PhotoEnrichment Adventures

“LOVED your presentation at The Refinery on Saturday!! You got me motivated to travel & I learned a lot!!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME and for sharing your gift!!”

“Thanks again for such an amazing trip…my photography interest and appetite has completely grown since the trip and I have come back so invigorated and inspired.  I’m excited to learn more and begin to take some higher quality pictures.”

“Thanks for a great trip.  All went smoothly and I had a great time.  I return a better photographer for certain and have a new perspective on what I see.  You offer a great product – smart itineraries, hotels and food choices…I look forward to another trip.”

“The fun, adventure and friendship with you means everything to us, along with a great photo or two along the way!”

“Ralph, Morocco truly is magical!  Thanks for a beautiful two weeks!”

“Our tour leader Ralph was one of the most knowledgeable trip leaders I have experienced over the past 40 years. He is a very experienced photographer and generously shared his knowledge, talents and experience with us.  I think I learned more composition skills and believe I am a better photographer.”

“I really liked the [small] size of the tour. It felt like traveling with friends from very early on, and continued to feel that way. That last hotel we stayed in, the one in Budapest, was such a treat! Those views were fabulous, and it ended the trip in style. Ralph is a good trip leader… He wasn’t hovering, but he did stop and give tips and I felt well-tended. The local guides were all outstanding!”

“Ralph is an engaging and knowledgeable photographer that puts his world class experience in your hands. This trip has been off the charts.”

“The photo critique alone [at the Photography Boot Camp] is worth the price of admission.”

“Great examples clearly demonstrated the points Ralph made.  His teaching methods made many things much simpler to understand.  I thoroughly enjoyed this class!”

“This was my second Photography Boot Camp with Ralph and I’m surprised at how much more I learned about the basics again this time.”

“A couple of years back after I invested in my awesome camera (!) Bret & I went to the LA Travel Show and sat in on a travel photography seminar by Ralph Velasco. Today I was looking at my photos from our adventures since then & I have to say that that discussion totally changed the way I took pictures of our adventures together and I couldn’t be happier about it! If you ever get a chance to hear Ralph speak or take a class of his, do it!  You won’t be disappointed!”

“I learned more about my camera and photography in the last three days with Ralph than I did in the last three years.”

“Great class!”

“It was great.  Now I just need to go out and use what I learned!”

“This has helped me to be more intentional about composing images!”

“Information presented in a non-threatening atmosphere and was easy to understand…Ralph is both inspiring and comical.”

“I really learned a lot and expect my photos to improve markedly.”

“Knowledgeable, interesting, helpful.”

“This was my first trip with Ralph. I enjoyed it tremendously and wish I could go back.  I loved Cuba and the Cuban people.  The photographic opportunities are infinite.  Ralph’s familiarity with Cuba and his relationships with people there opened up extra doors for us to get to know the people and the place.   I would definitely recommend going if you have the opportunity.”

“I’ve taken 2 trips with Ralph now, one to Spain and one to Cuba.  He leads wonderful trips with a great mix of structured activities and plenty of free time to do your own thing.  He is very knowledgeable in finding great locations for shooting as well as giving excellent technical advice.  I can definitely recommend one of his tours for anyone whether they are interested in photography or not.”

“My husband and I attended the LA Travel show, and you were the highlight of it. We enjoyed your presentation a lot and we felt like you gave a lot of wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing!”

“Imagine being on a crowded side street in Havana and your instructor stops by just to check in with you, to make sure you’re getting the shots you want and most importantly that you’re having fun learning your gear. Ralph never forgets that he’s there to teach.  On the bus?  A quick lecture.  Waiting for a tour to start? A quick photo review.  In the elevator?  A question or two about the day, what went well for me and what would I like to work on for the next day. Truly, I’d travel to the ends of earth to photograph with Ralph.”

“Thanks for a fun and informative tour!  I got my best shots ever of Millennium Park and architecture along the Chicago River.  I tend to get lost in the mechanics of taking photos, so I particularly appreciate that you actively check results, give advice on photo opportunities and composition, and organize posting of participant’s photos afterwards so we can see other’s work and read your critiques.  The cultural aspect is a bonus–though I grew up in the Chicago area, your tour was a great way to better appreciate the history and atmosphere of the city.  Thanks again for sharing your photographic expertise and regional knowledge.”

"An amazing travel experience. Not only was Cuba beautiful, but Ralph taught me how to capture that beauty in a photograph. His knowledge and understanding of Cuba and the Cuban people was evident and greatly appreciated. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide to lead me in my discovery of Cuba.”

“This is my second class with Ralph.  I am amazed at how much I continue to learn from each session.”

“Ralph is great at helping me think through composition.  Lots of great insight into framing a scene.”

“I have joined Ralph Velasco for two walking tours: San Francisco and Chicago. Ralph’s walking tours provide much more than an opportunity to take photos. His insight, wit and frequent comments help each individual improve the way he or she sees photo opportunities and the ability to translate the vision to a photograph. The tours are fun, productive and enlightening.”

“I really enjoyed last night’s class and look forward to using your experiential notes (and the tips in your book) to help me ‘think outside the camera’ on our upcoming trip.”

“I took Ralph Velasco’s ‘Basic Travel Photography’ class on April 26, 2010. The lecture portion of the class was very helpful and well presented. Following the lecture was a slide show of Ralph’s work allowing us to see the techniques he lectured on. The class ended with a discussion and display of equipment the instructor carries when on photo trips. Overall, I feel the class was interesting, well presented and relevant. I am sure that if I apply the techniques Ralph exposed us to in class, I will become a better photographer.”

“Ralph is very knowledgeable and a true seasoned photographer.  He’s great to listen to.”

“Ralph was very knowledgeable about his subject and did a great job sharing that info with the class.  I’m better off for the experience!”

“Very organized, logical sequence of information given and of photo examples of the information.  Beautiful photography.”

“Really enjoyed how you made your tips seem so simple and doable.  Also your theme of “it’s not the camera” was great.  You energized me to go out and take more pictures.  Your enthusiasm for photography is contagious!”

“Thank you for a great walking tour last Sunday. That was my first time over the Golden Gate bridge and I have lived in the Bay Area for most of my life.  It was great to meet you and absorb all of your Photography knowledge.”

“After attending, Improve Your Travel Photography with Ralph, I could not wait to shoot. I left the class more prepared, knowledgeable, and excited for my trip to Japan and photography in general.”

“[Ralph] has a well-organized presentation, loaded with examples and photographs.  He speaks well (no ums, ahs, uhs) for the whole time…no breaks.  And at the very end, he unpacks his camera travel bag and shares all his tips — then allows as much time as needed for Q & A’s.  He is a keeper!”

“More than my money’s worth.  Would definitely come to another class by Ralph.  I really appreciate the information that you gave. I’ve spent hundreds, probably thousands of dollars on books and online instruction over the past 2 and a half years, since I got back into photography, but for some reason, your class resonated with something in me and really opened me up.  And my confidence was through the roof!  Basically, if I don’t walk away with at least (3) things that I’m going to put into practice, I’ve wasted my money and my time, so I’m extremely happy with the instruction that I received from you and am obviously looking forward to spending more time under your tutelage. Even my family and friends have noticed the difference.”

“I really enjoyed your walking tour in Newport, your expert tips, and the nice group of people. I look forward to future lessons from you.”

“I really appreciate your ‘user friendly’ approach to your classes and info.”

“Excellent presentation.  I can’t think of any suggestions.  It was very good. 🙂  Really enjoyed the variety of photos shown, plus the presentation and instructor’s knowledge.  Very informative and fun to hear info and learning the material.  I’m motivated to take better photos!”

“Ralph, I took your travel photography class at Irvine Fine Arts last year and just got back from a month in Tanzania. It was a volunteer trip, plus a safari and a photography dream. Many of your suggestions popped into mind and were so useful while I was there: using another person to pose in front of the subject you really want, shooting diagonally, photographing signs/food/street scenes. Thanks so much.”

“I contacted Ralph Velasco after reading an article about him in the Daily Pilot, a Costa Mesa local paper.  I signed [up] and went with him and three other people to Temecula to do some photo shoots of the balloon launch.  Ralph was helpful, very organized and even facilitated a pickup for me for the long ride to Temecula.  I learned a lot and plan to do other trips with him.  He also has a good sense of humour, an added plus.”

“I attended two of Ralph’s Photo Walking Tours.  They were intimate and well organized.  Ralph gave us plenty of time to take photographs and he was quite patient with each of the participants.  These tours also included a subsequent photo review session (each of us were required to bring our top 10 images).  This review session gave us the opportunity to learn from each other in a fun and comfortable atmosphere.  I highly recommend his Photo Tours and plan to attend more in the future.  Thank you Ralph!”

“Both Ken and I found [working with you] very helpful and we are looking forward to putting the information to use in Alaska.”

“I am just beginning to learn about the other aspects of my camera beyond the standard “point and shoot”.  Working with Ralph one on one was invaluable.  He took the time to answer my questions about basic camera usage as well as tips and suggestions on settings, lenses, etc.  We then went down to the beach and shot some sunset pictures.  It was extremely helpful to have Ralph look at what I was doing and then ask how I could make it better.  I would recommend spending the 2 hours one on one….it was well worth it!!”

“I appreciate the time spent explaining all the various aspects of my camera.  You are a good teacher and patient too :)”

“PhotoWalkingTours exceeded all my expectations.  Learning how to use my new D-SLR camera with Ralph was the best thing ever, I’m really happy about my pictures results, I really enjoyed the way Ralph gives his teaching, kindly and professional.  I really reached a new level taking photos. Framing, focusing and lighting are the essential things about taking great pictures and Ralph taught me about it and resolved all my questions.  Thanks a lot, great tour.”

“I am so thrilled I was told about the photo walking tour with Ralph. He was eager to answer all of my questions and encouraged creativity while teaching me how to get the most out of my camera. I am now even more enthusiastic about pursuing my passion for photography.”

“Very informative and fun….Ralph has an approachable and humorous style…”

“I had a great time, and I learned a lot about my camera. Thanks!”

“Thank you again for a great day out!”

“I really learned a lot. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“The photowalking tour was very great since it gives me the opportunity to learn how to use the camera at the very basic level where I’m comfortable [and] continue learning myself with the new features of the DSLR Camera.  It gives me something to be inspired to look for photo opportunity and be ready to take good photos.”

“This was a wonderful experience, Ralph is very knowledgeable. He helped with some general information about the camera that was extremely helpful. He has a terrific ability to point out simple techniques that made my photos much more enjoyable and enriching. This is a beautiful area of Orange County and the morning was a perfect time to capture and photograph this area. The tour was well thought out and gave an amateur like me several interesting locations to photograph. Highly recommend it. Enjoy!!”

“For an amateur who only knows how to point and click, I got so much insight on just how to frame and take the best picture possible. I am a better photographer from taking the tour and Ralph is a great teacher with a good eye. Usually would feel intimidated by being around a professional, but I truly had a great time on the tour!! Being a Visitor Concierge, I would recommend for tourists as well as residents wanting to get a different point of view of their hometown.”

“Not only did I have fun during this walking tour, I learned a great deal from Ralph. His experience was evident, his patience appreciated and his friendly, easygoing nature was a perfect fit for an aspiring, but sometimes totally intimidated photographer like myself.  This tour will get you looking at Newport Beach in a way you never have and I’ve got some amazing shots to prove it.”

“I live in Orange County and am familiar with many of the photo walking tour sights, but seeing it through an instructor's eyes was a whole new experience. Rather than taking a picture on the run in the heat of the day, Ralph showed me the difference the light made, the importance of looking up, around, behind and under the objects that I feel are worthy of a shot. I appreciated the expertise, being able to slow down and enjoy the beautiful beach location and am looking forward to capturing future travel shots with a new perspective.”

“This is a great tour. Ralph Velasco will tailor it to fit your needs. He delivers a great amount of information in the time allotted. He gives you pointers along the route and allows time for you to use them. I got some really great shots and I learned a lot.”

"Essence of a Place is a quick read that will give you some great ideas to improve your travel photography, but it will also inspire you to buy a ticket and hit the road! I highly recommend it!"

"Just finished reading Essence of a Place. Very enjoyable photo book and very helpful education book, all between the same covers! I highly recommend it to anyone who travels; whether around their own town, or around the world. I like the layout: photos with their accompanying shot list entry (if you don't know what a shot list is, this book is a must!), followed by how and why Ralph took the shot."

"Thanks so much for writing this beautiful book. It has opened my eyes and taught me how to really see a place, and how to capture images that not only show how a place looks, but also how it feels."

"Essence of a Place is an invaluable tool designed to help bring back those images that might otherwise go unnoticed when wandering around a foreign locale...this is a helpful eBook for any photographer."

"Worth every penny, even at full price."

"Ralph, I am so impressed how well you write with clarity...simple and direct to things that really work well for all of us."

"I just wanted to let you know that I attended the travel show in the Bay Area recently and one of the presentations I found most valuable was the one by Ralph Velasco of PhotoEnrichment.com. His program was informative and engaging and added significantly to my travel show experience. Thank you."

"Just a quick note to let you know how thoughtful, worthwhile and entertaining we found Ralph Velasco's presentation at the Santa Clara Travel Show.  We saw Ralph's presentation at a previous show and hope that you will invite him back for next year's show."

"I thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Lapland with PhotoEnrichment Adventures. I had a unique and memorable trip and feel I got a great value for money--- and some awesome photos!"

"[Lapland] was a place I never thought of going to until I saw this tour, since I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of where to stay or arranging all these fun local activities, like dog sledding and ice fishing, which were incredibly fun. It was also nice to have only 2 hotels so we had a home base in each location and could get around and see a lot of the attractions in the local area."

"This trip exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed being around people who share the common interest of photography, the hands on learning experience, and the overall unique culture and landscape of Sweden & Finland. I am very happy to say that I gained more confidence as a photographer as well as more awareness of great photo opportunities. I highly recommend PhotoEnrichment Adventures and I'm looking forward to my next trip!"

"Stockholm and Lapland were everything I envisioned they would be and more! PhotoEnrichment Adventures really provided us with an amazing opportunity to experience so much of what these cultures have to offer. I particularly loved exploring the charming and historic Gamla Stan and artsy and vibrant Sodermalm in Stockholm. Lapland was truly magical (and not just because of the Northern Lights): the people were welcoming and friendly; the food tasty and varied; and Mother Nature gave us endless opportunities to capture her beauty. with the pristine and beautiful landscapes. Ralph and our local guide Alessandro really worked hard to give us a unique and memorable experience. I am so happy I chose to explore this part of the world with PhotoEnrichment Adventures."

"The key thing I feel about Ralph's tours is that I don't feel like a tourist."

"My trip to Copper Canyon, Mexico, was really an eye opener. It is a destination that was never on my radar until PhotoEnrichment Adventures started going there. While there you get to see a side of Mexico that never gets mentioned. The landscape was beautiful and the rolling clouds made for great photos. Another highlight was meeting and interacting with the native Tarahumara people in their cave homes. They were very welcoming to us. We were able to go inside their homes and take as many photos as we wished."

"This was my 3rd trip with Ralph. His tours are always well planned & organized. Ralph is calm, patient and very helpful. Copper Canyon is as spectacular as he describes; hiking to an amazing waterfall, zip lining Mexico's longest zip line thru the Canyon or you can simply ride the cable car. The local Tarahumara people are shy, but warm and friendly. If you're from the U.S., Copper Canyon is in your backyard, a highly recommended tour for anyone with a sense of adventure (or not)."

"Ralph's Danube, Cuba, Joshua Tree, Chicago and the Photography Boot Camp. All great experiences. Stand-out experiences: Cesky Krumlov, Baracoa and Chicago, of course."

"We loved our first trip with Ralph, and it has taken us 4 years to coordinate timing for another, but we are set in 2017 to go to Morocco with him! Love the small group size and the combination of planned events and lots of free time!"

"Ralph's trips are some of the best I have ever been on. You will experience meeting the people of the country, taste the food, have great travel partners and of course get help with your photos. I have had 8 trips with Ralph and am looking forward to another trip soon."

"I just wanted to let you know that I attended the travel show in the Bay Area recently and one of the presentations I found most valuable was the one by Ralph Velasco of PhotoEnrichment.com. His program was informative and engaging and added significantly to my travel show experience. Thank you."

“When I think about the time we spent in Romania, I envision traveling back in time 75 to 100 years. The experiences you arranged for us enabled us to see the unique ways people lived a century ago; I mean, barrel-makers, wood carvers, sheep herders, mushroom and potato pickers (BTW, I still taste the porcini mushrooms…mmmmm, they were delicious). Thank you … I think you planned an incredible and most enjoyable trip.”

"The Vietnam: North to South trip this year was run by professionals who care about their business. The pacing of the trip was excellent. The itinerary is well thought out. Accommodations and travel is top-notch. A real highlight is the magic balance between organized activity and time on your own. The trip is good value, and the extra sights from time on your own just makes it better."

“Thanks so much Ralph. I so enjoyed the trip and you are an amazing organizer and teacher.  I was so pleased because I was not really sure what to expect on this kind of organized trip. For me it was the ideal combo of organized stuff and free time. Everything was just great and top notch. I speak from the heart and I truly mean that… .your trip was amazing, awesome, well organized and everything you could dream of.  I can’t stop talking about it to everyone! I consider myself so lucky to have met you and I had the experience of a lifetime on your trip.”

"An excellent mix of sites (i.e. markets in the cities) and scenery (Halong bay and the Hoi An boat rides). Lots to photograph. Really enjoyed the free time as well.  I've got to tell you, I love to travel, and this is the best trip I've ever taken in my life."

"Thank you for a fantastic trip."

“The best tour I’ve ever been on. This is the way to see and experience Vietnam.”

"While India is a country that I always wanted to visit, planning a trip seemed overwhelming. However, since I have traveled with PhotoEnrichment Adventures several times I jumped at the chance to visit India using their well-planned agenda.  I knew all the details of the trip would be taken care of so I could enjoy the attractions and focus on photography. In a country that can be rather chaotic, it was great to know that all the details, from air-conditioned bus rides, to boutique hotels, were there for me."

"Ralph's Cuba trip is fantastic!!!"

"If you are thinking about a trip to Cuba, do yourself a big favor and go with Ralph!"

"Highly recommended!"

"This was my first trip with Ralph. Kinda of a short test trip. Was so good I have been on 4 more trips in 3 years with him. The leader makes all the difference and Ralph is the best!!"

"Still one of the best trips and smartest things we ever did."

"What a fantastic trip! I did this Cuba tour with Ralph in 2013. Having someone who knows the country and who has many contacts there, makes all the difference. If you've been considering Cuba, do it! You won't be disappointed. It's an amazing experience and the people are wonderful."

"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the Baltic capitals! The group was small and compatible, and we learned about history and places of interest from the local guides. I particularly enjoyed the cultural focus. Ralph helped us with our photography questions and gave us tips throughout the trip to help us get good pictures. We had good food and drink, and - best of all - our group had a lot of fun!"

"A great trip to a lesser-known corner of the world."

"Ralph offers a trip with a great blend of cultural exposure and photography. There is a great balance of active and leisure time on his trips, so you get an overview of town in the morning and the chance to find something on your own in the afternoon. I'd recommend this trip to anyone who loves to meet local people, have some unique experiences, get some good pictures, and get to know other travelers."

"This was a wonderful trip, thoughtfully planned. These are amazing countries to visit, each with a unique history and culture. The local guides were personable and extremely informative. Ralph is a fantastic tour leader - full of energy and genuinely interested in the places we visited. He was helpful in assisting me to capture the beauty of these places in my photographs. I highly recommend this trip."