I Took a $3,000 Photography Course on a Cruise ship. Was it Worth It?

You Get the VIP Treatment on Image Masters

A Zodiac pauses in front of an iceberg in Greenland (Photo: John Shedwick)

The VIP treatment isn’t limited to the special Zodiac tours. The Image Masters land trips also focused on having time to take pictures, rather than having to keep up with a larger group. When I was on the regular walks, we were told by the Expedition Team that this was not a photography walk and we couldn’t hang around to take pics.

The hosted dinner with the photographers at the end was a lovely touch, a chance to talk about what we’d seen and learned over the past 11 days.

Seabourn Venture in Immikkertikkajik (Photo: John Shedwick)

I spoke to Ted and Wendy, the travel agents, about what they had got out of it and both agreed it had been worth it.

“Image masters has been more than a photography class. Iit is a photography experience,” she said.

“I was taught on my level with my equipment and my pictures have improved more than I could have dreamed they would. I have loved the extra time on board the Zodiacs and on shore which gave me the time to really learn and practice new skills. Image Masters have made this cruise memorable and one I will never forget”.

Ted agreed: “If you want to double your time on the Zzodiacs, double your time on shore, immerse yourself in the experience, and learn how to capture and enhance it all with whatever equipment you have, join Image Masters. It’s worth every penny”

Stephanie agreed that for someone traveling alone, having a ready-made group of friends and a daily focus made this ideal for solos.

A ranger in the mists, Immikkertikkajik, Greenland (Photo: John Shedwick)

And for Brian and his family, it was more about the exclusive aspect of the Zodiac cruises that really appealed:

“Such an amazing experience. After the landing sites were secured by advance scouts, our Zodiac was first out with early access to the most sublime scenes of hundreds of icebergs and more glaciers that I’ve seen in my life.

“Polar bears, musk ox, arctic foxes and sea birds. Flora and fauna beyond any expectation in the most stark and beautiful scenery that anyone could imagine.”

He added: “On the Zzodiacs, the photographers leading the workshop were world class and accessible at every turn and query and worked easily with the skilled amateur with pro equipment to guests with camera phones.”