2027 , 2028 Photo Tour Destinations and Dates
Travel along with me in a small-group, photo tour to some of the best photographic destinations in Japan and Tanzania. Hone your photography skills and be inspired by new cultures, locations, and people. Enjoy the light of a new place, and learn to photograph at a new pace, one that rewards the patient, the observant and the adventurous. And at the end of each day, review the experiences with each other over good food and good conversation.
My 2027 and 2028 Photo Tours and Destinations are introduced below. Take a look. And if you are interested please, email me for more details. Mahalo!
Aloha,
Lee
Hokkaido Winter Wonderland and Snow Monkeys-- February 15-23, 2027
- Arrive at Sapporo New Chitose Airport, overnight and the next day fly to Memanbetsu Airport in Eastern Hokkaido where our photo tour begins.
- Photograph the wonderful winter scenery of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island and home to an inspiring mix of wildlife big and small.
- Come aboard a Drift Ice Cruise to photograph the magnificent Stellar Sea Eagles and brave White Tailed Eagles at sunrise.
- Gaze over a winter landscape, looking for minimalist photos of stark beauty. Perfect for black and white images!
- Search for northern red foxes, sitka deer, red crowned cranes, and maybe even momonga and flying squirrel as we travel across Eastern Hokkaido.
- Fly to Tokyo where we will take a bullet train to Nagano to observe and photograph the famed Japanese snow monkeys.
- All Domestic transportation within Japan-- flights, taxis, trains-- accommodations, and meals included.
- Guide to guest ratio of 1:2
- 4 Guests max
- $7,307 per person, shared room basis
- 2 spaces available (as of 9/29/26)
Tokyo - Osaka-- June 19-26, 2027
- Food, Fun and Culture in two of the greatest cities in the world, and a few towns and villages in between.
- Street photography and food in Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto if the group decides
- Travel to Nagano to observe the monkeys, and-- hopefully-- photograph baby macaques at the Wild Snow Monkey Park.
- Stay in a mix of traditional onsen, ryokan, and city hotels
- Experience the living history of Japanese castles, temples and esoteric sites around Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
- Guide to guest ration of 1:2
- All Domestic transportation within Japan-- trains, taxis, subways-- accommodations, and meals included.
- 4 Guests max
- $5,500 per person / shared room basis
Hokkaido Photography and Hiking-- July 1-9, 2027
- Photograph and Hike the incredible scenery of remote Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island
- Possible hiking routes are: the Otamoi Coast in Otaru; Mt. Meakan in Akan-Mashu National Park; Kuro Dake and or Mt. Asahidake in Daisetsuzan NP; Shiretoko 5 Lakes and Mt. Rausu in Shiretoko.
- Local hiking guide for two of the routes in the itinerary.
- Stay at city hotels in Otaru, Onsen resorts and smaller ryokan throughout the journey across Hokkaido.
- Guide to guest ration of 1:2
- All Domestic transportation within Japan, accommodations, and meals included.
- 4 Guests max
- $5,750 per person / shared room basis
- *side trip to the incredible hiking destinations of Rebun and Rishiri island also available.
Summer Light on Kauai-- July 26--30, 2027
- Five days sharing the island we love, photographing mornings and evenings at my favorite locations.
- I will get you to the right places at the right time to Photograph Seascapes, Landscapes and birdlife (for those who wish to photograph our feathered friends).
- Short hikes or longer ones for those who are adventurous and wish to photograph up in Koke'e State Park.
- Accommodations and food NOT included.
- Shared transportation
- 4 Guests max
- $2,500 per person
Hokkaido Fall Photo Tour-- October 11-19, 2027
- Chase the fall colors on a road trip across Hokkaido.
- Start in Sapporo at New Chitose Airport or Otaru Station.
- Photograph around Otaru, from Coastline to Mountains before traveling across the remote island of Hokkaido.
- Watch for fall colors all along the way as we make stops in Daisetsuzan National Park and Shiretoko National Park.
- Be on the lookout for Hokkaido's famous wildlife: grizzly bears, foxes, deer, squirrels and birdlife galore.
- Enjoy stays at city hotels, ryokan, and onsen resorts.
- Some of the best food in the world, especially for sea food and ice cream lovers!
- All Domestic transportation within Hokkaido, accommodations, and meals included.
- 4 Guests max
- $5,500 per person / shared room basis
Tanzania Safari during the Calving Season of the Great Migration-- February 19--March 1, 2028
- The greatest trip ever-- an African Safari-- in the best safari destination ever-- Tanzania-- during the best time to be there-- the Calving Season of the Great Migration
- Arrive in Arusha at Kilimanjaro International Airport where representatives from Torio Tanzania Safaris will pick you up and take you to our hotel in Arusha.
- After taking a nice rest we head out on safari, staying in Tarangire National Park; the charming village of Karatu for the Ngorongoro Crater; and finally in Ndutu in the southern Serengeti.
- Guide to guest ratio of 2:1
- All Domestic transportation in Tanzania, accommodation and meals included.
- 4 Guests max
- from $10,500 per person / shared room basis
- 3 Spaces available (as of 9/29/26)
New Photo Tour Announced-- Hokkaido, Japan! ***Fall 2026***
The blurb above says it all-- Hokkaido is a photographer's dream-- unspoiled, uncrowded, and wonderfully photogenic.
Here's a link to some of the beauty that we may see on this island-wide itinerary.
Our Itinerary includes:
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Airport or Train Station Pick Up at Shin Chitose (Sapporo) Airport (flying); Otaru Station (for those taking a train)
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2 Nights in Otaru for coastal and mountain views, city walks and delicious food.
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2 Nights Daisetsuzan National Park for Mountain vistas, waterfalls, fall colors, onsen, and delicious food.
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1 Night Notsuke Peninsula for a unique blend of fishing culture and Hokkaido wildlife.
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2 Nights Shiretoko National Park mountain views, wildlife, onsen, and of course, delicious food.
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1 Night Otaru
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Airport Drop Off at Shin Chitose (Sapporo) Airport
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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included (alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs, personal items not included)
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All Transportation fees and costs from pick up to drop off
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$5,500 per photographer / $4,800 for non photographer / iPhone companion. Shared room basis. Solo Traveller $6,200.
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4 guests max
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We will try to optimize our itinerary for fall foliage and for this reason we must be flexible. I will also do my best to get us to some wildlife, but there are no guarantees. However, I have a pretty good idea where we may see some critters. 😉
Please, contact me for more details and any questions that you may have.
Aloha,
Lee
2027 Tanzania Photo Safari
Aloha. I am busy preparing for this year's photo safari to Tanzania. I will be there again in two weeks, and I can't wait! An African safari is really unlike anything else and I would like to share with you details on 2027's safari to three incredible parks within Tanzania. If you are interested in joining me and other like minded nature and photo enthusiasts, please click the link, 2027 Tanzania Photo Safari, to download an information packet and discover this amazing photographic safari in more detail.
If you have any questions regarding the itinerary, or would like to reserve your space on 2027's Safari, please get in touch. Mahalo!
Aloha,
Lee
Happy New Year and Jaguars!
Aloha,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are well rested from all the good food, family, friends, and travels. Are you ready to start 2026?
Yeah, me, too. Let's Go! It's gonna be great!
***
If you need any teams to cheer for in the New Year I have some options for you:
- English Premier League Soccer-- Arsenal are Top of the Table and they can use your support as the Arsenal look to win their first championship in 21 years! Champions League is looking good, too! Feel free to spend your weekend mornings with coffee, tea and the Gunners! That's what I'll be doing. Needless to say, there will be NO morning photography when the Gunners play. 😬
- Hotty Toddy-- Is your college football team out of the playoffs and looking to the Portal? Well, you can look no further than Ole Miss! The Rebels are looking to win their first national championship in forever and hope to do so without Lane Kiffin! Need a feel good story in the cynical world of NCAA athletics? Well, give me a Hotty Toddy and come along for a wild ride with the Ole Miss Rebels. But I gotta warn you, be prepared to have your heart broken as we Rebel fans are all hopeless Romantics.
- And lastly for all you NFL aficionados , I sing Black and Yellow! That's right the Steelers are in! I watched the game last night at Kalapaki Joes with a few friends, and Wow what a game! I don't think they''ll go far, but hey if you want to cheer for the old guy like me, grab that terrible towel and let's go have some fun. First playoff game is Monday night!
***
In this blog I am happy to share with you Wildlife of the Pantanal. I made a trip to equatorial Brazil in late summer last year and finally have the images online. I also have four YouTube videos up on my channel about this incredible location. If you are interested in big cats or birds, it's a destination you should really consider. The wildlife viewing and photography in Brazil's Pantanal is truly exceptional.
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And speaking of exceptional, my first photo trip of the year is coming up soon. I will be back in Tanzania at the end of January with four guests and our guide, Jackson. I am so proud to be returning to the National Parks of Tanzania's iconic Northern Circuit with like minded people in search of some of the world's most beautiful and alluring wildlife. Word is that there is a Cheetah mother in Ndutu with four little cubs! Fingers crossed we see them. 🤞
If you would like to join me in Tanzania in 2027 on this amazing photographic safari, reply to this email and I will send you an information packet that goes over the itinerary in detail. Or if you prefer, feel free to call me and we can talk over the itinerary and see if this awesome safari is right for you. Mahalo!
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In Kauai photography news I am happy to announce the addition of One to One and Small Group Photo Sessions at either sunrise or sunset anywhere on island. I have a bird session coming up with a client just before I head off to Tanzania. If you are interested in photographing with me at some of Kauai's most photogenic locations reach out to me. I'd love to share my love of photography and Kauai with you and your small group of friends or family.
And finally, What have I been shooting recently? Well, I've been dedicating a lot of time to film photography, and am excited to bring my limited edition film work to you in an exclusive One of One Series on metal and framed, fine art photographic paper. I'll work on getting some of my best film images on the website over the next week or two so please be sure to check back for images of Kauai on Medium Format Film-- All in with Film!
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Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy the photos!
Wishing you a wonderful 2026. Full of happiness and adventure! See you soon.
Aloha,
Lee
You are invited to view my "Jaguars and Other Wildlife of the Pantanal, Brazil" gallery.
Please feel free to share it with friends and family.
Jaguars and Other Wildlife of the Pantanal, Brazil
Cheers,
Light Source Photography by Lee Scott
Jaguars and Other Wildlife of the Pantanal, Brazil
To save photos to your phone, download the free Photo Moments app for iOS or Android then click here to view the gallery.
Fast Raft Down the Na Pali Coast-- An Epic Day Out
Kalalau Beach, Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai
A couple of weeks ago Naomi and I took the Fast Raft down the Na Pali Coast. It was incredible. Absolutely one of the best experiences of my life. But I am still sore from the wild day out!
I made a YouTube video about the adventure and discuss who the fast raft might be for, how it is for photography goals, and what you want to bring with you if you do decide on taking the Fast Raft down the Na Pali Coast.
You can view the video at the link below. Mahalo!
Here's a summary of the video:
- The Fast Raft was an epic experience!
- The Fast Raft is for either the Young and Fit or the Bold and Adventurous
- While it is a lot of fun and I recommend the Fast Raft for the amazing experience that it is, I do not recommend it for photography.
- The mistakes that I made in trying to use the Fast Raft as a vehicle for photography are outlined in the video.
- The highlight of the Fast Raft is the cave exploration.
- The scenery along the Na Pali Coast is epic!
- Take sunglasses, a hat with a strap, water, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- The Fast Raft is best for video so also take along your waterproof action cam!
Aloha,
Lee
Summer Solstice Special, Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai