The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains: Georgia & Armenia 18 Oct – 1 Nov 2020
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Tatev Monastery, Armenia Low cloud in the late afternoon.
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
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The Hidden Treasures and Fall Colours of the Caucasus Mountains Ancient roads. Historic buildings. Curious
in Istanbul. He is a gentleman. He has over 25
cultures. You’re invited to join Peter Eastway
years’ guiding experience in these areas. His
on a photographic investigation along the less
English is first class. And importantly, he is a keen
travelled paths of Georgia and Armenia.
photographer and knows where to take us!
“After my first journey to Georgia and Armenia
“We get on really well together and I know this
with my friend and guide Mehmet Ozbalci, I’m
will be yet another great trip. Are you interested?
really keen to go back. There is a new mountain valley we’ll visit and fingers crossed, we’ll get
“We will fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, from
some great autumn colours or perhaps some early
where we will do a circuit dropping down into
snow.
Armenia and back.
“But that’s just for the landscape and while I love
“If you’re interested in dramatic landscapes
this aspect of photography, Georgia and Armenia
punctuated by ancient buildings and woven
are equally about history, culture, architecture
together with vibrant and diverse cultures, this
and its people. This is a true travel destination
photography trip is for you.”
with opportunities to investigate many genres of photography.
Bookings and further inquiries via email to Kim Valenti – kim@betterphotography.com
“Mehmet is a photography tour guide, based
Cathedral Interior Photo by Mehmet Ozbalci
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
The Travel Program - US $7995 6
DAY 1 - OCTOBER 18 - TBILISI
impressive architecture and Metekhi Church right
Arrival in Tbilisi where you will be picked up from
on the River Mtkvari.
the airport and transferred to the hotel. DAY 3 - OCTOBER 20 - KAZBEGI Depending how participants feel, it is possible to
Drive towards the scenic Caucasus Mountains
start touring and photographing the picturesque
and visit a quaint mountain town where we will
city of Tbilisi, strolling through the old streets.
photograph the snow capped Mount Kazbegi
Our hotel is a 4 star - 1st class hotel located in the
which is one of the tallest peaks of the Caucasus
heart of the old city.
Mountains. We will also drive in 4x4 vehicles to get to the scenic Trinity Church with mountain
DAY 2 - OCTOBER 19 - TBILISI
backdrops. Overnight in a 4 star superior hotel.
Early in the morning, we will photograph the lit up Narikala Castle and catch the blue colour in
DAY 4 - OCTOBER 21 - ANCIENT CHOLCHIS
the sky with the city lights in the background,
Today we leave for Kutaisi, located in Ancient
followed by the sulfur baths with their photogenic
Cholchis (from the story of Jason and the Golden
brick domes.
Fleece in Greek Mythology).
We return to the hotel for breakfast and then
Along the way, we will stop at Jvari to photograph
we’re out to photograph the frescos of the Sioni
the interesting shapes of the two rivers coming
Church and explore the old part of Tbilisi. We will
together. Our next stop is Uplistsikhe, an ancient
spend the afternoon photographing the people
cave city. Katskhi Pillar is another ‘cool’ image, a 40
in the Tbilisi market, Sameba Cathedral with its
metre high, natural monolith with a chapel and
Inside Sioni Church, Tbilisi Photo by Peter Eastway
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
monk’s hermitage on the top.
of the impressive Mt Skhara (17.000 ft), offering breathtaking views.
Arrival in Kutaisi and photograph the beautifully
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lit Bagrati Church. Our hotel is a 3 star superior
After photographing the villages with its
hotel with rooms of a 4 star - 1st class hotel.
wonderful towers in Ushguli, we will drive back to Mestia in the late afternoon.
DAY 5 - OCTOBER 22 - CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS Drive to Mestia, located up in the famous
DAY 7 - OCTOBER 24 - BATUMI
Caucusus Mountains. The scenic drive to Mestia
Departure for Batumi, quaint city along
will offer many beautiful vantage points, including
the Black Sea, through the scenic Caucasus
canyons, snow-capped mountains, rivers and
Mountains making stops to photograph the
interesting ‘tower villages’ looking like castles.
scenic landscapes. In the late afternoon, we will photograph the interesting art works along
Arrive in Mestia and photograph this quaint
the pebble beach on the Black Sea with scenic
mountain town with towers and the impressive
backgrounds. Overnight in a 5 star hotel.
Caucusus Mountains in the background. DAY 8 - OCTOBER 25: AKHALTSIKHE Our hotel is a beautiful boutique, alpine hotel
Travel day to Akhaltsikhe crossing Georgia from
with the characteristics of a 4 star - 1st class hotel.
north to south, via a scenic road. In Akhaltsikhe, we will photograph beautifully lit up 13th century
DAY 6 - OCTOBER 23 - CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS
castle of Rabat, which was recently restored.
Early departure to drive on the mountain roads
The castle was developed under the influence
of the Caucasus. Our 4x4 vehicles will take us
of different cultures and this is reflected in its
to the village Ushguli, a community of villages
architecture. Our hotel is a 4 star hotel.
located at an altitude of over 7000 ft, at the foot
Ushguli and its many towers Photo by Mehmet Ozbalci
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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DAY 9 - OCTOBER 26 - YEREVAN
a duduk player. Duduk is a national Armenian
Drive to Armenia. After border crossing at Bavra,
flute. Our next stop will be “symphony of stones”,
before we get to the hotel, we will photograph
impressive basalt column formations along the
the impressive remains of the Zvartnotz Temple
side of a river gorge.
with Mount Ararat in the background. DAY 11 - OCTOBER 28 - YEREVAN Overnight in a 4 star -superior hotel, located in
In the morning, we will photograph the Church of
the centre of Yerevan.
Khor Virap with Mt Ararat in the background.
DAY 10 - OCTOBER 27 - YEREVAN
Khor Virap is one of the most important churches
Early in the morning, we will go to “Cascade”, a 400
in Armenia, as Gregory the Illuminator who
step stairway built on the side of a hill offering a
introduced Christianity to the Armenian nation
great view, to photograph the two peaks of Mt.
was put in prison in this location before the
Ararat with Yerevan in the foreground.
acceptance of Christianity.
Return to the hotel for breakfast then visit to
After lunch, we will visit Eicmiadzin Cathedral, seat
the Genocide Memorial and drive to Geghard
of the Armenian Church and you will have time
Monastery “Monastery of the Spear”.
to rest in the afternoon or explore the Vernissage Market.
In the afternoon, we will photograph the Garni Temple built in the 1st century, in Greco-Roman
DAY 12 - OCTOBER 29 - TATEV
style which is the only Greco-Roman building not
Today we drive to Tatev, an impressive monastery
only in Armenia, but in the whole territory of the
located on top of a high cliff looking like an eagle
former Soviet Union. Possibility of seeing women
nest. We will cross two canyons to get to Tatev, a
making famous Armenian “lavash” bread and also
very scenic drive.
Khor Virap with Mt Ararat Photo by Mehmet Ozbalci
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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Tatev has also the longest cable car ever built to
Haghpat Monastery, a world heritage site like
facilitate the journey of visitors and pilgrims.
many others in Armenia.
Our hotel is the best available in this area. It is a 3
Border crossing to Georgia and arrival in Tbilisi.
star hotel with very comfortable rooms.
Farewell dinner and overnight in a 4 star hotel.
DAY 13 - OCTOBER 30 - LAKE SEVAN
DAY 15 - NOVEMBER 1- DEPARTURE
In the morning, we will photograph the
Transfer to the Tbilisi airport and flight home.
interesting stones with holes called “Armenian Stone Henge” . It is beleived they were built in 6000 BC and used for astronomical observations. The ancient Noraduz cemetery with its almost 1000 year old “Kachkars”, tomb stones with crosses beautifully carved out, is our other great spot to photograph. Drive to scenic Lake Sevan and overnight in a 4 star hotel with a view over the lake. DAY 14 - OCTOBER 31 - TBILISI Drive to Tbilisi with a stop at Dilijan, one of the most beautiful towns in Armenia surrounded with scenic mountains. We will then drive to Haghpat to photograph the
Street Scene, Tbilisi From a great cafe we hope is still there!
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
How Do You Like To Learn? 14
Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,
to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made
it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,
to feel silly because you asked a basic question -
noting how he or she positions and uses the
chances are others in the group don’t know the
camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or
answer either!
interacts with people to achieve the best posing and expression.
Peter will be shooting as well. He is just as passionate as you are about photography. He also
Others like to be given suggestions, to understand
feels it is important to practice what he preaches
what the experts are seeing and thinking, and
and to show participants what he has captured as
then left to experiment and discover on their own.
the tour/workshop progresses.
They are looking for guidance, but not too much. However, he is very aware that his primary role is And yet other photographers like to be shown
to act as your instructor and guide. And he wants
how to find the photograph, how to compose
you to return on other workshops and trips, which
the image and what camera settings are required.
you will only do if you are happy.
They want help with their camera controls and detailed instructions on how to frame and
So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time
compose.
and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!
Different photographers at different stages require different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter provides all three levels of interaction, all you have
Matriach, Areni Village, Aremenia With an introduction by Mehmet!
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
How Physical Is It?
Bring Your Partner
You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this
Non-photography partners are most welcome
photography tour. If you can walk along well
to come along, but they will be expected to
maintained tracks, you should have no trouble in
participate on most of the activities. Sometimes
Georgia and Armenia.
we may leave early to take photographs, and then continue on to our next destination.
However, there will be some walking involved when we leave the hotels or the vehicles to get to
However, there will be some mornings when we
the best photographic locations.
will return to the hotel, so if your partner wanted to sleep in, that would certainly be okay!
Sometimes we will only be walking a few hundred metres. Most of the time it is no more than a
What we find is that non-partners really appreciate
kilometre or so.
our itinerary. Rather than being centred around meal times, it’s based on experiencing the
The weather will also determine what walks
countryside and what it has to offer. It’s a varied
are possible, but at this time of year, we’re not
and exciting program, and whether you’re using a
expecting there to be any major difficulties!
camera or not, the experiences will last a lifetime.
Ruins with Exotic Landscapes Photo by Mehmet Ozbalci
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
Peter Eastway G.M. Photog., MNZIPP, Hon FAIPP, HFNZIPP, FAIPP
photography competitions, both as a judge and as an active participant. He judges and speaks
Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway
internationally on a regular basis.
is a Grand Master of Photography and a two time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional
Peter’s work has been published internationally
Photographer of the Year. Known best for his
in photography and travel magazines, and he
landscape and travel photography, he has worked
was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide
in most areas of the profession and also loves
to Landscape Photography. His photography has
sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.
featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in
Peter is the editor and publisher of Better
articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an
Photography magazine and website, a position
Apple television commercial. And he has worked
that has given him special access to many of
with Phase One researching and promoting its
the world’s leading photographers over the past
Capture One raw processing software, and with
30 years. His ability to communicate both the
Adobe on its Lightroom software.
technical and aesthetic sides of photography makes him a sought after speaker on the
In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic
international circuit.
Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography series produced in partnership with Canon.
Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards for
He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and
many years and is still involved in all aspects of
Phase One camera systems.
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Atacama and Patagonia with Peter Eastway
Camera Equipment For The Expedition
Checklist
Peter is not an equipment snob! Yes, he uses
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DSLR or CSC camera recommended
professional equipment, but that’s his full time
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Standard zoom - cover everything
job.
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Wide-angles - as wide as you have
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Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, but a 70-
Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.
Recommended Camera Stuff
200mm is pretty good too!
So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it
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1.4X or 2.0X Converter
really doesn’t matter. However, there are some
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Spare camera battery & battery charger
lenses and accessories that will certainly help you
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Backpack style camera bag
capture a wider range of photographs.
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Tripod (with a quick release plate)
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Plenty of storage cards for your camera
We do recommend you bring everything you
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Polarising filter
think you might need, but not so much you
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Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)
can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave
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Card reader and cable if necessary
equipment behind in the hotel at any time.
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Laptop computer (Mac or PC)
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External back-up drives
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Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One
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Mouse or stylus/tablet
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Hat, sunscreen
Fresh snow on Caucasus Mountains Photo by Peter Eastway
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
TERMS AND CONDITIONS 22
These terms and conditions relate to the photography tours and workshops organised by Pt 78 Pty Ltd [Pt78], ABN 75 003 152 136, trading as Better Photography, and run by Peter Eastway, the workshop leader, in association with Mehmet Ozbalci of Turfantastik Tours, Turkey.
RESERVATIONS Bookings can be made on the Better Photography website at www.betterphotography.com in the online shop, or you can email Kim Valenti at kim@betterphotography.com, or call her on +612 4388 6851. The workshops are limited to a maximum of 12 participants (plus the workshop leaders). A mininum of 8 participants is required for the workshop to run. Workshop places will be confirmed in order of receipt, payment or deposit.
PRICE The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains - Georgia and Armenia 14 days 18 Oct - 1 Nov 2020 US $7,995 Single Room Supplement: US $1,050 Deposit to secure place US $ 500 The price includes photographic counsel and all transport ex-Tbilisi, Georgia.
PRICE INCLUDES/EXLUDES: • Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the kind of hotels as described in the itinerary.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary. • Water, tea or regular coffee, soft drinks (like Coke, Fanta, mineral water, fruit juice in the can) at lunches and dinners. • All admission fees to the museums and places to visit in the itinerary. • English speaking photo guide and local guides. • Comfortable A/C van, driver, gas, parking etc.. • Bottled water in the vehicle. • Private arrangement for models in the Caucasus Mountains. • Arrival and departure airport transfers only on the official start and departure days of the tour (18 October and 1 November 2020). The order of the visits and sites to photograph, as well as the itinerary, can be changed depending on the circumstances like weather, light, crowd, availability, closing / opening hours, domestic flight schedule etc… The price does not include: International air fare to Tbilisi, tips to the bell boys at hotels, gratuities to the local guide and the driver, travel insurance.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Payment details are as follows: 1. A deposit upon booking to reserve your place of US $500 (or equivalent in US $). 2. Final payment by 1 August 2020.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must advise us in writing (email is fine). We try to have a fair refund policy that works for both you and us: • Deposits are refundable, up to 90 days prior to the event. If you don’t request a refund of your deposit 90 days out or longer, we will assume you wish to come and the full balance is payable. • if you are cancelling more than 90 days from the workshop date, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is not full and, after your cancellation, we still have the minimum number of bookings to run, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is full, and we have turned away other customers, and you are cancelling within 90 days of the workshop date, we won’t refund you unless your place is filled by someone else; • if after you cancel your booking the workshop numbers fall below the minimum number required to run, and you are cancelling within 90 days, we won’t refund you. No part refunds are made for unused portions or services of a workshop.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS The workshop is designed to be suitable for people of all ages in good health and
The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
moderate fitness. While activities are not strenuous, on some workshops we may be taking hikes for several kilometres on tracks in National Park and wilderness areas, which may involve short steep descents and climbs. We will comply with the National Parks’ safety requirements, but these are a wilderness areas and you need to be careful when you are in them. It will be necessary to carry your own camera equipment and water for these activities. Should you have any concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness, please contact your doctor to discuss before booking your place. You are required to disclose any medical or physical condition that you have which could create a risk for you or any other participants. We assume no responsibility for medical care nor guarantee to meet any special dietary requirements.
INSURANCE: We have public liability insurance, but we have no insurance for par ticipants, their health, their equipment or personal belongings. We strongly advise you to obtain your own insurances suitable for your needs.
LIMITED LIABILITY As we are a small company, we are not in a position to insure your travel arrangements with Turfantastik Tours. If Turfantastik Tours were unable to provide the services for which you have contracted and paid, Pt78 will not be liable to you for
any loss you incur. We strongly suggest you take out travel insurance. In such an unlikely event, we would naturally refund the tuition component of the course. We are not opting out of our responsiblities to you, only those over which we have no control. We are asking you to take the same risk you would were you to book your travel directly with Turfantastik Tours.
RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Pt78 is strictly limited. As a tour/workshop operator, Pt78 may organise, promote, and sell programs consisting of services that it purchases from various suppliers. Pt78 does not own or operate any of these suppliers and as such is not responsible for any negligent or wilful act or failure or omission of any supplier. By taking part in the tour/workshop, you agree that Pt78 shall not be liable for the above failings. Pt78 cannot accept responsibility for losses or extra expenses caused by, but not limited to, delay or changes in any transportation services, weather, illness, injury, strike, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the sole responsibility of the participant. Pt78 reserves the right to cancel any workshop prior to commencement, whereupon paid funds will be refunded in full, but is not liable for any other trip preparation expenses such as, but not limited to, air ticket penalties, visa fees and medical treatments. Pt78 reserves the right to substitute accommodations (if any) of similar
category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary. Where weather conditions or forces of nature restrict or prohibit workshop activities, it reserves the right to alter the trip program and substitute alternative activities. Prior to commencement of any workshop, an Acceptance of Risk Release form is a term of sale. The Acceptance of Risk release must be agreed to by each participant prior to the commencement of the workshop. No alterations to the Acceptance of Risk Release will be accepted. If a participant attends a workshop without signing an Acceptance of Risk Release, their attendance confirms their acceptance of all parts of these Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk Release. These Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk release, shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the law within New South Wales, Australia. That’s it! Any special requests, please let us know beforehand!
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 18 October - 1 November 2020
For more information and bookings, contact Peter Eastway at eastway@betterphotography.com or his assistant Kim Valenti - kim@betterphotography.com