Introduction to the Best of Ontario Winter Workshop

Introduction to the Best of Ontario Winter Workshop

We have created a winter photography workshop in Ontario, Canada... From the urban city of Niagara Falls, to our wildlife, the secluded Amish community, and enjoying wilderness by dog sledding, we have encompassed the highlights we believe you cannot find anywhere else all in one location.

Dates: February 3, 2017 to February 11, 2017

Instructor: Kevin Allen Pepper and Chris Pepper

Price: $4500CAD

A deposit of $750 secures your spot and the balance is due on November 3, 2016

Maximum Attendees: We are limiting this workshop to 8 people. (four spots left)

Included: Single accommodation, transportation, all entrance fees, park fees, breakfasts and dinners as outlined in the itinerary, models

Not Included: International airfare, travelers insurance, all breakfasts and dinners as outlined in the itinerary, any extra nights needed before or after workshop.

Itinerary of Workshop

Day One

Arrive in Toronto and get picked up mid-day and taken to our hotel in Niagara Falls.

On the way we will stop at a few locations along the waterfront of Lake Ontario to take winter scenes that all the local photographers visit during the winter. Waterfalls, frozen piers and an iced lighthouse.

When we get to Niagara Falls we can photograph the falls by night as they are lite up in the colours of the rainbow and then go enjoy the casino or one of the local restaurants.

One cannot visit Ontario without a visit to the falls. Niagara, Canada is one of the most attractive four-season destinations in the world. From the sheer spectacle of Niagara Falls to the region's renowned wine country, from its rich history to its beautiful parks and hiking, Niagara overflows with things to see and do, both inside and out.

Overnight in Niagara Falls (Dinner is included on the first night)

Day Two

We wake up early and photograph the waterfalls at sunrise. Winter is the only time of year that the sun rises behind the falls and is the perfect time to capture a golden hour.

Then from there we head to Simcoe to photograph the following bird species in flight and perched in natural wooded settings... Depending on weather conditions, species will consist of the following species... Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Great horned Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, American Kestral, Red Tailed Hawk or Merlin Falcon.

Some of these birds will be perched on posts and in the evergreen forest, some will fly for us. We will put you in position to capture the best angle of each bird.

Overnight in St. Jacobs, Ontario

Day Three and day four

For the next two days we will photograph Amish in a winter setting driving their buggies across minimalist backgrounds of white show on country roads.

Amish have long lived in Canada, with roots in the country dating to the 1800s. Today Amish number nearly 5,000 in Canada, in over one dozen communities. Ontario is the only province in Canada where Amish are found. Photographing them is an honor because of their deep seated religious beliefs. But as residents of the area, with acquired friendships inside the community, we have been granted access that most will never receive to photograph a small handful of the community.

We will also photograph Amish children dressed in traditional clothing walking down lane ways and posing for your cameras. We will also photograph horse and buggy riding in and out of Canada's oldest covered bridge.

At the end of the day four we drive to photograph snowy owls...

Overnight in St. Jacobs, Ontario

Day Five and Day Six

We spend two full days photographing snowy owls in the wild. Each day from 730 till 430 we will photograph snowy owls in flight and perched on fence lines and on local barns. On each day you will have a minimum of 10 to 15 flights of a snowy owl coming right at you perched from barns, standing on fields, or from fence lines. in between flights you will be presented with an abundance of static image opportunities of owls perched.

We promise you will be captivated by their mesmerizing yellow eyes and witness the stealth flight and the subsequent attack on the unsuspecting voles and rodents they feed upon. We will get you close enough so that you can shoot with lenses from a 70-200mm to fill the entire frame upon attack of their target, to as long as a 500mm telephoto to capture the acrobatic turns and wing action while in flight.

This part of the workshop is designed to give you great opportunities to photograph the owls on properties not accessible to the general public. We will take you to the private access locations far away from the local birders and photographers so that we are not disturbed, and we will assist you with winter exposure, compensation, metering, focus tracking and more.

After our second day is finished we will drive east to the Haliburton area of Ontario.

Overnight close to where the Owls will be located.

Day Seven and Day Eight

We will spend the next two days with the dogs... in the mornings we are at the Haliburton Wolf Preserve to photograph a pack of wolves for three to four hours in the morning. In the afternoon we spend the time on the dog sleds mushing through the Canadian Wilderness in 80.000 acres of forested, rolling hills interspersed with more than 50 lakes and hundreds of wetlands.

We will be winding through the forest on more than 300 kilometers of groomed trails making this a dog sledder's paradise.

Hidden along the trails are a number of small camps and shelters providing scenic locations to have a snack, take photos and warm up.

Overnight in Haliburton, Ontario (dinner is included on the last night)

Day Nine

After breakfast we will drive you to the airport and will have you there by 12:00pm
If you are ready to experience all that Ontario has to offer the photographer in the winter, click on the following link to contact me, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me

Introduction to the 2017 Yukon Photography Workshop - Week Two

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, Dawson City, Tombstone Territorial Park and areas along the Alaska and Dempster Highways.

You will visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to photograph all the animals that exist in the Yukon. Species include, Mountain Goats, Thinhorn Sheep, Arctic Fox, Woodland Bison, Canada Lynx, Moose, Musk Oxen, Caribou, Elk and Mule Deer.

Our time at the Preserve will be spent behind the fence lines for an intimate photo opportunity with these animals… no fences, no casual vacationers, a private photo session for half a day with these majestic animals.

You will also be shooting winter mountain landscapes in what they call the Patagonia of Canada, Tombstone Territorial Park, and visit deserted mining towns built during the gold rush around Dawson City… Canada’s final frontier.

But the icing on the cake is the evening aurora hunting. We will do this in the best areas to photograph aurora in North America, some might even say, the World. From flat landscapes framed by mountains to forest settings, surrounded by towering cedar trees. You will be presented with aurora photography dreams are made of, and bucket lists are checked off...

Dates of Yukon Trip:  Workshop is 7 days from March 18 to March 24, 2017 - three Spots Left

Itinerary of Workshop

Price of Workshop: $3985CDN for a maximum of 6 people (approximately $2995USD... please check accurate conversion at time of booking) - please inquire about staying for both weeks if you want to be there for two weeks. I will offer a reduction in price for staying for the two weeks

Included: Airport pick-up and drop-off, Single accommodation, all breakfast and a welcome dinner, Snacks, soft drinks, water during the day, Daily transportation via a 6 passenger minivan or 8 passenger Suburban or equivalent. Hot drinks and snacks during aurora viewing nights.

Not Included: Alcoholic beverages, meals that are not listed as included in the itinerary, International flights, Items of personal nature, Items not listed as included

Deposit Required: $1,000CDN - Balance due before December 15th, 2016.

Day One - A day to Welcome You to the Yukon

Today you will arrive in Dawson City, home of the best aurora photography in Canada. You should schedule your arrivals so that you arrive in Dawson City before 4:30pm. You will get picked up at the airport by Kevin and shuttled to our accommodation.

You can unpack and have some free time before dinner. Today would be your day to explore downtown Dawson City.

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 Dawson City that we have identified with interesting foreground elements that will enhance your aurora images.

Tonight we will be staying at the Aurora Inn in Dawson City. Dinner is included tonight

Day Two – After breakfast we will be taken out by our local guide to visit a few local ghost towns, buildings still standing as they were up to 100 years ago. These two locations form part of the Yukon’s historical gold rush, now sitting abandoned for your photographic pleasure.

After our day of abandoned photography, we will head back to the hotel to relax, download images and go through the images together, discussing editing styles in an optional photo editing teaching class.

After dinner, its aurora hunting in different areas around northern Yukon… from Dawson City to Tombstone Territorial Park we will track down the aurora to take images of the night skies as they turn colours with curling bands of light that most people wish they had the opportunity to see.
Tonight our accommodation will be at the Aurora Inn in Dawson City.

Day Three – Our night will have been a late one… up to the wee hours of the morning taking images of the northern lights.

Today we will sleep in and have breakfast together. After breakfast we will have another editing session to discuss aurora photography editing. I will give you some ideas on how to edit, how to compose and create impactful aurora images.

After lunch we head out for a sunset photo shoot in Tombstone Territorial Park… long into the night we will remain at different locations in the Park at many areas we have scouted.

You will be photographing winter landscapes before the sun goes down and then, as night descends, some long exposure images that include star trails as we wait for the aurora.

Tonight we will stay out as long as the aurora puts on her nightly show at this time of year.
Tonight our accommodation will be at the Aurora Inn in Dawson City.

Day Four – Today We head South to Whitehorse.

Today we will head south to Whitehorse, the last Frontier of Canada, famed for the Yukon Gold Rush, steeped in history and tradition, a place you will remember for a lifetime.

Today's drive will see us leave the remoteness of the north and wind south through small towns and mountain landscapes, stopping often to take photos at stops along the way… the further north we go, the more remote we will get until we end up at the quaint and colorful town of Whitehorse.

Upon our arrival we will check into our hotel and unwind over dinner, awaiting the sun to descend, and hopefully a night of aurora before us.

Tonight our accommodation will be at the Westmark Inn in Whitehorse.

Day Five - A Day for the Dogs

Today is our day to hop on our two-man dog sled and ride as people have done for centuries in the Yukon.

Imagine sledding across untouched snow on a perfectly clear winter day in the Takhini Valley, I can attest that has a profound effect on the human soul. You are surrounded by low-lying mountain ranges where the only sound you hear is your dog team, running at a modest pace as they love to do, and perhaps the call of an eagle or a raven nearby.

With frequent stops to take photos, I am sure you will agree when we get back that this was a once in a lifetime experience.

Then, as the day winds down and you need to relax, it’s a visit to the Takhini Hot Springs for a soak in the outdoor hot springs and soak up the memories and the atmosphere.

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.

Tonight we will be staying at the Westmark Inn in Whitehorse.

Day Six – A Day for Wildlife

In the morning while the animals are more active we will visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for our 3 or 4-hour private photo shoot with Yukon’s wildlife. The diversity of natural habitats on their 700 acre site allows for the unique presentation of northern Canadian wildlife.

Their remarkably varied landscapes include low-lying flat lands, rolling hills, wetlands and steep rock cliffs. Visitors will experience a range of ecological features on a trip to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and be presented with photographic opportunities that will allow you to photograph the animals as if they were in the wild.

In the afternoon we will take some time to go through your images. Its time for some editing tips, some time to compare photos and learn more digital darkroom techniques. After, if you wish, you can head downtown and do some souvenir shopping in Whitehorse

Tonight we will be staying at the Westmark Inn in Whitehorse.

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.

Day Seven - Its Back to Reality.

Schedule your flights home from Whitehorse

If you want to see the last true frontier in Canada, click the following link http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me

2017 Newfoundland Photo Tour

2017 Newfoundland Photo Tour

In 2017 we are returning to Newfoundland with a focus on iceberg ally, humpback whales, landscapes, lighthouses, night skies and the northern lights, and the endless seascapes.   

Price of Workshop: $4595CAD including taxes (equivalent to $3370USD - please check currency conversion at time of booking for actual USD amount. You can check using www.xe.com)
Deposit: $1000 with the balance due on March 15, 2017

Dates: Workshop - June 17, to June 24, 2017

Instructors: Kevin Allen Pepper

Maximum attendees are 8 people

Includes: Unlimited mileage vehicle, 7 nights high quality accommodations (three at Quirpon Lighthouse Inn - meals and boat transfers included during your stay at the Lighthouse), dinners for rest of trip not included, little theater performance, park passes, site passes at L’Anse aux Meadows and Grenfell Historic Properties, fjord boat tour, zodiac tour.

Not Included: Items of personal nature, alcohol, international flights, visa to enter Canada (if required), anything not listed as included.

Itinerary of This Trip

Day 1 -  Head off to the south side of Gros Morne National Park. Start at the Discovery Centre for an interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the National Park. From the centre you were able to see the Tablelands, the remarkable stretch of Mars like geology that makes this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Wander “downtown” Woody Point to explore the shops and waterfront.  After building an appetite it is time to head for a meal on a balcony overlooking Bonne Bay. I know the food will be great, but keep one eye on the ocean so you don’t miss whales that might be chasing the capelin into the bay, looking for their own seafood supper

To top the day off, before the sun goes down, it’s a great photoshoot at an impressive waterfall… but the waterfall is not the star of the show, it’s the Atlantic salmon that are jumping up the falls to their spawning grounds. These massive, 20-30lb fish throw themselves just meters from out feet and you can capture them in air, backs arcing… a photoshoot you only see on the Nat Geo channel.

Overnight: South side of Gros Morne

Day 2 - Feeling energetic? Today we will hike the Green Garden Trail that leads you through remarkable biological and geological wonders which are not equaled anywhere else on earth. This is approximately a 45-minute walk down a park trail to the coast. Wander along the coast as long as you like enjoying the seastacks, pillow lava, wild meadows, sea cave and semi-wild sheep. Then - more strenuous walking as you head back up the valley to our vehicle. You will be gone for a few hours, at least, so we will make sure we pack a lunch.

Trout River is a picturesque working fishing village wedged between the Tablelands and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Take a gentle walk on the Boardwalk and visit the museum, interpretation centre and historic house of Jacob A Crocker, the first settler of Trout River. There are also some wonderful craftspeople so you may be able to get a new pair of socks directly of the clothesline. A visit to the wharf is a must, not only for the photos, but because it gives you a chance to meet the local fishers and see what is destined for your plate later. Trout River boasts some beautiful walking trails and be certain to drive in back of the community to visit Trout River Pond. When you are overlooking it you have to realize that, as impressive as it is, you can only see about one third of it! There are several restaurants so we won’t go hungry eating local cuisine.  

After supper, time to drive around Bonne Bay to the north side of Gros Morne.

Overnight: Neddie’s Harbour Inn, north side of Gros Morne

Day 3 - Today we head north to tour L’Anse aux Meadows.  This ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ is the only Viking site in North America. Meet a Viking (perhaps the self titled but questionably named ‘Bjorn the Beautiful!’) in this 1,000 year old village which has been brought to life. L’Anse aux Meadows shows where European Vikings first set foot in North America, 500 years before Columbus.

Along the way we will stop and photograph an abandoned lighthouse and old fishing boats.

Overnight at the northern tip of Newfoundland where Quirpon Lighthouse Inn will draw you into the life of an isolated lightkeeper. This is Newfoundland’s best location for spotting whales and icebergs. There should be bergs so try to beat the captain at spotting them and the whale spouts.

Overnight: Quirpon Lighthouse Inn

Day 4 - Up early to discover Quirpon Island and visit the island’s unique sites and delicate biology.

Don’t forget to ask about Tuckamore and the story of the mass murder that took place on the island. Take a walk along our cliff-top trails or explore the island following only your whims. Kittiwake colonies and Eider ducks nesting in tiny coves where there used to be a fishing village are favorites. There is also a Northern Gannet colony that we will be able to photograph from above as they fish for their meals. 

A popular option with our guests is to take a Zodiac tour to explore the area around the island and visit the bergs and whales. If anyone feels less adventurous? They can wander down to the indoor whale watching station with their books or cameras and have a good read – not to worry, the sound of the whales will tell you when to look up!

Overnight: Quirpon Lighthouse Inn

Day 5 - Now that you have wandered by land and taken Landscape and seascape photos, it is time to visit the whales and the dozens of icebergs by sea in our private kayak.

Our kayak guide will take you on an exploration of the coastline not only in search of the massive wonders of this area that float aimlessly down the coastline from Greenland, but also the more subtle beauty... 

You will also photograph the Gannets, the Kittiwake colonies and Eider ducks nesting in tiny coves where you can pick mussels from the kayaks if the tide is low and tiny tickles which your boat can squeeze through ensure fun and dozens of photos.

Overnight: Quirpon Lighthouse Inn

Day 6 - Back to Gros Morne.  Just north of Gros Morne keep an eye out for The Arches. This unique rock formation is an ideal spot to stretch your legs. I can never resist the temptation to climb up on the top for a look but perhaps you will have more self-control! A few years ago an adventure race started at The Arches and then headed straight across the Great Northern Peninsula.

This was done on foot and was only the first leg of a multi-day adventure that had the participants hiking, climbing, kayaking and biking in some of the harshest terrain imaginable. If you have been out wandering in the Tuckamore and looking at the mountains, you will appreciate the endurance of these folks.

The white sand beaches near Cow Head which are wonderful and usually empty, very nice for a walk (or a swim, for hardier souls). Tonight enjoy some great local theatre at the Gros Morne Theatre in Cow Head, if you would like to experience the local culture.

Overnight in Gros Morne National Park     

Day 7 -  Today you enjoy one of the icons of Gros Morne National Park. A 45 minute boardwalk hike across a bog (known locally as a “mish”) takes you to the dock of the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour. This journey will take you into a deceptively innocuous notch in the granite cliffs that open into a landlocked fjord surrounded by 2000 foot cliffs. Penetrate miles into the mountains in this ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ with Hanging Valleys and waterfalls dropping from a height that makes you dizzy just to see them.

Visit some of the sites on the north side of the park including Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, Norris Point Look-off, the Ethie shipwreck and Rocky Harbour. 

If time permits we will do a return trip to Sir Richard Squires Provincial Park where the Atlantic Salmon jump the falls in their struggle to reach the headwaters of the Humber River. This is a great spot to relax and watch the salmon leaping while you try for the perfect photo of them in the air. This actually is the spot where National Geographic comes when they are looking for that ideal shot.

Overnight on the shore of the Humber River, one of the top salmon rivers in the world. While there, we will have a meal at Madison’s, one of the top restaurants in the province, where they take a new twist on local favorites. 

Day 8 - An early morning trip back to photograph the jumping Salmon and then, its back to reality! ... or you can continue on with us on our annual "Puffin, Gannet, Whale and iceberg extension". If you would like to inquire about our four day and three night extension, please ask for the details. You get to see the other side of Newfoundland and the largest seabird colonies in the world, not to mention the whales and icebergs. :-)

Ready to hear the whales echo off the icebergs? Contact me here, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me

Fall Colors in Canada photography workshop

Autumn Colors in Canada

Join me on my fall color in Canada workshop in our backyard, Ontario, Canada.
Together we will travel from the Great Lakes, visit the Waterfall Capitol of the World and head north to the Iconic Algonquin Park. You will be introduced to some stunning scenery and some of our local wildlife such as owls, red fox, bald eagles, Moose, Elk and Pine Marten.

Dates of the Workshop: October 16th, 2016 to October 22nd, 2016

Instructors: Kevin Allen Pepper and Chris Pepper

Maximum Attendees: 8 photographers maximum

Price of Workshop is $3750CAD and a single supplement of $400 to get a single room.

Deposit to secure your spot is $750 with the balance due on July 15, 2016

Included: park entrance fees, entrance fees for Raptor center, junk yard. Shared accommodation, transportation, two dinners and breakfast each day.

Not Included: International airfare, four dinners, items of personal nature, laundry, VISA fees if applicable.

Day One: You arrive in Toronto and will be picked up in the afternoon and we will drive you right to our hotel in Burlington, Ontario. That night we will gather for a group dinner and discuss the weeks itinerary and locations. Then, after dinner, head to the waterfront in Toronto to shoot the Toronto skyline from the Golden hour into darkness.

Hotel in Burlington. Dinner Included.

Day Two: We will visit the Raptor Conservancy and you will spend the morning photographing a variety of local birds in flight and posing in natural settings. Species list can include any of the following birds. A Harris’ Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, Broad-winged hawk, Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and Bald Eagle. Static birds could include an Eagle Owl, Swainson’s Hawk, Peregrine, Aplomado Falcon.

Our falconer is excellent with his birds and really understands the needs of wildlife photographers and natural looking images are what we always try to achieve.

In the afternoon we will drive towards our first half day session at the Waterfall Capitol of the World. Hamilton is home to over 100 beautiful waterfalls, which is how it got the title of Waterfall Capital of the World. Most of the waterfalls/cascades are located on, or near, the Bruce trail. The Niagara Escarpment, which the Bruce Trail winds through, is equipped with the perfect ecological conditions for natural waterfalls to occur.

Hotel in Burlington. Breakfast Included

Day Three: We start the day along the shores of Lake Ontario at one of our favorite locations, 50Pt Conservation Area. an area of broken piers along the shores of Lake Ontario. From there we head back to the area waterfalls for the balance of the morning.

In the afternoon we will visit a 100acre junk yard that spans the property of a farm. Over 3000 vehicles in various states of decay line the cedar forests, the rolling fields of this photographers paradise. Imagine vehicles as old as Edsels all the way to 1990 era vehicles and heavy equipment entangled in fall color, vines and even some with trees growing out of the engine compartment.

Hotel in Burlington. Breakfast Included

Day Four Five and Day Six. Its time to change gears and head north towards one of Canada's most iconic fall color areas, Haliburton and Muskoka. From the afternoon of day four, into the night of day six we will be solely focused on the fall colors that surround hundreds of lakes, waterfalls and streams in Ontario.

Fall is a spectacular time to visit this area. Thousands of visitors from around the world are attracted by the outstanding fall colour viewing opportunities, but there are many things to see and do, including the animals such as the song birds, fox, and moose that will be in the rut, making them more accessible for photographers close to the road.

The spectacular colours of the Sugar and Red Maples from mid-September to mid to late October. While hard to determine the exact peak of fall colour, it is typically the middle of October is peak time for the sugar maple canopy and the change in the aspens, Tamaracks, and Red Oaks.
Hotel in Huntsville, Breakfast Included and dinner on day six is included.

Day Seven. We will wake one more time and catch a sunrise along one of the local lakes that have fall colour along the shoreline. After our morning shoot we will return to the hotel and check out.
You will be driven to the Toronto airport at lunch. The drop off at your hotel or airport will be at 3pm. You can schedule your flights home no earlier than 5pm on day seven.

Are you ready to see natures canvas painted with reds, oranges and yellow? Contact me here... http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me

2017 Mongolia Photo Tour

Introduction to the 2017 Mongolia Photo Tour

If you want to travel to a unique land that many will only ever read about in magazines? Do you like to capture people in traditional costumes, or visit working horse farms, maybe even photograph the 1000 year old tradition of eagle falconry on horseback that most people don't know even exists? How about chronicling the ancient festival called Naadam through your camera? If you said yes to any of these, this is a photography trip you should consider.

In addition to photographing nomadic cultures that have existed for hundreds and thousands of years, you will get to photograph mountain landscapes, mountain lakes, and if the skies co-operate, some of the darkest skies filled with more stars than you have ever seen.

Dates of this Tour are: July 4, 2017 to July 14, 2017 and a maximum of 10 people can attend this tour.

Tour Leader: Randy Wilson and Kevin Allen Pepper.

See Randy's awesome work here... http://www.rhwilsonphoto.com/

Price for Workshop: $6495USD

Single Supplement: $650USD (note, this does not apply for our time with Eagle Hunter Family)

Deposits: Deposits are $1000USD and a balance is due on March 4, 2017

Included Services: Full-time services of your local English speaking guides, 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 in and around Ulaanbaatar; Russian minivans in Olgii), Domestic flights (15kg free luggage included), Twin share accommodation: centrally located good 3* hotel in Ulaanbaatar for 3 nights, tourist Ger camps for 5 nights, and 3 nights in nomadic Ger in Olgii, Meals as listed, Naadam Festival tickets and arrangements, 0.5L x 3 bottled water per day, Visa support invitation letter where applicable, 2 model for 1 day photo shooting with Mongolian costumes

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

Day 1 - July 4. ARRIVAL DAY.
Travelers arrive on your different flights and be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar

Accommodations at Hotel-9 in the city center

Day 2. July 5. TOUR OF THE CITY, INCLUDING THE GANDAN MONASTERY.
We will gather in the morning at 9am to enjoy a leisurely tour of Ulaanbaatar city. Today is 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. Here you will be able to photograph the Monks as they go about their daily activities and photograph inside and around the temple.

While out taking photos we will work on such things as using natural light for portraits and taking street style photography of the locals and monks going about their daily lives and chores.
We can also visit the local cashmere outlets so you have a chance to take advantage of the very inexpensive cashmere prices in Mongolia.

After our excursion into Mongolian culture and history, we will gather back at the hotel and discuss the weeks activities. Now is a chance to find out your expectations of the week and give you the itinerary for the workshop.

At night we have arranged for the group to go visit a local musical performance including throat singing and Mongolian contortionists.

Overnight at Hotel-9 (excellent, 3* hotel in the city centre). Breakfast and Dinner at hotel included.

Day 3-6. July 6-9. ULAANBAATAR - BAYAN-OGLI.
Day three we will travel day to Bayan-Ogli (flight MO-97 scheduled to leave Ulaanbaatar at 06.20am and arrive in Ulgii at 08.20 local time: flight times TBA), the western most province of Mongolia.
We will get picked up at the airport and transported to our accommodations with 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 practice.

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

DAY 7. JULY 10. BAYAN ULGII – ULAANBAATAR.
Take the return flight from Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar (MO-98 scheduled to leave Ulgii at 08.20 local time and arrive in Ulaanbaatar at 12.20pm; exact flight times TBA), upon arrival transfer to a restaurant for lunch.
After lunch we will visit the Naadam Festival fields to photograph some of the sporting events such as horse races, archery and ankle bone shooting competitions.
Hotel-9. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included.

DAY 8 - JULY 11. NAADAM IN ULAANBAATAR.
Today we will enjoy a full day at the Naadam Festivals activities such as wrestling, more archery competitions and horse races. There will also be thousands of local dressed traditionally as well as lots of music and dances around the Naadam fields.

You may also want to photograph the Naadam fireworks at the Central Square at night at around 10pm. This is the largest and most intense fireworks display I have ever seen. The fireworks are just steps away from our hotel. You will be positioned to photograph the fireworks above the main square and the parliament buildings.

Hotel-9. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are included.

DAY 9 -  JUL 12. ULAANBAATAR TO HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
This morning we drive to Hustai national park in the early morning for a photo shoot with 2 traditionally dressed models. Today is a full day photo shooting in the Mongolian countryside with our models. One of our models will be dressed in traditional 13th Century Queens costume and the other dressed in Ghengis Khan military uniform.

Today we will also go deeper into the park to photograph the rare, wild herds of the Przewalski’s horse at Hustai National Park. Other species that are seen are Elk and wolves and prairie dogs.
At night, if the skies co-operate we will see the milky way over the hills in the very dark skies of Hustai. You will have an opportunity to try to photograph the milky way, or try your hand at photographing star trails.

Meals and overnight at Hustai National Park

DAY 10- JUL 13. HUSTAI NATIONAL PARKTO ULAANBAATAR
After an early morning safari to go photograph the horses and wildlife, we will depart Hustai 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.

Accommodation at Munkhtenger-2 camp in the Bogd Khan National Park near the airport. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11- July 14. DEPART FROM ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA.
Airport transfers will be provided to you in the morning/afternoon.
Breakfast included.

Are you ready for one of the most photogenic tours you will ever do? Contact me here, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me