Overview

Aslender man dressed in an official uniform takes his time as he stares down at your passport, then back up at you, comparing the faces. He finally shuffles some papers and grabs the wooden handle of a rubber stamp, presses it firmly to a red ink pad, and slams it down upon your papers. Viola! Another adventure has begun.

Whether you are a photography buff or simply have a thirst for adventure, you are invited to join one of the world's foremost international travel photographers, adventurers and award-winning multi media travel show producers, Mike David, and his wife and travel companion Connie David, and share their explorations across the hemispheres.

Rarely does an opportunity to explore and photograph the world through such a unique perspective come along. On our distinctively designed small group trips, there will never be more than 10 people. You'll be guided by the best in the business. On our average tour, we have about half photographers and half adventurers. You'll get the individual attention that makes a tour a rewarding experience. Because our groups are small, we can take the time to adjust to changing conditions and events. Our trips give you the time it takes to absorb the culture and take award-winning photos.

Award-winning, Pentax-sponsored photographer Mike David will guide the photography group, where you will learn the professional secrets of taking great photos. With just a basic knowledge of photography and your camera you can to create your own unique, dramatic, high impact photographs that tell compelling stories and inspire people to take notice. Learn more about Photographic Workshop

If you're part of a couple and one of you hasn't been bitten by the photography bug or you just like to enjoy a great adventure, don't worry, business owner and passionate explorer Connie David, will lead adventure tours for the non photographers in the group. Connie calls herself 'the ultimate tag-along". With 15 years of experience in 30 countries, she knows how to take you to sights and experiences that will be well worth the trip. These adventures aren't just a few bookings added as an afterthought!

Mike David has 15 years experience teaching and leading tours. He leads them with the same passion that he feels for his photography and his Spirit of Adventure show. In this multimedia show, Mike uses live music and storytelling along with fantastic photography to let his audience share the adventure. Learn more about the Spirit of Adventure Show!

Each of our adventure tours offers nature hikes to explore spectacular scenery. Our tours of the cities and villages give you time to discover the unique character and charm of all of them, guided by our years of experience. Explore hidden neighborhoods or talk with the locals, sample local cuisine or people-watch. We'll take you to boutique art galleries, chic shopping districts, museums, historical sites, cultural performances. In most parts of the expeditions, photographers may join in on the adventure and adventures may join in on photography. At dinner we all will have a chance to share our experiences.

Mike chooses 4 and 5 Star accommodations that are authentic, comfortable, and conveniently located. All reflect the theme of the adventure and the culture. Accommodations

Which adventures sound best to you?

( April 6-20, 2013 )(revised dates) This tour gives you the spectacular Rio de Janeiro scene from chic Ipanema Beach to the Christ Redeemer Statue and Guanabara Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You'll also experience the 2.5 mile long, thunderous Iguazu Falls and the magnificence of Patagonia's Fitzroy Range in one of the worlds most impressive color displays. The tour includes more than just natural wonders; you'll also experience the rich cultural life and European architecture of Buenos Aires.

( November 2-9, 2013 )(revised dates) This tour takes you to lands that look like something right out of an old western movie. You'll journey through the dazzling fall colors of western Colorado, Utah and northern Arizona where you'll see beautiful river scenes, cascading waterfalls, striking rock towers, majestic mountains and breathtaking canyons all in fall colors. Great fun and adventure are included, of course!!

( September 30th – October 5th ) Mountainside after mountainside stretches out before you and your camera. Aspens shimmer gold and copper against dark green conifers; white snow on the mountain peaks is almost blindingly bright. The sky's so blue that it's hard to believe it's real.

More Trips Coming up!

( February 2014 ) Asian Odyssey Thailand - Cambodia - Vietnam

( May 2014 ) California Dreamin Red Woods - Yosemite - Lake Tahoe

( October 2014 ) Golden October in the Alps Austria & Switzerland

About Mike David

Mike David is recognized as one the world's leading international travel photographers. His unique and compelling images have been published in travel books and magazines throughout the world, including Conde Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet Travel Books. His inventive photographic creations have been featured in over 100 galleries throughout the U.S. His work is a product of his passion for adventure and the depth of his spirit. His eye for the dramatic and unusual brings the essence of the adventure home.

As a young child, David was fascinated with maps and pictures of far away places. He dreamed of going there. Now he does.

Mike's life-long work is exclusively displayed at his gallery located in Colorado's Premier Park Meadows Shopping Center. Denver television stations 9, 7, and 4 have all featured Mike on their news shows, and every major newspaper in the State of Colorado has done stories on Mike's photography and adventures.

Twice, Pentax USA selected Mike David's photography in the International Photo Marketing Convention to show what great results people can get using their products.

"Talented photographers like Mike David make our products come to life and inspire others to capture images," said Michelle Martin, spokesperson for Pentax USA. "It is with great pleasure that we showcase work from photographers who also inspire our team to create even better products."

Mike shoots those inspiring pictures with a medium format Pentax 67 II and
a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR.

Mike's life long passion to explore has taken him to 45 countries. Mike is best known for his epic Spirit of Adventure presentations which have achieved wide public acclaim. This unique multimedia theater show combines 450 of Mike's images of the world displayed in high definition, projected on a 40" screen and accompanied live on stage by the original music and song of the cultures.

Mike has traveled throughout the U.S. and has presented his inspirational Spirit of Adventure show to companies such as:

• Ameriprise Financial
• Oppenheimer Funds
• Kaiser Permanente
• National Geographic
• American Alpine Club
• Colorado Mountain Club

About Connie David

Connie David has flown over Victoria Falls in an ultra light, swum with sharks in the South Pacific, and even sampled cow vein soup in Bolivia. She calls herself "the ultimate tag-along", and she loves to explore new places and cultures. With her husband Mike David, Connie has visited 30 countries in 15 years.

Before we met, Connie dreamed of traveling the world. Nepal was on the top of her destinations list. It just happened that around this time her sister was getting married in Delhi, India. We used this opportunity to create a total 5 week trip that included exploring Katmandu, trekking the Himalayas, going on an elephant safari in Chitwan National Park, and attending the Hindi wedding in Delhi. One thousand family members attended. The father-in-law provided us with personal drivers to explore Agra and the Taj Mahal, as well as a journey through Rajasthan to a camel safari in the Thar Desert on the Pakistan border.

That much travel presents some real challenges, and Connie's sense of humor helps smooth out the bumps in the road. She's down to earth, and easy to talk with because she always listens to what other people are saying.

She's also a successful small business owner and insurance broker. Connie can provide you with travel insurance for the tours.

10 Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.

1It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?

2Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?

3It's your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?

4You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?

5If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?

6You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?

7Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?

8You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?

9Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?

10You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation time.

Photographic Workshops

How do you take the pictures that inspire people with the urge to go to the place in the photograph, or meet that interesting-looking person?

Often, photographers become obsessed with the technical side of photography. Their photography is generally a good collection of pictures, but it lacks that extra depth of emotion. Many people struggle for years reading, taking classes or trying more expensive equipment. Mike knows because he's been there. No more of that! He'll teach what books, classes and workshops leave out. He means for you to have a lot of fun learning it and experience a memorable adventure as well!

Mike will teach you the important technical aspects you really need to know about your equipment and leave out the 99% of photography chatter that you don't need to know. In 15 years of teaching photography, Mike has yet to have one student (and he has had students who have been taking pictures all their lives) who understands the incredible capability of their lenses. Mike will teach how professionals use their lenses to obtain such vast amount depth and the feeling of presence in their photography.

Great photography is not about just finding scenes. There are millions of scenes in the world. Great photography is about understanding what great light is all about. Light creates the truly unique and spectacular shots. Mike will teach how to follow the light and find these scenes.

As far as subject matter goes, Mike looks at every trip as an adventure; each presents its own opportunities. We'll photograph whatever captures our attention at a particular moment in time whether it is a mountain, a building, a person, an animal or a single flower.

Mike's goal is to give you the knowledge to develop your own personal photographic style. Our photography sessions will help you to photograph with the confidence and spontaneity that create dramatic and unique images that evoke feelings of wonder and excitement in you and others that see them.

Here are some of the things that you can learn on the trip:

1How to see in scenes things that are usually overlooked.

2Unique ways to compose photographs that make them more powerful and interesting.

3What elements to include in your compositions to give your photography that extra pizzazz and, even more importantly, what to exclude.

4How to increase your own personal perspective.

5How to improve printing your favorite pictures.

6Most importantly, you can learn about the very special light that make pictures literally come alive.

Come with us to let your vision soar and learn how to express your unique vision of the world!

Accommodations that
Fit the Adventure

An integral part of each trip is where you stay, rest and congregate after each day's activities.

I choose 4 & 5 Star accommodations that are authentic, comfortable in convenient locations that reflect the theme of the adventure and the culture.

In Brazil at Iguazu Falls National Park you will stay at the 5 Star Hotel Das Cataratas the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park. Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivalled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Guests enjoy exclusive access to this magnificent sight in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors.

A Portuguese-colonial residence, this classic Orient-Express hotel is redolent with the atmosphere of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. This natural paradise also offers thrills and excitement in abundance: white water rafting, helicopter trips over the gorge and jungle treks to view amazing wildlife including colorful toucans and giant butterflies.

www.hoteldascataratas.com

At monument Valley you will rest at The View Hotel which is a Navajo owned business located within the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Tribal Park. It's carefully designed accommodations serve the needs of visitors from around the world while blending with the environment so as not to detract from the beauty of Monument Valley.

www.monumentvalleyview.com

Testimonials

Dear Mike,
Wow, what a trip! This was my first adventure/educational trip I've taken and will definitely do again. Honestly, I wasn't sure if this was going to work; combining photography and touring. As an amateur photographer and an experienced traveler I didn't think I would ever be capable of turning my experiences into works of art. I have thousands of pictures from all my traveling that I wish I could go back and redo. Please keep us posted on where your team will go next.
Sincerely,
Laura F. Champaign, Ill

Dear Mike and Connie,
Thank you for a wonderful trip. It had exactly what George and I have been searching for. All of our prior trips focused only on photography, which is great for me but not for George. This trip gave us both the opportunity to do what we love individually and still had a wonderful experience together.
Your hands on teaching was very helpful and I especially appreciate that I didn't have to share your time with an "Assistant".
Sally E. Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Mike and Connie,
I was nervous to go on a trip alone after a recent divorce, and at my age (56) but wow, Connie and Mike David, not only made me laugh the entire time and loosen up and enjoy but Mike David's tutorial on nature photography introduced me to a whole new world of adventure seekers and novices- I can now take a decent picture worthy of sharing with family and friends- and a new hobby to explore and money well spent. Next up exploring New Mexico's Chaco Canyon by my self!
Thanks Mike and Con!
Shelley M. Kansas City, Mo

Dear Mike,
When my husband surprised me with my first "real" camera a canon D7000 and two tickets for the Photo Adventure Tour to the Dutch Antilles, I never thought I could capture the colors and beauty of the islands that I could see with my own eyes, but after this seven day hands on photography course with Mike David - I learned the core principals of outdoor nature photography; lighting and patience and knowing how to really use your camera and lenses. Wow, my pictures are truly something to display and they tell a real story.
Jasmine T. Chattanooga, TN

Mike
Your trip was so fun and full of adventure. My husband cannot wait until the next one. He was able to pursue his passion of photography and not worry about what I was going to do all morning. Hanging out with the adventure group and exploring the culture of Mexico gave me the opportunity to experience my own adventure.
Sally R Las Vegas, NV

Connie and Mike David not only help you navigate a small town and learn about local customs, they also made me realize that travel is a necessity of life, but to be able to capture the spirit of a people or place you must understand the components of quality photography- its one thing to walk around drinking and eating but quite another when you get up at dawn when the light is just perfect and streets are quiet.
Paul M. Evanston, IL

Hey Mike,
First and foremost, your wife is awesome!!! I wish my spouse shared my love of travel and photography. Though now, she might finally take me serious. The photographic skills and techniques I learned at the Italy workshop will take me to the next level. It was a total trip. Keep it up dude.
George E. Phoenix, AZ

Dear Mike,
I have been taking photographs for years using semi-pro equipment. Although I've taken several photography classes and felt my pictures were pretty good, I knew they could be better. When I had an opportunity to spend a few days with Mike in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, I learned many advanced techniques that I feel have greatly improved the quality of my images. Mostly I learned how to let light work for you to get the very best images.
Ron H. Aurora, CO

Mike and Connie David are the rare couple that actually know each other well. With her ability to turn any situation into an adventure, Connie exhibits a knack to turn the mundane experience into the memorable one; while Mike has learned to capture that experience, document and record it on film for the world to see. He is truly one of the most talented photographers in the US today.
Dave M. Salt Lake City, Ut

Hi Mike
Finally, a great picture to hang over my mantel of MY art not someone else art.
Josey M. Tampa Bay, FL

Dear Mike and Connie,
I don't know what to say except, "Thank you , thank you, and thank you." After all these years of traveling I can finally say "I can do it." I can now combine my penchant for travel and photography. I can't wait to revisit all my favorite spots and document them as I've always wanted to.
It was great traveling with you both. Your patience and humor made us all very comfortable.
Yours,
Paul S. Richmond, KY

Dear Mike
I'm so happy to report my first sale! I couldn't have done it without your skilled craft masters. Mike David was so patient and knowledgeable. He followed the syllabus and stayed on course making this workshop one of the best I've attended. I learned so much in this trip and recommend it to the spirited adventurers.
Sincerely,
Lance M. Laramie, WY

You can have down time on your own or eat with the David's- a great time to learn about photography and relax on the beach or by the pool- its whatever you want it to be and you don't need to go with anyone- its nice to meet new friends and get out of town, I found a great local yoga studio too!
Jenny P. San Diego, CA

Mike & Connie
Thanks Mike for making our anniversary trip to Greek Islands something to behold- our photography class not only educated us on the science of photography but we now have a hobby we share together and the trips in the future will hold a deeper meaning. First up we will explore the early morning light and the evening sunsets of Italy and Provence this October, our photos will hold its beauty for us to re-visit over and over and for our grandkids to see Grandma and Papa still travel!
Jean and Jack C. St. Paul, MN

The Photo Tour in not just for the novice but Mike David also sets aside quality time for the more experience photographer to take your work to the next level. It was just what I needed after recovering from a knee injury and longed to get out there and work on my hobby. You don't need a partner to travel; Connie is a great guide to the local food scene and often tells hilarious stories about far off exotic adventures over delicious meals.
Steve Allen, Denver, CO

Private/Custom Tours

Mike David is available for custom designed private tours anywhere in the world. Availability for custom tours are between October to May. The cost will be determined by the location and the number of participants.

For more information contact Mike.

mdavidone@comcast.net

303-618-0646