All of us here at Foto Verde Tours are passionate about photography, just like you! When we are out in the field with our clients, we are excited to share what we've learned about photography in Costa Rica. We're always on the lookout for great opportunities for you, and we know when and where to take you to make the most of your photography time here in Costa Rica. We hope you'll join us soon.
See Our Workshop Tours
Meet Our Staff
Greg Basco, Co-founder/co-owner, trip designer, &, photo instructor
Greg has been living, working, and photographing in Costa Rica for over 15 years. Greg founded Foto Verde Tours with Paulo in 2005, and the business has grown steadily. When not out in the field, Greg can be found at his home in the north/central highlands where he lives with his wife, twin boys, dogs and cats, and the numerous hummingbirds and tanagers that visit his feeders. He is a happy Canon shooter and relies on the Mark IV and 5D bodies for his photography.
Paulo Valerio, Co-founder/co-owner, & operations manager
Paulo is a Costa Rican Tropical Biologist and Naturalist Tour Guide, and co-founder of Foto Verde with Greg. After years of field experience, he is now based in San Jose, where he runs the office. He is mainly in charge of logistics and operations, and though you might not meet Paulo on your trip, be sure that the excellent organization of our trips is due to his hard work behind the scenes. When he can get away from the office, he likes to do photography, mostly macro and loves his Canon twin flash.
Jose Lopez, driver/photo guide
Jose worked as a plant manager for a plastics factory for a number of years before beginning as a driver in the tourism industry. He loved being out of the office and hasn't looked back since. Upon meeting Greg a few years ago, Jose immediately became hooked on nature photography and has progressed with amazing speed. When not out driving and photo guiding for Foto Verde, Jose is often out shooting and practicing new techniques. He shoots Canon and loves his 300 mm f4 lens, a really versatile and fantastic piece of equipment.
Yehudi Hernandez, photo/naturalist guide
Born in the rainforest region of Sarapiqui, Yehudi has nature in his blood. After working as a research assistant at the La Selva Biological Station near his house, Yehudi began work as a naturalist guide. He continues to work as a naturalist guide but has become increasingly into photography. His familiarity with the forest and keen eye are behind his rapid progress as a photographer. Yehudi also shoots Canon, taking the plunge recently to acquire a 300 mm f2.8 lens and 7D.
Monica Quesada, photo instructor
Monica is from Costa Rica's Central Valley and specializes in documentary photography, in which she majored in college. In addition to her role as the AP official photographer for Costa Rica and the tours she leads for Foto Verde, Monica does freelance work ranging from shooting the airport to stylistic food photography. Monica shoots Canon; she recently picked up a 5DII and loves it.
I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica with Greg Basco and Foto Verde Tours. Greg immediately understood my photographic aesthetic and went out of his way to help me achieve the images that I was hoping for. It helps that he is an outstanding photographer himself. His attention to detail throughout the entire trip was impressive - the tour went like clockwork. Unreservedly recommended!