The vast majority of our photography tours can be taken part in by anyone of any fitness level. However, there are the occasional trips that have a little bit of a physical activity element to them – whether that be hiking, or just walking to our photo location.
So, I’ve decided to put a bit of a grading list together so that you can have a look and decide if you can handle a particular trip. But, also please note that you can get a hold of me at anytime to inquire on the physical nature of a trip.
A – Anyone (Nearly)
My photography tours with this grading are very easy. Generally speaking, this means that there won’t be any significant hiking, or walking on uneven/steady ground. For the most part, these trips can be completed by just about anyone.
**Note: If you have a physical disability which reduces your mobility. Please get in touch via email (at brendanvanson at gmail dot com) and we can chat about how difficult a certain trip may be. But, please note that we will also do our best to accommodate everyone.
B – Basically Anyone
Most of our trips fit in this category.
These trips involve some walking, but nothing extreme. Some of our photo locations might be a short 15-30 minute walk on well established trails without any serious incline. There may be times where the trails are a little bit uneven due to weather conditions. But, for the most part if you can walk a couple kilometers, you’ll be fine.
C – Could have some physical challenges
Some of our trips involve some longer walks or hikes. They fall in this category.
For example, while Ecuador is for the most part a very easy trip and most of the activity is without challenge, there is a long 2 hour (5km) walk – some of which is on uneven ground. Other trips listed in this grading – such as Patagonia – are here because there some hikes of about an hour that have significant elevation gain (such as 500m).
If you’re of average physical fitness, you’ll be fine here.
D – Definitely some physical challenges
Especially on our adventure series, there are some trips that involve long hikes, or less than comfortable living conditions. A good example of a D grade trip is Georgia which involves some camping, and multiple days where we hike at least 2 hours.
You should be physically fit for trips in this grading.
E – Extreme physical challenges
Rarely, I operate photography trips that are definitely more on the extreme side of things. For example, we have a trip that does the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. That is definitely an extreme trip. Most days include 15-22km of hiking – some at extreme altitude.
And while I won’t say that you need to be in peak physical conditions to do it (I did it, after all), you should at least be trained and ready for the challenge.
** What about listing that have 2 grades?
These are trips that have options for more challenging physical activities, but aren’t required. It essentially means that if there’s ever a challenging aspect, you’ll have the option to do something less demanding instead. Thus an A/E grading means that for the most part it’s easy. But, there’s an option for something like an extreme hike. Or, a C/A listing means that for the most part, there is going to be a steady dose of walks, and some smaller hikes. But, if you’re uncomfortable with them, we can adjust and find something else for you.