Photographic Workshop – Torres del Paine
Itinerary
Day 1 You need to arrive in Punta Arenas today. Welcome dinner. Hotel included. (D)
Day 2 This morning we head off from our hotel after breakfast and travel by mini bus to Torres del Paine national park. This is pretty much a full day journey, but we will stop for lunch in Puerto Natales (3 hour drive) before continuing to Torres del Paine (2 hour drive).
Our first nights stay will be at Estancia Lazo/Mirador del Paine. This is a working farm, situated on the shores of Laguna Verde, with lovely views towards the Cuernos (Horns of Paine). (L, D)
Day 3 In the morning, we spend time photographing the farm and Gauchos who work here. Breakfast and lunch are taken here before we move on in the afternoon towards the shores of Lago Sarmiento to photograph.
We arrive in the evening at Hosteria Pehoe where we stay for the night and have dinner. Hosteria Pehoe is situated on an island in Lago Pehoe and has commanding views over the Cuernos. This provides easy access for morning shots of the mountain range. (B, L,D)
Day 4 Early morning start with a one hour hike to the top of Mirador Pehoe for one of the best photographic views of the Cuernos range with Lago Pehoe below. Return to Hosteria Pehoe for breakfast before heading back out into the surrounding region for more photography.
Lunch is a picnic wherever we are situated in the park. Afternoon spent in the surrounding area before we drive onwards to our next night's stay and dinner at Hosteria Grey. After dinner, it will be possible for participants to shoot the icebergs in Lago Grey. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Hosteria Grey is situated at the southern end of Lago Grey. At the end of winter, Lago Grey is filled with bergs that have calved from Glacier Grey. We spend the morning photographing the bergs in Lago Grey and have lunch at Hosteria Grey.
In the afternoon we take the boat trip up Lago Grey to the face of the glacier. This should provide plenty of opportunities to photograph the ice from up close as well as shoot the bergs in the lake. Transfer to Hosteria Torres at the other edge of the park for our night's stay and dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Early morning start, heading out to Laguna Azul in order to photograph from this excellent location views of the Torres. We spend some further time in this region of the park photographing the wildlife such as Guanacos in the afternoon. Returning to Hosteria Torres for dinner and our last night's stay within the park. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Early morning start. We hope to obtain sunrise shots of the Cuernos from the eastern side of the park, before setting off for Punta Arenas, arriving in the afternoon. Tonight we have dinner together and stay at the hotel before saying farewell. Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Tour ends after breakfast this morning. Let us know if you would like to arrange any extensions.(B)
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Requirements
Fitness
This is primarily a photographic workshop, where the majority of the time will be spent photographing some stunning locations. The national park is quite large, and although there are extensive hiking networks, we will be transported by mini bus to utilize our time there to a maximum.
Clothing
Situated near the straits of Magellan, Patagonia is renowned for extreme weather conditions. This can provide some stunning photographic opportunities, but it also means that you must be prepared for bad weather. I would recommend that you take good quality waterproofs with you and clothing that will keep you warm. A decent waterproof all weather jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves and waterproof hat are essential. A warm fleece is also a good idea as the weather can be very windy. A decent set of waterproof walking shoes or boots are a must also. I would suggest that these items are carried in a day backpack which we will store in the mini bus for you if it isn't needed at any time.
Camera equipment
It is not essential, but the following camera items would be useful and I can give you tuition on them: polarizing filter, neutral density graduated filters (3-stop hard grad preferred), cable release, sturdy tripod and obviously a camera. I have no preferences for camera equipment – it is purely up to you what you bring, but please bear in mind that this trip is for the passionate photographer, so something that provides control over exposure and has the facility of different focal lengths would be best. Typically, a 35mm, medium format, large format, or DSLR would be suitable.
Flying with camera equipment
The main concern is with film. All film to be used on the workshop must be carried on as hand luggage. Do not check film into the hold as there is a high chance it may be damaged by extensive x-rays used for checked in luggage.
Carrying film on as hand luggage is very safe and I've yet to have film fogged in this way. I've travelled extensively, often re-using film stock that I've had left over from a previous flight, taking the same stock through numerous hand baggage x-ray machines. I've yet to see any fogging. Provided the film is of a sufficiently low ISO (less than 800 ISO), you should be fine.
In order to speed up the security checks, take all film out of it's cardboard packing and in the case of 35mm, leave the film in it's plastic tub. With medium format and large format film, leave it in the silver foil wrapper. This will allow security staff to see what it is.
Due to carry on restrictions, if you can manage to keep your camera system compact and combine it with your film, then it's advisable to carry both camera and film on as hand luggage. If the systems too heavy for carry on, or too bulky, I would recommend the use of a Pelican case with foam insert to transport the camera equipment. This will need to be checked into the hold. Ensure that you take out sufficient insurance for your equipment.
In my own case, I take a camera system that is compact and light enough to take on board the plane. My film is also carried in the same bag that contains the camera. For a one or two week shoot, I will take around 40 to 60 rolls of medium format film. My tripod is packed into my checked in luggage. I will remove the ball head and wrap it in some clothing and if need be, remove some of the leg columns in order to fit the tripod into my case. Again, ensure that you have sufficient insurance for your camera equipment.
About Bruce
Travel, landscape and portrait photography are passions for Bruce and he often combines them in his yearly escapades to the far reaches of the world.
He is an experienced photographer who has travelled to Iceland, Patagonia, Easter Island, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Cambodia and Cuba. His photographs have been published in many travel and history publications throughout the world and he occasionally writes for photographic magazine in the UK.
He is versed in the use of many camera formats from Large Format right through to digital. Bruce will often spend many quiet hours before sunrise waiting for the magic light to appear. He is a keen educator and loves to share his techniques with others. To see more of his images, see his website.
Bruce has visited Patagonia on several occasions and has a good knowledge of Torres del Paine national park. The region is a magical area for him where he feels there is always something new and inspiring to capture.
Included
7 nights accommodation, all meals (excluding drinks) from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 7, transport to and from Torres del Paine National Park, park entry fee, boat trip on Lago Grey, tour leader and photographer/tutor (Bruce Percy).
Due to the nature of the park and the accommodation on offer, we are providing twin rooms. If you do not wish to share with someone, then we can offer a single room by way of a single persons supplement of £400.
Not included
Flights are not included in the price of the trip, but can be arranged and booked through Andean Trails. Flights should get you to Punta Arenas in Chile for Day 1, leaving Punta Arenas on Day 8 - teh day after the workshop ends. We can book transfers in on Day 1in Punta Arenas should you require – please ask for the options. Travel insurance, airport taxes, tips and additional personal expenses are not included. |
