Phase One Digital Artists Series

Just about every corner of this magnificent Iceland can yield a great image. With PODAS Iceland workshops we endeavor to do something different.

First, we will be working with Iceland resident Daniel Bergman. Not only is he a great photographer, but he knows just about everyone in Iceland. It’s fun to travel with Daniel as he waves and chats with people along the way. But the real magic is the places he knows and can get us into. We will visit some extraordinary places and to make it even more special, we are going before the season officially starts. You’ll be shooting at a time of seasonal transition. Now, throw in some extra well-known instructors and your use of a Phase One camera system for the week and you’ll see that this is a workshop you shouldn’t miss.

Our other instructors Peter Eastway and Steve Gosling are exceptional photographers too and round out the team of instructors. This could be one of the finest landscape workshops being offered this year. Check out the incredible images from Daniel Bergmann's web site.

All attendees will be loaned the state-of-the-art Phase One IQ160 camera system (featuring the Phase One DF camera, the new 60 megapixel IQ160 digital back and 75-150mm zoom lens) to shoot with during the workshop.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - May 24th
Upon arriving in Reykjavik you will check in at the Hilton Nordica. We will spend one night there and do an introduction and orientation to Phase One cameras. You’ll have the chance to get familiar with everything before we leave the next day for the west coast.

Day 2 - May 25th
Drive from Reykjavik to our hotel in the town of Stykkisholmur on the northern side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. In the early evening and into the night we'll photograph the mountains, lava fields and coastline of the peninsula.

Day 3 - May 26th
We'll rise early and walk around Stykkisholmur, which is one of the nicest towns in Iceland. Lots of old houses and a wonderful harbour. Our evening photography will be in the Snaefellsjokull National Park on the southern side of the peninsula, where we'll photograph at Arnarstapi, Hellnar and Malarrif with the Snaefellsjokull glacier dominating the background.

Day 4 - May 27th
We change location and travel to the southern coast, where we'll stay in the town of Hvolsvollur. We'll photograph along the southern coast at Vik and Dyrholaey and the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Day 5 - May 28th
Before breakfast we have the option of going into the valley south of town, towards the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, where we'll probably find ponies in the fields. After breakfast we'll continue our journey to the east and our destination will be Hotel Skaftafell in the Vatnajokull region, where we'll stay for the next three nights. From there we'll be in the proximity of a number of glaciers as well as the wonderful Svartifoss waterfall in the Skaftafell National Park and we'll do excursions to the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. Staying three days in the area increases our chances of good light at the lagoon and nearby black beach, where ice washes up on shore.

Day 6 and 7 - May 29-30th
These two additional days in the Southeast give us the opportunity to photograph very early at the glacial lagoon beach and return there for an evening session. It also allows us to explore some of the regions glaciers, lagoons and morraines.

Day 8 - May 31st
We travel back west to the town of Hvolsvollur, where we'll spend the last night. This day we'll photograph along the way and visit places we were not able to visit on our journey to the east.

Day 9 - June 1st
The day of departure.

What to bring
As a PODAS workshop attendee, you will have a no-worries trip. We will pick you up at the airport, provide transportation during the event, a single-occupancy room, all your meals and beverages, a camera bag that is yours to keep, a license for Capture One Pro that is yours to keep, 2-30x40 prints of images you shoot during the workshop and the best instructors in the field. The only things you need to bring to this workshop are a sturdy tripod, CF cards and your computer. Everything else is taken care of.

How to sign up
If this exciting trip has your name on it, then now is the time to register. Remember, this workshop is limited to 20 participants.

Sign up for the PODAS Iceland workshop

Questions
If you have any questions before registering, please contact PODAS president Kevin Raber: kwr@phaseone.com.

Please notice: This workshop is a PODAS master class exclusively dedicated to Phase One owners

The goal of this workshop is to photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes of Namibia at three unique and beautiful locations. This will be a flying safari. We will maximize our safari by flying from location to location. This will enable us to carry an adequate amount of camera baggage and eliminate long drives.

Highlights
This private flying safari covers fascinating attractions in Namibia and offers stunning landscape from the air. We will fly to three amazing destinations in southern, central and northern Namibia: Sossusvlei, Serra Cafema and the deserted mining town of Kolmanskop.

The Namib Desert may well be the world's oldest desert. The apricot-colored dunes at Sossusvlei are some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok and springbok roam the area. In all the parks you will have the opportunity to spend quality photographic time.

Finish on a high note in the magnificent northern landscapes along the Serra Cafema mountain range near Angola.

Like all PODAS workshops, this session is carefully planned to provide the optimal learning experience; the combination of place, people and high-performance photography gear combine to create an environment guaranteed to inspire and delight.

* Please note there is a luggage limit of 66lbs (30kg) per person on the charter flight so please pre-pack your luggage accordingly in soft-sided bags. These restrictions should be strictly adhered to. As this is primarily a landscape photography trip, you will not need a large selection of lenses. Laundry service is available at all lodges and camps on this safari.

PODAS Instructor
Andy Biggs is an avid adventurer, conservationist, teacher, and outdoor photographer whose photography celebrates the African landscape and its rich wildlife, people, and culture. With a deep respect and understanding for African wildlife, Andy shows us the world of the Serengeti with striking emotional depth. His photographic safaris allow the traveler to not only enhance their understanding of photography, lighting, and wildlife, but to develop a life-long admiration for Africa 's beauty and culture.

ITINERARY:

September 23 - Windhoek, Namibia
On arrival at Windhoek you will be met and taken to your hotel.
The Olive Grove is situated close to the city center in a quiet, peaceful area. There are 9 en-suite rooms all featuring direct dial telephone, private safe, multi-channel satellite television, and air conditioning.
One of Olive Grove's main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia's open skies. The inside lounge is decorated with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax.

September 24 - Windhoek to Luderitz
Today you will be driven to the airport for your scenic private charter scenic flight to Luderitz. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel. The coastal town of Luderitz is a small enclave within the Sperrgebiet (restricted Diamond Area). An optional excursion offers visitors the unique opportunity of entering the Diamond Area to visit Bogenfels, the 55 m high rock arch which juts into the sea, the modern diamond mine and old ghost town at Elizabeth Bay and the seal colony at Atlas Bay. Visitors can also explore the ghost town of Pomona and the legendary valley of Maerchental (fairy-tale valley), where early prospectors collected diamonds by moonlight. Afternoon at leisure, walking the town of Luderitz.

September 25 - Luderitz
Today you take an excursion to Kolmanskop Ghost Town. The ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The former stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by the wind, are gradually being enveloped by the encroaching sand dunes. The mining company restored a number of the buildings and established a museum for viewing by tourists.

September 26 - Luderitz to Sossusvlei
After an additional early morning shoot at Kolmanskop, you will take a scenic private charter scenic flight to the Namib-Naukluft, where the tallest sand dunes in the world can be found. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your lodge.

The Namib-Naukluft Park covers 19,215 square miles (50,000 km2) of desert savannah grasslands, gypsum and quartz plains, granite mountains, an estuarine lagoon, a canyon and huge, drifting apricot-colored dunes. The five main regions of the park are the Namib, Sandvis, Naukluft, Sesriem and Sossusvlei areas.

The Kuiseb River runs through the center of the park from east to west and acts as a natural boundary separating the northern grayish-white gravel plains from the southern deserts. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok and flocks of ostrich roam the region. Many small, fascinating creatures have uniquely adapted to this environment and help make this one of the most interesting deserts in the world. The dunes are home to numerous unique creatures, such as the translucent Palmato gecko, shovel-nosed lizard and Namib golden mole.

Sossusvlei, in the southern region, has the highest sand dunes in the world, exceeding 1,000 feet (300 m). The base of the second highest sand dune in the world can be closely approached by vehicle. The hike along the knife-edge rim to the top is strenuous, requiring 60–90 minutes of taking two steps up and sliding one step down. The view from the top into other valleys and of the mountains beyond is marvelous. Even up there, colorful beetles, ants and other desert critters roam about. Sunrise on these magnificent and colorful dunes is spectacular. Ballooning safaris are offered.

Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on the boundary of Sossusvlei. Each "Kulala" offers ensuite facilities and a private veranda with stunning views of the famous Sossusvlei dunes. In addition, your own rooftop sleeping area allows you a unique opportunity to enjoy a night under the spectacular desert sky.

September 27 - Sossusvlei
Early entrance into Sossusvlei park for a sunrise at Dead Vlei.

September 28 - Sossusvlei
Full day of photography.

September 29 - Sossusvlei to Serra Cafema
This morning you will take a scenic flight over the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and the Atlantic Ocean. When you arrive in Serra Cafema you will be taken to your camp. This region is shared with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.

The Serra Cafema Camp is situated in the remote northern area of the Skeleton Coast. You'll spend the next three days exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Landrovers enjoying the breath-taking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, and boating on the Kunene River where you can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.

Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives you the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the optional carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes.

Serra Cafema Camp is set under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. There is a small swimming pool, dining room and bar.

September 30 and October 1 - Serra Cafema
Full days of photography in and around the Serra Cafema area.

October 2 - Serra Cafema to Windhoek
Take a private charter flight back to Windhoek. Relax at the Nest Hotel for your last night in Namibia. Find time to process photographs and congregate for a farewell dinner.

October 3 - Windhoek
Depart Windhoek for home.

The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive trip is U.S. $16,000 per person (excluding airfare to Windhoek, Namibia). The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography and participating in the workshop, or not. This fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as hotel accommodations (double occupancy) and all meals.

Please note: This trip is designed for photographers. Though non-photographer spouses are of course welcome, and alternate activities will be scheduled if possible, our primary emphasis will be traveling to the best locations for the best light, and this will often mean long days of both travel and shooting.
You should therefore consider joining this expedition only if you are a passionate photographer willing to put yourself out a bit. This is not a vacation sightseeing trip, but rather is a safari designed for those who'll go the extra mile (or kilometer) to get the images they've been dreaming about.

We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.

What is Not included
- Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

What to bring
Once you are registered we will stay in touch with you preparing you for the workshop. Your fee covers transportation to and from photographic locations, instruction, hotel room, meals, beverages. Please bring your Phase One equipment, a sturdy tripod, CF cards and your laptop.

How to sign up
If this exciting trip has your name on it, then now is the time to register. Remember, this workshop is limited to 20 participants.

Sign up for PODAS master class workshop

QUESTIONS
If you have any questions before registering, please contact PODAS president Kevin Raber: kwr@phaseone.com.

Come explore a destination that not many people see. This is workshop will be amazing. The area of Scotland we'll be visiting is a landscape photographers dream come true. It begs to be shot with the Phase One IQ160 camera. In your images you will see a level of detail that you've never experienced before. We call it immersive imaging. You will find a detail, you will zoom in closer and closer, and you'll be amazed at what the camera has recorded. Our instructors are world class. Peter Cox is a well respected landscape photographer and is well know for his Irish landscapes. Steve Gosling is an instructor that will not only motivate you with his stunning images, but will entertain you with his wit and sense of humor.

All attendees will be loaned the state-of-the-art Phase One IQ160 camera system (featuring the Phase One DF camera, the new 60 megapixel IQ160 digital back and 75-150mm zoom lens) to shoot with during the workshop.

As a PODAS workshop attendee, you will have a no-worries trip. We'll pick you up at the airport, provide transportation during the event, a single-occupancy room, the best instructors in the field, all your meals and beverages, a camera bag that is yours to keep, a license for Capture One Pro that is yours to keep, 2-30x40 prints of images you shot during the workshop. The only things you need to bring to this workshop are a sturdy tripod, CF cards and your computer. Everything else is taken care of.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Sunday 21st October

We'll begin the trip at Glasgow International airport where we'll board our vehicles and head to our base for the week. At the hotel, you'll be given a camera system which will be yours for the rest of the trip, and shown how to use it by our expert staff.

In the evening (after dinner) there’ll be a welcome talk and an introduction to the program and the location.

Day 2 – Monday 22nd October
We'll start the photographic day after breakfast with a chance for you to familiarise yourself with the camera system during our first shoot at the nearby Lochan at Glencoe. The picturesque Lochan sits in the center of a wood and is surrounded by majestic conifers and rugged mountains.

After lunch at the hotel we’ll set off along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Castle Stalker – a small 15th century fortification surrounded by glorious mountainous scenery (and hopefully we’ll be blessed with a wonderful sunset).

Following dinner we'll have our first classroom session where you'll be shown how to use Capture One to get the most from your images.

Day 3 – Tuesday 23rd October
After breakfast we’ll travel north to Loch Shiel, one of Scotland's most historically significant and unspoiled natural treasures. There we’ll pick up our boat (the MV Sileas) to take us on a day’s cruise around the loch with the chance to see and photograph the wildlife as well as the landscape. We’ll also stop off to do some photography on the ancient burial isle of Eilean Fhianain.

After sunset we’ll drive back to the hotel for dinner and in the evening Steve Gosling will give an illustrated talk about his approach to landscape photography.

Day 4 – Wednesday 24th October
We’ll start the day with a sunrise shoot on the edge of Rannoch Moor from a high level viewpoint overlooking Loch Tulla.

After breakfast we’ll drive a short distance from the hotel to photograph in Glencoe including the spectacular mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor and the picturesque Black Rock Cottage as well as the River Coupall that flows through the glen.
A well-earned lunch will be provided in the Kings House Hotel. Built in the 17th century, the Kings House is believed to be one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns.
We’ll then take a drive down Glen Orchy. The road follows the River Orchy which runs (sometimes rages!) through wooded areas (offering us the potential to photograph autumn colours) and tumbles down scenic waterfalls.

Dinner back at the Ballachulish Hotel will precede an opportunity in the evening to work on your images with the guidance and assistance of Phase One staff and our instructors.

Day 5 – Thursday 25th October
After breakfast we’ll drive to Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel. Glenfinnan was where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied his troops in 1745 and a tower in memory of the clansmen who fought for the cause now sits on the edge of the loch. More recently, the nearby railway viaduct and local train station has been featured in two of the ‘Harry Potter’ films. A walk up the hillside behind the visitor centre gives us the chance to photograph the 21 arched viaduct (hopefully with the famous ‘Jacobite’ steam train making its crossing) as well as the monument and Loch Shiel from a higher vantage point.

After lunch we’ll travel back to the eastern end of Loch Leven where there are marvelous views down the Loch. Looking west gives us the potential for a magnificent sunset (and the sunsets in this part of the world can be stunning).

After dinner Peter Cox will give an illustrated talk about his photography.

Day 6 – Friday 26th October
An early start sees us drive across Rannoch Moor to Lochan Na h-Achlaise where we’ll hope for some sumptuous early light or atmospheric mist that can transform this small patch of water into somewhere quite magical.

We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast which will be followed by Kevin Raber’s talk entitled 'Now You've Got It, What To Do With It?'. He'll let you know how to get your new ultra-high resolution images seen, be it for business or for your own personal enjoyment.

After lunch it’s off again for a last look at Glencoe. We’ll start by photographing a small loch in a dramatic setting – Loch Achtriochtan - and If we’re lucky to get a still day then we’ll be rewarded with spectacular reflections of Glencoe.

We’ll end the day further along Glencoe where, looking back down the pass, we’ll be able to photograph this dramatic mountainous landscape in all its glory.

In the evening we’ll be welcomed into dinner to the sound of traditional Scottish bagpipes. It’s our final dinner and presentations.

Day 7 – Saturday 27th October
A short drive from the hotel will take us to the edge of Loch Leven for a sunrise shoot looking across the loch with the distinctive ‘Pap of Glencoe’ in the distance.

Then it's time to say goodbye to Scotland. After breakfast we'll start the drive south to Glasgow and aim to be at the airport by lunchtime for afternoon flights out of the country.

How to sign up
If this exciting trip has your name on it, then now is the time to register. Remember, this workshop is limited to 20 participants.

Sign up for the PODAS Scotland workshop

Questions
If you have any questions before registering, please contact PODAS president Kevin Raber: kwr@phaseone.com.