Georgia & Armenia 2020

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

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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?

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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!

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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