Japanese Snow Monkeys Photography Tour: 2007

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

JAPANESE SNOW MONKEY PHOTO TOURS - WINTER 2011

WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!

If you are interested in a fun and informative weekend trip to see the world famous Japanese Snow Monkeys, we have been visiting and photographing the monkeys for the last 12 years.

Please visit us at www.hemmingshousepictures.com for more information. We do not have the 2011 teaching schedule on-line yet, but we would love to hear from you. Please go to our CONTACT section and drop us a line . . . we will email you as soon as we get itinerary established.

Below is a short film done this past trip by Professional Photographer Mark Hemmings:

JAPAN from Hemmings House Pictures on Vimeo.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

JAPAN BY JAMES

Below are some images taken by our co-tour leader James Wilson on the Japan Tour of March, 2007. Enjoy!

Shinto torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

Bamboo forest at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

Snow Monkey in the mountains of Nagano

Street scene in the atmospheric "Piss Alley" of Shinjuku, Tokyo

Cook in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Women eating at a Shinjuku, Tokyo pub

Modern architecture at the Tokyo International Forum building

Neon lights of the famous Kabukicho district of Shinjuku, Tokyo

Yakitori cook in the back streets of Tokyo

Asakusa Pagoda in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto

ABOUT THE TOUR LEADERS

Mark Hemmings is a fashion, travel, and fine art photographer based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. In addition to working internationally for commercial clients, Mark also teaches photography and film in Europe and Asia. Past trips have included London, Mexico, South Korea, Hungary, and Japan. Mark's experience in Japan is extensive; he lived in Nagano for a year working for a Tokyo based photography agency, and has since visited the country annually for the last 6 years. Mark's website is www.markhemmings.com

TESTIMONIALS

Japan was the first tour I embarked on with these gentlemen, in March of 2007. This trip was, to make an understatement, Amazing!

Being able to travel through this beautiful country on the multiple JR train lines, observe the Japanese Macaques at the Jigokudani hotspring in Nagano, whisk through the illuminated, buzzing streets of Tokyo, hike through the Fushimi Inari Shrine and come face to face with Geishas in Kyoto, was a great experience and Mark and Jamie made it easy and seamless.
The barrier in language was matched by Mark's ability to fluently communicate in Japanese. Between the two men this trip was a absolute success for me and I learned a great many things from the both of them.

A year later I found myself following them through Mexico City International Airport, ready to commence another whirl-wind photographic adventure in the exquisite city of San Miguel de Allende. Traversing through the winding cobble stone streets, brimming with artistic opportunity, I realized this trip would be nothing less than I had imagined.

We spent the days enjoying the stunning city and it's vibrant culture. In the evenings we regaled one another with stories of the day while dining over a mouth watering array of authentic Mexican dishes and plenty of margaritas!

We would then return to our gorgeous hacienda at the foot of Hernandez Macias to indulge in a discussion of arts and of course the rhyme and rhythm of photography. On the fourth day we journeyed through the countryside, seeking the wonders of the hibernating Monarch butterflies high in the Sierra Madres. When we arrived, the sight we beheld was one of splendor. While witnessing the abundant amount of Monarchs, clinging to the trees for warmth, as the sun warmed the chilling air, one by one they began to take flight, dancing through tree limbs and above the tree tops, all the while we stood in awe of this great gathering.

Roaming through San Miguel, camera in hand, ready for anything that should come our way. We captured images of people interacting in daily life, the picturesque architecture, along with the interesting vegetation found growing on every hillside and in every garden. This trip was a great and very humbling experience, and I would recommend it to anyone with a passionate sense for adventure.

Mark and Jamie are a dynamic duo and compliment one another well; between teaching styles and their knack for breathtaking photography there is nothing that can't be learned. If you have an interest in travel and photography then this is the tour for you!

- Kate Breen, New Brunswick, Canada

"I had the opportunity to take Mark's photography tours in Mexico and Japan. Mark is an extremely knowledgeable photographer and an even better teacher. Mark has no problem taking time to show you how to use your camera properly, compose your shots right and point out potential photographs. The best part of the tours are that Mark (and Jamie) are such easy guys to get along with. Along with plenty of photography you will find yourself laughing and having tons of fun on your trip! These photo tours go far beyond learning photography; you will experience rich and wonderful cultures, excellent food and meet plenty of interesting people.

If you really want to take your photography to the next level and experience traveling to new country in a whole new way Mark and Jamie's photo tour are for you!"

Lauchlan Ough - Saint John, New Brunswick

Japanese Snow Monkeys Photography Tour