caucasus mountains photo tour
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Join Peter Eastway in Georgia and Armenia on a photo tour exploring the amazing Caucasus Mountains and other treasures.TRANSCRIPT
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
The Hidden Treasures of the
Caucasus Mountains
Georgia & Armenia
A Travel Adventure With Peter Eastway
19 April - 3 May 2017
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
The Coin SellerPhotograPhed at ani on the armenian border
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
The Hidden Treasures Of The Caucasus MountainsAncient roads. Historic buildings. Curious
cultures. You’re invited to join Peter Eastway
on a photographic investigation along the less
travelled paths of Georgia and Armenia.
“I have been to Turkey, twice. On the second trip,
I visited Ani on the Armenian border and one of
the most amazing historical sites I have seen.
“I told my guide, Mehmet Ozbalci, that I wanted to
return here, and that I was also interested in what
lay on the other side of the deep river valley that
surrounds Ani - Armenia and Georgia.”
Mehmet is a photography tour guide, based
in Istanbul. He is a gentleman. He has over 25
years’ guiding experience in these areas. His
English is first class. And importantly, he is a keen
photographer and knows where to take us!
“We get on really well together, so when Mehmet
suggested we do a tour into Armenia and
Georgia, it was just a matter of agreeing on a time
and letting people know.”
Are you interested?
“We will fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, from
where we will do a circuit dropping down into
both Eastern Turkey and Armenia.
“If you’re interested in dramatic landscapes
punctuated by ancient buildings and woven
together with vibrant and diverse cultures, this
photography trip is for you.”
Bookings and further inquiries via email to Kim
Valenti - [email protected]
Cathedral InteriorPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
The Travel Program - US $7995APRIL 19 - TBILISI
Arrival in Tbilisi where you will be picked up from
the airport and transfered to the hotel.
Depending how participants feel, it is possible to
start touring and photographing the picturesque
city of Tbilisi, strolling through the old streets.
Our hotel is a 4 star - 1st class hotel located in the
heart of the old city.
APRIL 20 - TBILISI
Early in the morning, we will photograph the lit
up Narikala Castle and catch the blue colour in
the sky with the city lights in the background,
followed by the sulfur baths with their photogenic
brick domes.
We return to the hotel for breakfast and then
we’re out to photograph the frescos of the Sioni
Church and explore the old part of Tbilisi. We will
spend the afternoon photographing the people
in the Tbilisi market, Sameba Cathedral with its
impressive architecture and Metekhi Church right
on the River Mtkvari.
APRIL 21 - ANCIENT CHOLCHIS
Early in the morning, we will photograph the
Mtkvari River with its reflections, then have
breakfast and leave for Kutaisi, located in Ancient
Cholchis (from the story of Jason and the Golden
Fleece in Greek Mythology).
Along the way, we will stop at Jvari to photograph
the interesting shapes of the two rivers coming
together. Our next stop is Uplistsikhe, an ancient
cave city. Katskhi Pillar is another ‘cool’ image, a 40
metre high, natural monolith with a chapel and
monk’s hermitage on the top.
Arrival in Kutaisi and photograph the beautifully
lit Bagrati Church. Our hotel is a 3 star superior
hotel with rooms of a 4 star - 1st class hotel.
Metekhi ChurchPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
APRIL 22 - CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS
Drive to Mestia, located up in the famous
Caucusus Mountains. The scenic drive to Mestia
will offer many beautiful vantage points, including
canyons, snow-capped mountains, rivers and
interesting ‘tower villages’ looking like castles.
Arrive in Mestia and photograph this quaint
mounatin town with towers and the impressive
Caucusus Mountains in the background.
Our hotel is a beautiful boutique, alpine hotel
with the characteristics of a 4 star - 1st class hotel.
APRIL 23 - CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS
Early departure to drive on the mountain roads
of the Caucusus. Our 4x4 vehicles will take us
to the village Ushguli, a community of villages
located at an altitude of over 7000 ft, at the foot
of the impressive Mt Skhara (17.000 ft), offering
breathtaking views.
After photographing the villages with its
wonderful towers in Ushguli, we will drive back to
Mestia in the late afternoon.
APRIL 24 - AKHALTSIKHE
Travel day to Akhaltsikhe, crossing Georgia from
north to south, via a scenic road. No doubt we
will be stopping regularly to take photographs of
what we find along the road.
In Akhaltsikhe, we will photograph the old castle
of Rabat, which was recently restored.
Our hotel is 4 star - 1st class hotel.
APRIL 25 - KARS
Today we travel to Kars in Turkey. This is where
the story in the Nobel Prize winner Turkish author
Orhan Pamuk’s novel “Snow” takes place.
Overnight in a beautiful, small, charming boutique
hotel with a lot of character.
Ushguli and its many towersPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
Khor Virap with Mt AraratPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
APRIL 26 - KARS
In the morning, we will photograph the ancient
capital of Armenia, Ani, which offers fantastic
views with its almost 1000 year old churches and
buildings. This is the place Peter is really keen to
return to.
In the afternoon, we will explore the old part of
Kars and photograph the Kars Castle.
APRIL 27 - YEREVAN
Travel day to Yerevan, the interesting and
beautiful capital of Republic of Armenia.
Our hotel is a 4 star - 1st class hotel.
APRIL 28 - YEREVAN
Early in the morning, we will go to ‘Cascade’, a
stairway and the social meeting point of the
people of Yerevan, to photograph the two peaks
of Mt. Ararat with the city of Yerevan in the
foreground.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit to the
Genocide Museum. In the afternoon, we will drive
to Garni, a 1st century Greco-Roman style temple
and then to the amazing basalt rock formations,
called a “Symphony of Stones”.
We will also visit the Geghard Monastery,
“Monastery of the Spear”, claimed to originate
from the spear which wounded Jesus at the
crucifixion.
APRIL 29 - YEREVAN
In the morning, we will photograph the Church of
Khor Virap with Mt Ararat in the background.
Khor Virap is one of the most important churches
in Armenia, as Gregory the Illuminator who
introduced Christianity to the Armenian nation
was put in prison in this location before the
acceptance of Christianity.
We will have time to visit the Matanedran
Museum holding thousands of ancient
manuscripts and photograph the interior
architecture of the museum.
In the afternoon, we will visit Eicmiadzin
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
Sameba Cathedral, TbilisiPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
Cathedral, seat of the Armenian Church and the
ruins of the Zvartnos Temple, a circular structure
with Mt Ararat in the back.
APRIL 30 - TATEV
Today we drive to Tatev, an impressive monastery
located on top of a high cliff looking like an eagle
nest. We will cross two canyons to get to Tatev, a
very scenic drive.
Tatev has also the longest cable car ever built to
facilitate the journey of visitors and pilgrims.
Our hotel is the best available in this area. It is a 3
star hotel with very comfortable rooms.
MAY 1 - LAKE SEVAN
In the morning, we will photograph the
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.
MAY 2 - TBILISI
Drive to Tbilisi with a stop at Dilijan, one of the
most beautiful towns in Armenia surrounded with
scenic mountains.
We will photograph the cute little street of the old
part of Dilijan then drive to Haghpat where we
will shoot Hapghpat Monastery, a world heritage
site like many others in Armenia.
MAY 3 - DAY OF DEPARTURE
Transfer to the Tbilisi airport and flight home.
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
How Do You Like To Learn?Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,
it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,
noting how he or she positions and uses the
camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or
interacts with people to achieve the best posing
and expression.
Others like to be given suggestions, to understand
what the experts are seeing and thinking, and
then left to experiment and discover on their own.
They are looking for guidance, but not too much.
And yet other photographers like to be shown
how to find the photograph, how to compose
the image and what camera settings are required.
They want help with their camera controls
and detailed instructions on how to frame and
compose.
Different photographers at different stages require
different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter
provides all three levels of interaction, all you have
to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made
to feel silly because you asked a basic question -
chances are others in the group don’t know the
answer either!
Peter will be shooting as well. He is just as
passionate as you are about photography. He also
feels it is important to practice what he preaches
and to show participants what he has captured as
the tour/workshop progresses.
However, he is very aware that his primary role is
to act as your instructor and guide. And he wants
you to return on other workshops and trips, which
you will only do if you are happy.
So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time
and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!
By The Side Of The RoadWith an introduction by mehmet!
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
How Physical Is It?You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this
photography tour. If you can walk along well
maintained tracks, you should have no trouble in
Georgia and Armenia.
However, there will be some walking involved
when we leave the hotels or the vehicles to get to
the best photographic locations.
Sometimes we will only be walking a few hundred
metres. Most of the time it is no more than a
kilometre or so.
The weather will also determine what walks
are possible, but at this time of year, we’re not
expecting there to be any major difficulties!
Bring Your PartnerNon-photography partners are most welcome
to come along, but they will be expected to
participate on most of the activities. Sometimes
we may leave early to take photographs, and then
continue on to our next destination.
However, there will be some mornings when we
will return to the hotel, so if your partner wanted
to sleep in, that would certainly be okay!
What we find is that non-partners really appreciate
our itinerary. Rather than being centred around
meal times, it’s based on experiencing the
countryside and what it has to offer. It’s a varied
and exciting program, and whether you’re using a
camera or not, the experiences will last a lifetime.
Ruins with Exotic LandscapesPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
Peter Eastwayg.m. Photog., mnziPP, hon FaiPP, hFnziPP, FaiPP
Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway
is a Grand Master of Photography and a two
time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional
Photographer of the Year. Known best for his
landscape and travel photography, he has worked
in most areas of the profession and also loves
sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.
Peter is the editor and publisher of Better
Photography magazine and website, a position
that has given him special access to many of
the world’s leading photographers over the past
30 years. His ability to communicate both the
technical and aesthetic sides of photography
makes him a sought after speaker on the
international circuit.
Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP
Australian Professional Photography Awards for
many years and is still involved in all aspects of
photography competitions, both as a judge and
as an active participant. He judges and speaks
internationally on a regular basis.
Peter’s work has been published internationally
in photography and travel magazines, and he
was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide
to Landscape Photography. His photography has
featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide
to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in
articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an
Apple television commercial. And he has worked
with Phase One researching and promoting its
Capture One raw processing software, and with
Adobe on its Lightroom software.
In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic
Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography
series produced in partnership with Canon.
He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and
Phase One camera systems.
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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ChecklistHere’s an incomplete list of some of the things you
may need.
Recommended Camera Stuff• DSLR or CSC camera recommended
• Standard zoom - cover everything
• Wide-angles - as wide as you have
• Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, but a 70-
200mm is pretty good too!
• 1.4X or 2.0X Converter
• Spare camera battery & battery charger
• Backpack style camera bag
• Tripod (with a quick release plate)
• Plenty of storage cards for your camera
• Polarising filter
• Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)
• Card reader and cable if necessary
• Laptop computer (Mac or PC)
• External back-up drives
• Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One
• Mouse or stylus/tablet
• Hat, sunscreen
Camera Equipment For The ExpeditionPeter is not an equipment snob! Yes, he uses
professional equipment, but that’s his full time
job.
So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or
an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it
really doesn’t matter. However, there are some
lenses and accessories that will certainly help you
capture a wider range of photographs.
We do recommend you bring everything you
think you might need, but not so much you
can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave
equipment behind in the hotel at any time.
The Remote Tatev MonasteryPhoto by mehmet ozbalci
The Atacama and Patagonia with Peter Eastway
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
TERMS AND CONDITIONS These terms and conditions relate to the
photography tours and workshops organ-
ised 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 Turfan-
tastik 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 [email protected],
or call her on +612 4388 6851.
The workshops are limited to a maxi-
mum of 8 participants (plus the workshop
leaders). A mininum of 5 participants is
required for the workshop to run. Work-
shop places will be confirmed in order of
receipt, payment or deposit.
PRICEThe Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus -
Mountains - Georgia and Armenia - 14
days 19 April - 3 May 2017 US $7,995Single Room Supplement: US $980Deposit to secure place US $500The price includes photographic counsel
and all transport ex-Tbilisi, Georgia.
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 wa-
ter, 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 trans-
fers only on the official start and
departure days of the tour (April 19
and May 3).
The order of the visits and sites to pho-
tograph, 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, 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 19 January 2017.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDSShould 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 bal-
ance 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 mini-
mum 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 por-
tions or services of a workshop.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTSThe workshop is designed to be suitable
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
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 a wil-
derness 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 l iabil ity insurance,
but we have no insurance for par tici-
pants, their health, their equipment
or personal belongings. We strongly
advise you to obtain your own insur-
ances suitable for your needs.
LIMITED LIABILITYAs we are a small company, we are not in
a position to insure your travel arrange-
ments with Turfantastik Tours. If Turfan-
tastik 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 Tur-
fantastik Tours.
RESPONSIBILITYThe responsibility of Pt78 is strictly lim-
ited. 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/work-
shop, 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 lim-
ited 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 work-
shop, 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 gov-
erned 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 2017
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The Hidden Treasures of the Caucasus Mountains 2017
For more information and bookings, contact Peter Eastway
or his assistant Kim Valenti - [email protected]
The Hidden Treasures of the
Caucasus Mountains 19 April - 3 May 2017
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION