A SCHOONER EXPEDITION EXPLORE GREENLAND & ICELAND PREMIERE SCHOONER EXPIDITION
13 DAYS OF ADVENTURE
Photo by David Trud
Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your next adventure workshop. Better Moments was founded in 2011 by Philip Boissevain and me, two experienced veterans of the international professional photography industry. We met when working at Hasselblad, Philip as the Global Marketing manager and me as the Global Photographer Relations manager. Today Better Moments has become the leading photo workshop platform organizing high-end workshops for photo enthusiasts worldwide. You will learn from the world’s most experienced photographers within their fields to refine your personal style and sharpen your technical skills. Additionally, we want you to share your excitement for photography and enjoy great moments in life. And we want you to explore your passion and expand your photographic skills and vision.
Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Anders Lundgren Text editor: Jeff Grant All images and text in this catalog are under International Copyright Legislation. However, Better Moment’s guests and potential customers may download the catalog for private use, but not for any commercial use. Any violation of the International Copyright Legislation will be reported to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Cover photo by Donna Wood
Better Moments mission is to deliver exclusive workshops in landscape, wildlife and travel photography at unique locations around the world. I want you to explore your passion for photography and work and earn from the world’s most renowned photographers who all have excellent teaching skills, local knowledge and experience. Photography with passion, Christian Nørgaard
PREMIERE SCHOONER EXPIDITION
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH PASSION
Photo by Donna Wood
A SCHOONER EXPEDITION Greenland offers some of the most spectacular and unspoiled scenery on earth. On this workshop you travel along the coastline of East Greenland, exploring its majestic icebergs, glorious landscapes and rich wildlife. We’ll end up at the beautiful Ittoqqortoormiit “Scorebysund”, with a complex network of smaller fjords as well as one the worlds longest fjords.
PREMIERE SCHOONER EXPIDITION
Photo by Donna Wood
TRAVEL Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops. We want you to explore your passion for photography and work with the world’s most renowned photographer, Magnus Elander during your Greenland expedition.
COMBINE WITH AN ICELAND WORKSHOP This is our most ambitious workshop so far. We have combined the best of Greenland and the best of Iceland – offering you a true Northern adventure. Because many travel great distances for this expedition, we have decided to offer a great Iceland workshop, before the Greenland adventure starts. KICKSTART IN ICELAND
HIGHLIGHTS Chances to shoot the Aurora Borealis. Sail, live and photograph from a beautiful schooner. Discover amazing glaciers. Explore some of the worlds most isolated villages. Basalt mountains and high sheer granite cliffs. Muskoxen, snow hares, grouse, geese and other wildlife.
expansiveness, dynamic energy and the simplicity of natural landscape photography. ON LOCATION Teaching and training in the best techniques with personal hints and advice.
All transport, hotels and food in Iceland and Greenland. Flight to Greenland from Iceland, schooner cabin, zodiac tours. BEGIN IN GREENLAND
for
whale
Landscape photography massive icebergs.
with
How to handle equipment with care on location.
Glacier trip to the snow cap of Snaefellsjökull (Iceland) reaching 1446 meters. Brúarfoss (Iceland), one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and many other amazing waterfalls. Shoot between continental plates (Iceland) and see the clearest water on earth. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Learn how to approach the unique challenges of landscape photography and how to capture
The price includes:
Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground, middle ground and background. Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure times and different apertures.
Great opportunities watching.
Those who want to join the Iceland workshop will meet us in Reykjavik. You can kickstart your adventure by exploring Iceland for five days before we fly to Greenland, to begin our expedition on the great Donna Wood schooner.
Private hands-on lessons that can help to take your photography skills to the next level. IN CLASSROOM Expert review and constructive criticism of shots taken during the day. Private portfolio review. A Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to generally guide and help.
Those who don’t want to join the Iceland workshop will meet the group and fly together to Greenland. BOOK TODAY Bear in mind that we will run workshops everyday and we will make sure that we will be at the best locations at the best times of the day, night and morning – this is your opportunity to shoot images never taken before!
PRICE & BOOKING
Photo by Donna Wood
WITH PASSION
MAGNUS Magnus Elander who was born in 1946, and is a professional photographer and author with special focus on wildlife, nature and science. Magnus has participated in expeditions and cruises around the Arctic for nearly forty years and spent three years in Greenland. He was awarded BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2003 and has published features and images in Swedish and international magazines and newspapers, such as National Geographic Magazine, Terre Sauvage and BBC Wildlife. Magnus has written and coauthored ten books about the Arctic, ecotourism and Scandinavia’s large predators. The World Wide Fund has also recognized him with the “Pandabook of the year” award three times.
Explore Greenland together with award winning Swedish wildlife photographer
Magnus has previously worked on assignments for WWF International, Swedish Polar Research Council, Swedish Maritime Administration, Cosmonova IMAX theater, Danish Polar Center, Sirius Dog-sledge Patrol and several expedition companies. His photos have been shown at exhibitions in Sweden, Norway, Canada, Japan and Germany. Magnus is one of the founders of a national visitor center called ”The Scandinavian Big Five” and is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Magnus also has been and continues to be an expedition leader on cruises and private expedition cruises to Greenland.
Photo by private
ELANDER
Photo by Magnus Elander
WILD MUSK OXES, GREENLAND
Photo by Magnus Elander
ONE OF MANY DAILY VIEWS FROM THE SCHOONER
Photo by Magnus Elander
ITINERARY ICELAND DAY 1
DAY 5
ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
BETWEEN CONTINENTAL PLATES AND CLEAREST WATER ON EARTH
Better Moments will meet you in Reykjavik for dinner and present the upcoming Iceland and Greenland workshop. DAY 2 SNAEFELLSNES, BASALT CLIFFS, BLACK PEBBLES AND LAVA FORMATIONS Departure for Snaefellsnes. Shooting the steep basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi and the motion of the sea. Just a few kilometers north are the huge sea stacks and lava formation of Lóndrangar. We’ll also be shooting along Djupalónsandur Beach with its black pebbles and cubist basalt walls.
In the evening we arrive at our hotel, but first we stop at Thingvellir to shoot the crack between the North-American and the European continental plates and the volcanic landscape. We’ll also shoot at the crystal clear waters of Silfrá. This dreamlike water area with its 200 m visibility has some of the clearest water on earth. We meet in the evening for a briefing about Greenland and a ” get together drink ” in the center of Reykjavik.
PRICE & BOOKING
DAY 3 GLACIER TRIP AND AURORA BOREALIS A full day glacier trip to the snow cap of Snaefellsjökull reaching 1446 m. Later we’ll have an evening session of the mesmerizing aurora borealis at Kirkjufell on the north side of Snaefellsnes.
HOME
DAY 4 MAGICAL BRÚARFOSS AND MAJESTIC GULLFOSS Departure from Snaefellsnes. A full day shooting waterfalls. First stop at the complex system of waterfalls at Hraunfossar. Where the water comes straight out of lava field and enters a 1 km long canyon. Next stop is at Brúarfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Evening shoot of aurora borealis at the gigantic waterfall Gullfoss.
Photo by Christian Nørgaard, Iceland
ITINERARY GREENLAND DAY 1/5
DAY 4/8
ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
FØHNFJORD
We encourage all our guests to arrive in Iceland at least one day before we depar for Greenland. We meet in the evening for a briefing and a “get together drink” in the center of Reykjavik.
Sail west through the narrow Føhnfjord with the majestic basalt mountains of Gåseland on the port side, and 2000m high sheer granite cliffs of Milne Land on the Starboard side. After being up close to the peculiar looking Red Island, and even landing on the red sandstone shore, the tour continues to the north through Rødefjord, which is often filled with both larger icebergs and ice crust from disintegrating icebergs. We arrive in Harefjord in the late afternoon where anchors are set for two nights.
DAY 2/6 EXPEDITION START Depart Keflavík for a flight to Constable Point in Greenland. Embark the Better Moments Schooner and then sail towards the village of Ittoqqortoormiit where the evening is spent with locals in perhaps the most isolated village of the world. DAY 3/7 SAIL WEST Sail west between whole palaces of icebergs gently drifting under the influence of the currents in the Arctic waters of the mighty fjord of Scoresby Sound. These icbergs have recently calved from parent glaciers originating in the Inland Ice. Anchor at Hekla Havn, on Denmark Ø, the site of an old Inuit settlement and wintering camp of the first scientific expedition to Scoresby Sound over a hundred years ago. An evening walk exploring Hekla Havn, and the surrounding area.
DAY 5/9 HAREFJORD The whole day is spent ashore in Harefjord scouting for muskoxen, snow hares, grouse, geese and other wildlife, which normally graze on the south facing slopes. Between 6 and 7 hours of easy to moderate hiking with a lunch break at the top of a ridge rewards us with a breath taking view over Harefjord where the glacier tongues descend into the sea. Those who prefer less exercise can stroll along the coast or stay on board enjoying the view. In the evening we make a bonfire and enjoy a BBQ on the rocky beach. DAY 6/10 THE AWESOME ØFJORD
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HOME
Photo by Donna Wood
The sailing continues eastwards. This is one of the most spectacular parts of the trip. Terrific mountain peaks and granite walls tower 200 meters up from the sea just as though the Cerro Torre (one of the majestic mountains of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in South America) and Fitzroy river (in Queensland, Australia) were moved to the Arctic: A true feast for the cameras. Usually the sea
breeze in the Øfjord during the middle of the day allows sails to be set. We get a close look at some of the most amazing cliffs and a glacier front. This day ends by setting anchor in Jyttes Havn Bjørneøe in the late afternoon. DAY 7/11 BEAR ISLANDS The day is spent hiking in and around Jytteshavn in Bear Islands as this is possibly one of the nicest and most picturesque anchorages in Scoresby Sound. There are two options of a longer or shorter hike in the Bear Islands, or on the northernmost tip of Milneland, a short zodiac ride away. In the evening, night photography and bonfire on the beach. DAY 8/12 MAJESTIC ICEBERGS Sailing the channel between the Bear Islands and Milne land with a breathtaking view of the spectacular archipelago. As we sail into the last evening and night of the trip it is likely that we’ll be experiencing sights of the largest and the most fascinating icebergs of the journey. This provides a fantastic opportunity for photographs of the majestic and impressive icebergs that are often found in this particular area. When we wake up the next morning we are anchored at the airstrip in Constable Point. DAY 9/13 MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY Morning photography and workshops. Disembark the schooner for your aircraft in Constable Point and fly back to Keflavík Iceland for departure to home destinations.
Photo by Donna Wood
A passionate photographer speaks out “Over the past few years I have been privileged to travel and explore the coast and mountains of Iceland and also further afield above the Arctic Circle in Sweden and Greenland. These remote, wild landscapes are the inspiration for ‘Nature’s Elements’.” Ross Brown
DONNA WOOD Expedition ship Donna Wood, Danish shipbuilding tradition at its very best
HISTORY AT SEA
DECK PLAN
Donna Wood is a beautiful two masted oak ship built in 1918, representing Danish shipbuilding tradition at its very best. Donna Wood was originally built as a lighthouse ship but in 1990 the ship underwent extensive restoration and was equipped with rigging and sails.
Single cabin with shared shower/WC no: 6 Twin cabin with shared shower/WC no: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
YOUR HOME FOR ADVENTURE Donna Wood is a roomy ship with a deck saloon seating 24 and ample space below deck comfortably accommodating 12 people in 7 cabins equipped with washbasins and closets. The hallway features spacious shared shower facilities and toilets.
SALOON
WC Shower
WC Shower
PREMIERE SCHOONER EXPIDITION
PRICE & BOOKING
HOME
Photo by Donna Wood
GREENLAND
ICELAND
and its neighbour Strokkur, which erupts every five minutes or so.
VISA
GETTING THERE
The tourist entry requirements for Greenland are the same as for Denmark, except Greenland is not a member of EU or a party in the Schengen agreement. This means citizens of Nordic Countries need only bring a valid identification card. Three-month visa-free stays are available to citizens of EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Kore, Brunei and several central-European and Latin American countries. Most ex-Soviet and African nationals require a Danish visa
There are several flights, many on a daily basis in the summer, from a number of major European and North American gateways to Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. Flight times are approximately 3 hours from London and about 5 hours from New York. Keflavik is 48 km to the west of Reykjavík. Domestic flights, flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands operate mostly out of Reykjavík Airport, which is located in the city center.
Þingvellir National Park, a beautiful landscape of watercut lava fields, which is historically important as the site of Iceland’s parliament from 930 AD.
WEATHER
VISA
The official language of Greenland is Greenlandic and most Greenlanders speak Danish and English as well.
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Nationals of EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) countries only need a valid national identity card or passport for entry. All other visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, and some will need a visa. Please check with the local embassy.
CURRENCY
WEATHER
The currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK).
Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, but the weather is known to change quickly and often. The average daily temperature in Reykjavik ranges from -1°C in January to 11°C in July.
The average daily temperature in Ilulissat during August ranges normally from -3°C to 1°C. LANGUAGE
QUICK GUIDE Great opportunities watching
for
whale
Landscape photography with massive icebergs
Vatnajökull glacier is in Southeast Iceland and is Europe’s largest glacier. Jökulsarlon, the largest glacier lake in Iceland, is located off Route 1 and part of Vatnajökull glacier. In the colder months, one may frequently get stunning views of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), anywhere away from city lights. Whale watching available all year from Reykjavik and during the summer from Husavik. Iceland is one of the safest places in the world, and there is almost no risk of getting robbed or harassed EMERGENCY Emergency phone number: 112.
PRICE & BOOKING
HOME
LANGUAGE
During the colder months one may on occasion see the magnificient aurora borealis
The official language is Icelandic, but most Icelanders speak English.
Eqip Sermia Glacier, a large glacier in the vicinity of Ilulissat.
CURRENCY
EMERGENCY
The Icelandic monetary unit is the Krona (ISK).
Emergency phone number: 112.
QUICK GUIDE The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and the most famous sight in Iceland. The Gullfoss waterfall is spectacular. Geysir, the namesake of all geysers, Photo by Donna Wood
QUICK GUIDE We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible
EQUIPMENT Whether this is your first trip or your ”hundredth” workshop with us, it’s always helpful to have a rundown of what items you may want to pack so you have a travel checklist. Bookmark this packing list, because you’ll want to refer back to it to make sure you’ve thought of everything you might want to pack.
CLOTHING A good plan is to dress “layer-by-layer”. You then are well prepared for whatever weather arrives. Wind and waterproof jacket Wind and waterproof pants Rubber boots - with room for extra (wool) socks Hiking boots
Fleece/sweater
NICE TO HAVE
Cap
Sunscreen
Gloves
Sunglasses
Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land.
A swimsuit (for hot springs in Iceland only)
A small backpack Binoculars
Wool underwear
CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer. Bring you own laptop computer and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod
Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses
NICE TO HAVE Lens extenders
Charger for batteries
Camera straps for ease of changing from one camera to another
Spare batteries
Graduated filter set
Standard power converter
Filter holder
Lenses, 24-70mm zoom and 70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good
Raw processing software
High quality polarizing filter
Memory cards and card wallets
Lens belt
Bag for all camera gear
Memory card reader
Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories
USB key to exchange images
Photo by Donna Wood
PHOTOGRAPHER Ross Brown was awarded Photographer Of The Month, November 2015 Regular Better Moments traveler, Ross Brown, has received several international and prestigious photography awards, and has been selected for this month’s Photographer of the Month award. Ross Brown is a true inspiration for all photographers, as he has a special talent for details, colors, compositions and capture of dramatic light. The photo was taken in Ilulissat Icefjord, captured from our private Better Moments helicopter.
BETTERMOMENTS.COM
OF THE MONTH
Each month we select a photographer from one of our many workshops who deserves special recognition. The Photographer of the Month is chosen by the Better Moments workshop experts, including Better Moments CEO, Christian Nørgaard.