video-life-instants

What Is Life Instants?

We explore the world while sharing our photo skills & travel philosophy with small international groups

We give personal travel advice for memorable & meaningful travel experiences inspired by photography

Come back home with a story to tell

Travel with a purpose

We believe in photography as a powerful and fun way to have more meaningful travel experiences

Create with your camera

We help you understand your camera and create unique stories. To express what you feel and share what you think.

Connect with locals

We connect with local people and their environment. From a tasty meal in a market to remote hikes in nature.

Upcoming Trips

peru-machu-picchu

PERUVIAN KALEIDOSCOPE

MARCH 2024 • Agriculture

Ancient Cultures Andean Treks Fusion Gastronomy
southern-africa-rhino

WILD SOUTHERN AFRICA

APRIL 2024 • Music

Wildlife Scenic Drives Dramatic Hikes
madagascar-baobab-sunset

WONDERS OF MADAGASCAR

JULY 2024 • Freestyle

Endemic Wildlife Tropical Beaches Adventure Drives
kyrgyzstan-nomad-horse

MAGICAL SILK ROADS

AUGUST 2024 • Freestyle

Nomadic Life Horse Rides Soviet Heritage
lapland-northern-lights

NORTHERN LIGHTS

SEPTEMBER 2024 • Retreat

Aurora Hunt Fjord Hikes Scenic Drives
lake-mountains

FOR KIDS

ON DEMAND • Retreat

Pyrenees Mountain Life Immersion in Nature
lush-forest

PRIVATE TRIP

ANYTIME

Your destination Your dates Your group

Personal Travel Advisor

Looking for a different holiday? Unsure about where to go and how to make the most of your time away?

After visiting innumerable countries we are able to compare and suggest the best plan for you and the planet

Travel far off the beaten track, connect with local people, have an impact

Free 15min Call

What are your passions and goals? What is your purpose? How long are you traveling for? With whom? What is your budget? Would you like to minimize or offset your carbon footprint? Do you have any limitations?

Example: I love gastronomy and I'm looking for a very different and rich cultural environment. I can travel for 7 days in May. I'm based in Berlin.

Destination Advisor

You get 3 top destinations ideas and a short explanation on why we think they are the best for you considering your needs and current safety situation

Example: Peru, Madagascar and Greece (environmentally friendliest choice). In Peru you will be able to discover the Andean cultural realities after the rainy season or head to the jungle to live a new cultural and natural experience. Peruvian gastronomy is known worldwide for its unique recipes and high quality produce.

Itinerary Designer

You receive a customized itinerary/route based on your passions, purpose, dates, group size and budget

Example: Day 1: Arrive to Lima and stay at a vibrant bohemian neighborhood. Sleep in Lima • Day 2: Fly to Cusco and spend the rest of your day in a quiet part of the old town. Sleep in Cusco • Day 3: Learn about ancient farming methods at a community-run project and taste local cuisine in the Sacred Valley. Sleep in the Sacred Valley (...)

Experience Creator

We forge a unique travel experience with our top secret tips and put you in touch with interesting local people

Example: Day 7: Explore Lima. Ask for María at El Mero beach for an inspiring surf lesson. Call José to take you to a secret ceviche place. Get a drink at Cuycuy bar to dance the best tropical cumbia with locals. Book a room at Pachamama's lodge and replenish your energy.

Travel with Ray

I will join your trip to make sure you have the best possible vacation. Travel worry free, meet locals, experience the place from a different perspective, learn and practice photography and save time and money with smooth logistics and transparent pricing.

Example: Life Instants Private Trip

Destination Advisor

75€ • Where and why

Itinerary Designer

40€ per day of trip • When and what

Experience Creator

80€ per day of trip • How and with whom

Travel with Ray

Destination dependent • Ask for a quote

What makes us Unique?

Small Groups

2 to 8 travelers

Flexible Travel

Feel Free far off the Beaten Tracks

Customized Photo Course

For all Levels

Responsible & Fair

Connect with Local People

International Crowd

Open minded and Fun

Have an Impact

Leave no Trace

Travel With Us

We enjoy sharing our photography skills and passion for travel far off the beaten track. We like authentic experiences which help to understand local cultures enabling us to learn and exchange with them. We like to be creative, to meet the unexpected and to embrace it.

With us you'll hike to remote areas and villages, kayak down majestic rivers, swim in tranquil seas, discover virgin beaches, converse, dance and cook with locals, understand fragile ecosystems and learn how to preserve them for future generations.

You may also learn more about yourself and your purpose. And have one more reason to be grateful for the privilege of being able to see the world.

Ray Vüilsen

Creative Director • Travel Photographer

Photo Course

In this course you will learn to produce and present your own photo travel story in a professional way. How? Through 1-on-1 and group talks, photo reviews, group dynamics and daily challenges to build your technique and monitor your creative progress.

Is it for you? The answer is yes if you are a traveler, photographer, blogger, visual content creator, business owner, or just someone who is enthusiastic about exploring the world.

Photography by Ray

Take amazing photos and create compelling stories, no matter how experienced you are or how expensive your camera is. From a luminous sunset to a colorful chameleon; an inspiring portrait to a shooting star.

Pre-production & Shooting

  1. • Reflecting on your purpose
  2. • Choosing your gear. Scripted shooting Vs Run&Gun approach.
  3. • Finding the right locations and strategies
  4. • Differences between shooting personal and commercial content
  5. • Interacting with people. Best practices and ethics.
  6. • Tips and techniques to capture genuine emotions and changing environments: from landscape and night photography to wildlife, urban and portrait scenes

Post-production & Launch

  1. • Workflow: footage management and archival
  2. • Overview of the most popular editing tools
  3. • Creating and editing your travel story
  4. • Exporting photos and adapting them for different supports: web, email, social media, etc.
  5. • Promoting your photos across social media and publishers
  6. • Building and growing your brand and its online presence

PERUVIAN KALEIDOSCOPE

Agriculture + Ancient Cultures • Andean Treks • Fusion Gastronomy

Who?

2 to 4 travelers + Ray

When?

March 2023 • 8 days

How much?

895€/p ± 60€/day + your flights

What's the Plan?

This is a photo adventure with focus on Agriculture: we will learn about ancestral practices and how to grow your own food. There is no fixed itinerary and we will experience real travel, meeting people and exploring new places together. Starting city: Lima.

This experience has been conceived to let you understand Peru’s cultural heritage, enjoy its sublime gastronomy, explore the magnificent coastal desert, hike on surreal Andean landscapes or relax on a Titicaca island.

What's Included?

Photo mentoring for all levels • Suggested daily plan based on our regional travel experience • Details of available outdoor activities • Reduced and flexible group (2 to 4 travelers)

About the Photo Course

Tailored to individual needs, beginner or advanced • Foundation Crash Course • Landscape, wildlife, portrait and night photography • Workflow and post-processing

All days are different... but this is roughly what to expect:

  1. Morning

Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Activity: e.g. Sunrise at Machu Picchu, Andean hike. Photo: Technique and Challenge of the day.

  1. Afternoon

Lunch home or on the go. Activity: e.g. Ceviche, cuy or causa at a local village, Sunset desert walk. Photo: Group dynamics and Photo review.

  1. Evening

Relax and dinner. Photo: Share your day captures with the group.

Who's joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting fun and interesting people from all over the world. Open people ready to share and explore in a different way.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

Just for the first night. For the rest of the trip we will look for simple, clean, local places.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes, including local flights. We will suggest renting a van with a driver to move around.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

WILD SOUTHERN AFRICA

Music + Wildlife • Scenic Drives • Dramatic Hikes

Who?

2 to 4 travelers + Ray

When?

April 2024 • 8 days

How much?

895€/p ± 60€/day + your flights

What's the Plan?

This is a photo adventure with focus on Music: if you are into singing, dance and rhythms in a tropical environment, Mozambique is the perfect place to express and expand your creativity. There is no fixed itinerary and we will experience real travel, meeting people and exploring new places together. Starting city: Johannesburg, Cape Town or Maputo.

This experience has been conceived to let you navigate through rich cultural and natural realities, discover surreal wildlife areas and interact with local people.

What's Included?

Photo mentoring for all levels • Suggested daily plan based on our regional travel experience • Details of available outdoor activities • Reduced and flexible group (2 to 4 travelers)

About the Photo Course

Tailored to individual needs, beginner or advanced • Foundation Crash Course • Landscape, wildlife, portrait and night photography • Workflow and post-processing

All days are different... but this is roughly what to expect:

  1. Morning

Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Activity: e.g. Sunrise wildlife drive, Drakensberg hike. Photo: Technique and Challenge of the day.

  1. Afternoon

Lunch home or on the go. Activity: e.g. Local fishing village, Sunset beach walk. Photo: Group dynamics and Photo review.

  1. Evening

Relax and dinner. Photo: Share your day captures with the group.

Who's joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting fun and interesting people from all over the world. Open people ready to share and explore in a different way.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

Just for the first night. For the rest of the trip we will look for simple, clean, local places.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes. We can use public transport but renting a car for some periods is also a possibility if we all agree.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

WONDERS OF MADAGASCAR

Freestyle : Endemic Wildlife • Tropical Beaches • Gastronomy • Culture

Who?

2 to 4 travelers + Ray

When?

July 2024 • 8 days

How much?

895€/p ± 60€/day + your flights

What's the Plan?

This is a freestyle photo adventure: there is no fixed itinerary and we will experience real travel, meeting people and exploring new places together. Starting city: Antananarivo.

This experience has been conceived to navigate through the rich and diverse cultural and natural realities, hike around surreal wildlife areas, enjoy its refined gastronomy, explore untouched reefs and fishing villages and relax on idyllic islands.

What's Included?

Photo mentoring for all levels • Suggested daily plan based on our regional travel experience • Details of available outdoor activities • Reduced and flexible group (2 to 4 travelers)

About the Photo Course

Tailored to individual needs, beginner or advanced • Foundation Crash Course • Landscape, wildlife, portrait and night photography • Workflow and post-processing

All days are different... but this is roughly what to expect:

  1. Morning

Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Activity: e.g. Sunrise swim, Baobab hike. Photo: Technique and Challenge of the day.

  1. Afternoon

Lunch home or on the go. Activity: e.g. Local fishing village, Sunset beach walk. Photo: Group dynamics and Photo review.

  1. Evening

Relax and dinner. Photo: Share your day captures with the group.

Who's Joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting fun and interesting people from all over the world. Open people ready to share and explore in a different way.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

Just for the first night. For the rest of the trip we will look for simple, clean, local places.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes. We can use public transport but renting a car for some periods is also a possibility if we all agree.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

MAGICAL SILK ROADS

Freestyle : Nomadic Life • Horse Rides • Soviet Heritage • Scenic Drives

Who?

2 to 4 travelers + Ray

When?

August 2024 • 8 days

How much?

895€/p ± 50€/day + your flights

What's the Plan?

This is a freestyle photo adventure: there is no fixed itinerary and we will experience real travel, meeting people and exploring new places together. Starting city: Bishkek.

This experience has been conceived to understand Central Asia's cultural heritage, enjoy its suprising gastronomy, explore the magnificent mountain ranges, hike or ride a horse on surreal landscapes and relax on inspiring lakes.

What's Included?

Photo mentoring for all levels • Suggested daily plan based on our regional travel experience • Details of available outdoor activities • Reduced and flexible group (2 to 4 travelers)

About the Photo Course

Tailored to individual needs, beginner or advanced • Foundation Crash Course • Landscape, wildlife, portrait and night photography • Workflow and post-processing

All days are different... but this is roughly what to expect:

  1. Morning

Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Activity: e.g. Sunrise scenic drive, Lake hike. Photo: Technique and Challenge of the day.

  1. Afternoon

Lunch home or on the go. Activity: e.g. Local nomadic settlement, Sunset horse ride. Photo: Group dynamics and Photo review.

  1. Evening

Relax and dinner. Photo: Share your day captures with the group.

Who's Joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting fun and interesting people from all over the world. Open people ready to share and explore in a different way.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

Just for the first night. For the rest of the trip we will look for simple, clean, local places.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes. We can use public transport but renting a car for some periods is also a possibility if we all agree.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Retreat : Aurora Hunting • Fjord Walks • Local fishing villages • Reenergize & Focus

Who?

4 to 8 travelers + Ray

When?

September 2024 • 5 days

How much?

895€/p + food + get there (see below)

What's the Plan?

Wednesday: Arrive • Thursday - Saturday : Outdoor activities & Photo course • Sunday : Depart • Starting city: Tromsø, Narvik, Reykjavíc or Ilulissat.

This experience has been conceived to maximize your chances of admiring the Northern Lights and make the most of an incredible natural location, while also being able to relax, exercise or explore yourself and your surrounding through the lens.

What's Included?

Comfortable accommodation • Photo mentoring for all levels • Suggested daily plan • Full details of available outdoor activities • Reduced group (4 to 8 travelers) • We often cook together and share these costs (excluded)

About the Photo Course

Tailored to individual needs, beginner or advanced • Foundation Crash Course • Landscape, wildlife, portrait and night photography • Workflow and post-processing

All days are different... but this is roughly what to expect:

  1. Morning

Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Activity: e.g. Sunrise walk, Fjord hike. Photo: Technique and Challenge of the day.

  1. Afternoon

Lunch home or on the go. Activity: e.g. Local fishing village, Sunset drive. Photo: Group dynamics and Photo review.

  1. Evening

Relax and dinner. Photo: Share your day captures with the group.

Who's Joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting fun and interesting people from all over the world. Open people ready to share and explore in a different way.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

You don't. It will be situated in the scenic Lofoten Islands, Lyngen Alps or Greenland, with shared rooms.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes. We recommend renting a car for increased flexibility. Let us know if you would like to share your car or join an existing one.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

FOR KIDS

Retreat: Pyrenees • Mountain Life • Immersion in Nature • Local Culture

Who?

3 to 5 families + Ray & Mario

When?

On demand • 5 days

How much?

490€ >10yo • 390€ >2yo • free 0-2yo + lunches + get there

What's the Plan?

Wednesday: Arrive • Thursday - Saturday : Outdoor activities & Photo course • Sunday : Depart • Starting city: Barcelona or Toulouse.

This is a shared family travel experience in a stimulating natural and cultural environment, with simplified logistics and customized activities created with the aim of understanding and learning from the local reality.

What's Included?

Comfortable accommodation • Travel with a purpose: tailored activities for the participating families • Recreational monitor and babysitting from 7 to 9pm • Reduced group (3 to 5 families) • Basic quality food kit for breakfast and dinner • Photo introduction for all levels

About the Photo Course

Introduction to Photography for Kids and Adults

Kids like routines... but are unpredictable. This is why there will be space and flexibility for the unexpected:

  1. Morning

7 to 9am : Wake up and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Optional activity: 10am to noon e.g. River Walk, Flora & Fauna Workshop.

  1. Afternoon

12 to 3pm : Lunch and nap time. Optional activity: 4 to 6pm e.g. Forest Walk, Constellations Game

  1. Evening

6 to 9pm : Evening routine and dinner. Babysitting: 7 to 9pm.

Who's Joining?

The best part of the travel is meeting open, fun and interesting people from all over the world. Adults and kids of all ages are welcome.

I'm new to photography. Can I join?

Absolutely! This is about meeting interesting people and exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

Do I need to book my accommodation for the whole trip?

You don't. It will be situated in the scenic Pyrenees, with a dedicated room per family, a kitchen and an outdoor space.

Do I need to book my flights? How to move around?

Yes. We also recommend renting a car for increased flexibility and smooth logistics.

I like to be flexible. Is this for me?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

How can I secure my spot?

Click 'Book Now' below. At least 50% of the photo fee is payable now. Estimated daily costs are payable there to local providers.

PRIVATE TRIP

Anytime • Your Destination • Your Dates • Your Group

Who?

Your Group + Ray

When?

Anytime • Any Duration

How much?

Ask for a Quote

Memorable Experiences

We will suggest the best place at the right time. We have been there before.

This is a great opportunity to make the most of your time by discovering amazing places in a unique and authentic way. We can go on the best trip for you based on what you want to experience and which region you dream of exploring.

Pick your Destination

  1. Leave the Comfort Zone

Armenia, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, The Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Papua, Tajikistan

  1. Admire the Northern & Southern Lights

Greenland, Iceland, New Zealand

  1. Be a Foodie

Armenia, The Balkans, Cape Verde, Catalonia, Greece, Madagascar, Mexico, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Peru, Sicily, Sri Lanka

  1. Hike and Feel the Mountains

The Balkans, Cape Verde, Catalonia, The Dolomites, Georgia, Ethiopia, The Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan, Lapland, New Zealand, Patagonia, Peru, The Pyrenees, Southern Africa, Tajikistan

  1. Surf, Relax or Dive in Tropical Paradise

Brazil, Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Galapagos, Madagascar, Mexico, Papua, Philippines, Sri Lanka

  1. Witness Pure Nature and Wildlife

Bolivia, Kyrgyzstan, Lapland, Madagascar, Galapagos, The Himalayas, Iceland, New Zealand, Papua, Peru, Philippines, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan

  1. Learn about Fascinating Cultures

Armenia, Cape Verde, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Madagascar, Japan, Jordan, Madagascar, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, Sicily

  1. Hit the Road

Armenia, Catalonia, The Himalayas, Iceland, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mongolia, New Zealand, Patagonia, The Trans-Siberian Railway

We like to be flexible. Is this for us?

Good news, this is not an Organized Tour. You will have options. You are free to choose what to do or not.

Do we need to book our accommodation?

Yes. We will suggest simple, clean, local places but you are free to choose where to stay.

Do we need to book our flights? How to move around?

Yes, including local flights. We will suggest renting a van with a driver to move around.

We have different levels of photography across the group. Will it work?

Absolutely! This is about exploring places through a new lens. Beginner or pro, it doesn't matter. You just need to be motivated.

What's Included?

Photo mentoring for all levels, Suggested daily plan based on previous travel experience, Full details of available outdoor activities.

How can we secure our trip?

Click 'Ask for a Quote' below. We'll contact you to understand your preferences and expectations. The costs will depend on both the destination and duration of the trip.

Book Your Trip

Please fill in the following fields to secure your spot. We will contact you back very soon.

Call Us for Travel Advice

Book a free 15min call to assess your needs. We will contact you back very soon.

Don't miss the next Trip!

Terms & Conditions

Services • The photo fee is only related to the provision of photography tuition and practice services. You are fully responsible for your travel arrangements. We are not and do not act as a tour operator, travel arranger or organizer or as an agent for operators and accommodation owners. We make information about the operators and organizers available to you so that you can choose the right choice for you and liaise directly with them to book.

Booking • A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment is due 2 months prior to departure.

Travelers • The service is confirmed with a minimum of 2 to 4 travelers. Failure to reach this number, you can opt for a full refund of the photo fee or assume the higher cost of a reduced group.

Cancellation • In case of cancellation, you are responsible for any other expenses such as non-refundable air and accommodation fares, visa fees and related items. If you cancel more than 2 months before departure, 50% of the photo fee will be payable. If you cancel 2 months or less before departure, 100% of the photo fee will be payable. Failure to pay by the due dates will be considered a cancellation of the booking and fees paid will be non-refundable.

Insurance • No insurance fee is included. To allow for any unexpected contingencies, you are strongly urged to purchase health & trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Requirements • It is your responsibility to check the relevant entry requirements, passport, visa, health and travel requirements for the specific destination you intend traveling to, within good time before you travel.

Health • It is your responsibility to inform of any possible health problems or handicaps upon booking. By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other travelers. Once a service has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements.

Assumption of Risks • You are aware that the service involves many risks, dangers and hazards, which may include but are not limited to: personal injury and/or death, travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or treatment, changing weather conditions, interactions or encounters with wildlife, equipment malfunctions, negligence of third parties, collisions with vehicles, equipment, or structures, becoming lost. You freely accept and assume full responsibility for these risks and the possibility of injury and loss resulting from your participation in the trip.

Responsibility • We are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury to person or property resulting from a defect in any vehicle, or the actions of any persons who provide services or for the action or inaction of any third party.

Release of Liability • In consideration of being allowed to participate in the service, you agree i) to waive any and all claims you have or may have in the future against Life Instants and Ray Vüilsen and to release Life Instants and Ray Vüilsen from any and all liability; ii) to hold harmless and indemnify Life Instants and Ray Vüilsen from any and all liability for damage to property or personal injury to any third party resulting from your participation in the service; iii) this agreement shall be effective and binding upon your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns, and representatives, in the event of your death or incapacity.

Virtual Realities?

Conservation & Regeneration photography project

VR transports us. Transport us to places of beauty. Transport us to ecosystems impacted by humans. Transport us to action.