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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Mon 17 Jan - Lalibela
Lalibela underground churches
Tue 18 Jan - Lalibela
2h trip to a church built in a cave
Wed 19 Jan - Lalibela
Timkat (Epiphany) - one of the biggest religious events in Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Thu 20 Jan
Flight Lalibela - Addis 13:10-14:10
Flight Addis - Mekele 16:00-17:25
Drive to Gheralta lodge (2h)
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)
Sun 23 Jan - Omo Valley
Arbore tribe
Hamer tribe
Overnight camping in Hamer village
Mon 24 Jan - Omo Valley
Banna tribe
Kara tribe
Overnight camping at Karo village
Tue 25 Jan - Omo Valley
Mursi lip-plate tribe
Overnight in Eco Omo lodge
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
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Full-time coaching by Pawel Lipski
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Creative techniques & tips for travel portraits - both candid & posed
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Camera settings for travel portraits
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Location-specific briefings & assignments
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Daily reviews of best photos
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Written feedback on your 15 best shots after the trip
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Included:
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Full-time travel portrait coaching
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Accommodation in lodges and 2 nights village camping in Omo valley
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All meals (with beverages)
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All 6 domestic flights
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Ground transportation in private minivan / 4WD
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English-speaking local guide
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Airport transfers
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Entrance fees
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Tips for guides & people we photograph
Not Included:
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International flight into Addis Ababa
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Visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (e.g. room service, porters, laundry)
Price
PAYMENT
20% (CHF 1,000) refundable deposit to reserve your place
Balance 2 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.
During this trip, you will learn how to apply these techniques to travel portraits - both candid and posed.
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.
Personally, I will bring 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8.
Important To Know
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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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If you don't have travel insurance, you can get it here: www.worldnomads.com
Recommended Flights
FROM ZURICH
Lufthansa+Ethiopian via Frankfurt
CHF 670
FROM SINGAPORE
SIA+Ethiopian via Dubai, return direct with Ethiopian
S$ 1,260
FROM HONG KONG
Ethiopian with stopover in Bangkok
HK$ 8,650
For more flight options, check:
skyscanner.ch
traveloka.com
Pawel Lipski
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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
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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