About

William Manning: Tour Guide/Workshop Leader and Assignment Photographer
Leading photography workshops is something I have enjoyed for over 25 years. I have lead photographers to many of our nation’s treasured parks, beautiful hard to find locations, and to many of our great cities. Beyond the boundaries of the U.S., I have lead dozens of photography tours to international destinations that have rewarded us with incredible photographic and cultural experiences. Regardless of location, my commitment to sharing my knowledge and expertise is paramount on every photo journey. I bring my experience as a teacher, an assignment photographer and an accomplished travel leader to every tour and workshop. If learning in a fun, creative and beautiful environment is what you’re looking for, I hope you consider joining me on one of my photo journey’s.

William Manning is an architectural photographer, photography tour leader, mentor, writer and sole photographic contributor to 5 books and publisher of Photography Solutions.


My Story

My studio location is always on the move because my projects are just too big to be placed on a light table. Matter-of-fact, my assignments can be found anywhere in the world. These assignments might be a travel or architectural assignment, a book project or some other cool creative things. I have worked across the United States and abroad in crowded places like  Bangkok, the dusty plains of the Serengeti, amongst the medieval structures of old Europe, and many other beautiful and exciting locations. 

William has been around the photography industry for nearly 30 years. He began his career chasing any opportunity that allowed him to spend time behind a camera. 

His first break into the world of professional photography with a consistent income came after five years seeking a photography stock agency to represent his work. Those were the days when only a select few were lucky enough to have representation and a highly sought after career move. It didn’t take long before he became a major contributor for Corbis in their travel and outdoor division.

He founded Natures Light Photography Tours in 1990 and lead tours and workshops around the world. He became an industry leader before having to take time away from long periods on the road to spend time with his young family. This gave him the opportunity to build his architectural photography business leading to an impressive portfolio and an admirable clientele base.

His love for the outdoors and sharing his talents with aspiring photographers lead him back into the world of photography tours and workshops in 2014. He simply went with the name William Manning Photography Tours but knowing his long-term goal to build a team of highly skilled leaders he founded his new company, Destination Photography Mentorship Programs.

His experience as a leader, mentor and many years of experience in the travel industry lead to his founding of his on-line magazine Photography Solutions. This magazine was developed to share creative tips, encourage others to take their photography to the next level and inspiring readers with beautiful photography in full page spreads.

Professional Highlights in a Nutshell:

• 1990 to present: Owner and operator of William Manning Photography Tours and Destination Photography Mentorship Programs (formally Nature's Light). Lead photo tours across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

• 1990 to present: Assignment photographer for travel industry. Published many travel related articles, products and promotional photography.

• 2019 to present: Publisher of online e-magazine, Photography Solutions.

• 1994 to present: Assignment photographer for architectural industry. Won many design awards for Architectural photography.

• Stock Photographer: Corbis, Getty, Alamy, others

• Books published by various publishing houses (from most recent to first):

  Louisville: A Photographic Portrait,    Cincinnati: A Photographic Portrait,    Fodor's Ohio Travel Guide,    The Photographers Travel,    Cincinnati Travel Guide