Main Catalogue

Page 1

HIGH-END PHOTO WORKSHOPS

for enthusiasts worldwide BETTER MOMENTS MAIN CATALOG

ALL OUR WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Steve McCurry

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry - National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg - National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway - AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom - National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami - writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor - Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones - Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Joel Santos - Travel Photographer Of The Year Michael Nichols - wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg - Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro - World Press Photo Award Magali Tarouca - journalist, teacher, travel photography guide Christian Nørgaard - CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry

Read about Better Moment's Burma workshop with Steve McCurry in this catalogue!


Better Moments workshops 2020 Table of contents BURMA 5 FINLAND 37 GREENLAND 61 NETHERLANDS 89 AUSTRALIA 119 ETHIOPIA 147 SVALBARD 185 FAROEISLANDS 219 INDIA 251 NAMIBIA 293

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

FOR ACTUAL DATES, PLEASE VISIT BETTER-MOMENTS.COM


BURMA

Behind the scenes with

Steve McCurry

9 days of adventure


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Steve McCurry

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry - National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg - National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway - AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom - National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami - writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor - Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones - Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Joel Santos - Travel Photographer Of The Year Michael Nichols - wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg - Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro - World Press Photo Award Magali Tarouca - journalist, teacher, travel photography guide Christian Nørgaard - CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry


PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY




Explore Burma Burma is one of the few countries in Asia that has preserved its deep religious and historical roots. Today, the country has just started opening up for foreign visitors and we are pleased to offer a workshop to this alluring land led by award-winning photographer Steve McCurry. Drift down the Irrawaddy to capture life along the river, admire the thousand-year-old temples and pagodas that dot this magnificent country. Dig into the myriad dishes of the local cuisine, from a hearty bowl of mo­hinga noodles for breakfast to the fermented tea-leaf mixture that’s a popular finish to a Burmese meal. Swap cocktails and cana­pés for snacks and tea sweetened with condensed milk at tea houses where you can chat with locals.

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

Burma


Expand with passion Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Steve McCurry, during your Burma workshop. ■ ON LOCATION □ Learning and training in the

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism of the images taken during the day

□ How to create portraits of daily life in villages we visit

□ Portfolio review □ Presentation of Steve McCurry’s work

□ 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.

best techniques

□ Composition and focus on

lines, golden section, perspective, foreground

□ Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure times and aperture

□ How to handle equipment with care on location

□ Private hands-on lessons

that can help take your photography skills to the next level

□ How to approach locals in a

PRICE & BOOKING PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

natural way The secrets behind travel and reportage photography




PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY


Explore Burma together with award winning photographer Steve McCurry Steve’s work has been featured in every major magazine in the world and frequently appears in National Geographic magazine with recent articles on Tibet, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and the temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

” The photograph is an undeniably powerful medium. Free from the constraints of language, and harnessing the unique qualities of a single moment frozen in time.” Steve McCurry

Telling stories can have a heavy price. But Steve is always ready to take that chance and has experienced them close-up many times. He sneaked across the Pakistan border in 1979 to cover the conflict in rebel-controlled Afghanistan and has since then been shot at, robbed, mortared, beaten up, arrested, nearly drowned and had other close encounters during assignments around the world. Steve, in the finest documentary tradition, captures the essence of human struggle and joy. Steve’s work has been featured in every major magazine in the world and frequently appears in National Geographic Magazine with recent articles on Tibet, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and the temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. McCurry is driven by an innate curiosity and sense of wonder about the world and everyone in it. He has an uncanny ability to cross boundaries of language and culture to capture stories of human experience.

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

McCurry is driven by an innate curiosity and sense of wonder about the world and everyone in it.




PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY



PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY



PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY


Itinerary DAY 1

DAY 4

DAY 7

Upon arrival you will be picked up at Mandalay airport and transferred to our hotel. After dinner there will be an introduction to the workshop with Steve McCurry presenting his magnificent work. This will be followed by a session on how to capture great portraits and how to approach people along the way.

Morning workshop: We will work on our images and Steve will offer constructive feedback of your best shots. We will visit the beautiful U Bein’s Bridge, a 1.2 km long walkway across the Taungthaman Lake built in teak more than 200 years ago. The bridge is used daily by many monks and locals, and is one of the most photographed sights in Burma. After dinner, Steve will present his most iconic and award-winning pictures.

Spend the day exploring the lake, from lush floating gardens to vibrant lakeside markets. At the Phaung Daw U Pagoda, see five Buddha images so smothered in gold leaf that they have lost all trace of their original forms. Take a Shan cooking class or watch artisans at work at a silk weaving workshop. After lunch in a floating house, wander among hundreds of Shan-style stupas in Inn Dein, and visit Ngaphechaung Monastery, perched over the water on stilts and teak planks.

■ MANDALAY, MYANMAR

DAY 2

■ MANDALAY Set off on an all-day cruise on the Irrawaddy River, stopping first in Sagaing, where myriad pagodas gleam white and gold on the hillside. Take in the view from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, and observe daily life at a convent and a community school. Continue up river to Inwa and hop onto horse carts to visit Nan Myint Tower, Menu Ok-kyaung Monastery and the teak Bagaya Monastery. Enjoy lunch on board as we sail to Mingun, home to a massive, unfinished pagoda. Watch the sunset over the river on our return to Mandalay. After dinner there will be private image reviews by Steve.

DAY 3

MANDALAY Rise early to witness the morning face-washing ceremony of the Mahamuni Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. Admire the carvings of the Shwenandaw Monastery and see the 729 chiseled marble slabs of Kuthodaw Pagoda. Explore the city wall and its moat and then stop in at a gold-leaf workshop.

■ MANDALAY

DAY 5

■ MANDALAY Street photography. The program for the day is quite flexible. Steve will assist, guide and teach you how to approach people and locations, and there will be great opportunities to practice portrait and reportage photography in some of world’s most stunning locations. After dinner Steve will present his most iconic and award-winning pictures.

DAY 6

■ HEHO / INLE LAKE Fly to Heho and travel overland to Inle Lake, visiting Shweyanpyay Monastery and Nyaungshwe village along the way. Enjoy an afternoon on the lake, stopping at floating villages and pagodas on shore, and gliding past fishermen poling their skiffs with one leg.

■ HEHO / INLE LAKE

DAY 8

■ HEHO / INLE LAKE We will enjoy the beauty of the hazy blue Shan plateau and the hilly region. We will also visit the Pindaya Cave houses, see 8,094 Buddha images, visit an umbrella workshop made of pulp. Later in the day we proceed to Inle and visit Shweyanpye Monastery, a typical Shan Monastery made of wood, which is about 500 years old, and its 700-year-old pagoda. We will see the small Buddha images in niches painted traditionally by Shan people. Farewell dinner and a thorough review of some of your best workshop photos led by Steve. DAY 9

■ HEHO / INLE LAKE After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

PRICE & BOOKING


PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY



PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE All international flights arrive at Mandalay airport. The most common route to Mandalay airport is via Bangkok.

■ VISA All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, and all visitors will need a visa. The visa application process is handled by the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, and can be done in person, by representative or by post. It takes 5-10 working days to get the tourist visa application processed.

■ WEATHER

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

The southwest monsoon starts around the end of May, bringing frequent rain until October, peaking from July to September. March to May brings intense heat. At this time, the daily temperatures in Yangon often reach 40ºC, while areas around Bagan and Mandalay go a few degrees higher.

■ LANGUAGE Burmese is the official language of Burma, and the primary language of instruction. English is the secondary language taught.

■ CURRENCY The Burmese monetary unit is the Kyat (K).

■ QUICK GUIDE One of the most fascinating aspects of travel in Burma is the opportunity to experience a corner of Asia that, in many ways, has changed little since British colonial times. Being cut off from the rest of the world for so many decades, Myanmar has achieved a unique preservation of culture bounded by a rich, unspoiled landscape. Abundant in natural resources, the landscape of Myanmar ranks among the most breathtaking sights anywhere in the world. It’s also a country of many incredible and sometimes surreal sites. Contemplate the 4,000 sacred stupas scattered across the plains of Bagan. Stare in disbelief at the Golden Rock teetering impossibly on the edge of a chasm. Ride a horse cart past colonial-era mansions. Meet multi-talented monks who have taught their cats to jump, or feisty elderly Chin women, their faces tattooed with intricate designs.

PRICE & BOOKING



PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY


Equipment ■

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer

and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod Lenses,If you are working with a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY

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.




PHOTO BY STEVE MCCURRY


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


FINLAND Northern lights & artworks of nature

Expert

Tom D. Jones E

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8 days of adventure


Better Moments means Photography with passion 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Tom D. Jones

Christian Nørgaard


D ex ph the isco clu ot v f siv ogr utu er e F ap re inl hy of an at d w ou or r ks ho

p

Better Moments & Phase One EXPLORER Finland BETTER MOMENTS & PHASE ONE EXPLORER is your gateway to working with top of the line equipment from Phase One, while simultaneously exploring one of the most scenic destinations on the planet. We provide guests with free exclusive access to the power and versatility of the Phase One Premiere XF Camera System and Capture One soft-

ware, as well as continuous support and training from both Phase One experts and award-winning Better Moments photographers. This workshop offers you the opportunity to learn, discover and explore the dramatic landscapes of Finland together with passionate and like-minded enthusiasts, using the best photographic equipment on the market.

All our guests will receive – for free – exclusive Phase One equipment, software and training for use during this workshop, including: • Premiere XF Camera System sent directly to your private address for training before the workshop • One-to-one Master Class with a Phase One expert prior to departure and after ended workshop • CaptureOne Software training and support before and during workshop • Follow-up training and support from Phase One after completion of workshop



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES



Explore Journey to the edge of the Arctic Circle to immerse yourself in the wild and untamed landscape of Finland, exploring the unspoiled beauty of its endless pine forests and majestic fells. The five national parks surrounding Kuusamo offer an incredible selection of subjects for nature and landscape photography, including spectacular frozen waterfalls, enchanting snow-covered forests, and of course a chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights.

Kuusamo

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

•


Highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Tom D. Jones, during your Finland expedition.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ You will learn how to approach

■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Capture one of nature’s most

□ Working with different angle

□ Landscape photography in the mornings and evenings

□ Workshops on techniques and shooting strategies for northern lights-, landscape- and intimate landscape photography

□ Photograph the picturesque frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Nature Reserve.

□ Join an exhilarating snow scooter ride to shoot pictures along the desolate Russian border.

□ Enjoy traditional bonfire dinners

and try an authentic Finnish smoke sauna.

■ ON LOCATION □ The best techniques with personal hints and advices.

□ Composition, focusing on lines, perspective and balance in the frame. lenses, exposure times and aperture.

□ Photographing scenes in all light conditions.

□ Handling equipment with care on location.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive

criticism of the images taken during the day.

□ Portfolio review. □ A Better Moments Certified

Photo Instructor will be available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

impressive displays of light and colour, the Northern Lights!

the unique challenges of landscape photography in different light conditions, as well as capturing the Northern Lights and stars using long exposures.




PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Explore Finland together with award winning photographer Tom D. Jones

Tom D. Jones is Better Moments’ guide to the wonders of Finland. During the workshop, Tom will deliver educational and inspiring seminars and give personal guidance on location in Finland.

But besides doing stunning landscape photography, some of Tom’s best work is pure fine art. For example, the amazing Papillon series of butterflies. “I shot the images for ‘Papillon’ with a 120 mm macro lens. The shots are super-sharp and really reveal the extraordinary detail of these beautiful creatures. You don’t appreciate how stunning these insects are until you get right up close to them."

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

His work represents artistic photography with simple and yet complex compositions. Tom’s perspective introduces us to a world of perplexing beauty, serene and simple compositions with light and depth, always containing a creative touch of movement.




Photography with passion Tom was raised by an amateur photographer, his father, and spent many hours in the darkroom and with the slide projector. Consequently, his father’s passion rubbed off on him and Tom found himself, through the years, drawn to contemporary art and fine art photography. In the beginning, after being self-taught, he worked on commissioned photography while using his spare time to unwind and express creativity through photography. As photography became part of his life, it also led him to the woman of his dreams. He found a lady sharing his interest in photography. Tom and his wife, Sylvia, wanted the same thing, that is their very own photo studio. In 1999 they started their first studio together. Talking about becoming a great photographer, Tom replies in an interview to Digital SLR Photography: “There are no secrets; I do not have to trouble myself to do so. Lionel Messi does not have secrets to becoming such a great footballer either. I built my career up through very hard work and being very critical of myself. Start small and give yourself time to grow. If you create quality products and provide good service, clients will always find you — they will spread the word and so on. Firstly, save money to buy a good DSLR and a good set of lenses. Once you have clients and tasks, you will see that you can afford more and more. In the beginning, however, you have to live sober and invest all that hard-earned money in yourself and your company."

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Itinerary DAY 1

DAY 4

DAY 7

You will be picked up at Kuusamo Airport and taken to Rukatunturi, an idyllic resort of traditional wood chalets, high up in the fells. Here you will be equipped and fitted with all the necessary accoutrements for winter photography in Finland (snowshoes, overalls, etc.) and will have a chance to settle in before joining the rest of the team for a welcome dinner and briefing. In the evening we will visit the Riisitunturi National Park to capture the sunset as it shines across pristine snow-laden wetlands.

LIGHTS This morning will be spent with workshops, assessing shots taken so far, as well as some free time to explore the surrounding area and practice new techniques. After dinner at the lodge, congregate under the stars as we prepare to hunt for prize shots of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.

This morning’s workshop is all about the art of landscape photography using snowmobiles. Learn some useful tips and trips for handling equipment and getting the best shots, in preparation for the day ahead. After lunch, you will set out on an exciting snowmobile safari along the Russian border and across the otherworldly landscape of Kuntivaara, speeding among the snow-covered forest that resembles something from another planet. Weather permitting an atmospheric outdoor dinner will be served, taking full advantage of the impressive scenery. This remote location offers the ideal setting to capture the incredible night-time shots of starry skies and the Northern Lights at its most beautiful.

■ ARRIVAL IN KUUSAMO

DAY 2

■ KONTTAINEN HILL AND

KÄYLÄKOSKI Today you will take in the incredible views from atop Konttainen Hill, giving you a panoramic perspective of the surrounding lakes and rivers. Afterwards we will continue to Kiveskoski and Käylänkoski, two of the most scenic stretches of the River Kitka, backdropped against the densely forested Russian border.

DAY 3

■ CHASING FROZEN WATER-

FALLS Depart from Rukatunturi in the morning, towards Oivangin Lomakartano, where you will have lunch and participate in one-to-one workshops on location. The highlight of the day is the frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Nature Reserve. Along the trail you will have the chance to photograph 14 sparkling examples of nature’s artistry, offering ample opportunities to get the perfect shots of these icy marvels surrounded by snow-covered forest.

■ HUNTING THE NORTHERN

DAY 5

■ OULANKA NATIONAL PARK

AND SAUNA EXPERIENCE From Oivangin Lomakartano, we make our way to the Kiutaköngäs Rapids in the heart of Oulanka National Park. This dramatic collection of roaring waterfalls is renowned as one of the most impressive in Finland and makes for impressive photography from almost any angle. In the evening there will be the possibility of partaking in the full Finnish smoke sauna experience and dive into the ice cold waters afterwards (only for the really adventurous!)

DAY 6

■ BIG LANDSCAPES ON THE

PIENI KARHUNKIERROS TRAIL Today we will make our way along a famous hiking trail, creating dramatic compositions using the deep ravines of the Myllykoski and Jyrävä Rapids, the dense snowtopped vegetation and vastness of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, enjoy a simple Finnish lunch as you warm yourself by a wood stove in a hut surrounded by the open wilderness.

■ SNOWMOBILE SAFARI

DAY 8

■ DEPARTURE Check-out after breakfast and say goodbye to your guide and fellow participants. We look forward to welcoming you on your next Better Moments workshop! IMPORTANT Due to weather our program may change. Better Moments will arrange one pickup transfer and one return transfer to the airport on the arrival- and the departure day.

PRICE & BOOKING


PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


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.

□W ind and waterproof jacket □W ind and waterproof pants □ R ubber boots - with room for

extra (wool) socks Hiking boots Wool underwear Fleece/sweater Cap Gloves Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land. A small backpack Binoculars

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ S unscreen □ S unglasses

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ C amera bodie(s) □ T ripod □ L enses □ B ag for all camera gear □ L ight bag for easy hiking with

camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ L ens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of

changing from one camera to another G raduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

□ □ □ □

PHOTO BY TO


OM D. JONES



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


GREENLAND Into the Icecap

Amazing Greenland with Phase One Explorer

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Better Moments means Photography with passion 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson Text editor: Laura Graf 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Tom D. Jones

Christian Nørgaard


Di ex t h p clu ho e scov siv to fut er e G gra ure re phy of en lan at o d w ur or ks h

op

Better Moments & Phase One EXPLORER Greenland BETTER MOMENTS & PHASE ONE EXPLORER is your gateway to working with top of the line equipment from Phase One, while simultaneously exploring one of the most scenic destinations on the planet. We provide guests with free exclusive access to the power and versatility of the Phase One Premiere XF Camera System and Capture One soft-

ware, as well as continuous support and training from both Phase One experts and award-winning Better Moments photographers. This workshop offers you the opportunity to learn, discover and explore the dramatic landscapes of Greenland together with passionate and like-minded enthusiasts, using the best photographic equipment on the market.

All our guests will receive – for free – exclusive Phase One equipment, software and training for use during this workshop, including: • Premiere XF Camera System sent directly to your private address for training before the workshop • One-to-one Master Class with a Phase One expert prior to departure and after ended workshop • CaptureOne Software training and support before and during workshop • Follow-up training and support from Phase One after completion of workshop



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES



Amazing Greenland with Phase One Explorer Greenland truly is paradise for any landscape photographer. Combining raw wilderness, fascinating scenery and outstanding clarity of light like only a few other places, your trip to the world’s largest non-continental island will be worthwhile. We will explore some of the world’s most magnificent fjords, see spectacular mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and – if we are lucky – we will even spot whales and get a glimpse at the Northern Lights.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY For years, Better Moments has organist amazing aerial photography in Greenland, shooting over the icecap and Greenland’s stunning scenery. So don’t miss this unique opportunity to photograph Greenland from above together with the best. This offer is optional, hence, if you wish to join this particular workshop please let us know in advance. The price depends on the number of guests, who will join the aerial photography workshop.

BETTER MOMENTS & PHASE ONE EXPLORER is your gateway to working with top of the line equipment from Phase One, while also photographing one of the most spectacular natural phenomena: the northern lights. We provide participants with FREE exclusive access to the power and versatility of the Phase One Premiere XF Camera System and Capture One software, as well as continuous support and training from both Phase One experts and award-winning Better Moments photographers. This workshop offers you the opportunity to learn, discover and explore the dramatic landscapes of Greenland together with passionate and like-minded enthusiasts, using the best photographic equipment on the market.

FOR FREE All our guests will receive – for free – exclusive Phase One equipment, software and training for use during this workshop, including:

□ P remiere XF Camera System sent

directly to your private address for training before the workshop.

□O ne-to-one Master Class with a

Phase One expert prior to departure and after ended workshop.

□ C aptureOne Software training and PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

support before and during workshop.

□ F ollow-up training and support from Phase One after completion of workshop.


Highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Tom D. Jones, during your Greenland expedition.

■ ON LOCATION □ The best techniques with personal hints and advices.

□ Composition, focusing on lines, perspective and balance in the frame.

□ Working with different angle lenses, exposure times and aperture.

□ Photographing scenes having a high dynamic range..

□ Handling equipment with care on location.

■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Visit of the Icecap. □ Evening and night photography

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive

□ Landscape photography from

□ Portfolio review. □ Workflow in Phase One’s Capture

in and around the Inuit town of Ilulissat. sea level inside the ice fjord.

criticism of the images taken during the day.

□ Helicopter flight around Disko

One software.

□ Boat tour around Disko bay and

Photo Instructor will be available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general.

bay and the mouth of the fjord. the ice fjord.

□ Workshops on techniques and

shooting strategies for boat, night and landscape photography.

□ A Better Moments Certified

the unique challenges of landscape photography and how to capture spaciousness, dynamic energy and the simplicity of natural landscape photography.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ You will learn how to approach




PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


GREENLAND

Kangerlussuaq

AREA ENLARGED

DISKO ISLAND

Qaqertarsuaq

Aasiaat

Copenhagen

Eqi Glacier

Ilulissat

Qasigiannguit

Arrive a day early, get over your jet lag and explore Copenhagen with your own private photo guide on a Better Moments PhotoWalk. More details on www.bmphotowalks.com Kangerlussuaq

FLI

GH

TC

OP

EN

HA

GE

N– GR EEN (NO LA T IN C LU N D – CO DE PEN D) H

AG

EN


Itinerary DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

THE MIGHTY ICE CAP After our arrival in Kangerlussuaq, a transfer to Polar Lodge will be provided, followed by lunch at Hotel Kangerlussuaq Restaurant. Tom D. Jones will brief you on what will happen and what to expect over the next couple of days, before we head outside for a stroll with our cameras around town. Kangerlussuaq means the long fjord and is the only place in Greenland situated inland. The position means that summers are warmer than by the sea and winters are colder. Kangerlussuaq as we know it today was built by the Americans and acted as a military base from 1941 to 1992 when it became a civil airport and also the main entrance to Greenland. Kangerlussuaq doesn’t come across as a normal Greenlandic village, but is the only place in Greenland with easy access to the Inland Ice Sheet. The area was also the summer hunting grounds for the inuits 4,000 years ago (the Saqqaq culture) and was announced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. In the evening, we will have dinner together at the hotel and Tom D. Jones will give a lecture on Greenland as a photo destination. Since the absolute best light is during the evening and night hours, we will chase our motives in these very hours – the late evening and night. At these moments the light is saturated with pinky red colors and the mighty landscapes will appear in the most beautiful and dramatic way.

ICEBERGS Today, we will fly to Ilulissat. Ilulissat means “the place with icebergs”, which it is indeed. The Kangia Glacier nearby Ilulissat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Icebergs can be seen from all over town and if the weather is clear you will also be able to see the icebergs when flying into the small town with about 4,000 inhabitants. We will spend the day in the mountains that beautifully surround Ilulissiat and the ice fjord. Here we will find canyons, lakes and Spring’s first stirring vegetation. There is also the possibility of macro photography and magnificent panorama shots. You will be able to see natural graveyards from the Greenlanders’ ancestors. We plan around the weather today and, if we have the chance, we hike to the edge of the icefjord where we shoot from the east side. This angle is unique since we have the mouth of the ice fjord in the background and, if you choose to shoot in the opposite direction, the ice cap will be featured as a backdrop. Dinner at the hotel and then we will meet for an image review session where you can present a selection of photos to the group and receive valuable feedback from Tom D. Jones. Moreover, there will be an introduction to the aerial photography session that will take place the next day.

PHOTOGRAPHY We will start the day with a deep and comprehensive workshop on the challenges in aerial and great landscape photography. Optional workshop on aerial photography: Evening light and aerial photography of Disko Bay and of the mouth of the Ice fjord. We will make several landings during our flight, and from carefully selected locations, we will photograph the unique landscape. The objective is to fly into the ice cap, where subjects are saturated as abstract landscapes, shaped by deep cracks and streaks in the ice. Those who don’t want to join our aerial photography workshop, will go on a city walk around Ilulissat instead. The town is quite fascinating, as its appearance resembles nothing outside the Arctic, with its wooden houses in strong colors, boats parked in the backyards and sled dogs in chains. In the old part of town one can still find buildings from the first Danish settlement, including the harbour, the church and the local museum, which provide picturesque photo opportunities. In the evening, we will review your recent images and Tom D. Jones will give constructive criticism. .

■ K ANGERLUSSUAQ AND

PRICE & BOOKING

■ A RRIVAL IN THE TOWN OF

■ I LULISSAT – AERIAL

DAY 4

■ P RIVATE BOAT TOUR TO THE

CALVING GLACIER, EQI After an early breakfast, we will go through shooting strategies for boat-based photography to prepare you for the day ahead, Later, we will travel to the Eqi glacier by private boat. We will pass huge icebergs lying aground at the coast, which we will photograph from the boat. It will give us the opportunity


to come closer to icebergs and make to creative compositions of the Arctic Seascape. We will use the warm evening light to give our images an extra dimension. Enjoy the sun, wind and the fresh air on deck, while you admire and photograph Greenland’s incredible coastline. The sight of the glacier is fascinating and chances of seeing it calve are good as the 100 meters high and 5 km wide Eqi glacier is one of the fastest-calving glaciers in the world. You will have the chance to get very close and take spectacular images. The air in the ice that causes large chunks of ice to slide into the ocean, and this sounds like an explosion.

DAY 5

■ DISKO ISLAND Today, we will catch a local ferry for a tour to the main towns in the Disko Bay, Qasigiannguit and Aasiaat. Colourful little houses will greet us as we stop in Aasiaat; you will have time to take images in the little town before we continue our journey to Qaqertarsuaq, which means “The Big Island”. Before dinner, we will head out for some photography along the coast. Later, we will discuss the images taken previously. Tom D. Jones will talk about landscape and fine art photography and share some useful tips and tricks of the trade.

DAY 6

■ K UANNIT – THE BASALT

FORMATIONS After breakfast, image review and feedback on your recent images by Tom D. Jones. Today, we will go for an easy walk to Kuannit – make sure you bring enough memory cards as you will want to take plenty of photos. The walk passes the heliport, Arctic Station, Red River and the opening of “Blæsedalen”. On the trail you have

the 900 meter high “Skarve mountain” on the one side and a spectacular view of Diskobay on the other side. At Kuannit, incredible basalt formations are present, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Kuannit area is very fertile for Greenlandic standards: mosses, lichens, flowers and especially angelica plants are present there. In the summertime, whales are often spotted in the sea just below Kuannit. If the weather is clear, we may be lucky to experience the Northern Lights. Dinner at Restaurant Nilak.

DAY 7

■ KANGERLUSSUAQ We will have an early breakfast and then catch the local ferry back to Ilulissat. Great landscape photography of Disko Bay, the Ice fjord and the surroundings, improvised to maximize the yield of the workshop and to compensate for potential bad weather. For the rest of the day you are on your own. We can recommend a visit to the great local diner to enjoy the legendary Greenlandic coffee or go shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner.

DAY 8

■ DEPARTURE Check-out after breakfast and say goodbye to your guides and fellow participants. We look forward to welcoming you on your next Better Moments workshop!

PRICE & BOOKING




Quick guide We want you to travel in the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ IMPORTANT Due to weather our program may change.

■ GETTING THERE Commercial airlines are the only way for travelers to get to Greenland, served by airports in Denmark and Iceland. We suggest our guests to meet at Copenhagen or Reykjavik Airport and take a flight together to Kangerlussuaq Airport, where you will be collected.

■ VISA Greenland is not members of the EU, so this part of the Danish Kingdom is not subject to the regulations that apply between the Schengen nations. Some people can visit Greenland without a visa, but most people from countries outside the EU/EEA must apply for a visitor’s visa. For more info visit: www.visitgreenland.com.

■ WEATHER

■ CURRENCY

Sila means “weather” or “state of mind” in Greenlandic. Both elements play important roles when traveling in Greenland, which to many is like traveling for the first time or unlike anywhere else that they have ever been. Greenland is one of the only places on Earth, where you still can’t control Mother Nature – if she is in rage, storms will prevent you from flying or going on the tour you had planned. But when she calms down you will be rewarded with a magnificent, raw, wild and beautiful nature with Northern Lights in the sky in Winter or Midnight Sun and icebergs huge as houses. Then you feel small and in awe of what this world is also like.

Danish Kroner (DKK)

■ LANGUAGES Greenlandic belongs to the Inuit-Aleut family of languages that is spoken by some 80,000 Inuits in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. In terms of its structure the language is completely different to Indo-European languages, and as a visitor to Greenland you will find that you understand absolutely nothing when Greenlandic is spoken – or ‘kalaallisut‘, as it is called, which actually means ‘the Greenlanders’ language’. Danish is the first foreign language but English is also widely spoken and our guide is available to translate.

■ QUICK GUIDE No one can control the weather, but if you are properly prepared, you will find that the weather’s changeableness can be quite charming when visiting Greenland. Air Greenland, the airline company of Greenland, handles a great part of the transportation of passengers with several small air planes and different types of helicopters. Helicopters especially serve the towns in South Greenland, North and East Greenland, as well as the small villages. Humpback whales, musk oxen, walruses, reindeer and sea eagles are just some of the many species that you may experience by land, air and sea around Greenland. There are hot springs in several places in Greenland, but only at Uunartoq in Southern Greenland is the spring used as a pool, frequented all year round by local and foreign visitors. Arctic temperatures and several meters of snow are no match for the natural impressions and cultural twist that will warm your soul while dog sledding in Greenland.

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

PRICE & BOOKING



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Explore Greenland together with award winning photographer Tom D. Jones

Tom D. Jones is Better Moments’ guide to the wonders of Greenland. During the workshop, Tom will deliver educational and inspiring seminars and give personal guidance on location in Greenland.

Having been to Greenland multiple times, Tom is well acquainted with the area and can give valuable tips and tricks on how to best capture the local scenery. Besides doing stunning landscape photography, some of Tom’s best work is pure fine art, which has been rewarded with several awards.

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

His work represents artistic photography with simple and yet complex compositions. Tom’s perspective introduces us to a world of perplexing beauty, serene and simple compositions with light and depth, always containing a creative touch of movement.




Photography with passion Tom was raised by an amateur photographer, his father, and spent many hours in the darkroom and with the slide projector. Consequently, his father’s passion rubbed off on him and Tom found himself, through the years, drawn to contemporary art and fine art photography. In the beginning, after being self-taught, he worked on commissioned photography while using his spare time to unwind and express creativity through photography. As photography became part of his life, it also led him to the woman of his dreams. He found a lady sharing his interest in photography. Tom and his wife, Sylvia, wanted the same thing, that is their very own photo studio. In 1999 they started their first studio together. Talking about becoming a great photographer, Tom replies in an interview to Digital SLR Photography: “There are no secrets; I do not have to trouble myself to do so. Lionel Messi does not have secrets to becoming such a great footballer either. I built my career up through very hard work and being very critical of myself. Start small and give yourself time to grow. If you create quality products and provide good service, clients will always find you — they will spread the word and so on. Firstly, save money to buy a good DSLR and a good set of lenses. Once you have clients and tasks, you will see that you can afford more and more. In the beginning, however, you have to live sober and invest all that hard-earned money in yourself and your company."

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


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.

□W ind and waterproof jacket □W ind and waterproof pants □ R ubber boots - with room for

extra (wool) socks Hiking boots Wool underwear Fleece/sweater Cap Gloves Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land. A small backpack Binoculars

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ S unscreen □ S unglasses

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ C amera bodie(s) □ T ripod □ L enses □ B ag for all camera gear □ L ight bag for easy hiking with

camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ L ens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of

changing from one camera to another G raduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

□ □ □ □

PHOTO BY TO


OM D. JONES


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


NETHERLANDS 8 Days of Adventure with Expert

Lars van de Goor Painting with Light


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Lars Van De Goor

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer Tom D Jones – Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art Photographer Steve Bloom – National Geographic photographer Christian Nørgaard – CEO Better Moments Hans Strand – Hasselblad Master Landscape Photographer Michael Nichols – wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Sisse Brimberg – National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry – National Geographic, World Press Photo first place

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



Explore The Netherlands Join our journey through the ancient forests and charming rural landscapes of the East Netherlands, photographing the idyllic country roads and lush farmlands of this timeless setting. Together with award-winning Dutch photographer Lars van der Goor, explore some of the most picturesque locations in the area and get lost in the mystical, foggy forest of the “dancing trees�.

The Netherlands

PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR


Expand With Passion Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Lars van de Goor. ■ ON LOCATION □ Learn some of the secrets behind Lars van de

Goor’s distinctive award-winning photographs, and practice these new techniques together with your instructors.

□ How to use natural light and local weather conditions to capture amazingly atmospheric shots.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location. □ Private hands-on lessons that can help taking your photography skills to the next level.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism of shots taken during the day.

□ Private portfolio review. □ Tips on how to commercialize your images successfully

□ A Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition.

PRICE & BOOKING


PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR


Lars van de Goor To paint with light Lars van de Goor was born in 1964 in The Netherlands, in a houseboat, next to a farm, located between lakes and meadows. His first passion was music, the latest photography, and editing. In a way, he is still composing. Soon after starting with photography, Lars’ images started to get noticed and gained in popularity over the years.

PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR

Inspirations

” My main goal is still where it once started – to capture nature’s magical moments and show her beauty to as many people as possible.” Lars van de Goor

While influenced by romantic landscape painters, Dutch Masters such as Barend Cornelius Koekkoek (1803-1862), and also the work of other photographers, Lars’s prime source of inspiration comes from the mysterious encounter of nature and light, and the main theme of his work is the trees of his native Gelderland. These he respectfully depicts in their old power and timeless energy, and their mingling with the famous Dutch light yield landscapes with dragons as well as mysterious cathedrals, at times eerie in their sublime other worldliness. His images open a window to air and time, even sound and smell. Only occasional people in the frame or the inclusion of man-made objects remind the viewer that they are still on their own planet. Traveling and awards Since September 2017 Lars and his wife Annemarie started a new way of living and working. The exchanged theirs home in Lochem, the Netherlands, for a mobile one in which they have traveled through Europe. These longer trips allow Lars to work deepen with his photography and give him more time to explore the woodlands in Europe. Lars has previously been honoured with a gold medal from the prestigious Trierenberg Super Circuit and Lars became Hasselblad Masters in Landscape in 2016.


PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR



PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR


Itinerary DAY 1

■ ARRIVAL IN AMSTERDAM The first day (depending on the time of your arrival ) will be spent meeting your fellow photographers and enjoying the photogenic streets and canals of Amsterdam. Watch boats floating by, admire the charming houses, and grab some local delicacies along the way. In the evening, we enjoy a nice welcome dinner and Lars van de Goor will elaborate more about the itinerary for the coming days while also presenting a selection of his unique and award winning photos taken at the locations we will visit.

DAY 2

■ THE FOREST OF DANCING

TREES From Amsterdam we make our way to our hotel, located at the edge of the spectacular Speulder Forest. This picturesque woodland is home to what locals refer to as “dancing trees”, which twist elegantly to form intriguing compositions. We photograph in the soft spring light and Lars holds his first of many oneto-one workshops. The beech forest is saturated with the first summer colors and the mighty beech trees leak magically into the landscape. In the evening, Lars van de Goor will conduct a workshop on how to best take advantage of the local light and weather conditions, sharing some of his iconic nature photography.

DAY 3

THE MORNING LIGHT The lighting is absolutely best in the morning, early when the fog is settling and later when you can capture rays of light falling through the canopy. Lars van de Goor knows this forest like the back of his hand and will lead us to some of his favourite spots. Speulder Forest developed its unique

appearance due to the custom of felling straight trees for building material, especially as support beams in local mines. This has left a forest full of irregular and gnarled trees, providing almost endless subjects for photography. Lars will show us some of the trees featured in his award-winnin gphotographs as well as a few secret details that can be difficult to spot. After dinner, we will have a lecture by Lars about his workflow in Photoshop. Lars will also work on a selection of the group’s images, to illustrate how he sees and defines the pictures in his photo concept and workflow.

DAY 4

■ RURAL BEAUTY OF

GELDERLAND After a short drive from the Speulder Forest, we arrive in the town of Lochem. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the surrounding countryside with our cameras. This part of Gelderland is renowned for its rural charm, with tree-lined avenues, lush farmland and picturesque estates. Lars van de Goor lived in this region for some years, considering it one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Lars will assist, guide and teach how to find locations, and there will be great opportunities to practice some more landscape and portrait photography in one of the world’s most stunning locations. You will undoubtedly fill your memory card with stunning photographs. Tonight’s lecture by Lars will be on the topic How I became a Hasselblad Master.

DAY 5

■ LESSONS FROM A DUTCH

MASTER This morning will be spent with exciting lectures and workshops at our hotel, assessing shots taken so far, as well as some free time to explore the surrounding area and practice new techniques. Unless there is fog to photograph, which will always take precedence over any other activity. Lars van de Goor will conduct a workshop. Being an expert in using natural light and local weather conditions he will explain how to create stunning compositions. During the workshop he will also share some of the insights that helped him win numerous international awards. In the soft afternoon light, we meet and spend the rest of the day photographing the adventurous and artistic beech trees. Tonight it’s time to discuss our pictures and get each other’s input to optimise our photography.

DAY 6

■ A STROLL DOWN THE OLD

KING'S ROAD While influenced by romantic landscape painters, particularly Dutch Masters such as Barend Cornelius Koekkoek, as well as the work of other photographers, Lars’ prime source of inspiration comes from the mysterious encounter of nature and light, with the trees and nature of De Carolinahoeve being the main theme of his work. Driving to De Carolinahoeve, we will walk along the This ancient thoroughfare the way from Dieren over 37 km long, only explore the stretch. This timeless the perfect place amazing nature scenes that seem straight out of a Dutch Golden Age. Tonight we all meet work on our images. support one-to-of view in regards basic Photoshop workflow.


DAY 7

■ REFLECTIONS AND RETURN TO

AMSTERDAM Driving to Delden, we will discover a unique landscape of bent beeches, their green leaves reflecting in the calm river, which is acting as an artistic mirror. This outstanding territory is probably the most photographic area we will visit during the trip. Lars has photographed here for years and he considers it as one of his favourite locations in the Netherlands. Lars will run one-on-one workshops during the day with focus on compositions and how to fill all four corners of your frame. In the afternoon we will return to Amsterdam and enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by an entertaining and inspiring lecture by Lars who will talk about his upcoming landscape projects around Europe.

DAY 8

■ DEPARTURE FROM

AMSTERDAM Early birds can take photos of their own, before we all head to Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport.

PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR

PRICE & BOOKING



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE There are many flights to Schiphol Airport, most of them on a daily basis to and from international Airports. The airport is located 17.5 km from the city and is easily reachable by train.

■ VISA You must have a valid passport from before the start of your journey to the Netherlands. Visitors from outside EU may need a visa, otherwise you can stay as long as required. Please check with the local embassy and read more at https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/ travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands

■ WEATHER The predominant wind direction in the Netherlands is southwest, which causes a moderate maritime climate, with warm summers and cool winters, and typically high humidity. Much of Holland is below sea level, making fog, mist, and dampness your too-frequent companions. As the Dutch weather is unpredictable, be prepared to layer your clothing any time of year. In East Holland, the average temperature in the month May ranges from 7°C to 18 °C with around 65mm of rain. The ideal time for traveling throughout the country is from April to October, with July and August usually being the months with the nicest weather.

■ LANGUAGE The official language is Dutch. In some parts of the Netherlands, people often speak a dialect besides Standard Dutch. Many Dutch people also speak German and English.

■ CURRENCY The Dutch monetary unit is Euro (EUR)

■ QUICK GUIDE □ There are over 800,000 bicycles

in Amsterdam. That’s more bikes than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is safe, enjoyable and easy, and there’s no finer way to explore the city’s streets, canals and attractions than by pedal power. Foam is an internationally renowned museum that exhibits all genres of photography in a beautiful canal-side setting. As well as displaying a wide variety of works, it acts as a creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums. Museumplein is the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam as it is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. The leafy 19th century district of Oud-Zuid is an art lover’s utopia, and the open square between the buildings pulses with activity all day. Why not head out of the city to explore the diverse array of attractions of the surrounding area and the gorgeous countryside: beaches, castles, windmills and historic towns – all easily reachable from the city centre. There is always something going on in Amsterdam – exhibitions, sport events, theatre performances and much more. Check the What’s on in Amsterdam website for up-to-date information

■ EMERGENCY Emergency phone number: 112.

PRICE & BOOKING


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 “layerby-layer”. You then are well prepared for whatever weather arrives.

□W ind and waterproof jacket □W ind and waterproof pants □ R ubber boots - with room for extra (wool) socks Hiking boots Wool underwear Fleece/sweater A small backpack

□ □ □ □

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ Camera bodie(s) □ Tripod □ L enses,If you are working with

a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt




PHOTO BY LARS VAN DE GOOR


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


AUSTRALIA Incredible scenery and natural phenomena

Expert

Peter Eastway 11 days of adventure


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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' 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 learn from the world’s most renowned photographers who all have excellent teaching skills, local knowledge and experience.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Peter Eastway

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry - National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg - National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway - AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom - National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami - writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor - Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones - Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Michael Nichols - wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg - Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro - World Press Photo Award Christian Nørgaard - CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY



Explore Australia Australia’s red dirt outback, lush hinterland and dark sea cliffs all hide incredible scenery and natural phenomena waiting to be photographed. Award-winning Australian landscape photographer Peter Eastway will take you on a journey through his home country’s most spectacular region: the Outback. Explore the continent’s red centre and its fantastic natural wonders. Discover its gorges and canyons, capture brilliant sunset colors on stunning rock formations, watch the sun rise at iconic Uluru and photograph the Milky Way in the middle of the desert.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY For years, we have being shooting over the most scenic spots so don’t miss this unique opportunity to photograph Australia’s Outback from above together with the best. This offer is optional, hence, if you wish to join this particular workshop please let us know in advance. The price depends on the number of guests and location. Therefore, you can sign up and subsequently cancel if the workshop is outside your travel budget.

Australia

PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY


Australia Highlights

■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Shoot in Syndey and along New

South Wales amazing coastline incl. Kiama’s blowhole

□ Experience the famous monolith Uluru at sunrise and sunset

□ Explore Rainbow Valley and

capture the colored rocks when they light up in the afternoon light

□ Photograph the scenic landscape of the Western MacDonnell Ranges

□ Star photography in the desert whit no light pollution

□ Explore the beautiful Kings Canyon National Park

□ Shoot at Standley Chasm, a

cultural icon of Central Australia

□ Opportunity for aerial photography by helicopter at Ormiston Gorge.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ You will learn how to approach

the unique challenges of landscape photography and how to capture spaciousness, dynamic energy and the simplicity of natural landscape photography.

■ ON LOCATION □ Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advise.

□ Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground.

□ Work in different lighting and

with short/long exposure times and aperture.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location.

□ Private hands-on lessons that

can help taking your photography skills to the next level..

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive

criticism of the images taken during the day.

□ Post processing workflow □ One-to-one Portfolio Review. □ A Better Moments Certified

Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general.

PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY

Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Peter Eastway, during your Australian expedition.




PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY


PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY

Upstairs with Peter Eastway Peter Eastway is a contemporary Australian photographer who is known internationally for his landscape and travel photography. He also shoots editorially, selectively in advertising and portraiture. For more than 30 years, Peter has been involved in photographic magazine, establishing his own title with Australia’s Better Photography Magazine, in 1995. Today it is one of Australia’s leading photography magazines.

” How do you become a photographer with a million dollars? Start out with two millions!” Peter Eastway

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED His work has been exhibited and published internationally and he is the author of Lonely Planet’s Guide to Landscape Photography, as well as having his work featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia and in articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an Apple television commercial. He has worked with Phase One cameras, researching and promoting its high-end medium format cameras and Capture One raw processing software. And he featured in the television series Tales By Light as seen on the National Geographic Channel, produced in partnership with Canon Australia.

Peter Eastway i Master of Photo and an Honorar Australian Instit sional Photogra and Honorary F Zealand Institut Photography. H and 1998 AIPP A sional Photogra Award. He is als the ND5 Ninety collective with C Michael Fletche and Les Walklin he won the 200 of Distinction a al WPPI Print Co Las Vegas, USA Professional Ph the Year 2010; a Landscape Pho Year 2013.


is an AIPP Grand ography, a Fellow ry Fellow of the tute of Profesaphy, and a Fellow Fellow of the New te of Professional He won the 1996 Australian Profesapher of the Year lso a member of y Degrees Five Christian and er, Tony Hewitt ng. More recently, 09 Kodak Award at the internationompetition held in A; the AIPP NSW hotographer of and the AIPP NSW otographer of the

A NEW TRADITION

STILL SURFING

Peter’s early landscapes were primarily black and white, carefully printed and toned, but with the advent of digital photography, he is taking a leading role internationally in creating a New Tradition of high quality landscape imagery. Peter speaks nationally and internationally on topics including landscape photography, Photoshop techniques, publishing and the business of professional photography.

“I love surfing and when I was young, I wanted to photograph my friends surfing as well. In fact, I couldn’t understand why people photographed anything other than surfing, but my views on that have now changed.” At 57 years of age, Peter still rides a short surfboard, believes two skis are better than one, and in case you’re buying him lunch, he is vegetarian.

“Many people think professional photography would be a great way to earn a living, and they are right. But too many forget the first word – professional. My advice to newcomers would be to do a business course before starting a career as a photographer. Here’s a quick joke: How do you become a photographer with a million dollars? Start out with two millions!” Peter say in an interview to Tristan Jud / Raw.


PHOTOS BY PETER EASTWAY



Itinerary DAY 0

DAY 3

DAY 5

SOUTH WALES We suggest arriving one day early in order to adapt to both the climate and the time zone. Enjoy the day exploring Sydney – visit the Botanical Gardens, walk along the waterfront to the famous Sydney Opera House, take a ferry to Manly, go for a stroll in Darling Harbour and the Rocks, or relax on one of the sandy beaches.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND A VISIT TO THE BLOWHOLE We are off to an early start todo sunrise photography along the coastline. We will visit the Little Blowhole, a natural sea cave formed from volcanic lava – smaller than the iconic Kiama blowhole but just as impressive. Afterwards, we will photograph at Kiama’s big blowhole, which spouts seawater skywards – often 20m or more. In the right conditions, waves surge into the craggy passage and compress the air inside, and then the air and water erupt through the hole in a booming sound. We will continue exploring the area and hinterland with our cameras for the remainder of the day. Dinner at the hotel and image review and critic by Peter Eastway.

CHASM & WESTERN MACDONNELL RANGES Today we will drive to Glen Helen Resort and shoot along the road at Stanley Chasm. “Dramatic natural beauty” is probably what sums Standley Chasm up best as it is a spectacular geological and significant cultural icon of Central Australia and the perfect playground for any landscape photographer. The magnificent chasm is so tall and narrow that the sun makes it appear to be on fire, but only for a very short period in the middle of the day. In the evening, we will shoot at Western MacDonnell Ranges, a series of striking mountain ranges that span both eastward and westward outside of Alice Springs. Within those ranges, you will find some amazing gorges that would get any outdoor photographer excited. We wills tay until sunset to capture the wonderful colours the setting sun paints on the rocks. We all meet after dinner to work on our images. Peter will give one-toone support on framing and post production.

■ ARRIVAL IN SYDNEY, NEW

DAY 1

■ SYDNEY - WELCOME DINNER & MEET YOUR GUIDE Better Moments and Peter Eastway will meet you at our hotel in Sydney for a welcome dinner and give you a detailed briefing about the upcoming workshop. We will present our program and provide you with our best advice on equipment usage and important location details. Tonight ends with an image show of Peter’s best work from Australia.

DAY 2

■ NEW SOUTH WALE'S AMAZ-

ING COASTLINE Drive to Kiama, which is located south of Sydney, with photo stops along the way to photograph Australia’s amazing coastline. The unspoilt South Coast of New South Wales is lined with a ruggered coast of volcanic rocks and outcrops that make for stunning landscape photography. In the evneing, we will have dinner together and afterwards discuss the photos taken during the day.

■ KIAMA - SUNRISE

DAY 4

■ ALICE SPRINGS

– OFF TO THE OUTBACK Early drive to Sydney Airport for an early flight to Alice Springs, the second largest town in the Northern Territory. Today, we will visit Rainbow Valley, one of the ‘mustdo’ places for serious outback photographers, in the evening for a sunset shoot. The rock face at Rainbow Valley lights up as the soft sunlight hits the surface of the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs – truely a photographer’s delight! In the evening, photo review by Peter Eastway.

PRICE & BOOKING

■ GLEN HELEN: STANDLEY

DAY 6

■ ORMISTON GORGE - AERIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP No rest for the wicked – we will get up early to take photos at Ormiston Gorge at sunrise. There are many beautiful angles from which you can shoot the scenery and its reflections in the water. Lone scattered ghost gum trees make for a great subject for photography. Optional, helicopter flight over Gorge to capture its beauty from the air. Alternatively, you can explore the area further by foot.


After dinner, we will discuss the images taken during the day and Peter will provide feedback and suggestions.

DAY 7

■ KINGS CANYON NATIONAL

PARK After breakfast, we will drive from Glen Helen to Kings Canyon by dirt road with photo stops along the way to capture the magnificient desert scenery. Across vast stretches of red sand, rises the pre-historic sandstone walls of Kings Canyon – the sandstone cliffs that rise above the gorge tower over the surprisingly lush vegetation of the appropriately named ‘Garden of Eden’ below. We will shoot Kings Canyon’s surroundings in the evening and explore its natural wonders with our cameras. After dinner, image editing workshop and photo review by Peter Eastway.

on the angle, weather and time of day. The rock can appear moody on overcast days, shiny when it’s wet and glowing red at sunset. You will capture spectacular shots whatever the circumstances. In the evening, we will photograph the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). The ancient rock formations rise majestically above the green-tinged bushland only 16 miles away from Uluru. Kata Tjuna means ‘many heads’ in the local Anangu language and there are actually 36 of them that provide for magnificient panorama shots. Give yourself time to explore the pathways to find a perspective and watch the twilight colors evolve as the sun starts to set. Central Australia is a superb place to photograph the night sky so we will do so after the stars have come out. If we are lucky, we will be able to photograph the Milky Way twinkling in the night sky.

DAY 10

■ BACK TO SYDNEY Today we will fly back to Sydney. If time allows, we will discover more of the city with our cameras before we have our farewell dinner in the evening.

DAY 11

■ TIME TO SAY GOODBYE Today we return home. However, if you like to extend your stay in Australia, Better Moments can give you advice on what to see and do.

DAY 8

■ ULURU - SUNSET AT THE

DAY 9

■ OLGAS AND STARRY SKIES We will shoot Uluru in the morning and walk around the monolith in the afternoon as it typically changes color and appearance depending

• Alice Springs Yulara

WORLD'S LARGEST MONOLITH In the morning, we will continue discovering the incredible sceneries at Kings Canyon before we travel to Yulara to photograph magnificient Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, at sunset during which brilliant colors light up both the sky and the natural red sand that covers everything out here. Uluru probably is the best known landmark of Australia. The massive monolith rises out of the barren plain and dominates the area.

Kiama

• Sydney •



PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY


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.

□W ind and waterproof jacket □W ind and waterproof pants □ R ubber boots - with room for

extra (wool) socks Hiking boots Wool underwear Fleece/sweater Cap Gloves Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land. A small backpack Binoculars

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ S unscreen □ S unglasses

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ C amera bodie(s) □ T ripod □ L enses □ B ag for all camera gear □ L ight bag for easy hiking with

camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ L ens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of

changing from one camera to another G raduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

□ □ □ □


PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY



PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE Sydney International Airport – locally known as Kingsford Smith Airport – is Australia’s busiest airport. There are plenty of international flights arriving and departing each day. The airport is located just 13 minutes by train from the city. Airport Link offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes

■ VISA & IMMIGRATION

PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. You must apply for a visa before leaving home, e.g. at your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. You can also apply for certain types of visas online. Australia has very strict rules about things you can bring into the country due to its biosecurity requirements.

■ WEATHER Australia’s climate varies greatly throughout the eight states and territories; there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. In May, the temperature in

Sydney ranges from 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. In the Outback, autumn is moderately temperate with average temperatures of 8 – 23 degrees Celsius.

■ LANGUAGE English.

■ CURRENCY Australian Dollar (AUD)

■ QUICK GUIDE □ New South Wales is Australia’s

oldest and most-populous state. It is home to popular attractions including the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley wine region. Sydney is the nation’s largest city and is renowned for its idyllic beaches, great walks and worldclass dining. You can still see party of the early settlements in “The Rocks”. There are plenty of museums in the city that are worth visiting, e.g. the Art Gallery of NWS or the Museum of Contemporary Art. Taking a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens or the Chinese Gardens will give you a break from the bustling city. Or head further outside for one of the coastal walks that offer magnificent views. More so than than Uluru, Alice Springs is the the heart, soul, and centre of the outback. You can take a pleasant afternoon stroll to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and explore the town’s earliest beginnings there.

□ □

PRICE & BOOKING



PHOTO BY PETER EASTWAY


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


ETHIOPIA The Tribes of Omo Valley

9 days of adventure with expert

Christian Nørgaard


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Christian Nørgaard

Christian Nørgaard


s Photography with passion Our passionate experts Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer Tom D Jones – Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art Photographer Steve Bloom – National Geographic photographer Christian Nørgaard – CEO Better Moments Hans Strand – Hasselblad Master Landscape Photographer Michael Nichols – wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Sisse Brimberg – National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry – National Geographic, World Press Photo first place

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



The Tribes of Omo Valley Ethiopia’s landscapes are dramatic. The mountainous country in eastern Africa hold a vibrancy that captivates and enchants. It has more UNESCO-listed sights than any other country on the continent. The lush mountains with their jagged spires and magnificent views hide animals and birds seen nowhere else on earth and the lowlands are home to some of Africa’s most fascinating tribes.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

It is the only country on the African continent that has not been a colony. It is authentic, intoxicating and truly a photographer’s dream.

Ethiopia


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Ethiopian Highlights ■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Learn about how to ap-

proach the unique challenges of travel and reportage photography. How to capture images of people in their natural environment and how to approach locations and subjects.

□ A cruise on Lake Chamo.

Here you will find a great variety of birdlife, hippos and crocodiles.

□ Meet tribes such as the Kara, the Hamer, and the Mursi, who decorate themselves with beads, feathers, and elaborate body paint and pride themselves on thier ancient traditions.

□ Meet the Arbore people, who live in tall, rounded huts.

□ Travel by 4X4 to the terraced

hills of the Konso region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its rich culture.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advice.

□ Composition and focus on

lines, golden section, perspective, fore-ground, background and middle ground.

□ Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure and apertures.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location.

□ Private hands-on lessons

that can help to take your photography skills to the next level.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ How to approach local people in a natural way.

□ The secrets behind the travel and reportage photography.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism/feedback of the images taken during the day.

□ A Better Moments Certified

PRICE & BOOKING

Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to generally guide and help.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Christian Nørgaard, during your Ethiopia expedition.



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD




PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Christian Nørgaard: Catch the moments with passion

PHOTO BY DAVID TRUD

The first time he held a camera was as a child, and ever since it has been a part of Christian Nørgaard - not a day goes by without a push of the button.

” To me, photography is an art of observation that contains patience, respect, lots of curiosity and to catch and freeze a moments that will stay forever” Christian Nørgaard

”The most important thing for me is to be inspired - if a natural and spontaneous curiosity and desire to capture subjects with my lens doesn’t arise - well, then I simply don’t do it.” Christian Nørgaard started his career at the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende in Copenhagen. Afterwards he travelled around the world and sold his photographs to Danish and foreign newspapers and magazines. When Christian returned from his travels and settled down in Copenhagen, he started a publishing house focused on travel magazines. In the course of the next few years it grew to be become one of the most important publishing houses in Scandinavia. Today Christian Nørgaard shares his passion for photography with many of Better Moment’s guests. Together they have travelled to destinations across the globe including Burma, India, Bhutan, Greenland, Iceland, just to mention a few, and fortunately there are even more destinations planned.


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


“ Ethiopia is the only country on the African continent that has not been a colony. It is authentic, intoxicating and truly a photographer’s dream.”

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

Christian Nørgaard



Itinerary DAY 1

■ ARRIVAL Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to our hotel. Those who have the time and spirit can spend their first day exploring the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia’s sprawling capital is located in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, serving as the country’s commercial and cultural hub. Its National Museum exhibits Ethiopian art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils, representing a rich history dating all the way back to the earliest known hominid, “Lucy.” The burial place of the 20th-century emperor Haile Selassie, the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, is a neo-Baroque architectural landmark of particular interest. After dinner, Christian Nørgaard will introduce the workshop and present his work from previous trips to Ethiopia, to prepare you for the adventure ahead. This will be followed by a workshop on how to capture great portraits and how to approach the people along our way.

DAY 2

■ AFRICA’S LARGEST MARKET We spend our morning at Addis Mercato, known as Africa’s largest market. A truly visual experience with craft shops, cattle, spice stalls filling the narrow alleyways, providing many fascinating and colourful photo opportunities. This is uniquely intriguing place to get lost with your camera and immerse yourself in the beautiful chaos. After Addis Mercato we fly south to Jinka, the “capital” for the Mursi people. After settling in, we will join each other for an enjoyable outside dinner with a nice view of the nearby river.

DAY 3

EXPLORE MAGO NATIONAL PARK & MURSI VILLAGES We spend the day exploring the stunning Mago National Park, located on the east bank of the Omo River. The park is 1,343 square miles and its highest point is Moun Mago. We will have an opportunity meet the Mursi, a community that inhabit Mago National Park, known for the lip plates worn by the women. During the day there will be handson sessions with Christian, and you will receive an individual review of your images so far, as well as personal tips and advice to help optimize your photography. We stay at a tent camp (each guest has their own tent) in the heart of a local Mursi village. Here we will melt in with the tribe and photograph the many everyday tasks the tribe performs. Among the many activities to photograph, one of the highlights is when the tribe gather the cattle home from the savannah evening.

DAY 4

■ EXPLORE TURMI In the early morning, we walk around the village and explore how the Mursi take their cattle out on the fields and how they cook on an open fire. This experience is unique and an great opportunity to learn about their culture, in a spirit of authenticity and mutual respect. After breakfast, drive to the market town of Turmi in southwestern Ethiopia. Here we will visit a number of surrounding villages and tribes, such as the Tsemay, Erbore

PRICE & BOOKING

and Konso, who decorate themselves with beads, feathers and elaborate body paint, priding themselves on ancient traditions. During the day there will be many unique opportunities to practice shooting scenes of everyday village village life, as well as portraits of women, men and children, including some intriguing initiation rites.

DAY 5

■ HAMER BEMA, TSEMAY,

BESHADA KARO AND THE ARI PEOPLE We will use the day to meet the Hamer Bena, Tsemay, Beshada, Karo and the Ari people – enjoying a busy and a fascinating day together with tribes and local people. Christian Nørgaard will assist, guide and teach how to approach people and how to find locations, and there will be great opportunities to practice some more landscape and portrait photography in some of worlds most stunning locations.

DAY 6

■ OMO RIVER AND THE KARO

TRIBES Early in the morning we drive to a Karo village that is located on a hill top overlooking the Omo river. We will set up our equipment in the nice and soft morning light and spend the rest of the morning capturing every detail in the village. The Karo is undoubtedly the most fascinating tribe with regard to their personal decoration. The tribespeople paint their bodies from toe to face white expressive patterns – truly an amazing sight and a magnificent location. In the evening we hold a workshop with constructive feedback on your best shots of the day.

DAY 7

■ KONSO

Today we will dr visit the market we will meet trib Bena, Tsemay, H Key Afer is a wo crafts, cattle sale where local men full of adventure – shooting every landscape photo opportunities fo photography. Tonight we all m work on our ima support one to o view in regards t photoshop work

DAY 8

■ KONSO

Many tribes live which is located and there are m villages scatters hillsides. We will day in a village t most beautiful in will photograph men and women their clay house kids and cattle. A farewell dinne review of some shop photos wil Nørgaard.

DAY 9

■ CRUISE ON

AND DEPARTU On the final day, cruise on Lake C will find a great hippos, crocodile After lunch retur plane to Addis A Airport for your


rive to Konso and in Key Afer where bes such as the Ari, Hamer. The market in onderful mix of local es and small hostels n meet. Another day e with our cameras ything from great ography to fantastic or unique portrait

meet after dinner to ages. Christian will one with his point of to framing and basic kflow.

around Konso, d on a mountain top, many small isolated on the surrounding l spend most of the that is one of the n the area. Here we the daily life where n are working in es together with their

N LAKE CHAMO URE y, we will all take a Chamo, where you variety of birds, es and other wildlife. rn, we will return by Ababa International return flight home.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NĂ˜RGAARD

er and a thorough of your best workll by led by Christian


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE Fly to Addis Ababa Bole Interna-tional Airport, where we meet and pick you up at the airport.

■ VISA The Ethiopian embassy in your home country is the best source of up-to-date information.

■ WEATHER Expect sunny skies and warm days in June.

■ LANGUAGE Ethiopia has about 200 dialects but many speak English.

■ CURRENCY Ethiopia’s currency is the birr. It’s divided into 100 cents in one, five, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins as well as a one birr coin, and there are one, five, 10, 50 and 100 birr notes.

■ QUICK GUIDE Top things to do in Addis Ababa: Ethnological Museum. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University’s main campus is the enthralling Ethnological Museum – it’s easily one of the finest museums in Africa. Yekatit 12 Monument. Rising dramatically from the roundabout Siddist Kilo is this moving monument to the thousands of innocent Ethiopians killed by the Italians as retribution for the attempt on Viceroy Graziani’s life on 19 February 1937. ‘Yekatit 12’ is a date in the Ethiopian calendar roughly equivalent to 19 February Tomoca. Coffee is serious business at this great old Italian cafe in Piazza. The beans are roasted on and Tomoca serves what’s likely the capital’s best coffee. If that isn’t enough, it’s also dripping in 1920s atmosphere. Beans are also sold by the half-kilo. St. George Cathedral & Museum. Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint), whose icon was carried into the battle. This Piazza cathedral was completed in 1911 with the help of Greek, Armenian and Indian artists. Empress Zewditu (in 1916) and Emperor Haile Selassie (in 1930) were both crowned here.

PRICE & BOOKING


Equipment ■

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ Camera bodie(s) □ Tripod □ L enses, 24-70mm zoom and

70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

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.



PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD




PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


SVALBARD Land of the Polar Bears

9 days of adventures with experts

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER

SISSE BRIMBERG

Sisse Brimberg and Christian Nørgaard


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson Text editor: Karen Gunn 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Christian Nørgaard

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry - National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg - National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway - AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom - National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami - writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor - Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones - Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Michael Nichols - wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg - Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro - World Press Photo Award Christian Nørgaard - CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD




Land of the polar bears Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. It is a Norwegian archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean between the North Pole and Norway. Travel under the midnight sun on board M/S Malmö and experience nature in its purest form. Polar bears thrive here. Roughly half the estimated 3,000 bears in the Barents Sea population raise their young on the archipelago’s isolated islands. Humans are warned not to venture beyond town without a rifle as protection against ursus maritimus. Seabirds migrate to Svalbard in the millions. Five species of seals and 12 kinds of whales feed in the waters off the coast. Atlantic walruses prosper on the rich clam beds along the shallow shelf of the Barents Sea. On the open tundra of Svalbard’s plateaus and valleys, reindeer forage and arctic fox hunt free from predators.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

Svalbard



PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG


Svalbard Highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Sisse Brimberg, during your Svalbard expedition.

photographic skills and take them to the next level.

■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Explore the arctic landscape

□ Private hands-on lessons

□ Shoot amazing wildlife

photos of whales, seals, birds and polar bears.

□ Excursions onto the pack ice

in hunt of polar bears or unique ice landscapes.

□ Discover the old whaling

islands of Danskøya, Amsterdamøya Ytre Norskøy.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ You will learn how to ap-

proach the unique challenges of wildlife photography at the best place in the world for polar bear and wildlife photography. With private “one to one” workshops and lectures, this expedition will optimize your

best techniques with personal hints and advice.

□ Composition and focus on

lines,golden section, perspective, foreground.

□ Learning about the lenses that optimize your wildlife photography.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location.

that can help to take your photography skills to the next level.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism of the images 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, guide and help in general.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG

of Svalbard.

■ ON LOCATION □ Teaching and training in the




PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Explore Svalbard together with Sisse Brimberg and Christian Nørgaard

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER

SISSE BRIMBERG

“I was born very prematurely, two months to be precise. The nurses who took care of me gave me the nickname ``Sisse``. Later on I was baptized Marie-Louise, but it never stuck, I have always gone by Sisse”

PHOTO BY PRIVATE

You can’t photograph history, of course, so you have to find ways to make the past visible. Together with Cotton Coulson, her deceased husband and colleague, Sisse has been awarded prizes by Pictures of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, White House Press Photographers Association, and Communication Arts.

PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG

Sisse Brimberg is a highly experienced photographer who has photographed over fifty stories for National Geographic Magazine and National Geographic Traveler ranging from the far corners of Japan’s paper industry to northern Europe’s Viking culture. Her work is exhibited around the world. Her particular passion is for historical and cultural stories that require a great deal of research and even more imagination.




A life with passion for the sea

“I was raised near the sea and spent my youth sailing with my friends in Øresund,” says Sisse. It has therefore been perfect with the opportunity to travel aboard the National Geo­graphic Explorer ship to the Polar Regions and gain access to some of the most amazing photographic destinations imaginable. The frozen landscapes are spectacular with its unique light and surroundings. And with that comes the arctic species, many of them endangered, making it important to document their lifestyle and environment.

PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG

Back to the roots Sisse Brimberg has been a National Geographic Con­ tributing Photographer since she was in her twenties, when she met and married Cotton Coulson in Washington DC. At that time, they often traveled in opposite di­rections spanning the globe on photo assignments for the magazine. Sisse focused her energies on cultural and historical subjects that had interested her since child­ hood and while growing up north of Copenhagen. Some of her favorite feature stories took her back to Scandinavia, “The Vikings”, “Denmark”, “Hans Christian Anders­en”, “Hanseatic League”, just to name a few.


Working together with Better Moments

For the past 15 years Sisse Brimberg has spent part of the year travelling to remote and exotic locations shooting for National Geographic Traveler and teaching photography.

PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG

She has also worked closely with Better Moments on our exclusive photo workshop program to Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal, one of the most desirable regions to visit today for photographers and film makers. The culture is rich, colourful and deeply spiritual. The landscapes are unique and beautiful, and the people are open and genuinely welcome you with a smile.



Christian Nørgaard: Catch the moments with passion

PHOTO BY DAVID TRUD

The first time he held a camera was as a child, and ever since it has been a part of Christian Nørgaard - not a day goes by without a push of the button.

” To me, photography is an art of observation that contains patience, respect, lots of curiosity and to catch and freeze a moments that will stay forever” Christian Nørgaard

”The most important thing for me is to be inspired - if a natural and spontaneous curiosity and desire to capture subjects with my lens doesn’t arise - well, then I simply don’t do it.” Christian Nørgaard started his career at the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende in Copenhagen. Afterwards he travelled around the world and sold his photographs to Danish and foreign newspapers and magazines. When Christian returned from his travels and settled down in Copenhagen, he started a publishing house focused on travel magazines. In the course of the next few years it grew to be become one of the most important publishing houses in Scandinavia. Today Christian Nørgaard shares his passion for photography with many of Better Moment’s guests. Together they have travelled to destinations across the globe including Burma, India, Bhutan, Greenland, Iceland, just to mention a few, and fortunately there are even more destinations planned.


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Itinerary DAY 1

ARRIVE LONGYEARBYEN Arrive Longyearbyen and meets for a an easy walk through the town down to the fjord. Here we will shoot some unique landscape pictures of the surrounding mountains. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard with a population of about 2000, named after its founder, American industrialist John Munro Longyear. Upon arrival, a transfer to the hotel will be waiting for you. In the evening, we meet for a drink and dinner at our hotel to get to know each other.

DAY 2

FANTASTIC FJORDS AND POLAR BEARS In the afternoon, we embark our expedition ship. We sail out through the beautiful fjord, between snow-capped mountains – heading towards some of the most remote landscapes in the world. Throughout the journey, we will attempt to make daily stops on the coast using our zodiac boats, bringing you as close as possible to wildlife and points of interest. Our primary mission is to photograph polar bears as they make their way across the drifting ice. Polar bears are quite plentiful in Svalbard and together with our two local guides, we will set the course to where they are most likely to be. After dinner, National Geographic Photographer Sisse Brimberg will give an introduction to the workshop and brief you on what to expect in the coming days.

DAY 3 – 6 FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT ADVENTURERS AND UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our ambition is to make landings or cruises with our zodiacs every day. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site. Magnificent fjords Svalbard offers visitors countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, which is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks. Here, we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.

Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet If the ice allows, we enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet, an impressive, basaltic cliff, which is the home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet. Eastern Svalbard The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, intersected by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walruses, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here. Southwest Spitsbergen The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day we can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice. Workshops and hands-on workshops during the day and evening by Sisse Brimberg. In the evenings, Sisse Brimberg will conduct workshops and share some fascinating knowledge about Svalbard, accumulated over the years of photographing landscapes and wildlife for National Geographic.


DAY 6–8 POLAR BEARS AND SVALBARD REINDEER Cruising down the Hindlopen Strait we pass spectacular basalt cliffs, home to an estimated 200,000 Brünnich’s guillemots, also known as the thick-billed murre. Making our way along the island of Nordaustlandet, we will witness a magnificent landscape covered with hundreds of waterfalls, an incredible sight to behold! This is also where we have the best chances of encountering some of Svalbard’s most photogenic wildlife, including walruses, the much-admired Svalbard reindeer and the elusive Arctic fox. Hugging the coast, and using our Zodiac boats, we will have excellent opportunities for landscape photography and chances are good that we will also encounter polar bears along this stretch. Sisse Brimberg will offer individual feedback on the photos taken so far, with one-on-ones as well as group sessions.

DAY 6–8 LONGYEARBYEN Arriving back in Longyearbyen, we will enjoy a farewell breakfast before leaving the ship to prepare for the journey home.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE Svalbard’s only international airport,Longyear Airport in Longyearbyen, is served by SAS with almost daily flights from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Flight times are 4 hours from Oslo and less than 2 hours from Tromsø. The airport is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the town of Longyearbyen.

■ VISA

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

Norway 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.

PRICE & BOOKING

■ WEATHER Svalbard has an Arctic climate tempered by the warm North Atlantic Current. Due to the convergence of cold air from the north and mild, humid air from the south, weather conditions can change quickly and often, with occasional strong winds and wind chills. Average daily temperatures in Longyearbyen varies from -17.5°C in January to 5.0°C in July.

■ LANGUAGE The official language is Norwegian, but almost all Norwegians speak English.

■ CURRENCY The Norwegian monetary unit is the Krone (NOK).

■ QUICK GUIDE The Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen is an impressive, recently inaugurated exhibition space. Themes include the life on the edge formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and walrus hunters and, more recently, miners. At the gallery in Longyearbyen you can see the Svalbard collection of old maps and books, a slide show from the photographer and composer Thomas Widerberg, and an exhibition of Kåre Tveter’s paintings. From time to time there are also sales exhibitions. The Longyearbyen Church is open for visitors every day and there is a service nearly every Sunday. Every Tuesday evening, the church sells coffee and Norwegian waffles. Here you get to know Longyearbyen and the people better. The cable trestles are cultural monuments over the manual driven coal mining in Longyearbyen. At that time, the coal was transported in “kibs” (carriers) on the cable way

to the cleaning plant. The Svalbard Islands are home to seven Norwegian national parks: Forlandet, Indre Wijdefjorden, Nordenskiöld Land, Nordre Isfjorden, Nordvest-Spitsbergen, Sassen- Bünsow Land, and Sør-Spitsbergen. Little known but amazing natural attractions of Svalbard are the diverse springs. Fløtspingo and other Reindalen pingos are the highest pingos in Svalbard and some of the highest open system pingos of the world, up to 42 m high. Hot and thermal springs, for example Jotun Springs, Troll Springs and Tempelfjorden thermal submerged spring. One day trip by boat to the Esmark glacier and Oscar II Land and the Russian mining settlement looms on the side of the mountain above Grønfjorden. During the cruise, the guide will provide useful information about Svalbard.

■ EMERGENCY Emergency phone number: 112. Svalbard is among the safest places on Earth, with virtually no crime.


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


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 “lay-

□ □ □

□ B ring you own laptop computer

er-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 Wool underwear Fleece/sweater Cap Gloves Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land. A small backpack Binoculars

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Sunscreen □ Sunglasses

CAMERA

The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Lenses, 24-70mm zoom and 70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Tripod □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


FAROE ISLANDS

Wonders of The Atlantic Ocean

8 days of adventure with expert

Christian Nørgaard


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Christian Nørgaard

Christian Nørgaard


s Photography with passion Our passionate experts Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer Tom D Jones – Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art Photographer Steve Bloom – National Geographic photographer Christian Nørgaard – CEO Better Moments Hans Strand – Hasselblad Master Landscape Photographer Michael Nichols – wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Sisse Brimberg – National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry – National Geographic, World Press Photo first place

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



Wonders of The Atlantic Ocean The Faroe Islands present a dramatic landscape with ever changing shades of green. They are situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream. The stunning 18 volcanic islands are rugged and rocky and were voted best island destination in the world in a survey of 111 island communities made by National Geographic Traveler. The Faroe Islands will impress you deeply, both as a traveller and photographer.

Faroe Islands

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NĂ˜RGAARD





PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Faroe Islands Highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Christian Nørgaard, during your Faroe Islands expedition. ■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Explore the spectacular

landscapes at the Faroe Islands together with photographer Christian Nørgaard.

□ Learn about travel and

landscape photography and how to shoot scenes in a natural environment.

□ How to approach different

situations in a landscape – and get a feeling for choosing the right moment.

■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ You will learn how to ap-

proach the unique challenges of landscape photography and how to capture expansiveness, dynamic energy and the simplicity of natural landscape photography.

■ ON LOCATION □ Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advice.

□ Composition and focus on

lines, golden section, perspective, foreground, midground and background.

□ Work in different lighting and

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism of shots taken during the day.

□ Private portfolio review. □ Workflow in Photoshop and/ or Lightroom, and printing.

□ 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.

PRICE & BOOKING

with short/long exposures and apertures.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location.

□ Private hands-on lessons

that can help to take your photographic skills to the next level.

□ Shoot amazing photos in a stunning landscape.

group of 18 volcanic islands.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

□ A journey into a magnificent




PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD


Christian Nørgaard: Catch the moments with passion

” To me, photography is an art of observation that contains patience, respect, lots of curiosity and to catch and freeze a moments that will stay forever” Christian Nørgaard

”The most important thing for me is to be inspired - if a natural and spontaneous curiosity and desire to capture subjects with my lens doesn’t arise - well, then I simply don’t do it.” Christian Nørgaard started his career at the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende in Copenhagen. Afterwards he travelled around the world and sold his photographs to Danish and foreign newspapers and magazines. When Christian returned from his travels and settled down in Copenhagen, he started a publishing house focused on travel magazines. In the course of the next few years it grew to be become one of the most important publishing houses in Scandinavia. Today Christian Nørgaard shares his passion for photography with many of Better Moment’s guests. Together they have travelled to destinations across the globe including Burma, India, Bhutan, Greenland, Iceland, just to mention a few, and fortunately there are even more destinations planned.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

PHOTO BY DAVID TRUD

The first time he held a camera was as a child, and ever since it has been a part of Christian Nørgaard - not a day goes by without a push of the button.




PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD




“ The Faroe Islands are the most windswept and dramatic islands I have visited - and the most beautiful.” Christian Nørgaard

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



Itinerary DAY 1

■ ARRIVAL Arrival at the Faroe Islands. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to our hotel at Eysturoy (East Island). We spend the evening in the beautiful and intimate fjord that surrounds our cosy hotel. After dinner we meet for a briefing on our workshop.

DAY 2

■ EYSTUROY We will cross the only bridge over the North Atlantic – from Eysturoy to the Streymoy. Because the channel is so narrow, spectacular eddies form at the base of the bridge when the current is running strong with the tide. This spectacular introduction to the island quickly pales out as we explore all the unique nature and vistas of Eysturoy. We start the day from the tallest mountain in the Faroe Islands: The towering Slættaratindur soars 882 metres, yet the summit is easily reached along the eastern ridge. The view is absolutely breathtaking, because you can see all the Faroe Islands from the north of Viðoy to the fringes of Suðuroy in the south – a truly panorama shot. The rest of the day we will spend around Eystury. After dinner we open a discussion about the images of the day and the genre of landscape photography.

DAY 3

DAY 6

STREYMOY From the top of Vestmanna Bird Cliffs some 600 metres above sea level we will start shooting during the early morning light, which illuminates the islands of Vágar and Mykines. After lunch we will spend the rest of the day exploring Streymoy sceneries between the rugged sea stacks and the many grottoes along the coast, with their rich textures. Your imagination and the spirit will be filled with amazement at the wonderland that nature has created in this country.

MYKINES Mykines is a great haven for unique photography. We will arrive by boat in the morning and spend a day on the cliffs of MykinesUlmur that is overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic rocks in the massive ocean. We will work on photographing the intimate landscape in the stone forest in the valley of Korkadalur, where the summit of 560 meters Kn´kur awaits.

In the evening the workshop is open for discussion about the images of the day and techniques around composition.

DAY 4 AND 5

■ NORÐUROYGGJAR, THE

NORTHERN ISLANDS The northern islands consist of six islands. We will explore the six islands over the next three days. We will focus on photographing the overwhelming landscapes during sunrise and sunset. The sceneries consist of a great variation of rock formations, forest (there is a (very) small forest), breath-taking mountains and waterfalls. We will continue the workshop with facts about night workshop, ideas and advice on how to create your own photo exhibition and a look into the work of the greatest wildlife photographers.

■ BIRD AND LANDSCAPE –

DAY 7

■ SUÐUROY, THE SOUTHERN

ISLANDS We will take off early in the morning for Suðuroy, which is the southernmost island in the Faroe Is- lands. Here we will find magnificent and staggering dramatic landscapes. We will shoot from the Atlantic coastline and search for large and small waterfalls and from cliffs that rise into the sky. We are going to photograph the huge rocks coming out of the sea. It will be truly a day filled with adventure and great opportunities to photograph the stunning sceneries at the Faroe Islands. Farewell dinner.

DAY 8

■ DEPARTURE PRICE & BOOKING


PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■ GETTING THERE There are direct flights from Denmark, England, Iceland and Norway year round. Copenhagen Atlantic Airways has several departures every day while they fly from Billund twice to five times a week depending on the season. Atlantic Airways flies to Reykjavík the capital of Iceland twice to three times a week. During the summer there are direct connections to Gatwick in England and Bergen in Norway twice a week.

■ VISA

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD

Conditions for obtaining a visa for the Faroe Islands are similar to the conditions for obtaining a visa for Denmark. A visa for Denmark does not give the holder the right to enter the Faroe Islands unless it is stated in the visa, just as a visa for the Faroe Islands does not give the holder the right to enter Denmark, if it is not stated in the visa.

■ WEATHER

■ QUICK GUIDE

Although the Faroe Islands are located at 62 degrees N, the climate is surprisingly mild due to the Gulf Stream. The average temperature in the warmest months is 13°C resulting is mild summer days and during the winter the average temperature is 3°C.

The Faroe Islands are not part of Schengen, consequently people with Schengen visas need a special visa for the Faroe Islands. Contact the Royal Danish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence for further information.

■ LANGUAGE In the twentieth century Faroese became the official language in the Faroe Islands, and is used in all matters – also within business, administration, political and cultural life. Danish is the second language and practically everyone can speak and write Danish. Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish are understood and spoken in many places, and most people are capable of communicating in English too.

■ CURRENCY There are two currencies of equal values in the Faroe Islands: the Faroese króna and the Danish krone. While the Faroese government prints its own bank notes only Danish coins are used. Danish notes are equally acceptable as Faroese notes throughout the country.

In Danish, the name Færøerne may reflect an Old Norse word fær (sheep). The morpheme øerne represents a plural (with definite article) of ø (island) in Danish. The Danish name thus translates as “the islands of sheep”. The Faroe Islands are an island group consisting of 18 major islands about 655 kilometres (407 mi) off the coast of Northern Europe. The language spoken is Faroese and it is one of three insular Scandinavian languages descen-ded from the Old Norse language spoken in Scandinavia in the Viking Age.

■ EMERGENCY Emergency phone number: 112.

PRICE & BOOKING


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 “layerby-layer”. You then are well prepared for whatever weather arrives.

□W ind and waterproof jacket □W ind and waterproof pants □ R ubber boots - with room for

extra (wool) socks Hiking boots Wool underwear Fleece/sweater Cap Gloves Waterproof outdoor cushions - nice to sit on when we sail in the arctics or when we sit and enjoy the scenery on land. A small backpack Binoculars

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer and storage medium

□ Camera bodie(s) □ Tripod □ L enses, 24-70mm zoom and

70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

PHOTO BY CH


HRISTIAN NØRGAARD


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


INDIA From Ganges to Heaven

9 days of adventure with expert

Andreas Bitesnich


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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' 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 learn from the world’s most renowned photographers who all have excellent teaching skills, local knowledge and experience.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Andreas Bitesnich

Christian Nørgaard


Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry – National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg – National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway – AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom – National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami – writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor – Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones – Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Michael Nichols – wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg – Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro – World Press Photo Award Andreas H. Bitesnich – award-winning fine art photographer Christian Nørgaard – CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



Explore India India is one of the most lively and breathtaking places on earth. Get swept off your feet by stunning landscapes, unique scenery and the diversity of life. Being an exceptionally colorful civilization, India is an intoxicating place to experiment with color, light and motion. Experience the authentic India and capture unforgettable moments with your camera. You’ll have unique photo opportunities at the Taj Mahal, Jodhpur, ‘The Blue City’ and magical ceremonies along the banks of Ganges.

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH

Join Better Moments and Andreas Bitensich to experience the authentic India and capture incredible images.

India



PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH


India highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Andreas Bitesnich, during your India expedition. ■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Experience Taj Mahal bathed

■ ON LOCATION □ Instruction and training in

the best photography techniques, including personal hints and advice.

□ Composition and focus on

lines, golden section, perspective, foreground, background and middle ground.

□ How to work in different

from Andreas Bitesnich – the author of multiple photography books

□ Workflow in Photoshop and/ or Lightroom.

people in a natural way.

□ Portrait photography tech-

niques: depth of field, composition, selecting the best possible available light.

□ Explore the historical city

□ The secrets behind travel and

numerous magical ceremonies taking place on the banks of Ganges.

□ Visual storytelling: Learn

□ How to approach local

□ Night/early morning street

□ Take photograph of the

tive critique/feedback of the images taken during the day.

lighting conditions.

in the gentle, rose-coloured morning light.

Jodhpur, also known as ”The Blue City”.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and construc-

photography.

street photography.

□ Private hands-on lessons

that will help you take your photography skills to the next level.

□ Visit Mehrangarh, which is

the largest fort in all of Rajasthan.

□ Jaswant Thada, a Royal □ Photograph and travel

through the scenic semi-desert around Jaipur.

□ Shoot amazing photos

around the massive fort-palace complex Amber Fort.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH

marble cenotaph.




PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH


Andreas H. Bitesnich Since 1989, Andreas H. Bitesnich has devoted himself exclusively to photography and has been represented in group exhibitions and solo exhibitions worldwide in renowned galleries and museums such as the Museum for Decorative Arts and Crafts in Hamburg or the Kunsthaus Wien. Moreover, his works have been published in numerous illustrated books.

With his travel reports, the fine art photographer depicts movingly beautiful landscape settings and once again proves how versatile his photographic oeuvre is. Through this photographic journey through India, Andreas H. Bitesnich created fascinating images, revealing many facets of this intricate, densely populated country. His photographs show Indian culture, faith, heritage, landmarks, cities, and wildlife, as well as its everyday life and ancient monuments.

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH

Bitesnich captures moments of indescribable beauty. In his successful artistic work, he uses his unmistakeable textures to create his famous nude photographs, numerous national and international advertising campaigns as well as portraits of famous contemporary figures such as Anthony Quinn, Jane Goodall, Bob Geldorf or Reinhold Messner.




PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH


Itinerary DAY 0

■ ARRIVAL IN NEW DELHI We recommend to arrive one day early to get over your jetlag and adjusted to the local climate. If you wish, Better Moments can help you to book a hotel room. If you arrive one day early, you can use the day to explore New Delhi with your camera. Although the city itself may not be India’s most beautiful, its narrow alleyways, bustling markets, colors, and people are a street photographer’s delight.

DAY 1

■ JODHPUR - THE BLUE CITY We will meet in Delhi at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where we will depart together by plane for the ”Blue City”, Jodhpur. After arriving we will spend the rest of the day around the historical part of the city and during the warm twilight we will shoot photos across the city from one of the old houses in the centre of Jodhpur. After dinner we will meet for the first workshop – street photography. The workshop will focus on how to approach portrait motives in a natural and non-intrusive manner.

DAY 2

■ THE LARGEST FORT IN ALL

OF RAJASTHAN We set out early to visit Mandore, which was the ancient capital of Marwar before Jodhpur was built. The lower part of the city consists of small temples, garden areas and a small river. The upper part holds the ruins of the old fort, which offers a magnificent view and unique photo opportunities. After lunch we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. It occupies the

entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with three kilometres of massive ramparts built around the edges. At night – if we have the spirit and time – we will visit Jaswant Thada, a Royal cenotaph built in marble in a picturesque location next to a little lake.

DAY 3

STUNNING LANDSCAPES Today we will drive through the beautiful and dramatic semi-desert around Jaipur. En route we will make occasional stops at local villages and from key scenic locations we will photograph the barren but stunning landscape. After dinner Christian Nørgaard is going to offer detailed and constructive criticism on the photos of the day, as well as giving a presentation on photo composition..

DAY 4

■ JAIPUR AND AMBER FORT Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century. We will spend most of the day around the impressive and photogenic Amber Fort. This massive fort-palace complex is built in hybrid Hindu-Muslim style and dates back to Raja Man Singh and was the royal palace of the Kachwahas. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands upon thousands of mirror tiles covering the walls and ceiling. From the town, we travel to the fort and take photos on our way. On our way back during the afternoon or evening, we will pay Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, a visit. Jal Mahal is situated beautifully in the centre of the lake Man Sagar. We will take photos of the palace, the reflections in the lake, as well as capture the impressive rose-coloured light.

DAY 5

■ FROM MOGHULBY

FATHEPUR SIKHRI TO AGRA We will travel through the beautiful landscape and visit the abandoned sandstone fort Fatehpur. En route we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and in the evening we will arrive in Agra. To launch the evening’s workshop, we will go through the photos taken during the day. The workshop is based on the challenges of travel photography, how to shoot while travelling and what to prioritize in this context.

DAY 6

■ TAJ MAHAL - THE CROWN

PALACE As dawn breaks, we will arrive at the Taj Mahal, which is an immense mausoleum of white marble. For our shots, we will focus on the gentle morning light, where the Taj Mahal is at its most beautiful and picturesque. Taj Mahal, which means the Crown Palace, is one the best preserved and architecturally beautiful tombs in the world and for this reason, it is important that we arrive early before it gets too crowded. We will go by rickshaw to Agra Fort, which is another unique masterpiece. The fort was built between 1565 and 1571 and has a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal. At the fort, there are plenty of opportunities for portrait photography featuring soldiers and other locals. At the end of the day we depart on the old night train for the most holy of the world’s cities, Varanasi.

PRICE & BOOKING


DAY 7

■ VARANASI - THE HOLY CITY

DAY 8

■ MORNING BATH IN THE

GANGES At dawn we will travel along the river in our own boats, where many locals bathe in the river. This is, in every way, a unique experience with many great photo opportunities. After a late breakfast the group will break up, in order to allow time for private projects. Evening flight to Delhi followed by a farewell dinner. DAY 9

■ NEW DELHI - TIME TO SAY

GOODBYE After breakfast, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight and assistance with the boarding formalities.

As twilight rolls in, we will travel by private boats along the bank and from the water we can experience the many amazing ceremonies that are taking place along the shore as well as photograph the many pyres blazing in the night.

• Delhi

ON THE BANKS OF GANGES We will arrive early in the morning and after breakfast at our hotel we will spend the rest of the day along the shores of Ganges, where many photo opportunities await. Here we will experience funeral pyres, bathing Hindus, oxen at the water’s edge and holy men in lotus position – a true mecca for photographers.

• Jaipur Jodhpur

• Taj Mahal N IG

INDIA

HT

TR

AIN

• Varanasi



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■

GETTING THERE Indira Gandhi International Airport, situated 16km to the southwest of Delhi, is the main gateway for the city’s domestic and international civilian air traffic.

■ VISA Visitors to India must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or a country whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival, or an e-Visa online. An application for e-Visa must be made at least four calendar days in advance of the date of arrival and can be made as early as 120 days in advance. The visa is valid for 60 calendar days from the date of arrival..

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH

■ WEATHER November is characterized by alot of sunshine as well as little rain and low humidity. The weather is pleasant and there is warm, brilliant sunshine during the day. Average temperature in November 28 °C, with a high of 30 °C (day) and a low of 26 °C (night).

■ LANGUAGE India has no national language. Hindi, with the largest number of speakers, is the official language of the government. English is used extensively in business and administration and has the status of a “subsidiary official language”; it is important in education, especially as a medium of higher education.

■ CURRENCY Indian rupee (INR)

■ HEALTH Check with your doctor which vaccinations or medications are recommended for this destination. Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course, as some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together.

■ QUICK GUIDE India can be a challenging destination, especially for first-time visitors, due to poverty being omnipresent and bureaucracy quite irritating. A ‘go with the flow’ attitude is advisable if you want to enjoy the Indian ride. With India boasting dramatic terrain, beautiful wildlife, a wide array of flavorful dishes, and even more sacred rituals and festivities, be assured you won’t get bored.

PRICE & BOOKING



PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH



PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BITESNICH


Equipment ■

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer

and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod Lenses,If you are working with a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180 mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH

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.




PHOTO BY ANDREAS BITESNICH


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


NAMIBIA Spirit of the desert

Amazing days of photography with expert

Tom D. Jones


Better Moments means 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.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson 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

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 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.

to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud

Photography with passion,

Cover photo by Tom D. Jones

Christian Nørgaard


s Photography with passion Our passionate experts Steve McCurry - National Geographic, World Press Photo first place Sisse Brimberg - National Geographic photographer Peter Eastway - AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine Steve Bloom - National Geographic photographer Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic photographer & photo editor Hamid Sardar-Afkhami - writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker Lars van de Goor - Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer Tom D. Jones - Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer Joel Santos - Travel Photographer Of The Year Michael Nichols - wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor Orsolya Haarberg - Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Marco Di Lauro - World Press Photo Award Magali Tarouca - journalist, teacher, travel photography guide Christian Nørgaard - CEO Better Moments

" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry


PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES




Spirit of the desert

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the sand dunes and cracked clay valleys of Namibia. Explore the spectacular rock formations of Spitzkoppe, known as the Matterhorn of Africa, and discover the colonial architecture of Swakopmund, photographing shipwrecks along the coast and colourful flocks of flamingos at Walvis Bay.

Namibia



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Namibia highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with the most renowned photographer, Tom D. Jones during your Namibia Photo Workshop. ■ ON LOCATION □ Learn about night photogra-

phy techniques in the beautifully desolate surroundings of the Namibian wilderness.

□ Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure and aperture.

□ How to handle equipment with care on location.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive criticism/feedback of the images taken during the day.

□ A Better Moments Certified

Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general.

□ Private hands-on lessons that can help to take your photography skills to the next level.

□ The secret behind the land-

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

scape photography.




PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Explore Namibia together with award winning photographer Tom D. Jones

Tom D. Jones is Better Moments’ guide at the Namibia Photo Workshop. During the workshop, Tom will deliver educational and inspiring seminars and give personal guidance on location in Namibia.

But besides doing stunning landscape photography, some of Tom’s best work is pure fine art. For example, the amazing Papillon series of butterflies. “I shot the images for ‘Papillon’ with a 120 mm macro lens. The shots are super-sharp and really reveal the extraordinary detail of these beautiful creatures. You don’t appreciate how stunning these insects are until you get right up close to them."

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

His work represents artistic photography with simple and yet complex compositions. Tom’s perspective introduces us to a world of perplexing beauty, serene and simple compositions with light and depth, always containing a creative touch of movement.




Photography with passion Tom was raised by an amateur photographer, his father, and spent many hours in the darkroom and with the slide projector. Consequently, his father’s passion rubbed off on him and Tom found himself, through the years, drawn to contemporary art and fine art photography. In the beginning, after being self-taught, he worked on commissioned photography while using his spare time to unwind and express creativity through photography. As photography became part of his life, it also led him to the woman of his dreams. He found a lady sharing his interest in photography. Tom and his wife, Sylvia, wanted the same thing, that is their very own photo studio. In 1999 they started their first studio together.

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

Talking about becoming a great photographer, Tom replies in an interview to Digital SLR Photography: “There are no secrets; I do not have to trouble myself to do so. Lionel Messi does not have secrets to becoming such a great footballer either. I built my career up through very hard work and being very critical of myself. Start small and give yourself time to grow. If you create quality products and provide good service, clients will always find you — they will spread the word and so on. Firstly, save money to buy a good DSLR and a good set of lenses. Once you have clients and tasks, you will see that you can afford more and more. In the beginning, however, you have to live sober and invest all that hardearned money in yourself and your company." Tom D. Jones is famous for his fine art photography, for which he has received numerous awards, for example the European Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2009. He’s part of the prestigious association Master Qualified European Photographer and in 2012 he distinguished himself with the well deserved Hasselblad Master Award 2012 in Landscape/Nature.


Itinerary DAY 0

DAY 2

DAY 4

It is recommended you book your flights to arrive a day early, as we depart from Windhoek relatively early on day 1. Take a day to rest and acclimatise yourself to the country before the big adventure. We can arrange accommodation and activities on request.

We head out early in the morning to catch the first light over the summit of Spitzkoppe, as well as taking some iconic shots of the famous rock arch. After lunch we will review the first results of our night photography. The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the surroundings, which take the form of a giant playground for photographers, before embarking on our second night photographing the starlight.

SHIPWRECKS (OPTIONAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY) Walvis Bay is famous for the thousands of flamingos that feed in the lagoon and the surrounding wetlands. It is considered one of the best locations in the world to see flamingos. The day is divided into two workshops: Landscape photography in and around Walvis Bay or an optional aerial photography workshop by helicopter. On our basic tour, we will conduct a landscape photography workshop, visiting the area around Walvis Bay by 4-wheel drive. On the other hand, if you join our optional aerial photography workshop, we will fly high over the spectacular sand dunes by helicopter, along the coastline we will see shipwrecks on the shore and continue over the wetlands where thousands of flamingos congregate. Finally, we will capture some amazing shots over the wonderfully colourful patterns formed in the salt pans. If time allows, we will indulge in some incredible sunset photography over the beautiful ocean around Swakopmund. We end the evening in Swakopmund’s best sea food restaurant, with a stunning sea view: ‘The Tug’.

■ ARRIVAL IN WINDHOEK

DAY 1

■ ROCK FORMATIONS AND

STARGAZING We leave for a pleasant and scenic drive in the direction of Spitzkoppe, stopping spontaneously along the way to photograph points of interest. We arrive at the first lodge, located near spectacular 700 million old granite rocks, with plenty of time to settle in and conduct a proper introduction as well as a short briefing about night photography. Because of its geographical location and lack of light pollution, we are at the perfect place for night sky photography and star gazing. The extraordinary rock formations are the perfect subject with an incredible backdrop of stars.

■ THE MATTERHORN OF AFRICA

DAY 3

BACK IN TIME TO COLONIAL SWAKOPMUND The early birds head out again to catch the first light, as the sun rises behind the rock arch. After breakfast in the lodge, we leave Spitzkoppe and towards to our next destination. Arriving in Swakopmund, you can relax or enjoy some street photography in this fascinating city, wedged between towering sand dunes on the border of the Namib Desert and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean. Swakopmund is rich in architectural history, dating back to the period from 1884 through 1915, when Swakopmund served as the main port for the area. During the colonial era, this area was a German Protectorate known German South-West Africa, so a very strong German influence can still be seen in the architecture and fortunately the buildings have been maintained and preserved very well. In the afternoon we head into the dunes using one of the favoured means of local transportation: quad bikes.

■ HIGH OVER THE COAST OF


DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

Today we will leave the coastal region and drive inland towards the red sand dunes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and Sossusvlei region. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch and take a few stopovers to admire the beautiful scenery where we have a good chance to see springbok, ostrich, oryx and mountain zebra. On our way we will pass the smallest town in the region, Solitaire, where car wrecks have been picturesquely draped along the road. Here we will stop for some of Solitaire’s legendary apple pie – arguably the best in the whole of Namibia. On arrival at our lodge we take time to install and before dinner we will drive to the first big sand dunes for a nice sundowner.

TREES This morning, we need to get up early to reach one of the most iconic and photogenic places on earth. Known as ‘Deadvlei’, a clay pan where the skeletal trees and cracked ground form some fascinating geometric patterns. After taking advantage of the most ideal lighting, we will take our breakfast under the shade of a nice big tree. We then head back to the lodge where you can either review your images or have a refreshing dive at the swimming pool before lunch. In the afternoon, we will conduct a workshop session and talk about image processing. In the afternoon we head back to Deadvlei for a camp barbecue and night photography session where the dead trees makes up for a perfect backdrop.

BACK TO WINDHOEK Catch the first sun rays over Dune 45, an awe-inspiring 85 meter high sand dune. The climb is well worth the effort, as from the top you will be spoilt with incredible panoramic views of Dune Valley. In the morning light, the floor of the pan has been described as a “moonscape” and is truly a sight to behold. After a short breakfast break at the foot of the dune, we will begin our 5 hour drive back to Windhoek. Halfway there we will stop for a nice picnic lunch and admire a spectacular view of Spreetshogte Pass.

■ THE DUNE SEA

■ LAND OF THE SKELETON

■ DUNE 45 AND A DRIVE

Once we arrive in Windhoek and have checked in at our hotel, you will have some time to explore the area before we meet up for the farewell dinner at Joe´s Beerhouse, a restaurant famous for their big selection of game dishes, such as oryx, springbok and kudu antelope. DAY 8

■ DEPARTURE This is where we head out for the Windhoek airport and say our goodbyes, as we all head in different directions and thank each other for a wonderful journey.

PRICE & BOOKING



PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


Quick guide

■ GETTING THERE Namibia’s main airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport. It is advised to arrive a day before the workshop to make sure you are well rested for the drive. Better Moments will arrange one pickup transfer and one return transfer to the airport on the arrival- and the departure day.

■ VISA Many nationalities do not require tourist visas for stays under 3 months. For a complete list of visa exemptions, as well as up-to-date information regarding visa fees and requirements, visit: http://www. namibiahc.org.uk/fees-and-requirements.php

■ WEATHER Namibia is one of the sunniest places on earth, with approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. December to March is relatively humid in most of Namibia, with some localised rainfall. April and May are pleasantly dry, without being dusty. The weather is cooler during June to August, when the landscape dries out and animals congregate around watering holes, making it a good time for wildlife photography. The weather warms up again during September to November.

■ LANGUAGE English is the official language of Namibia. There are several local languages spoken in different regions, as well as German and Afrikaans.

■ CURRENCY The official currency is the Namibian Dollar, but the South African Rand is also commonly accepted.

■ QUICK GUIDE Namibia offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors. From thrilling ATV rides along the rugged coast, to star gazing in the desolate wilderness. While much of the country is less developed, urban centres such as the seaside city of Swakopmund provide some great culinary experiences, with antelope and game being a particular highlight.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible.



Equipment ■

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer

and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod Lenses,If you are working with a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images Lens extenders Camera straps for ease of changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

□ □ □

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES

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.




PHOTO BY TOM D. JONES


BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH


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