Workshops

Description

Following the success of last years’ Faces & Places tour to Oman, we’re back with another. Same country, but a whole new tour! The tour will take place from March 13th - 17th.

Oman is a stone’s throw away, yet blessed with amazing subjects for portraits and stunning landscapes.

Once again, Bobbi Lane will guide participants in all things portraiture, while David Nightingale will share his landscape photography expertise.

Together, Bobbi and David will teach you the skills you need to take your travel photography to the next level. They will show you how to photograph the natural and urban landscape, how to produce stunning travel portraits, and how to combine the two to capture and illustrate the heart and soul of the places you visit.  Check out what happened last year - click here for a behind the scenes video, and here to see students’ work from the last Oman photo tour.

SCHEDULE

The workshop begins with a social gathering on the evening before the first shoot (i.e. Tuesday March 13^th), during which you’ll meet your fellow students and instructors and receive a detailed briefing regarding the aims and objectives for the next four days.

The first day of the tour will be spent photographing the sights of Muscat, after which the group will relocate to Nizwa and spend the next three days visiting a variety of locations off the beaten track, including stunning remote villages, ancient landmarks, bustling souq and magnificent wadis. The tour will close back in Muscat on March 17^th. A detailed itinerary will be given to participants a week prior to the trip.

Photo Tour Highlights

The Royal Opera House, Muscat: This newly completed landmark building is a fusion of Omani tradition and modernity. There’s a lot to grab the photographer’s eye, from the stunning handmade ornaments and rich interior, to the modern yet traditional architecture.

Grand Mosque, Muscat: A must for all travellers to Oman, especially photographers, is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat with its towering minarets, white marble courtyard, beautiful prayer mats and exquisite chandeliers.

Bahla: In a country filled with fortresses and castles, it is easy to see why Bahla Fort captured the attention of UNESCO world heritage. More than 1400 years old, it impresses with its age and grandeur. Enjoy street photography opportunities in Bahla’s famous souq and capture the few remaining pottery makers in the traditional factories – a beautiful, yet sadly dying art.

Misfa't AlAbrein: Off the beaten track, this scenic farming village built on the ridge of Al Jabal Al Khadar is brimming with unique photo opportunities from the friendly, interesting localpeople to the breathtaking landscapes.

Jebreen Castle: A 400 year old fortified castle with amazing architecture and a unique representation of Omani art, it has interesting natural light that makes for fantastic architecture and detail photo opportunities. 

Nizwa: The historical capital of Oman, Nizwa is well known for its fort and lively market. With a multitude of photo opportunities for faces and places photo opportunities, travel photographers will be spoilt for choice.

Wadis: It’s hard for a photo tour to visit Oman without stopping by a few wadis – and we’ve specially selected two unique wadis that provide interesting possibilities for photography. Wadi Al Ma'aiden is one of a few wadis that enjoys water year round and therefore boasts stunning, lush greenery and beautiful vistas. The highlight of Wadi tanuf is it's irrigation canal that creates an interesting waterfall.

DATES & TIMES: 
The photo tour will commence at 8am on March 14^th in Muscat, and there will be a meet and greet session with the photographers and the rest of the group from 8pm on March 13^th.  The photo tour will end back in Muscat at 4pm on Saturday, March 17^th.

PRICE:
The following prices include hotel accommodation (Ramee Guestline Hotel in Muscat and The Golden Tulip in Nizwa), breakfasts, lunches, transport within Oman to locations of the workshop, any admission fees to sites, instruction by Bobbi Lane and David Nightingale, and an assistant.

* Single occupancy at hotel: $1,770 per person
* Double occupancy at hotel: $1,600 per person

You will be asked to make a payment of $1,770 upon booking for single occupancy. If you opt for double occupancy, kindly email us to let us know and we will refund you for the $170 difference.

What to expect:

• A fully planned and scheduled travel photography trip including portrait photography, street photography, landscape photography and night photography. Discover Oman and capture it in a creative, fun and easy manner.

• Instruction from world-class instructors, Bobbi Lane & David Nightingale who can teach beginners and professionals alike.

• Improved shooting, composition and observation techniques. Improved photography skills and the ability to tell a story through your photographs.
• Tips and tricks to get the ‘best’ shot.
• Daily critique session, review, feedback and critique of your images. Discussion and encouragement to try different shooting styles.

 The price above will NOT cover the following:

• Transport to Oman (you will need to make your own way to Oman, there are several flight options from the UAE each with up to three flights daily). Please make your travel arrangements sooner rather than later, as flight prices will increase closer to the time of the trip. It is also possible to drive from the UAE.
• Tips and Gratuities to Hotel staff, guide or driver.
• Evening meal.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visas: You will need to ensure that you are eligible for Omani visa.

  WHAT TO PACK

• Your DSLR, lens (a range of wide angle and zoom), a few SD/CF cards, laptop, card reader, tripod
• Wear comfortable and informal clothing. Comfortable shoes are a must as there will be some walking involved. When visiting the mosque and other traditional areas it is important to dress respectfully - no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed and you must wear socks to walk on the carpets of the mosques.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OMAN

Climate: The Climate of Oman can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, very high temperatures in summer and a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially in the inland areas. Click here for more info.

Local Time: GMT + 4 hrs.

Currency:  The national monetary unit is the Omani Rial.

Visas:  For Visa Application visit http://oman.visahq.com/  For Visa Requirements, click here.

If you have any other questions, please call us on 04 380 8545 or email us (info@gulfphotoplus.com) and we’ll be happy to give you as much information as we can.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Bookings for this workshop cannot be transferred to another workshop or date. Bookings cancelled before February 15^th will be refunded less a 20% fee. Bookings cancelled between February 16th and March 8^th will be refunded less a 50% fee. Bookings cancelled after March 9^th will not be refunded.