Oman
Travel Portrait Masterclass
17-21 January 2023
CHF 2,495
€ 1,450 S$3,700
All-inclusive except flight
5 DAYS
4-8 PEOPLE
4/3* HOTELS
Oman is lightyears away from neighbouring Dubai - more traditional, calm and relaxed. A country where growing affluence and modernity in the capital Muscat contrasts with markets outside Muscat, which can feel like going back in time to the 19th century.
Oman is full of photogenic faces and striking dresses - which we will see in full glory at the Muscat Festival and two provincial weekly markets.
This is the easiest and most comfortable of my travel portrait trips, as we will be ferried around in a minivan, with minimal amount of walking and a fairly relaxed pace. You just need to be prepared for a couple of early morning starts to make it to the markets by 7am.
Covid Regulations
This trip is only for Fully-Vaccinated participants, as Oman only allows fully-vaccinated visitors to enter.
PCR test is required to enter (taken within 72 hours before arrival).
Oman currently has negligible number of new daily infections (less than 5 per million, compared to around 1,000 in most of Europe).
Locations
Muscat Festival
A 4-week event organised for the locals, with very few foreigners - Muscat Festival brings people from all corners of the country to showcase traditional dresses, activities and dances. People who don't mind being photographed, as long as you like. The only catch is that it gets going from 4pm, giving less than 2 hours of daylight - so we will go there 3 times.
Nizwa
The Friday market in Nizwa brings the old-world charm of the Middle East, where you can test your candid portrait skills in a challenging environment of constantly moving crowds. The whole thing - including a food market, goat market and carpet market - starts at 7am and is over by 11am. Afterwards, we will take a detour to an atmospheric village of Hamra.
Ibra
A 3-hour drive from Muscat, Ibra is an empty, dusty little place, with literally nothing to do and see. That is, until the weekly Wednesday market springs to life. That is a place were you will feel literally teleported back to 19th century - with old men selling rifles and traditional Omani knives. Like in Nizwa, the market ends by 11am, after which Ibra descends back to its sleepy emptiness.
Itinerary
Mon 16 Jan
Arrival (evening)
Tue 17 Jan - Muscat
Photoshoot with a local model
Drive to Ibra (3h)
Wed 18 Jan - Ibra & Muscat
Ibra market
Drive to Muscat (3h)
Muscat Festival
Thu 19 Jan - Muscat
Grand Mosque - combining people & architecture
Muscat Festival
Drive to Nizwa (2h)
Fri 20 Jan - Nizwa & Muscat
Nizwa market
Drive to Muscat (2h)
Muscat Festival
Sat 21 Jan - Relax day
Muscat sightseeing
Swimming in Wadi Shab natural pools (1.5h drive)
Bimmah sinkhole
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 10 best shots after the trip
Included:
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Full-time travel portrait coaching
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Accommodation in 4-star hotels (twin sharing) & 2-star hotel in Ibra
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All meals (with beverages)
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Ground transportation in private minivan
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Entry fees
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Airport transfers
Not Included:
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International flight into Muscat
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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 500) refundable deposit to reserve your place
Balance 1 month before the trip (by 15 December)
DISCOUNT
CHF 250 (10%) for returning trip customers
SUPPLEMENTS
Single room occupancy: CHF 250
Based on twin room sharing
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
15 December
CHF 2,495
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 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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No vaccinations required
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Visa: most nationalities can apply for eVisa online. Check eligibility: Oman Visa
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If you don't have travel insurance, you can get it here: www.worldnomads.com
Recommended Flights
FROM ZURICH / AMSTERDAM
Turkish / Qatar / Etihad CHF/€ 600
FROM MUNICH
Lufthansa / Oman Air (direct) € 700
FROM SINGAPORE
Emirates / Etihad S$900
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
Cancellations
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100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before trip start
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50% refund if canceled 15-29 days before trip start
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No refund if canceled less than 15 days before trip start (50% refund in case of positive Covid test)