The Exotic Silk Road Photo Tour 1 2021

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION

The Exotic Silk Road Photo Tour 1 KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN

20 SEPTEMBER - 3 OCTOBER 2021 14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS

Book B Tours 1 oth + 2 and save US $1000!

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Assy Plateau in Kazakhstan This is one of the highlights of the tour.

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION

Silk Road Photo Tour 1 • 14 Days US$7995 An invitation from Peter Eastway...

are invited to join just one or sign up for both of them (there’s a discount if you join them both),

4 In 2019, I travelled through Uzbekistan,

but don’t ask me to suggest which one will be the

Kyrgyztan and Kazakhstan with a group of keen

best - they are both going to be simply amazing.

photographers and a long time friend and European photo guide. Mehmet Ozbalci.

The first tour explores Krygyzstan and Kazakhstan.

It is a little more focused on the landscape with

The trip was so successful that we’ve planned a

two highlights - the wonderful Issyk Kul lake in

return photo tour for 2021 that will be bigger and

Kyrgyzstan and the alpine grasslands of the Assy

better!

Plateau in Kazakhstan (you’ll love the old Russian observatory up on the hill)!

As we travelled around the ‘three Stans’ in 2019, both Mehmet and I made extensive notes on how

On the following pages, you can read a brief

we could extend the itinerary so we had more

synopsis of what we have planned. We need 6

time in these amazing loctions; how we could add

intrepid photographers to accompany us in 2021

in extra locations we had to drive past because

(maximum number is 10) to make it happen. So,

there wasn’t time in 16 days; and how we could

do you have a sense of adventure? Would you like

optimise our photography shoots to come back

to add one, two or three Stans to your passport?

with even more amazing photographs.

Bookings and further inquiries via email to Kim The outcome is two different Silk Road photo

Valenti - kim@betterphotography.com

tours, one of 14-days, the second 10-days. You

On the Shores of Issyk Kul

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

The Travel Program - Silk Road Photo Tour 1 6

DAY 1 SEPTEMBER 20: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

vegetables and meat, and photograph the Zenkov

Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Almaty was the

Cathedral with its typical Russian architectural

capital of Kazakhstan during Soviet times and it

style. It is one of the tallest wooden buildings in

is a beautiful city surrounded with snow-capped

the world. Lots of photo opportunities for both

mountains, which dwarf the city as you drive in.

people and architecture.

The name of the city comes from “Alma Ata” which

DAY 3 SEPTEMBER 22: ALMATY

means ‘big apple’ or ‘father of apples’. Apples are

Today is one of the landscape highlights. We drive

native to this area. You will be met at the airport

to the scenic Assy Plateau, located outside of

and taken to the hotel. Overnight in a 5-star hotel.

Almaty at an altitude of almost 7.000 ft. We will be using 4x4 vehicles to get there and our subjects

DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 21: ALMATY

are the horse nomads herding their animals and

In the morning, we will photograph a quaint

living in their yurts, with the incredible mountain

Russian Orthodox Church with its reflection in

background. The drive up to and over the plateau

the water, then take a short drive to a nature

offers breathtaking views - and the old Russian

resort where we will photograph Kazakh people

observatory is a remarkable highlight in this

in national costumes, with a beautiful mountain

wonderfully beautiful and wild landscape.

backdrop, and also inside their yurts. This will be privately arranged for our group.

DAY 4 SEPTEMBER 23: AKTAU MOUNTAINS Another drive today, this time to Altyn Emel

In the afternoon, we will explore the colourful

National Park, again using 4x4 vehicles which are

Green Bazaar where the local people sell fruit,

necessary to reach to the most photogenic sites

National Costume, Bishkek

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

in the Kazakh National Parks.

more time photographing this remarkable natural wonder before driving to Kaindy Lake through the

In the late afternoon, we will photograph the

countryside, offering more great landscapes.

Katutau and Aktau Mountains. Katutau has

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interesting lava formations and Aktau offers

Once again, we overnight in a small, simple but

breathtaking views over colourful layers of

clean and quaint guesthouse-type hotel. This

geological formations in the mountains. As this

really is a special opportunity to experience some

is a remoe area, we overnight in a guesthouse -

of the less-travelled Silk Road.

but relax, it’s warm and comfortable with ensuite facilities and you’ll love the dining room!

DAY 6 SEPTEMBER 25: ALMATY This morning we get to photograph the unique

DAY 5 SEPTEMBER 24: KAINDY LAKE

Kaindy Lake, known also as Birch Lake, with tree

Driving in 4WDs is great because we can stop

trunks sticking out from the bottom of the lake.

anywhere along the road and on our last trip,

Minerals in the lake create a beautiful greenish

we found horsemen and horse herds at several

turquoise colour in the water. This is a new

locations, and the landscapes were spectacular.

location for us, specially added into the itinerary!

While our objective today is the Kaindy Lake

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Almaty.

area, on the way we will stop and have lunch at

Overnight in a 5-star hotel.

Charyn Canyon, a unique natural complex offering wonderful views and great photo ops.

DAY 7 SEPTEMBER 26: BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN We will drive from Almaty to Bishkek with

Charyn Canyon is also known as the ‘Valley of the

an overland border crossing. There’s some

Castles’ and it’s full of interesting sedimentary rock

remarkable countryside to see, but it will be a

formations. In the afternoon, we will spend a little

long day. Overnight in a 4-star hotel.

On the Road to Charyn Canyon Road Side Stops are Great for Photos!

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

DAY 8 SEPTEMBER 27: BISHKEK

old settlement of Burana, with remains of a tall

In the morning, we will photograph the army

minaret and interesting memorial tomb stones.

guards in the main square changing their shift,

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then drive out of Bishkek to a picturesque village

Then, we drive in from the south of Issyk Kul lake

where we will see horse milking and photograph

offering great landscapes. We’ll overnight in a

a local couple in national costumes in the

small and charming boutique hotel.

backyard of their house. There are some great landscape photo opportunities as well, with snow

DAY 10 SEPTEMBER 29: ISSYK KUL

capped mountains.

In the morning, we will photograph traditional nomadic horse games played with a goat carcass

In the afternoon, we will explore and photograph

and also go hunting with an eagle handler

a typical Central Asian market, the Osh Bazaar and

and his eagles. These photo opportunities are

visit one of the major mosques.

all privately arranged only for our group. It is great photography with the most interesting

DAY 9 SEPTEMBER 28: ISSYK KUL

backgrounds.

Today, we’re driving out of Bishkek and up to Issyk Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and

We will also see and photograph the interesting

villages. Issyk Kul is one of the largest alpine lakes

felt-making process in a nearby town and in the

in the world.

afternoon, we can photograph an abandoned uranium facility which was used during the Soviet

Over the next four days, we will drive all around

era.

this lake. On the last trip, we only made it a short way around, but the area showed so much

In the late afternoon, we will explore and

potential, we simply had to return and do the full

photograph the impressive red rock formations

circuit! On the way to the lake, we will stop at the

known as the ‘Fairy Tale Castle’.

Mountainous Landscapse Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

DAY 11 SEPTEMBER 30: KARAKOL

by the side of the road or in the small towns.

Next we leave for the small town of Karakol and

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on the way, we will explore one of the most

Overnight in a 3-star superior hotel, remembering

beautiful gorges in Kyrgyzstan, offering views over

that these are still remote areas, but that lodgings

the snow capped-mountains.

are clean, warm and authentic.

From here we will drive to the top of the

DAY 13 OCTOBER 2: BISHKEK

mountain and photograph the scenic mountain

In the Cholpon Ata area, we will photograph

lakes.

ancient stone inscriptions. These petroglyphs were made by shamans about 2000 years ago.

Before we arrive in Karakol, we will stop at Jeti Oguz which is famous for its red rock formations.

We’re almost all the way around Issyk Kul, so now

Overnight in a 3 star hotel.

we continue back to Bishkek and overnight.

DAY 12 OCTOBER 1: CHOLPON ATA

DAY 14 OCTOBER 3: DEPARTURES

In the small town of Jeti Oguz, we will photograph

Transfer to the international airport in Bishkek

a Dungan Mosque. Dungans are the muslims who

and your flight back OR you can travel with us to

are originally from China. The mosque was built in

Tashkent and continue to explore the Silk Road

the Chinese style without using metal nails.

area with our optional extension photo tour to Uzbekistan - the Silk Road Photo Tour 2. See the

We will also photograph the wooden Orthodox

second brochure for further information.

Church.

Later, we will drive to Cholpon Ata with lots of scenic views and opportunities to stop and shoot

Quaint Holiday Town Architecture On the Shores of Issyk Kul

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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 And yet other photographers like to be shown

is to act as your instructor and guide. And he

how to find the photograph, how to compose

wants you to return on other workshops and trips,

the image and what camera settings are required.

which you will only do if you are happy. (A high

They want help with their camera controls

percentage of photo tour participants are repeat

and detailed instructions on how to frame and

customers, so he must be doing something right!)

compose.

So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time Different photographers at different stages require

and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!

different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter provides all three levels of interaction, all you have

Nomadic horse game Called Kokpar in Kyrgyzstan

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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 will have no trouble on the

participate on most of the activities. Sometimes

Silk Road.

we may leave early to take photographs, and then continue on to our next destination, so everyone

However, there will be some walking involved

has to come along.

when we leave the hotels or the vehicles to get to the best photographic locations.

However, there will be other mornings when we will return to the hotel, so if your partner wanted

Sometimes we will only be walking a few hundred

to sleep in, that would certainly be okay!

metres. Most of the time it is no more than a kilometre or so.

What we find is that non-partners really appreciate our itinerary. Rather than being centred around

The weather will also determine what walks

meal times, it’s based on experiencing the

are possible, but at this time of year, we’re not

countryside and what it has to offer. It’s a varied

expecting there to be any major difficulties!

and exciting program, and whether you’re using a camera or not, the experiences will last a lifetime for both of you.

Eagle Hunter Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

Peter Eastway GM 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 Exotic Silk Road 2021

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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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Back-up camera, just in case

job.

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Standard zoom - cover everything

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Wide-angles - as wide as you have

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Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, but a 70-

So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or

Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.

Recommended Camera Stuff

200mm is pretty good too!

an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it really doesn’t matter. However, there are some

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1.4X or 2.0X Converter

lenses and accessories that will certainly help you

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Spare camera battery & battery charger

capture a wider range of photographs.

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Backpack style camera bag

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Tripod (with a quick release plate)

We do recommend you bring everything you

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Plenty of storage cards for your camera

think you might need, but not so much you

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Polarising filter

can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave

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Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)

equipment behind in the hotel or in the bus/cars

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Card reader and cable if necessary

- so bring that extra lens and pack it in some extra

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Laptop computer (Mac or PC)

socks to keep it safe!

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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

Horse Herder, Kazakhstan

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The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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 10 participants (plus the workshop leaders). A mininum of 6 participants is required for the workshop to run. Workshop places will be confirmed in order of receipt, payment or deposit.

PRICE The Exotic Silk Road Photo Tour 1 - 14 days 20 Sept - 3 Oct 2021 US $7,995 Single Room Supplement: US $ 990 Deposit to secure place US $ 500 Discount for both tours US $1,000 The price includes photographic counsel and all transport between Almaty and Bishkek.

PRICE INCLUDES/EXLUDES: • Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the kind of hotels as de-

scribed 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 arrangements for photo shooting as in the itinerary.

• 4WD vehicles as per itinerary • Arrival and departure airport transfers only on the official start and departure days of the tour (20 Sept and 3 Oct 2021).

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 Kazakhstan or from Kyrgyzstan, tips to the bell boys at hotels, gratuities to the local guide and the driver, travel insurance.

NB If you are coming on both tours, the prices does not include the international flight or transportation from Bishkek to Tashkent on 3 October (although the

$1000 discount will help!). We recommend you book this flight at the same time you book your flights to Almaty and from Tashkent.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Payment details are as follows: 1. A deposit upon booking to reserve your place of US $500 (or equivalent in AUS$).

2. Final payment by 20 June 2021.

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

The Exotic Silk Road 2021

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 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 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 Exotic Silk Road 2021

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PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION

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The Exotic Silk Road Photo Tour 1 KYRGYZSTAN KAZAKHSTAN

20 SEPTEMBER - 3 OCTOBER 2021

For more information and bookings, contact Peter Eastway at eastway@betterphotography.com or his assistant Kim Valenti - kim@betterphotography.com