Tofino Photography Workshop

 

Dates of Workshop: August 9, 2015 to August 15, 2015

It is in Tofino with us that you will take your photography to the next level with the personal instruction. So come and join us and expand your creative and technical skills through extensive field shoots and informative classes and photo reviews. You and only a maximum of 10 other photographers will share the excitement of our only workshop of 2015 to photograph these memorable sites.

I will say that we have a ton of fun, but we do work hard from dawn to dusk and you will return home tired but satisfied with the images and memories left on your memory cards. A few things that also need mentioned; this is a photography workshop, not a photo tour.  We will be generally photographing during the optimal light of the day, 6am till 10am and 5pm till 10pm. Then during the middle of the day we'll spend the time holding classes and reviewing your photos.  Also, the proper camera gear is very important for a successful photography workshop experience.  The gear we suggest includes digital (or film) SLR with a range of lenses from wide angle to telephoto.  A sturdy tripod and other items are also essential, and a more complete list of suggested equipment will be provided when you register.

A Typical Day

We will meet for group reception and you will be given an orientation presentation on the area. We will also show you examples of the kind of photographic situations that you will be in, but also make some suggestions on how you should approach these situations.

A final, detailed itinerary will be provided prior to the workshop.  It is always subject to last minute changes to take advantage of the constantly changing weather and light.  But we will select our locations from some of the following: Rainforest Hot Springs, Private boat tours, Lighthouse loop, Long beach, Combers Beach, Meares Island, Pacific Rim National Park.  We will not have the time to cover all of these locations but will select the ones that provide the finest photographic opportunities at the time based on my experience living in British Columbia

Most of our days will begin well before sunrise.  We will arrive at our location an hour before sunrise.  This will give us an opportunity to photograph in the luminous blue hour.  Because Tofino is so large, some mornings will entail driving times of a half hour or more.  We will continue to photograph through the morning golden hour, that period after sunrise when the sun is still low in the sky and the light especially warm. For our night photo shoots we will leave the classroom for our afternoon and sunset destinations in time to take full advantage of the afternoon golden hour, sunset and twilight for such photographic styles as long exposure and light painting.

An important part of the Tofino photography workshop is feedback and instruction. As mentioned, we will take advantage of the poor light during the middle of the day to review your photos and offer 'classroom' instruction.  In addition to covering such topics as composition and depth of field we will also spend some time on workflow and post processing using Lightroom and Photoshop.

The weather in Tofino           

The average daily temperature in Tofino is around 15°C ( 60°F) in July and August, these are ideal months for outdoor activities for photographers. August also sees the second lowest rainfall in Tofino each year and allows the elongated shadows to be visible each morning and night as we walk the expansive shorelines during the golden hours.

The dates would be August 9 to August 15. Arrive in Vancouver for a pickup at 10 on morning of the 9th. We will take the ferry across to Nanaimo or Victoria that day and drive through the island towards Tofino.

On our way we will make a few stops in Vancouver so you can see some of the highlights of the city. My favorites are the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, English Bay and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

We will then head to the ferry port and take the ferry across to Vancouver Island. Once on the island we will drive west towards Tofino, cutting through some amazing BC scenery and Mt. Washington.

We will arrive at Tofino close to sunset and get settled into our homes for the week. We will be renting a few large fully furnished vacation properties where you would have your own bedroom and a common area for relaxing and editing.

These homes are fully furnished higher end homes with a full kitchen as well.

We will cook all the meals for you at these homes that are situated near or on the water. We will also do all the driving while you are with us.

Our time in Tofino will be from the night of the 9th of August till mid morning on the 15th. While in Tofino we will be focusing on photographing the seascapes, the Pacific Rim National Park rain forest. We will also photograph the local feathered residents of bald eagles and the many sea lions found basking and swimming in the water.

August is our choice because that is the time the golden hour air is cool and creates fog along the shoreline. It is a magical time of year to photograph in tofino and master your skills at long exposures and seaside photography.

There is also an optional boat tour that we can take for whale and black bear watching. If that is something that you would like to participate in, we can co-ordinate while we are there very easily.

We will drive back down another route towards Vancouver on the 15th so that you can take in more island scenery and have you at Vancouver International Airport on the 15th for 4pm.

You should schedule your flights so that you arrive in Vancouver to be picked up at 10am on the 9th and schedule your departures for after 6pm on the 15th of August.

The cost for this workshop is $2750CAD ($2190USD) plus $72.68CAD in taxes. For this, you get your single accommodation, meals, transportation and photographic teaching.

Not included are alcohol, items of personal nature, travelers insurance, flights to and from the workshop.

Contact us at kevinapepper@outlook.com for more information

A non-refundable $750.00 deposit is required to secure your spot in this workshop. The balance of the full payment is due 95 days prior to departure. (June 1, 2015)

Why Tofino?

Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in a geographical region called Clayoquot Sound. The area is comprised of over 400,000 hectares of land and marine inlets. Designated as a world UNESCO biosphere reserve, this area also boasts one of British Columbia's most prized nature reserves, Pacific Rim National Park.

The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations have made Clayoquot Sound their home for several thousand years.  The Tla-o-qui-aht Village of Opitsaht (across the water from Tofino on Meares Island) is thought to have been continuously inhabited for at least the past 5,000 years, according to carbon dating of a long-buried stash of discarded clam shells.

Book your space by emailing me through our Contact Us Page here – http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/

or email Kevin at kevinapepper@outlook.com

A non-refundable $750.00 deposit is required to secure your spot in this workshop. The balance of the full payment is due 95 days prior to departure. (June 1, 2015)

Namibia Photo Tour

 

Dates of Workshop:, April 10 to April 22, 2016

Price of Workshop:  $6475CDN

Photographic Leader(s):  Kevin Pepper and if there is more than six people coming, David Topping will be joining us

Maximum Number of attendees: 8 (minimum number of attendees is 6)

Deposit to secure space in workshop:  $750CDN

Day 1  -  Kalahari - Guided excursions to the Kalahari desert. The Namibian area of the Kalahari Desert is covered with trees, ephemeral rivers and fossil watercourses, the reasonably regular rainfall patterns that occur every year do allow for huge numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, plant life and insects to thrive. In terms of vegetation most of the southern segment is taken up with camelthorn, red ebony and other acacias, and towards the centre silver terminalia and shrubs are common. Farther north, where the climate is wetter, the acacia gives way to bush savannah and dry woodland of kiaat (also known as wild teak) Zambezi teak (also called mkusi or Rhodesian teak) wild seringa (formerly Rhodesian ash) manketti, shiwi and other magnificent timber species. Large numbers of Tamboti trees grow in the Grootfontein area. The quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma) A. hereroensis and A. littoralis are 3 species of aloe that also occur here.

Guide will pick you up at the airport and be transported to Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge with Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 2/3  -  Sossusvlei - Guided excursion to Sossusvlei. Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light

We will be staying at the Sossus Dune Lodge with Dinner and breakfast included

Day 4/5 -  The Skeleton Coast - Photograph the stunning skeleton coast, its ship wrecks and see where the desert meets the ocean. A barren stretch of shore in Namibia maintains a reputation as one of the harshest places on earth…and it has an ominous name to match. The Skeleton Coast owes its appellation to the whalebones that peppered the shoreline when the whaling industry was booming, as well as, more ominously, to the hulking carcasses of sea-wrecked ships buried in the sand and disintegrating in the water—more than 1,000 have met their end on the deadly coast.

We will be staying at the Swakopmund Guesthouse with breakfast included with luxury rooms.

Day 6/7  -  Damaraland - We will visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings, the burnt mountains and organ pipes.   Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region that offers the more traveller a more adventurous challenge. Here there are prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Towards the west, the geography changes dramatically with endless sandy wastes, that incredibly are able to sustain small, but wide-ranging, populations of desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, ostrich and springbok. These animals have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered, almost waterless desert spaces. Elephant move through euphorbia bush country, and can travel up to 70km in a day in search of food and water and unusually, do not destroy trees in their quest for food. Follow black rhino cow and her calf in typical Damaraland 'melkbos' terrain. Together, Damaraland and Kaokoland are known as the Kaokoveld.            

We will be stayng at Camp Kipwe with Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 8/9   -  Kaokoland  -  Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe and the home of the Himba people. Although it is harsh and offers little respite at midday, the rugged landscape is especially attractive during the early morning and late afternoon when it is transformed into softly glowing pastel shades. The topography in the south of the area is characterised by rugged mountains which are dissected by numerous watercourses, but north of the Hoarusib River the scenery is dominated by table-top koppies. Still further north, the Otjihipa Mountains rise abruptly above the Namib floor to form the eastern boundary of the Marienfluss, while the west of the valley is defined by the Hartmann Mountains. The Marienfluss valley is very scenic and relatively greener than the Hartmann's valley. Hartmann's valley is closer to the Atlantic and yet much more arid. However, it does have a strange atmosphere when the sea mists drift inland.

Here we will also visit traditional Himba villages and have multiple photo shoots with the tribe over two days.

We will be staying at the Opuwo Country Hotel in luxury rooms with Dinnerand breakfast inlcuded.

Day 10/11  -  Etosha for guided game drives.

We will be staying at the famous waterhole chalets at Okaukuejo with breakfast included.

Day 12  -  Waterberg Park.  Waterberg Plateau Park is a national park in central Namibia encompassing the Waterberg Plateau, 68 km east of the town of Otjiwarongo. The Waterberg Plateau is a particularly prominent feature, elevated high above the plains of the Kalahari of Eastern Namibia. The plateau and some 405 km² of surrounding land were declared a Nature Reserve in 1972. The plateau is largely inaccessible so in the early 1970s several of Namibia's endangered species were translocated there to protect them from predators and poaching to extinction. The programme was very successful and Waterberg now supplies other Namibian parks with rare species.    

We will be staying at Waterberg Wilderness Lodge with Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 13 we will travel to Windhoek. The tour Ends...

The above quote Includes:

1.       Accommodation and meals as indicated

2.       Game drives as indicated – guided by own private guide

3.       Park entry fees

4.       Guide and vehicle  – 4x4 Safari built vehicle with big windows and pop up roof

5.       Mineral Water

6.       Staff Gratuities

7.       Private guide/driver

Quote excludes:

1.       Items of a personal nature

2.       Optional extra activities

3.       Flights

4.       Holiday or personal insurance

Contact us for more details by visiting our Contact Us Page - http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/

 

Galapagos Photo Tour

Trip Dates: February 21-27, 2016

Guides / Instructor: Local Guides in Quito, Galapagos Guides, Kevin A Pepper

Price: $5990 Canadian ($4950USD) for shared accommodation. A single supplement of 1.6 times the-per person rate will be charged where applicable

Deposit: $750 Canadian

Straddling the equator 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador are the Galápagos Archipelago. It is one of the premier nature photography locations in the world, and a must-see for anyone who enjoys experiencing wildlife at close range, warm tropical weather, snorkeling with colorful fishes, and al fresco dining under the stars.

You will see virtually all of the famous Galápagos wildlife specialties, and photograph many of the incredible and unique life forms that captivated Charles Darwin. One of the great joys of a visit to these islands is the remarkably unwary seabirds, which include such photogenic favorites as the red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as the flamboyant magnificent frigate birds with their scarlet throat pouches and aerial acrobatics.

These birds of the open ocean allow human approach within a few yards during courtship and breeding. In addition there are elegant swallow-tailed gulls, handsome waved albatrosses, red-billed tropic birds and flocks of resplendent American flamingos in their feathered finery.

On Day One you will arrive from all over the world, you and your fellow travelers will come together for an evening meal and official briefing.

If you arrive early, you can use your free time to get acquainted with one of the highest capitals in the world sitting at just over 2740 meters (9000 feet) above sea level. The city is nestled in a long, narrow valley of the Andes and flanked by the Pichincha Volcano to the west. For a great view and a little exercise, Pichincha is easily accessible for a day trip. If you’re in a cultural mood, head to the old town to stroll through the magnificent cathedrals and take in the colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' is located high atop a hill in the old town and is a major Quito attraction boasting a panoramic view of the city. Museums are scattered throughout the city as well as local artisan markets that are great for picking up souvenirs. The new town is teeming with cafes and restaurants and is a vibrant mix of locals, expats, and fellow travelers. Both the new town and old towns are easily accessible by trolley or taxi. If you’d prefer, we’d be happy to help arrange these pre-tour activities for you. We can also assist in booking any accommodation you may need if arriving earlier or staying later in Quito.

Quito Hotel

On day Two we will fly out to Baltra and transfer to our boat . The Estrella Del Mar. An elegantly furnished and graceful on the water, Estrella del Mar is a ship that cruises the Galapagos Islands with style.

On-board accommodation can be found in one of the eight double cabins which feature windows, air-conditioning, and private baths with hot water.

Guests can relax in one of Estrella del Mar’s fully air-conditioned, indoor social areas, or breathe the salty sea breeze from one of her ample sun or shade decks. She also offers a bar, TV/DVD use, and a comfortable dining area.

Day Two, Three, Four, Five, Six - For four full days we will cruise by night and photograph in the early mornings and late afternoons to help ensure the best light for your photography.

We will visit the following islands and locations.

Bartholomew Island - Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

El Barranco - Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky path leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

Darwin Bay - This white sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.

Sante Fe Island - Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

El Chato – The El Chato reserve is divided into two areas; Caseta and Chato. The trail begins at Santa Rosa, 22 km from Puerto Ayora, with the Caseta route being the more challenging. The reserve allows visitors to observe giant tortoises in the wild during the dry season, and is also a good place to spot short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galápagos rails and paint-billed crakes.

Twin Craters - Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

Estrella Del Mar in share accommodation (All Meals)

On Day Six, after spending our time exploring the Galapagos Islands and gaining a deeper understanding of the art of photography, it is time to head back to Quito. You'll leave the islands with a new network of passionate photographer friends with whom you'll be able to share ideas and photography tips.

Quito Hotel (Breakfast)

Day Seven is the last day of the photography workshop tour. If your flight home is scheduled in the morning, an included transfer to the airport is provided for your convenience. Alternatively, if you are spending more time in Ecuador, you may want to book a day tour or excursion to see another part of the country.

Most flights depart around midday, so you may have an hour or two of free time in the morning to pick up some souvenirs and bid farewell to the people and animals of the Galapagos. Your transfer to the airport will take 60-90 minutes depending on local bus and ferry crossing schedules. Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have some time to explore the city before your Farewell Dinner in the evening.

(Breakfast included)

Included in Price - 4 nts in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Estrella del Mar - Flights to and from the Galápagos Islands - Certified Galápagos National Park Service guide - All landings, excursions, and transportation - Snorkeling equipment - Visit to a wildlife interpretation center - 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners. (Allow USD75-100 for meals not included. Drinks and tips while on the yacht are extra. - USD10 Transit Control Card fee at the Quito airport and a USD100 (cash) Galápagos park entry fee immediately upon arrival to the Islands - Local flight, Estrella del Mar motorized yacht, van, Zodiac, private bus. - Galápagos National Park Service guide while in the islands. Local representative in Quito. - Hotels (2 nts), aboard the Estrella del Mar in twin-share cabins (4 nts).

Not Included in Price - International airfare - Beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) - Gratuities for on-board staff - Entrances fees not listed - Applicable tourist visas - Incidentals - Insurance - Airport Taxes - Meals not mentioned above

Contact Me Here - http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/

See our other Global Photo Tours here - http://northof49photography.com/photo-tours/

Photo Tour in the Yukon in Autumn

From the Desert to the Arctic Circle
This trip is designed to give you the opportunity to photograph all the diversity that the Yukon has to offer. We will cover the area around Whitehorse, Klaune National Park and the Dempster Highway, north to the Arctic Circle. You will be shooting mountain landscapes, macro images of fall foliage, travel type photography of historical streetscapes, the wildlife, northern lights and other long exposure night photography.

Dates of Yukon Trip:

Workshop #1 is from August 23 to August 29, 2015 with Kevin Pepper (two spots left)

Price of Workshop:
$3950CDN for a maximum of 8 people
Single Supplement is $500CDN

Included:

Return Domestic flight to Dawson City from Whitehorse, Airport pick-up and drop-off, Accommodation, Dinner on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - Breakfast on day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 - Snacks, soft drinks, water during the day, Daily transportation via an 8 passenger Suburban or equivalent. Hot drinks and snacks during aurora viewing nights.

Not Included:

Alcoholic beverages, International flights, Items of personal nature, Items not listed as included

Deposit Required: $1000CDN - Balance due before May 15th, 2015.

Day One - A day to Welcome You to the Yukon
Today you will arrive in Whitehorse from Home. You should schedule your arrivals so that you arrive in Whitehorse before 4:30pm. You will get picked up at the airport and shuttled to the hotel in Whitehorse.

You can unpack and have some free time before dinner. Today would be your day to explore Whitehorse, buy your souvenirs for the children and grandchildren because once we gather for dinner our excursion begins...
We will meet for a group dinner and go over the itinerary, get to know one another and discuss the various photography situations we will find ourselves in this week.

After dinner, if the skies are clear, we will head out into the countryside for one of many nights of aurora photography. There are a number of spots around Whitehorse that we have identified with interesting foreground elements that will enhance your aurora images.

Accommodation at Ramada Inn in Whitehorse

Dinner Included

Day Two - The Southern Loop
Today is our day to head south of Whitehorse and do the southern loop. This 150 kilometer round trip has an abundance of photography opportunities... so always have your camera ready. You never know what mountain vista, calm lake or local wildlife will show itself to us along this route.

We will depart from our hotel and head towards the Carcross Desert. This is the smallest desert in the world and is framed by mountain ranges, specifically Caribou Mountain to the East. Along this drive you will be treated to many photo opportunities of pristine mountain lakes, especially Emerald Lake and Marsh Lake. Marsh Lake is a fish rich lake that attracts numerous waterfowl and birds of prey such as Osprey and Bald Eagles. It is also a stop on the migration for the Tundra Swan, which many remain through the summer before they migrate south for the winter.

The other reason we are heading to the Carcross area are for the possible sightings of the numerous Woodland Caribou. Carcross was originally named Caribou Crossing, and the name still holds true in the numbers of caribou. There are also frequent black bear sightings along the roads and local trails that we will be traveling on... so as K1 says, "have your camera's ready".

We will hopefully end our day once again with the aurora dancing over our heads along one of the southern rivers and lakes that cover the countryside. Just a short 30 minute drive from Whitehorse we will be able to capture the aurora over frozen lakes and near forested areas.

Accommodation at Ramada Inn in Whitehorse

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day Three - Headed to the Klondike
You are in for a treat today... its a flight into the heart of Gold Rush. Our destination, Dawson City.

Our morning plane ride ends in Dawson City... the epitome of a Gold Rush town in Northern Canada. We will get picked up and begin one of two journeys along the Dempster Highway. The landscapes here are breathtaking and the fall colours will be covering the landscapes like a multi coloured blanket. Your highlight of this trip is Tombstone Territorial Area.

And lets not forget about the wildlife. The porcupine herd of Caribou will be in the area in late August on their annual migration. It is our intent to introduce you to one of Canada's largest animal migration, in one of the most photogenic fall landscapes Canada offers.

If the aurora is dancing... come out and enjoy the sight near the Arctic Circle... something you will never forget.

Accommodation at Eagle Point, a mere 30 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Included is breakfast, snacks during the day and dinner.

Dempster Highway on the way to the Arctic Circle in the Fall (stock image)

Day Four - The Arctic Circle Awaits
We rise and take the last few miles and take you north of the Arctic Circle. Here you will see vast expanses of fall colours and distant mountain ranges that offer everything from panorama's to macro photography, and yes, even the odd fox, wolf, caribou and an abundance of bird species that will be feeding before their southern migration.

We will even take your photo at the Arctic Circle signage so you have a personal momento that you made it to the arctic circle with Northof49 Photography.

If the aurora is dancing... come out and enjoy the sight from the Arctic Circle... something you will never forget. Maybe a photo of the Arctic Circle signpost with the aurora dancing overhead?

Accommodation at Eagle Point, a mere 30 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Included is breakfast, snacks during the day and dinner.

Day Five - The Early Morning Landscapes are Golden
Upon our return we will pick up your certificate that gives testimony that you arrived in the arctic circle. We will then continue down the Dempster highway for a chance to photograph the remote painted landscapes one more time.

Our destination is Dawson City. You will have a chance to explore the preserved Klondike buildings and see how the original settlers lived hundreds of years ago. If you are adventurous... its a sour toe cocktail for you... and yet another claim to fame that you will tell your friends and family that you did while in the Yukon.

We will then take another afternoon flight back down to Whitehorse. After dinner we will relax and take time to reflect. We will have a busy schedule and we will recharge our batteries (camera and personal) before our final push towards the gem of the Yukon.

Accommodation at the Ramada Inn

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day Six - Mountains and Reflections
Saving the best for last, well, in my opinion anyways... its a drive west to Klaune National Park.

But before we get to Klaune, we will visit the Whitehorse wildlife Preserve. You will have just spent 6 days photographing areas that many of the animals in the preserve live in. If we were not lucky enough to see these animals in the wild, we want to give you the opportunity to photograph them in a smaller wildness area. You will have the opportunity to photograph, Lynx, Arctic fox, caribou, elk, Bison, Thinhorn Sheep, Mountain Goats and Mule deer.

Then its on to Klaune. If you've ever imagined standing amidst a sweeping landscape of mountain valleys carved by glaciers and sprinkled with alpine wildflowers and vibrant fall colours, you will get to live your dream in Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada. An icon of North America and the center piece of the Kluane region in Yukon, Kluane National Park and Reserve is one of our natural treasures and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Encompassing breathtaking views of lush valleys, mountain ranges, Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada is part of the largest internationally protected wilderness area in the world. Four interconnecting wilderness parks in British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon are designated a World Heritage Site.

We will take different hikes into the back country of Klaune before we gather and have a campfire dinner in the park as the sun prepares to set. After dinner, its a golden hour photo shoot at one of the most beautiful lakes in the Yukon, Kathleen Lake.

Long into darkness we will remain in the area. You will be presented with golden hour and blue hour photography opportunities that end with a star show with zero light pollution, and maybe, a once in a lifetime chance to photograph an aurora show in this area. But if the aurora doesn't present itself, the night skies still offer the opportunity to learn how to easily create star trail photos or other night time long exposure photos.

Accommodation at the Ramada Inn
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Say Seven - Departure Day
Departure day. We will transfer you to the airport for your flights home. There are early morning flight options and late afternoon flight options for those that want to stay and do some shopping and sightseeing downtown Whitehorse before they depart. There are airport shuttle buses and we will have our vehicle to ensure that you get to the airport in time to get your flight... unless you want to stay. ;-)

Breakfast Included

Contact me through our Contact Us Page here, http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/ or email Kevin at kevinapepper@outlook.com

Winter Mongolia Tour

 

Dates: November 16 to November 23, 2015

Instructors: Kevin A. Pepper and Michel Rawicki
Included: Meals as detailed in itinerary, domestic flights, accommodation, transportation, eagle hunters, airport pickup and drop off.
Not Included: International airfare, travelers insurance, anything not listed as included, items of personal nature
Price: $4495USD
Deposit: $750USD, balance due 90 days before travel

Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and be met by a driver after you pick up your luggage. You will then be transferred to our hotel in downtown Ulaanbator.
For those that arrive in the morning or afternoon, we will go out at night to a theater where a group of musicians, contortionists and throat singers will perform for a small group of people. This is a quaint venue where you will hear traditional songs, performed in traditional dress.

Day 2. We will take a flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii. From the Uglii airport we will drive to an area where will stay with a nomadic Kazakh family for photo sessions with the family and see and learn about their nomadic lifestyle. Your family will be living in the countryside with their herd of yak, sheep, and horses.

Your accommodation will be with the family at their temporary winter grounds and will be a Nomadic Ger tent where you will share with a maximum of three other people. Men will be in one tent, women will be in the other. Meals are included on day two.

Day 3-5. During the next three days we will work with the Kazakh eagle hunters on horseback with their eagles. We will have a minimum of five photo sessions with the riders on galloping horseback, five portrait photo sessions with riders and eagles and five photo sessions with just riders and golden eagles flying.

In between these sessions we will photograph the landscapes and the numerous farms that will be in the valley at that time. 

At night, if cloud cover permits, there is minimal light pollution and we will see dark skies that offer some of the clearest views of the milky way and constellations. At night we will photograph these constellations and conduct star trail photography and milky way photography.

Your accommodations will be in the nomadic Ger tents and your meals will be included.

Day 6. Return to Ulgii from our time with the eagle hunters in the morning and take the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in Ulaanbator we will transfer to a permanent Ger tent in the Hustai National Park area.

Along the way we will have the opportunity for more cultural photos of nomadic Mongolian life and photograph the mountainous landscapes.

If our arrival time permits we will head out into Hustai national park to search for the last wild herd of  Przewalski's horses in the world. There are only 250 left in the wild after reintroductionin the mid twentieth century. First described scientifically in the late 19th century by Russian explorer N. M. Przewalski, for whom the horse is named, the horse once freely roamed the steppe along the Mongolia-China border.

We will stay in a permanent Ger camp and your dinner will be included

Day 7. Morning in Hustai photographing the landscapes and the Przewalski horse. In the afternoon we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar and stay at our Hotel downtown Ulaanbator. Breakfast is included on day 7.

Day 8. Departure.

Contact me to reserve your spot. email Kevin at kevinapepper@outlook.com

Niagara Falls Photo Workshop

 

Join Northof49 on this 2 day, 1 night photo workshop at one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”, Niagara Falls.

Learn camera and photographic techniques from the ground up. All experience levels are welcome as well as all camera models. Hands on workshops will teach you photographic and editing techniques and other tricks of the trade that will help you create better images.

Photographer, Kevin Pepper will be escorting this workshop. Your is experience from teaching classes on all aspects of photography.

Day One
We begin our Picture Perfect Niagara Falls workshop on Saturday morning. There you will receive a brief overview of long exposure techniques and landscape techniques to photograph the waterfall.
This will be followed by some question and answer time with your photographic workshop leaders. Their expertise and advice will help maximize each individual attendee’s photo skills using your own equipment.

Our second stop is the Niagara Park Floral Clock & Whirlpool where we will have time to take pictures of this unique attraction. The Floral Clock is a very popular stop on the Niagara Parkway and is photographed almost as often as the Falls! The intricate designs on the face of the timepiece are created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants. The floral design is changed twice each year. The grounds around the clock feature bedding displays, a 10-foot wide water garden that curves 85 feet around the base of the timepiece, and a tower at the back of the clock which houses.

From there, it’s onto the gardens and the butterfly conservatory for more photography opportunities and a chance to learn macro photography

This will take us to dinner.

After our afternoon, you will check into your hotel and have time to freshen and catch a quick bite to eat before leaving to shoot pictures of the falls at night when they are lit up by beautiful coloured lights.

After we leave the falls, we head up Signal Hill shooting the iconic strip that draws millions of tourists each year. We will then wind up at the top where the Ferris wheel will be rotating and offering awesome night time photographic opportunities.

Our day will end around 10pm and give you some personal time in Niagara Falls.

Day Two
Our Day two starts at sunrise to photograph the falls a second time at the golden hour. After our morning shoot we will head for breakfast before heading east to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara-on-the-Lake will offer you  some unique photo opportunities. Besides having the reputation as one of the prettiest towns in Canada, Niagara-on-the-Lake also has one of the most fascinating histories. The town has retained its 19th century charm and is a wonderful place to explore with its forts, grand mansions, colourful gardens and parks, and potpourri of arts and crafts.

From there you will begin your journey home with filled memory cards and lots of new information to help you produce some amazing images.

Here’s how it works: You drive. You book your own hotel rooms (we will recommend hotel locations). You pay for your own meals. We provide photographic instruction and guidance. And, we arrange shooting locations, meeting times, restaurants, etc…

Cost of the Workshop is $179 plus HST. A maximum of 12 students per workshop is allowed.

Spring Workshop is May 9 and May 10, 2015

Summer Workshop is August 15 and August 16, 2015

Contact us here... http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/

Photography Tour and Workshp Leader, Kevin A. Pepper

Introducing Kevin A. Pepper - K2. Kevin is the owner and Co-Founder of North of 49 Photography

Kevin A. Pepper is a Sigma PRO photographer and Manfrotto Ambassador based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. For the past three years he has been teaching photography to enthusiasts here in Canada and around the world.

His first love is photographing nature, regardless of the season or weather condition; the Canadian landscape and wildlife are his inspiration. But you will also see other styles of photography in his portfolio. From street photography to urban exploration of abandoned buildings and architecture, he loves to capture it all with his camera for his corporate clients and his growing personal portfolio.

Kevin’s images have been featured in Canadian Nature Photographer, PHOTONews Canada, Henry's Camera Store, Photo Technique Magazine, Quebecor Media, The Weather Network and National Geographic Online. His work has also been used by companies such as the City of Cambridge, Olympus, GORE Mutual, TVO and African Lion Safari.

Kevin runs Photo Tours and Workshops across Canada, into Africa and different parts of Asia. The trips that he has years of experience running are in Mongolia, across Yukon, Northwest Territories and the east coast of Canada. 

To see all the tours and workshops Kevin is leading, see this link here, http://northof49photography.com/kevin-a-pepper-tours

To read what clients have said about the trips Kevin has ran, please see this link, http://northof49photography.com/testimonials

To see his personal website: www.kevinpepperphotography.com

2015 Mongolia Photo Tour

 

If you want to travel to a unique land, capture people in traditional costumes, visit working horse farms, photograph the 1000 year old tradition of eagle falconry on horseback, walk the halls of 400 year old operating temples and get a front row seat to the Naadam sporting events, this is a photography trip you should consider.

NET RATES FOR 2015 (IN USD/PER PERSON): $4997USD (minimum four, maximum eight)

Single supplement (limited to maximum 4): $500USD 

INCLUDED SERVICES: Full-time services of your local English speaking guide. Photography guidance out in the field and optional daily editing sessions at our hotels and Ger camps. Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the program. Private transfers and transports (minivan with A/C with windows that can open) and domestic flights. Twin share accommodation: 3* hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Ger camps at each destination. Meals as listed. Naadam Festival tickets and arrangements. 0.5L x 3 bottled water per day. Visa support invitation letter where applicable.

NOT INCLUDED: International Airfare/train tickets + Tax. Travel insurance. Visa fees. Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites etc. Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).

This is the third trip I have done to Mongolia and I would love to have you experience this land before tourism really starts to change a country that is so proud of their heritage.

Day 1. July 2. ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR:  TOUR OF THE CITY, INCLUDING THE GANDAN MONASTERY. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet at the airport after custom formalities and we will transfer you to the hotel (required to arrive before 12 pm).

A day to acclimate to the time change and give you a city tour of Ulaanbaatar. This easy tour takes you through some of the principal sights of this unique city. You visit the Gandan Monastery, housing a 26 meter high gilded statue of the Buddha and other temples in the nations capitol.
After our short excursion into Mongolian culture and history, we will gather back at the hotel and discuss the weeks activities, find out your expectations and give you the itinerary for the workshop.    
At night we will visit a local musical performance including throat singing and Mongolian contortionists.

Hotel 3*.  (Springs or Ramada Inn) Dinner at hotel included

Day 2-4. July 3 to July 6. ULAANBAATAR - BAYAN-OGLI - ULAANBAATAR
Day two we will travel day to Bayan-Ogli, the western most province of Mongolia and travel to a local family, our hosts the the next two nights. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Kazakh traditions and live and sleep in our own Ger tents with a nomadic family.

During our time here we will live in a valley surrounded by mountains, the fields dotted with sheep, yak, horses, and local families that will invite you into their homes, engage in conversation with us and allow us to take photos of them as they live as they did for generations.

We will also have four private photo shoots with traditional eagle hunters in mountain settings as they put their eagles and horses through their traditional hunting. You will witness eagles flying from mountains and landing on eagle hunters arms as they ride on horseback. You will photograph eagles hunting prey and be able to photograph these hunters running and riding horses with the eagles on their arms. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

Included in these 3 days are your meals, shared accommodation in Ger tents, (Men in one Ger tent, women in another)

Day 5. July 7. ULAANBAATAR – ELSEN TASARKHAI.
After breakfast at the hotel, we pack the vehicles and depart to the west toward Karakorum, the ancient capital city of Mongolia.

Today we will depart the modern, urban setting of UB and travel through many small villages. and sprawling countryside that is framed by endless skies and distant mountains. Today you will have the opportunity to see farmers working in their fields, cashmere being prepared for transport and numerous horse farms. You will also get your first introduction to many of the eagles and hawks that inhabit the countryside.

Transfer to camp near the Mongol Els Sand Dunes. Optional hiking in Khogno Khaan with a visit to the Khamba monastery ruins.  

If the skies co-operate later in the day and evening, we will head out under minimal light pollution and photograph the stars and mountains that frame the area where we will be. Your opportunity to learn more long exposure techniques in this unique land.

Tourist Ger camp.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6. July 8. ELSEN TASARKHAI – KARAKORUM.
We visit legendary monastery Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia founded in 1586, Museum of Karakorum and its surroundings, the Turtle Rock and the Phallic stone etc, and in the afternoon you will get your first taste of a rural Naadam festival in the country. You will witness local athletes try to qualify for the national Naadam Festival in an intimate setting that is much more conducive for photograph in a country setting..

You will also be able to see Mongolia's Golden eagles and the many hawks that fly the skies as we wander the ancient town of Karakorum.

If the skies co-operate early in the morning and later in the day and evening, we will head out under minimal light pollution and photograph the sunrise, the sunset and the stars and mountains that frame the area where we will be. Your opportunity to learn more long exposure techniques in this unique land.

Tourist Ger camp.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7. July 9. NAADAM FESTIVAL IN KARAKORUM.
Breakfast at the ger camp in Karakorum. Enjoy photographing the local Naadam festival and events in the morning and afternoon. In the early evening visit the green valley of the Orkhon - the cradle for many nomadic states including the Turks and the Mongols, and a UNESCO world heritage site along with ancient capital Karakorum. Visit nomadic families and enjoying optional hiking or horse riding. Return to Karakorum in the evening.  

Tourist Ger camp.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 8. July 10. KARAKORUM - ULAANBAATAR.
We drive to the east to Ulaanbaatar, arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for our day tomorrow with the Prezawalski horses in Hustai National Park.
Hotel 3*.  (Springs or Ramada Inn) Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9. July 11.  ULAANBAATAR - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

Today we travel to Hustai National Park, a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi to the Hustain Nuruu. The HNP extends through the Khentii Mountains and includes the western edge of the Mongolian steppe at the boundaries of Altanbulag, Argalant and Bayankhangai Soums of Tov province. The park is about 95 km from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the west.

 

The HNP covers 50.6 ha land which is home to 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of moss and 33 species of mushrooms. 44 species of mammals have been recorded, including the famous Przewalski horses, the Red deer, Mongolian gazelle, Roe deer, Wild boar, Wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves, Lynx, Pallas’ cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and Eurasian badger. The 217 species of birds include Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan, Black stork, Daurian partridge and Little owl.

 

We will also take a model with us with two period costumes for a photo shoot in the countryside near Ulaanbaatar. Costumes will be replicas of 12th and 13th century royalty and nomadic wear.
Hotel 3*.  (Springs or Ramada Inn) Breakfast, lunch and dinner included   

Day 10. July 12. DEPART FROM ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA. 

You are transferred to the airport/train station after breakfast.

To See out other Mongolia Photo Tours, please visit, http://northof49photography.com/photo-tours/

Contact me at kevinapepper@outlook.com