Who we are

Who We Are

The idea for Southern Light was born from a deep love of the wild, unspoiled landscapes of Southern Andes, our home—and a desire to share their magic through photography. After years of exploring and photographing this region, we wanted to share it with small groups of photographers that want to combine expert local knowledge, meaningful cultural encounters, and the joy of capturing truly unique moments in extraordinary places.

Today, we are a premium photography workshops provider specializing in small-group, immersive expeditions across the breathtaking Andean region of South America. From Patagonia’s vast, rugged wilderness to the crystal-clear night skies of the Atacama Desert, and the vibrant cultures and high-altitude landscapes of Peru and Bolivia, our expeditions are designed to inspire, challenge, and empower photographers of all levels.

Whether you’re looking to refine your craft or simply explore with your camera in hand, Southern Light offers an experience where creativity thrives and every journey becomes a story worth telling.

Guy Wenborne & Marcelo Lessa

Our Home, Our Passion

We live and breathe Chile—this region is our home, and we love it. Our mission goes beyond photography; we create journeys that blend expert guidance, cultural immersion, and environmental responsibility. Led by Guy Wenborne and other seasoned Photographers who intimately know and love these landscapes, our workshops offer unparalleled access to some of the world’s most photogenic locations.

Slow Travel, Deep Connections

At Southern Light, we embrace the art of slow travel—taking time to connect deeply with nature, culture, and your craft. We collaborate closely with local guides and communities, ensuring that every expedition contributes to the preservation of the region’s environments and traditions. Whether capturing the ethereal light of Tierra del Fuego, photographing the fjords at the end of the world, or mastering astrophotography under the clearest skies on Earth, our journeys are transformative experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Why Choose Us?

At Southern Light Photo Expeditions, we don’t just lead photography tours—we craft immersive journeys into the soul of the landscape. Our expeditions are designed for photographers by photographers, blending expert guidance, local knowledge, and a deep respect for nature into every experience. Whether you’re capturing the sweeping drama of Patagonia or the surreal textures of the Atacama Desert, we ensure you’re in the right place at the right time—with the light that tells the story.
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With decades of combined experience behind the lens, our team brings technical excellence and creative insight to every expedition. We work closely with each participant, offering hands-on mentoring to help elevate your photography, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your visual journey. And for those who love the invisible spectrum, we specialize in infrared photography, offering a unique perspective and expertise rarely found in traditional photo tours.
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What truly sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity, small groups, and personal attention. You won’t find cookie-cutter itineraries here. Each expedition is tailored with care, balancing iconic scenes with hidden gems, and allowing time for reflection, creativity, and connection—with the landscape, your fellow travelers, and your own artistic voice.
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Responsible Photography

We are committed to ethical photography—practices that respect people, cultures, and the environment while prioritizing the well-being of our subjects and surroundings.

We love what we do, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Enrique Huanca Pairo

Guest Guide

Born in an Aymara family, Enrique calls the Arica and Parinacota region (the Chilean Altiplano) his home. He has over 27 years of experience in adventure tourism, working as a mountain and trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the Altiplano environment. He has completed training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), the Patagonia Guide School, and the Peruvian Guide School, holds a WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certification. Enrique is also a Chef graduated in International Gastronomy.

Andres Puiggros

Guest Expedition Leader

Agricultural Engineer by profession and nature photographer by passion, I have found in the Arica and Parinacota Region the perfect blend of both worlds. I arrived in Arica in 2007, and since then, I’ve devoted myself to exploring its most remote and stunning landscapes — from the lush valleys and fertile foothills to the majestic and mystical highlands.

Traversing the driest desert in the world while discovering hidden sanctuaries of pure and diverse nature is an experience I invite everyone to live. The region’s biodiversity is astonishing and distinct from the rest of the country, shaped by our unique climatic and geographical conditions. From the pristine night skies of the altiplano, the vastness of the desert, the grandeur of Lake Chungará, to the singular native flora species — this region offers endless opportunities to capture its natural richness through photography. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Email: andres.puiggros@gmail.com

Andel Alexa Paulmann Mast

Guest Expedition Leader

After years working as a designer, Andel decided to merge her greatest passions: nature, photography, and art. Since 2011, she has dedicated herself fully to nature photography, specializing in landscapes. She guides photographic expeditions and workshops, delivers lectures, serves as a juror in various photography competitions, and teaches photography courses. Between 2014 and 2019, Andel worked with Natphoto, and in the summer of 2015, she served as a photographer and guide in Antarctica. Her photographic work has been showcased in several individual exhibitions, and she has participated in numerous group exhibits. She founded the Facebook group “Bosques Nativos de Chile” (Native Forests of Chile) to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of Chilean native forests, and her photographs have contributed to books dedicated to nature and conservation. Andel represented Chile along with fellow photographers in the World Photographic Cup, participated in a photography Biennale in China, and won third place in photography at the International Art Biennale in Argentina.

Andel is deeply committed to landscape conservation and aims, through her work, to inspire awareness about the beauty and vital need to protect natural landscapes, particularly those that remain pristine.

Sebastián Wilson León

Guest Expedition Leader

Sebastián is a distinguished photographer based in Santiago, Chile specializing in architectural and landscape photography. His work is recognized for its exceptional clarity, precise composition, and evocative use of light and shadow. Sebastián’s architectural photography highlights the design and form of structures globally, while his landscape work captures the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. Featured in numerous publications, his images demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for his subjects. Sebastián worked with Natphoto as teacher and workshop guide for several years. For more than 10 years he’s dedicated to education, sharing his expertise through workshops, podcasts and seminars and in particular asLightroom instructor. His photography is a testament to his passion and skill, consistently delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant images.

Maria Jesús Toledo

Client Experience & Communications

María Jesús Toledo brings to Southern Light a unique blend of human sensitivity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful experiences.

With a background in Public Relations and ongoing studies in Psychology, she has led projects in foundations, creative agencies, and social organizations—always with a focus on empathetic communication, seamless execution, and experiences with purpose. Her career spans from coordinating large-scale events for global brands to managing impactful digital campaigns in the nonprofit world.

As a certified yoga and meditation instructor with additional training in neuroscience and emotional well-being, she offers a holistic perspective that blends logistics with genuine care for every traveler.

At Southern Light, María Jesús is behind the scenes making sure every detail runs smoothly and every message resonates. She is the bridge between the expeditions and the people who join them—ensuring that every journey into nature is also an opportunity for inner connection.