The #1 thing to know before asking for feedback 💬

April 2025 newsletter

Two weeks ago, we wrapped up a beautiful photo tour in Cinque Terre and Pisa. The weather made us work for it — but the rewards were real: peaceful mornings, dramatic coastlines, and stunning blue-hour village scenes that lit up the hills.

I was sharing photos and stories daily on my personal Facebook , so feel free to come and take a look.

Manarola, Cinque Terre. 16 mm, f/11, ISO 100, 25 sec

One of our returning participants, Cindi, shared this:

"We thoroughly enjoyed our time. The trip was well organized, the pace was great, and the local guide Leo helped us discover restaurants and experiences that felt truly Italian — not touristy. We loved the photo opportunities, but also the leisurely meals and genuine group spirit."

That’s what I aim for — a balance of creativity, community, and connection to place. I’m proud to say new dates for Italy 2026 are now online.

Tuscany 🇮🇹

March 21-26, 2026

Pisa & Cinque Terre 🇮🇹

March 26-29, 2026

🎯 The #1 thing to know before asking for feedback

In a recent email exchange with Jim Gray, a former client and great photographer, we talked about a big question:

“How do you know when something in your photo is actually wrong — and not just a matter of style?”

Jim referenced something he read from Dan Margulis:

"If a group of people (almost) all agree a feature in a photo is bad, then it’s an error — not just taste. If opinions vary, it’s style."

It’s such a helpful mindset shift — whether you’re critiquing your own work or asking for input. Blown highlights? Probably a mistake. Strong contrast? Up for debate. It’s a great tool for growing without losing your voice.

Houses by the Arno river, Pisa. 34 mm, f/16, ISO 100, 8 sec

🏆 I don’t usually like to brag (haha, just kidding)… but:

📷 Johnny’s Prague Photo Tours was just named:• Photography Tour Company of the Year (Corporate LiveWire)• Tailor-Made Tour Company of the Year in Czechia (THA)• Excellence in Customer Satisfaction (European Awards 2025)

🌍 I also received:• Travel Photographer of the Year (LUXlife, Czech Republic)• A Lonely Planet cover (Madeira)• A full-page Wanderlust UK feature (Mikulov, Czech Republic)

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s been part of these adventures. These awards reflect the experience we build together.

✈️ What’s next?

• 🇹🇷 Cappadocia + Istanbul — guaranteed departure for both tours.
• 🇺🇸 Last call for 2025 US workshops in Zion and Bryce Canyon. If you’re interested, let me know by April 13.
• 🇵🇪 Peru — new dates: March 18–30, 2027

🇹🇷 Cappadocia+ Istanbul — guaranteed departure for both tours.

🌍 Where next with Matkali?

Many of you told me how much you appreciate trips that combine adventure and (some) photography — and I’m listening.

I've narrowed down our next Matkali photo + exploration tour to three destinations:

🔹 Uzbekistan🔹 South Africa🔹 Japan

I’m currently leaning toward Uzbekistan — but I’d love to hear what YOU think.

👉 Just hit reply: Where would you love to go next with your camera and even your non-phographing spouse?

Thanks for reading — and for being part of this community of photographers who care about learning, creating, and seeing the world differently. I’m looking forward to what we’ll explore next — together or apart.