Ethiopia

Travel Portrait Masterclass

16-26 January 2022

CHF 4,995

All-inclusive except international flight

10 DAYS

4-8 PEOPLE

LODGES

CAMPING

Welcome to one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse countries on Earth. Home to authentic indigenous tribes and some of the world's most unique man-made wonders. We will sample as much of it as is possible to pack in 11 days. This may well be the most emotionally thrilling trip of your lifetime.

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From deep spirituality of Lalibela to hair-raising encounters with Omo Valley tribes, Ethiopia is one of the most rewarding places for travel portrait photography. The people, the mood, the ambience - I will show you how to bring this all to life in your images.

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You need be fit to climb near-vertical rocks (with ropes) to reach Tigray churches - and prepared to rough it out in Omo Valley, with 5am starts to catch best light, many hours of driving on dirt tracks, and camping in tribal villages.

Locations

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Lalibela

800 years ago, 11 full-sized churches were carved underground out of a whole rock by an Ethiopian king Lalibela. Complete with inside naves and columns. All using only hammer and chisel. These underground places of worship, still actively used for religious ceremonies, are guarded by Orthodox Catholic priests, silently appearing from darkness to greet you as you enter.

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Tigray Churches

Tigray is a huge plateau famous for churches carved high up out of near-vertical rock outcrops - the world's least accessible places of worship. That's physically the closest to God you will ever get - and if you're not religious, you will still gasp in awe, overlooking the magnificent vistas from above, and feeling on top of the world.

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Omo Valley

In an epic tour of Omo Valley, we will come face-to-face with 5 tribes - including Mursi lip-plate tribe and Hamer, who inspired Mad Max movie costumes. Expect real, raw Africa - limited facilities with shower only every other day, lifetime experience with indigenous people, waking up to the sounds of a village, stunning landscapes, striking poverty - and tonnes of smiles.

Itinerary

Sun 16 Jan - Lalibela

Arrival in Addis Ababa (early morning)

Flight Addis Ababa - Lalibela 8:10-9:10

Lalibela underground churches

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Mon 17 Jan - Lalibela

Lalibela underground churches

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Tue 18 Jan - Lalibela

2h trip to a church built in a cave

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Wed 19 Jan - Lalibela

Timkat (Epiphany) - one of the biggest religious events in Ethiopian Orthodox Church

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Thu 20 Jan 

Flight Lalibela - Addis 13:10-14:10

Flight Addis - Mekele 16:00-17:25

Drive to Gheralta lodge (2h)

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Fri 21 Jan - Tigray

Climb to Korkor rock-hewn churches

Sat 22 Jan

Flight Tigray - Addis  8:50-10:00

Flight Addis - Jinka  11:45-12:55

Drive to Buska Lodge (2h)

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Sun 23 Jan - Omo Valley

Arbore tribe

Hamer tribe

Overnight camping in Hamer village

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Mon 24 Jan - Omo Valley

Banna tribe

Kara tribe

Overnight camping at Karo village

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Tue 25 Jan - Omo Valley

Mursi lip-plate tribe

Overnight in Eco Omo lodge

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Wed 26 Jan - Addis Ababa

Flight Jinka - Addis Ababa  13:25-14:35

Visit Mercato - one of Africa's largest markets

Departure (evening)

Photographic Coaching

  • Full-time coaching by Pawel Lipski

  • Creative techniques & tips for travel portraits - both candid & posed

  • Camera settings for travel portraits

  • Location-specific briefings & assignments

  • Daily reviews of best photos

  • Written feedback on your 15 best shots after the trip

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Included:

  • Full-time travel portrait coaching

  • Accommodation in lodges and 2 nights village camping in Omo valley

  • All meals (with beverages)

  • All 6 domestic flights

  • Ground transportation in private minivan / 4WD

  • English-speaking local guide

  • Airport transfers

  • Entrance fees

  • Tips for guides & people we photograph

Not Included:

  • International flight into Addis Ababa

  • Visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses (e.g. room service, porters, laundry)

Price

PAYMENT

20% (CHF 1,000) refundable deposit to reserve your place

Balance 3 months before the trip

DISCOUNTS

CHF 500 (10%) for returning trip customers

CHF 400 if you fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines

SUPPLEMENTS

Single room occupancy: CHF 450

Based on twin room sharing

CHF 4,995

This Trip Is For...

This trip has been designed primarily for people who have already completed my training "3 Steps To Stunning Portraits", and are already familiar with natural light and composition techniques for people photography.

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During this trip, you will learn how to apply these techniques to travel portraits - both candid and posed.

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You need a good camera with a telephoto lens up to at least 200mm (full frame) - plus a wider lens for the churches (inside & outside) & when we can get up close to our subjects.

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Personally, I will bring 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8.

Important To Know

  • Information pack including a packing list and clothing recommendations will be sent 2 months before the trip

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  • Mandatory vaccinations (list available) + malaria prophylactic

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  • Visa: most nationalities are eligible for eVisa, usually issued within 2-4 days. Apply: www.evisa.gov.et

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Recommended Flights

FROM ZURICH

Lufthansa+Ethiopian via Frankfurt

CHF 670

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FROM SINGAPORE

SIA+Ethiopian via Dubai, return direct with Ethiopian

S$ 1,260

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FROM HONG KONG

Ethiopian with stopover in Bangkok

HK$ 8,650

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For more flight options, check:

skyscanner.ch

traveloka.com

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Pawel Lipski

  • International photography coach, specialising in people photography in natural light - from posed to travel portraits

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  • 30+ years of photographic experience

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  • An avid independent traveller with a passion for remote, non-touristy places with authentic cultures

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  • Polish based in Zurich, Switzerland

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Cancellations

  • 100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before trip start

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  • 50% refund if canceled 30-59 days before trip start

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  • No refund if canceled less than 30 days before trip start