FAQs
Southern Light Photo Expeditions is a premium photography workshop provider based in Santiago, Chile. It is jointly owned by Guy Wenborne and Marcelo Lessa. We’re also in the process of incorporating in the US, our second base.
FAQs
Our workshops typically include:
Photography instruction & guiding by professional photographers
Accommodations (eco-lodges, boutique hotels, or high-quality stays, as available in the Workshop’s area)
All meals (unless otherwise specified)
Local transportation during the workshop
Permits & entry fees for national parks and special locations
Engagement with local photographers and communities
Not included:
We maintain small groups (typically 6-10 participants) to ensure personalized instruction and an intimate experience.
Yes! We would love for you to be with a companion. Please consult us for specific conditions.
FAQs
We carefully select comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations that blend convenience with authenticity. Our stays range from boutique lodges to premium hotels, ensuring a relaxing experience after a full day of photography. Please understand that in remote places the availability of high quality accomodation may be limited, in this case we will do out best to make it as confortable as possible.
You will receive a detailed packing and gear list upon booking. Generally, we recommend:
Photography Gear – Camera, lenses (wide-angle, telephoto), tripod, drone, extra batteries and memory cards
Outdoor Clothing – Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes
Personal Items – Travel insurance, medications, sunscreen (very important) and any necessary adapters.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the country you are visiting. Please check with the respective consulate well in advance of your trip.
Most workshops involve moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain, short hikes, or exposure to varying weather conditions, please review the Workshop description page for specifics.
If you have any mobility concerns, please let us know, and we’ll help find a suitable option for you.
FAQs
A deposit is required to secure your spot. Full payment is due before the workshop start date (see details on the booking instructions). Payments are accepted via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
Participant Cancellations:
If you need to cancel, contact us ASAP. We will try to find a replacement or refund based on our commitments with local providers.
Workshop Cancellations by Southern Light:
If we must cancel a workshop, all payments (including deposits) will be fully refunded. However, we are not responsible for additional expenses like non-refundable flights.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and must cover medical emergencies and evacuation You will need to provide proof of insurance before the workshop begins.
We also recommend that you take insurance to cover Trip cancellations and loss or damage of personal belongings, particularly photo equipment.
FAQs
Not at all! Our workshops cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced photographers. Our instructors provide personalized guidance based on your level and interests.
Yes! On site and daily image review sessions allow instructors to provide constructive feedback on your work, helping you refine your skills.
FAQs
We prioritize ethical photography and sustainable tourism by:
Supporting local communities and guides
Respecting wildlife and cultural traditions
Promoting low-impact, slow travel
Yes, but with respect. Always ask for permission before aiming the camera and photographing individuals, especially in indigenous or rural communities.
FAQs
Yes, participants must bring their own camera equipment. A suggested gear list will be provided before the workshop.
Absolutely! We offer pre- and post-workshop tours to additional locations, either as a group or in private arrangements. Contact us for details.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.