KAMCHATKA WILDERNESS AT ITS BEST AUGUST 2018 Ignacio Palacios Luke Austin

Transcription

1 KAMCHATKA WILDERNESS AT ITS BEST AUGUST 2018 Ignacio Palacios Luke Austin

2 WILDERNESS AT ITS BEST Kamchatka is a 1,250-kilometre-long peninsula in the Russian Far East and without exaggeration it is the most spectacular region in Russia. It connects with the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic chain stretching from Japan to the Kuril Islands up to the Peninsula, and over to the Aleutians and Alaska. This is wilderness at its best: 29 active volcanoes, more than 400 glaciers and 14,000 rivers. 2 3

3 BROWN BEARS Kamchatka has the highest concentration of bears in Russia. Its 14,000 rivers and streams support six species of salmon that provide the needed food base for its brown bears. The Kamchatka brown bear is a very large bear, the largest in Eurasia, with a body length of up to 3 metres tall on hind legs and a weight of 650 kg or more, it is nearly the size of the Kodiak bear in Alaska. 4 5

4 VOLCANOES Kamchatka has 300 volcanoes, 29 of them are currently still active. With 10% of the world s active volcanoes located on the Peninsula, there is almost always one erupting! Most of the active volcanoes lie along a fault line on the eastern flank of the Vostochny Range. During the trip we will visit some of the most spectacular Volcanoes of Kamchatka: This includes Tolbachik, Mutnovsky and Gorely Volcano as well as the amazing Valley of the Geysers, the so called The pearl of Kamchatka. 6 7

5 WILDERNESS AT ITS BEST What could be more fun than watching brown bears fishing for salmon and wandering around the lake? It will be an amazing experience to see and photograph... Kamchatka has 300 volcanoes, 29 of them are currently still active. With 10% of the world s active volcanoes located on the Peninsula, there is almost always one erupting! Most of the active volcanoes lie along a fault line on the eastern flank of the Vostochny Range. During the trip we will visit some of the most spectacular Volcanoes of Kamchatka: This includes Tolbachik, Mutnovsky and Gorely Volcano as well as the amazing Valley of the Geysers, the so called The pearl of Kamchatka. With Ignacio and Luke, you will see this iconic land at its best and if your partner is not a keen photographer, we would invite you to bring her/ him along as you will both enjoy the rich photo opportunities as well as an amazing natural experience. 8 Brown Bear in front of Kronotsky volcano 9

6 ITINERARY DAY 1 - Wednesday 15 August We kick it off by meeting at the airport of Elizovo and transfer to our accommodation at either the recreation base of Paratunka (pool with hot springs) or at the hotel of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. DAY 2 - Thursday 16 August We will take a helicopter flight to Kuril Lake to view and photograph bears and watch them hunt down the spawning salmon. We will also have lunch on the lake and take in the spectacular scenery. Overnight we will be staying in comfortable tents or huts (if possible). Considered to be the ancestor of the Kodiak, the Kamchatka brown bears are dark brown and the largest carnivorans in Eurasia. DAY 3 - Friday 17 August Day 3 sees us taking a tour by boat along the lake s edge keeping a keen eye out for bears and other native wildlife. Overnight stay in either tents or huts. DAY 4 - Saturday 18 August We spend our last morning at Kuril Lake taking it all in. We will then have lunch by the lake before jumping back in the helicopter and heading back to town. We will stop along the way at the Caldera of Ksudach Volcano and Khodutkinske Hot Springs. Overnight stay at our Hotel. DAY 5 - Sunday 19 August We will spend the day travelling around 500km s from Paratunka to the settlement of Kozyrevsk, stopping along the way for photographic opportunities. We will spend the evening at one of the hotels in the settlement. DAY 6 - Monday 20 August We will begin the morning by jumping in a super jeep style, cross-country automobile and make our way toward the foot of the impressive Tolbachik Volcano. We will then head to camp setting near Kleshnya or the Dead Forrest and photograph the eerie landscape created by the Volcano s eruption in Brown bear 11

7 ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 7 - Tuesday 21 August We will spend the day observing and photographing Tolbachik s lava streams that were formed as a result of the volcanic eruption during 2012 and We will then head back to our camp base where dinner will be waiting. DAY 8 - Wednesday 22 August We will spend the morning photographing the area surrounding our camp (or sleeping in if you wish) and then we will make the drive by cross-country automobile back to our Hotel in Kozyrevsk. DAY 9 - Thursday 23 August The morning of Day 9 we will take a return walk to the Studyenaya River Canyon and the Barany Rocks (Sheep rocks) which is an interesting formation of basalt pillars. We will then returning to the camp for a well earned meal. DAY 10 - Friday 24 August The morning will be allocated as free time to either photograph nearby, sleep in or take a stroll. We will then have lunch before making the journey back to Kozyrevsk and settle in at our Hotel. DAY 11 - Saturday 25 August Day 11 sees us making the journey by vehicle back to our hotel in Paratunka. DAY 12 - Sunday 26 August Transfer to the airport for those that are not continuing on to the second leg of the tour. 12 Tolbachik lava flow 13

8 14 Volcanoes of Kamchatka 15

9 ITINERARY CONTINUED Volcanoes, lava, ice caves, bears, geysers, hot springs, the list goes on! Kamchatka really is one of our planets most spectacular wilderness areas. Extended Itinerary for those with more time: DAY 12 - Sunday 26 August Day 1 of the second leg of our tour kicks off with another heli flight! We will fly from Yelizovo city to the Valley of Geysers, passing by the active volcanoes Karymskiy and Malyi Semyachik. We will also fly to the Uzon Caldera along the way where we will observe and photograph fumarole fields (gas vents/hot springs). The Uzon Caldera is a gigantic caldera 12km in diameter with a large diversity of hydrothermal activity: mineral lakes, powerful steams of vapour coming from hot springs as well as mud ponds. Once we arrive at the Valley of Geysers we will photograph the numerous geysers and thermal fields in the valley. Once the light fades we will head to our accommodation at the tourist base in the Valley. DAY 13 - Monday 27 August We will spend the morning photographing the geysers and mud pools against a stunning mountain backdrop before having lunch and taking a flight to the Nalychevo Valley where anyone up for it can soak in the warm waters of the natural hot springs. We will then fly via helicopter back to the helipad and be transported back to our hotel. DAY 14 - Tuesday 28 August The morning of day 3 sees us making our way to the foot of Mutnovsky Volcano where our tent camp setting will be. We will spend the afternoon photographing the volcanic landscape and visit a nearby ice cave (subject to weather conditions) for incredible photo opportunities. As with every evening, if the skies are clear those interested can delve into some astro photography. DAY 15 - Wednesday 29 August We kick off the morning on day 4 with an ascent of Mutnovsky Volcano. The ascent of the volcano takes approximately 2 hours (those that would prefer to relax at camp are more than welcome to do so). During the hike we will spend time viewing and photographing the fumarole grounds and craters. On our way back down Mutnovsky we will visit the beautiful Opasny Canyon before ending the afternoon/evening at our comfortable camp setting. 16 Kamchatka Ice Cave 17

10 ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 16 - Thursday 30 August After a morning shoot we will jump in our vehicle and take a 1 hour drive to the caldera of Gorely Volcano. We will then begin the ascent of the volcano (which takes around 2 hours) and photograph numerous craters along the way. After lunch we will make our way back down the Volcano for an evening photography session nearby our camp. DAY 17 - Friday 31 August Day 6 and it s Lava Caves!! These lava caves are most certainly a highlight of the tour. It s an incredible site to see the power of mother nature and what she is capable of. After our cave tour we will head to our hotel in the Paratunka recreation area. DAY 18 - Saturday 1 September On day 7 we will start by heading to the pier of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (about 1 hour) where we will take a scenic boat tour to Avacha Bay, Starichkov Island and Starichkov Island. Throughout the boat tour we will view jaw dropping waterfalls, native bird colonies and various forms of sea life. After lunch we will then head back to the pier and make our way back to our hotel. DAY 19 - Sunday 2 September We spend the last morning together discussing the highlights of the tour before heading to the airport. You are sure to leave Kamchatka with a true appreciation of the power of mother nature. On top of that you ll come away with a tonne of adventurous stories, vivid memories, new friendships and jaw dropping photographs. The living and breathing landscape of Kamchatka is truly unique. Kamchatka and all she has to offer is an experience that is simply not to be missed. 18 Avacha Bay, Kamchatka 19

11 ITINERARY CONTINUED There is no right or wrong way of creating an image the most important thing is that you enjoy the experience of capturing and processing the image. Camera skills We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Photographing the Kamchatka s landscapes and the winter landscapes can be challenging, but you will get advice in the field from some of the world best. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team. Post-processing During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel. Critique sessions The purpose of critiques is to offer one s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers. Level of photography All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner or an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. Physical requirements Our guides will take us to a range of different locations by mini vans, most of which involve some short walks. Sometimes, we may take longer walks, but all excursions are optional and if you are tired, you can always sleep in and relax in the hotel. 20 Volcanoes of Kamchatka 21

12 THE TEAM IGNACIO PALACIOS Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish/ Australian travel photographer based on Planet Earth that stops in Sydney from time to time. He is best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was in engineering and management consultant for various companies in wind and renewable energies. Although he has been a part time photographer since 1998, he became a full time professional photographer in 2012 following the footsteps of three generations of photographers in his family. Ignacio has traveled around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than 80 countries in five different continents. He is one of the world s few full-time professional photographers/guides and he has led tours to Patagonia, the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Spain, Norway, Finland, and Iceland since Ignacio writes and provides images to numerous magazines and publications around the world, such as Luminous Landscape and Lonely Planet books and guides. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist and highly commended in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography or the Year, IPA, Head On, Eyes on Asia and the International Loupe awards. In 2014 he was awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country). LUKE AUSTIN Luke Austin is an Australian born landscape and nature photographer currently based in Perth, Western Australia. He has spent time travelling and photographing throughout Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Luke is out and about as often as possible looking for new compositions, view points and subject matter to photograph while continually refining and developing his photographic techniques. His passion and awareness of the outdoors shines through in his images. Some of Luke s photographic achievements include being named the 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the year, winner of the International Loupe Awards for the Landscape Photography category (2012) and being a featured artist at the Head On photo festival. His work has also been published in numerous media platforms across the globe. I have always felt a strong connection with the environment. I like to use the camera as a tool to create images that not only capture the physical location and conditions present but also communicate emotion, experience or an idea. When I am on location I try to relax in the environment and immerse myself in the surroundings. I am then able to absorb the intricate details, subtle light and form of the landscape. It is these times when I am out and about with camera in tow that I feel truly free. All the soppy stuff aside though... I just love taking and creating photographs. 22 Orca in Avacha Bay, Kamchatka 23

13 TERMS AND CONDITIONS WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES Tour dates: August 2018 (or 15 August 2 September for the extended trip) The tour commences and ends in Kamchatka (Russia) Cost of the workshop: 12 days workshop: USD$7,990 per person, twin share 19 days workshop (extended): USD$11,990 per person, twin share Optional single supplement US$1,490 (limited places) Maximum 12 participants A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop. Terms of payment A deposit of US$2,000 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else The remaining balance must be paid on or before 31 March 2018 Bookings will be accepted strictly in the order they are received Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 8 to run so please don t book your flights until this has been confirmed. Cancellation Policy A written notice of any cancellation must be received from you at which time the following cancellation fees will apply: If cancelled between 1st April 2018 and end of May 2018, 50% of the workshop cost will be payable If cancelled between 1st June 2018 and before departure, a fee equal to 100% of the workshop cost will be payable Failure to pay by the due dates will be considered a cancellation of the booking and fees paid will be nonrefundable Bookings made after 31 March 2018 must be paid in full No refunds will be made for unused portions of the workshop. The photography workshop is sold as a land package (no airfares included) Cancellation fees are not transferable. What s included Accommodation in hotels, huts and tents in Kamchatka with all land content Transportation (4WD, helicopters) All excursions All meals All photographic tuition and workshop materials for duration of the tour Post processing classes Transfers from and to airport Helicopter transfer to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and back Fees of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve for rendered services (visiting, escort, information support) Provision of camping gear (tents, kitchen equipment, etc) Group support services on the route (two guides and two cooks) Visa support from our travel agent in Kamchatka. What s not included Airfares from Australia/US and other international destinations Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is mandatory as a condition of booking Visas (see information about Visas below) Camera/Equipment Insurance Optional personal activities Alcohol consumption and extra beverages Tips to the local guides along the way Any other personal expenses. Camera gear There is really no limit to what camera gear you take but we always recommend to travel light. Check with your airline about weight restrictions. Whatever level of camera equipment you have, we will help to ensure you get the most out of it. Fitness/health considerations Sometimes participants will be required to walk on uneven terrain or tracks and hiking. A basic level of walking fitness will help, but this tour is not a hiking tour or a trekking tour so nothing extreme will be required. If you have concerns about your own capabilities or health please check with your doctor before booking a place. By signing the Registration Form, you guarantee that to the best of your knowledge, you do not have any physical or other disability that could create a risk for you or other tour participants. Once a booking has been accepted by IP Travel Photography, medical circumstances will not be accepted as an exemption to the Cancellation Policy above. Within the Registration Form, please indicate any health issues, allergies or dietary requirements. IP Travel Photography does not assume any responsibility or liability for medical care or special dietary requirements. If a participant become ill during the workshop, IP Travel Photography reserves the right to continue the tour for the benefit of the rest of the participants. IP Travel Photography will make every effort to assist you whilst trying to minimize disruption of the workshop for other participants Visas Please check with your consulate/ embassy regarding VISAS to enter Russia. Our travel agent in Kamchatka can provide support with any letters or requirements from the Russian Embassy or Consulate. Rights IP Travel Photography reserves the right to: Substitute hotels/ accommodation Make changes in the itinerary or transport if required due to changes in airline schedules, or when necessary Cancel the workshop prior to departure, in which case a full refund of all payments received will be given. If such event occurred, IP Travel Photography will not be responsible for any other expenses such as nonrefundable air fares, visa fees and other related expenses. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. Substitute the tour leader and guest photographer as originally specified, in which case this substitution will not entitle the participant to a refund Accept or refuse any person as a participant in the workshop Change the price of the workshop due to adverse currency exchange fluctuations, airline schedule changes, fuel and tax price charges. Liability The operation of the workshop is at the sole discretion of Ignacio Palacios, having in mind the wellbeing and interests of all participants and the safe and sensible operation of the program as specified within this itinerary IP Travel Photography does not accept any liability for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise of third party providers IP Travel Photography disclaims liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or trouble caused by force majeure or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on IP Travel Photography s part. IP Travel Photography IP Travel Photography is an ASIC business name with Australian Business Number and registered in Australia under the Business Names Registration Act IP Travel Photography (Ignacio Palacios) will guide and provide photography tuition to all participants during the tour. IP Travel Photography is not a travel agent or travel service provider

14 CHECKLIST The long journey to Kamchatka is absolutely worth it! As soon as you arrive your jaw hits the floor and remains there for the duration of the trip. Here is a list of some of the things that you might need. Camera equipment DSLR or Medium Format (check your baggage allowance with your airline/travel agent) Tripod with quick release plate Standard zoom, wide angle and telephoto lenses Lots of batteries and chargers Shutter cable release Polarising filter and ND filters Laptop computer with Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One External backup drives and memory cards for storage. We recommend to shrink-wrap your baggage at your Australian/ International departure airport. Ensure your telephoto lenses are packed in protective packs designed for such lenses. We also recommend that you pack your camera equipment as your hand luggage as much as possible so that if the checked-in baggage is lost or delayed at least you can start photographing as soon as you arrive. Note: Please contact me if you want to discuss equipment for this trip. It can get pretty chilly so please follow our recommendations in clothing. Clothing and other Hiking boots (well-worn in) Gore-Tex mandatory Very warm jacket mandatory (can be Gore-Tex or use a warm jacket and put a think Gore-Tex on top). Temperatures can be below zero during the nights Gloves and hat mandatory Snow trousers/waterproof pants mandatory Thermals (both legs and body) mandatory Thin gloves to shoot mandatory Water bottle or camel pack Sunglasses (mandatory to walk on the snow) Raincoat/waterproof jacket mandatory Wind jacket and warm jumper mandatory Head torch mandatory Alarm clock/smart phone IP Travel Photography reserves the right to cancel this workshop. In the event of this happening, all payments received will be refunded but participants shall have no further claim against IP Travel Photography arising from such cancellation. Any such refund will not include payments for any bookings for other services made in addition to the itinerary outlined above. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. To reserve your place for 2018 or to make an enquiry, please ignacio@iptravelphotography. com.au 26 Sea Eagle (haliaeetus pelagicus) 27

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16 TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2018 OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY, PLEASE IP Travel Photography