A native of Japan, Katsuyoshi Tanaka, relocated to New York in 1993. After working as an assistant for a National Geographic photographer, he began his freelance career in 1995. Since then he has been involved in various projects for magazines, books and exhibitions in the U.S., Japan and many other countries.

He travels extensively in Europe and South America where he has been documenting traditional cultures and lifestyles such as bullfighters in Spain, Inca descendants in Peru, and mixed races and cultures in Brazil. He has also documented social issues such as School Reform in the United States and America’s Prison System.

In recent years, he has photographed various performing arts such as classical ballet, modern dance companies and opera theaters. He held a series of photo exhibitions of American Ballet Theatre (in Tokyo, New York, and Alexandria, Virginia). He also held an exhibit on Tango Argentina at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. in 2007 with full support from American Red Cross.

In 2008, he was assigned to photograph Cirque du Soleil, world-famous performance group based in Canada, when they opened their residential show in Tokyo.

Tanaka started taking photos of people and nature throughout Brazil in 2001. In February 2011, he published a photography book, “BRAZIL – The Poetry of Diversity” with full sponsorship from Nikon Inc. Tanaka started documenting Chile in 2005. He was fascinated by the grandeur of the landscape and has been frequently traveling to Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Easter Island and the high plateau in the Andes with the support from Explora.

To view his work, visit his website: www.katsutanakaphotography.com.

TORRES DEL PAINE

Torres del Paine, Chile, the southernmost tip of the world, is the most spectacular place for photography. In every corner, you’ll find an unimaginable landscape and with every passing minute, you will see dramatic change of color and light. This workshop will take you to the rugged mountains, gigantic glaciers and crystal clear volcanic lakes of Patagonia where you will also encounter iconic local figures, the gauchos, riding horses on the vast prairie.

DAY 1

Depart Santiago early morning to Punta Arenas.

Transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas to Explora, situated in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park. The Explora team will welcome you to the lodge and show you the rooms.

You’ll meet the photographer and leader of the expedition, Katsuyoshi Tanaka, along with the Explora’s guide to discuss the program.

Late afternoon, we will start photographing the massive mountains in the park. Welcome slide presentation and lecture at night.

DAY 2

Sunrise and lakes: The finest landscape in Torres del Paine National Park, with an astonishing array of mountains and lakes, can be found right in front of the lodge. Wake up early in the morning and you will be able to appreciate the spectacle of the sunrise in Patagonia. During this session, you will learn how to capture the changing light, color and ambience as the sun rises.

In the morning, you’ll photograph the magnificent color of the lakes surrounding the lodge and will learn how to frame images with various natural elements to add patterns, shapes and colors (Lake Pehoe and/or Nordenskjold).

Grey Glacier: This exploration will take you by boat to Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves. (Please note: the boat trip is dependent on weather conditions).

DAY3

Quincho & Gaucho culture: In the morning you will head to the Explora Quincho to get a closer look at the local gauchos. This is a perfect opportunity to learn how to take portraits and interactive photos.

Encounter wildlife: During the afternoon, we will venture into the Nordenskjold Field. Great opportunity to photograph wildlife including herds of Guanaco and wild birds.

DAY 4

French Valley: This is a full day exploration that combines both adventure and photography. We will leave Explora by boat (30 min.) and then walk along the undulating trail that borders Lakes Pehoe and Skottsberg. There are spectacular views of the two lakes, Paine Grande Mountain and the Paine Horns.  We then cross the hanging bridge over the French River for the view of French Glacier.

DAY 5

Micro nature: In the morning, we will head to the wetland area to capture the variety of vegetation, learning micro photography.  Other choice of trekking is available depending on the weather condition and guests’ interest.

Run, run, run ! : Horses will be your best companions in Torres del Paine and they will certainly add a graceful touch to landscape photography. During this exploration, you will be able to capture them while riding through the fields.  If you are up to it, you can even ride yourself!

DAY 6

Leaving the hotel in the morning, we will take the flight back to Santiago, and stay overnight at a hotel in Santiago airport.

EASTER ISLAND

 Easter Island, Chile, the world’s most remote inhabited island located in the South Pacific Ocean, is the photographer’s dream place. Famous for its large stone statues, Moai, the island is filled with the mystery and history. You will venture into the natural wonder of volcanic crater and lava-made caves, encounter the pride and heritage of local people, Rapa Nui. We will also experiment with variety of night photography, capturing incredible stars with lightpainted Moai. Immerse yourself in this very popular program on the tranquil and mystical island.

DAY 7

Early morning departure from Santiago to Easter Island.

Transfer from the airport in Easter Island to Explora Rapa Nui, a 10-minute drive from the main town, Hanga Roa. The Explora Rapa Nui team will welcome you to the lodge and show you the rooms.

Welcome slide show and lecture.

First encounter with Moai: The program starts with an incredible sunset shoot at Ahu Tahai, where a line of famous Moai statues stands on the hill. The sun sets behind them, making impressive silhouettes.

DAY 8

Sunrise at Ahu Tangariki: Ahu are the sacred stone platforms for Moai statues.

Tangariki has the biggest Ahu on the island, with 15 massive Moais. You will capture the dramatic sunrise with the statues, learning how to control the changing light, color, and ambience.

Crashing waves along the coast: One of the fascinating landscapes on the island is the majestic coast with its crashing waves. The water is incredibly blue and the gigantic waves constantly crash into the cliff. You will capture this dynamic scenery.

You will also venture into the island’s high volcanic area, photographing the lava-made caves, the rounded hills, and mountains with wild horses running free.

Quarry – birthplace of the Moais: Most Moais on the island remain at Rano Raralku, the quarry where they were carved. You will learn the history and mystery of Moai making and hone your skills composing strong images.

DAY 9

Portrait shoot with locals: Get to know the locals and their pride in their heritage. They will present their tattoos and body painting, one of the island’s artistic and cultural expressions. A portrait shoot will be arranged, and you will learn the model shoot.

Volcano and Bridman Village: The largest volcanic crater, Rano Kau, is the most spectacular natural wonder on the island. Walking along the massive crater, you will learn how to position yourself and choose the right lens for high impact pictures. You will visit the archaeological site Orongo, where people used to celebrate the rituals of the “Birdman Competition”

Night shoot with Moais: One of the highlights of this program is having various night photography experiences. There is no other place in the world where you can experiment in taking such unique photos with light painting the Moais and long exposure shots of the Milky Way.

DAY 10

Visit the town: In the morning, you will visit the island’s main town, Hanga Roa, photographing morning mass at the church, the local market on the street, and fishermen at the port.

Local Cuisine: Food culture on the island is also unique and photogenic. Fresh seafood is sometimes cooked at the seaside on hot stones.

Boat trip to islets: in the late afternoon, you will head to the ocean by small boat and capture the crystal-clear water. You will see the 3 sacred islets, which were the center stage of the Birdman cult races.

DAY 11

Leaving the hotel around noon, we fly back to Santiago and then take the connecting the flight back home.

*Itineraries are subject to modifications and changes. We will make every effort to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur based on the weather and other conditions.

Recommended clothing:

See here what to pack to Torres del Paine. And here for Atacama.

Equipment and further recommendations:

These expeditions are designed for photographers of any level that are passionate for photography, nature and adventure. We highly recommend that participants bring a digital camera, tripod and their own laptop computer with software for organizing and submitting photos as we have daily critique sessions. Both in Torres del Paine and Atacama, we will have Nikon camera equipment available for your use upon request.  Please contact for the detail.

Staff:

Our expeditions are led by NY based photographer and Latin America specialist Katsuyoshi Tanaka, who has traveled extensively in both Patagonia and Atacama. One of Explora’s bilingual guides will accompany you as well on each exploration, introducing you the history, flora & fauna, geography and other key features of the area. All of the Explora guides have advanced level Wilderness First Responder certification and always carry a radio and emergency kit with them.