s obvious and elevate your photography from “nice pic” to “how did you take that?!”
Whether you’re still figuring out what aperture means, or you’ve been around long enough to remember film (and not in a nostalgic, hipster way), we’ve got something just for you.
We Go Where the Beauty Lives (and sometimes where GPS gives up)
Each Akari workshop is designed to make your creative heart skip a beat. We take you to places that feel like they were built for photographers—because, honestly, many of them kind of were. Ever stood in Alaska as the northern lights erupted overhead? Or held your breath in silence as a lion appeared on the savannah? We have. And we’ll take you there.
But here’s the thing—this isn’t just about snapping pretty pictures. Our workshops are as much about learning as they are about exploring. You’ll get hands-on coaching from pros who know how to both shoot and teach. We keep our groups small, so you’re never just a face in the crowd. (Unless we’re doing portraits. Then we might ask you to be a face in the crowd.)
Oh, and we don’t stop at the shutter. We dig into the why behind the image—sharing the stories of the wildlife, the history behind the landscapes, and the cultural richness of the places we visit. That way, your photos aren’t just beautiful. They mean something.
Why Akari? Because You Deserve More Than Just a Tour
You’re not looking for a cookie-cutter sightseeing trip—and we’re not offering one.
You’re here to feel the adrenaline of that perfect shot. To chase golden hour until your boots are dusty. To wait, lens steady, as a leopard creeps into the open. To stand under the Milky Way, humbled by the quiet vastness of it all.
This is what we live for.
Every workshop blends expert instruction with real-world adventure and a supportive community of like-minded creatives. You’ll return home with more than just epic photos—you’ll come back inspired, confident, and ready to see the world in a new way.
You’ll learn to:
- Capture landscapes, wildlife, portraits, and night skies like a pro
- Master your camera settings without needing a YouTube tutorial on the side
- Tell visual stories that speak to people
- Receive personal feedback that helps you grow fast
- Travel to amazing places—even the kind your non-photographer spouse will love
Wild Hearts: Safari & Wildlife Workshops
Imagine this: You’re on the savannah. The light is golden. You’re quietly focused as a lion strides across the horizon. Your heart’s racing, but your camera is steady. And click—you just made the shot.
Whether it’s big cats in Tanzania or brown bears in the forests of Europe, our wildlife workshops help you go from hoping to get lucky… to knowing how to make the moment count. We teach you how to read animal behavior, anticipate the action, and turn your encounters into compelling visual stories. Plus, you’ll walk away with enough wildlife trivia to impress your friends back home (you’re welcome).
Chase the Night: Milky Way & Northern Lights Photography
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like standing under a starry sky, your camera set, and waiting for the universe to do something jaw-dropping. That’s why our night photography workshops are a fan favorite.
Whether it’s Namibia’s crystal-clear skies or the auroras dancing in Canada, we’ll show you how to shoot the night sky like a dream. And don’t worry if “ISO” sounds like a distant galaxy—we guide you every step of the way.
Creative Portraits in Exotic Places
Portraits are about more than just smiles and good lighting—they’re about connection, story, and soul. Our portrait and cultural photography workshops take you to inspiring places where you’ll learn how to use light, mood, and composition to capture the essence of your subject.
And no, you don’t have to be a people person. We’ll teach you how to work with models, locals, or even your travel buddy, and bring out their personality through the lens.
Expeditions to the Ends of the Earth
For those who hear “cold” and think “awesome lighting,” our polar expeditions are something else. Picture yourself photographing glaciers as they crack and thunder into the sea. Or crouching down to eye level with a curious penguin.
We combine unforgettable scenery with expert instruction and deep education about these fragile environments—so your photography comes with purpose. And bragging rights. Definitely gives bragging rights.
This is Your Invitation
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to take your photography to the next level, here’s your sign.
Whether you’re chasing creative freedom, professional development, or just a really good excuse to travel with your camera—Akari Photo Tours is here to guide the way.
📬 Join our mailing list today for free educational content, behind-the-scenes looks at our adventures, and first dibs on upcoming workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akari Photo Tours?
Akari Photo Tours is a photography tour company co-owned by passionate photographers Kevin Pepper and Kevin Liota. We are a registered business in the state of Washington. – Yes, you read that right, two Kevins, double the photographic wisdom! Together, they’ve built a company that offers world-class, small-group photo workshops in some of the most breathtaking corners of the planet. The Kevins create a relaxed, supportive environment where learning is fun, the camaraderie is real, and the photo ops are unforgettable. If you’re ready to elevate your photography and have a blast doing it, Akari is your people.
So… what actually happens during a photography workshop?
Think of it as a photography boot camp—without the shouting or early morning pushups and way more laughs. You’ll travel to jaw-dropping locations with a small group of fellow photo lovers, guided by professionals who actually know how to teach. We spend our days in the field (hello golden hour!), learning composition, lighting, and camera settings in real-time. Evenings are often spent reviewing images, swapping stories, and sometimes sharing a glass of wine while editing your best shots. It’s hands-on, personal, and way more fun than sitting through an online tutorial.
How does Akari Photo Tours choose your workshop leaders?
We’re picky. Like, “won’t-even-let-just-anyone-bring-the-snacks” picky.
Our leaders aren’t just talented photographers—they’re also great humans. We select pros who are passionate about teaching, know the areas where they are leading their tours, are patient in the field, and really good at reading the room (and the light). They’ve led workshops around the world and know how to connect with photographers of all levels. Most importantly, they prioritize your photos over theirs.
Whether you need help setting up your shot or just want someone to geek out about lenses with over dinner, they’re the kind of people you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time with—on and off the trail.
Some of your workshops cost more than some others… what gives?
We get this one a lot—and we love answering it.
Here’s the thing: when you book with Akari, you’re not just signing up for a few photo walks and hotel suggestions. You’re getting a full experience. We include your lodging, most meals, and all in-destination transport. No surprise cab rides or mystery meals. We also limit group size to keep things intimate and ensure you get genuine 1-on-1 instruction from our guides, and personalized feedback after the workshop ends. No ghosting here—we stick with you even after you’ve gone home and downloaded 10,000 RAW files. We want to see your images, we want to help you edit them. Our job extends long after you are home.
Is a photo tour worth the money?
Short answer: heck yes.
Long answer: Our past participants will tell you these workshops are where growth happens. Whether you’re just learning how to switch out of auto mode, or you’re an experienced shooter looking for new creative spark, being fully immersed in photography—with no distractions, no meetings, no housework or conference calls—is game-changing. Plus, you’ll gain insights, practical skills, and friendships that outlast any memory card.
What even is a photography workshop?
A photography workshop is part adventure and a lot of fun. You’ll travel to stunning locations, learn from experts who meet you where you are, and get practical, real-time feedback as you shoot. Curious how to photograph wildlife without scaring it away? Wondering if your travel tripod is secretly judging you? Want to do this in an environment where you are not fighting to get a photo in a large group setting? We’re here for all of it—with answers, patience, and just the right amount of dad jokes.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real stories. Real experiences. Real growth.
We could go on and on about how transformative our photography workshops are (and honestly, we do), but we’d rather let a few of our travelers do the talking.
🌟 From First-Time Travelers to Longtime Friends—Here’s What They Had to Say:
“I have been on several photo trips with Kevin over the past few years and have had an outstanding experience and adventure on each of them. On my last trip with him in Ontario, he searched and networked with local photographers to locate where we could photograph Great Gray Owls. We drove for hours until we tracked one down and had the opportunity to see one of my bucket list birds. He has always gone above and beyond to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Paul S. – Newfoundland
“It was an amazing trip- came home with so many great memories and photos! Highly recommend it! I had wanted for a long time to photograph the Mongolian Eagle Hunters. It exceeded my expectations! Zayaa, our logistics person, was outstanding. She has great knowledge to share and was very motherly in making sure everybody was taken care of. She even loaned me a jacket and scarf because she was concerned that I was not warm enough. Smaller groups mean more personal contact with the guides and fewer people trying to get a shot.”
Jeffry Z. – Mongolia Eagle Hunters and Gobi Desert
“I had not travelled with Kevin before so did not know what to expect on my first trip. I was really pleasantly surprised with the amount of time and effort that he put into ensuring that each individuals requests/wants/needs were fulfilled each day. It was a real pleasure traveling and learning from him.”
Mike C. – Multiple Tours
“Kevin, There’s no way to really repay you for what you taught us. If I thanked you a million times, it still wouldn’t cut it. The best I can do is pass along that knowledge to my photographer friends who will be extremely jealous after I show them the pictures! It wasn’t just about the pictures and you made us all feel like we were your friend. It was pretty special.”
Nick D. – Grizzly Bears
“I have traveled with both Kevin Pepper and Kevin Lisota and they are both a joy to travel with. They are very knowledgeable and are genuinely interested in providing the appropriate photographic advice to make sure that you capture quality images. They are also both a lot of fun to travel with and I would say they go above and beyond to make sure their photo tours are a great experience for the participants. I would not hesitate to recommend either of them. I have already recommended Akari Photo Tours to other people, whether they are photography enthusiasts or people who simply want to capture memories on their iPhones. The tricky part, at least for me, is choosing which Akari tour I want to do next.”
Judi K. – Multiple Tours
Which Workshop Is Right for You?
Take the guesswork out of planning your next great adventure.
We get it—choosing a photography workshop can feel like picking your favorite child (or lens). Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re all about wildlife, chasing auroras, or perfecting the art of the portrait, there’s an Akari experience calling your name.
Pick the statement(s) that sound most like you:
🦁 “I want to photograph wildlife in action—and learn how to do it without just spraying and praying.”
➡️ Try: Our Wildlife & Safari Workshops in Africa, Europe and North America. Learn to anticipate animal behavior and capture moments with precision and meaning.
“I’m a night owl and want to finally figure out how to photograph the stars (without ending up with a blurry mess).”
➡️ Try: Our Milky Way & Northern Lights Workshops in Namibia, Iceland, or North America. We’ll teach you everything from camera settings to creative composition—and how to stay warm at 2 AM.
“Nature makes me emotional. I want to shoot landscapes that give people goosebumps.”
➡️ Try: Our Landscape Photography Workshops in Iceland, North America and Africa. Epic views, golden light, and composition tips that will elevate your portfolio.
“I love photographing people and want to capture meaningful portraits that tell a story.”
➡️ Try: Our Cultural & Portrait Photography Workshops in Mongolia, Paris, or Africa. Learn the art of connecting with your subject and photographing with purpose.
“I’m traveling with my non-photographer partner and don’t want them to be bored while I geek out over f-stops.”
➡️ Try: Couples-Friendly Workshops in Antarctica, North America or Africa. These tours balance great photography with amazing food, cozy stays, and fun cultural experiences your +1 will love.
“I want to learn a LOT in a short amount of time. Give me all the feedback and all the field time.”
➡️ Try: Any of our Small-Group Intensive Workshops—these are focused, immersive, and personalized. You’ll leave creatively recharged and technically stronger.
Still Not Sure?
No worries—shoot us a message or join our mailing list and tell us what kind of photography makes your heart race. We’ll help match you with the perfect adventure.
