PATAGONIA IN WINTER CLASSIC ITINERARY 18-27 JULY 2020 Ignacio Palacios Luke Austin 1
PATAGONIA IN WINTER Patagonia is a sparsely populated region located at the southern end of South America. Shared by Argentina and Chile, it is the land of wonders and certainly, a photographer s paradise. The mountains, glaciers and lakes in Patagonia are also some of the most beautiful in the world. Patagonia offers the photographer remarkably clean air. 2 3
PATAGONIA IN WINTER Chilean Patagonia is an amazing area of unlimited and unspoiled nature. Torres del Paine is a national park known for its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and golden pampas (lowlands) that shelter rare wildlife such as guanacos, pumas and condors. The three granite towers from which the park takes its name and the horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine are some of its most iconic sites. 4 5
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK Fitz Roy is the highest spire in a compact range of granite (granodiorite) peaks in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, that remains among the most technically challenging mountains to climb on Earth and it can be seen from El Chaltén. The word Chaltén comes from a Tehuelche word meaning smoking mountain, due to a cloud that usually forms around its peak. 6 7
PERITO MORENO GLACIER ARGENTINA Perito Moreno is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. This ice field is the world s third largest reserve of fresh water after Antarctica and Greenland. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. It is very famous because of its dynamic changes, which produces a cyclic phenomenon of forward and backward movement, with spectacular ice falls from its front walls. 8 9
PATAGONIA IN WINTER I often wonder how my images can be influenced by how I feel inside. I am sure that the connection I feel for a landscape has an influence on what and how I capture an image and the final touch I give it when I am editing it at home. Joining the classic itinerary tour will give you the opportunity to discover some of the most remarkable landscapes in the Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. And in winter it is absolutely magical! Prepare to be amazed at incredible glaciers, rugged mountain peaks and dramatic skies where lenticular clouds are often seen. In this itinerary will cover all the iconic locations for photography at the right times of day with the best light, but we will also enjoy the culture of the region. Ignacio Palacios has travelled the region countless times, and you will learn about its history and its customs. Patagonia is famous for its great food as well, and we will enjoy the finest local meals such as its delicious empanadas and its most famous sweet (alfajores/dulce de leche). 10 Mt Fitz Roy 11
ITINERARY DAY 1-18 July - Arrive Punta Arenas Meeting point: Hotel Rey Don Felipe. DAY 2-19 July - Punta Arenas to Torres Del Paine National Park Drive We will stop at some scenic points on the way to Torres del Paine National Park. If time and weather permits we will also stop to photograph Torres del Paine s wildlife including guanacos, cara caras, condors and eagles. Hotel Lago Grey. I seem to have a particular love affair with Patagonia. It is an unpredictable landscape; the weather changes very quickly, wind, rain, snow, barren, exposed it is one of the most challenging landscapes I have ever seen and photographed. DAY 3-20 July - Torres Del Paine National Park Photography around Laguna Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, Laguna Azul and Cascada Paine. Sunrise shot. In this part of the park pumas can often be seen. It is not guaranteed but we will do some short walks and drive around the locations where they can usually be found (at sunset). We will stay in the park at Hotel Lago Grey. DAY 4-21 July - Photography around Pehoe Lake Grey Glacier and Salto grande waterfall Sunrise shot. Boat trip around Grey Lake (if ice conditions and wind allows). We will photograph around Pehoe Lake for beautiful views of Pehoe Lake and the Horns. We will also visit Salto Grande and visit Nordenskjöld lake Mirador. At around sunset we will look for more wildlife and pumas. Hotel Lago Grey. DAY 5-22 July - Drive to El Calafate in Argentina. Border crossing. On the way to Argentina the views are spectacular and we will stop to photograph whenever possible. Hotel Alto Calafate. DAY 6-23 July - El Calafate to Parque Nacional los Glaciares, Perito Moreno Early in the morning, we will head to Parque Nacional los Glaciares to see the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. This will be an unforgettable experience. Hotel Alto Calafate. 12 Guanacos 13
ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 7-24 July - Drive to El Chaltén, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy If it is clear, we will stop to photograph Mt Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from the road. El Chaltén is the starting point to explore Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy granite peaks. On the way we will stop at Viedma Lake. Hotel to be confirmed. DAY 8-25 July - El Chalten, trekking from El Pilar to Poincenot campsite (Fitz Roy) In the morning we will walk for 20-30 minutes to Los Condores lookout for our first views and photographs of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre at sunrise. After breakfast, we will drive on a trail to El Pilar (45 mins) and from where we will trek to Poinceinot campsite with spectacular views on the way to Piedras Blancas Glacier Lookout and Mt Fitz Roy. We will camp and, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to photograph the Fitz Roy massif at sunset. Snow shoes might be required depending on the amount of snow on the trails. Sleeping at Ponceinot campsite. Difficulty: Moderate Length (km): 9km Time: 3.5-4 hours. DAY 9-26 July - Poincenot to D Agostini (Thorwood) campsite (Cerro Torre) Sunrise shot from Ponceinot campsite (or climb to Laguna de los Tres if possible with crampons). After breakfast we will start our walk to Thorwood Campsite (Cerro Torre). If it is clear, we will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mt Fitz Roy along the way. Walk along Lagunas Madre and Laguna Hija, Cerro Torre. Sunset shot at Cerro Torre if it is clear (otherwise walk to Maestri Lookout). Sleeping at Thorwood Campsite (near Cerro Torre Campsite/ Da Agostini ). Snow shoes might be required depending on the amount of snow on the trails. Difficulty: Easy, pretty much flat with some ups and downs Length: 11km. DAY 10-27 July - Return to El Calafate Trek back to El Chaltén. After breakfast drive to El Calafate. End of trip. Transfers to hotel or to airport as required. Transfers back to Punta Arenas are also an option. 14 Paine Horns 15
ITINERARY CONTINUED Some landscapes such as Perito Moreno are so well known that it is difficult to move away from what other have done. Looking at someone else s work is very inspiring but it can also be a limitation to our creativity. I think as photographers we need to think laterally at times 16 Cerro Torre 17
ITINERARY CONTINUED El Chaltén is best known for being the gateway to Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most rugged and impressive peaks in the Patagonian Andes. Traveling across its plains, forests, rivers, glaciers and mountainous formations, you will experience the diversity and uniqueness of its flora and fauna. Camera skills We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team. Post-processing During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel. Critique sessions The purpose of critiques is to offer one s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers. Level of photography All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner or an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. Physical requirements Our guides will take us to a range of different locations by mini vans, most of which involve some short walks. Sometimes, we may take longer walks, but all excursions are optional and if you are tired, you can always sleep in and relax in the hotel. 18 Grey Glacier 19
THE TEAM Some locations take a bit of time to get to know. When I arrive to a new place, it is exciting and there is always a temptation to shoot straight away, but I feel it takes a few days to settle and start making more thoughtful images. However I also try to make a point of noting what grabs me immediately and this is usually what puts me in the path of creating something different, something unique. IGNACIO PALACIOS Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish/ Australian travel photographer based on Planet Earth that stops in Sydney from time to time. He is best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was in engineering and management consultant for various companies in wind and renewable energies. Although he has been a part time photographer since 1998, he became a full time professional photographer in 2012 following the footsteps of three generations of photographers in his family. Ignacio has traveled around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than 80 countries in five different continents. He is one of the world s few full-time professional photographers/guides and he has led tours to Patagonia, the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Spain, Norway, Finland, and Iceland since 2013. Ignacio writes and provides images to numerous magazines and publications around the world, such as Luminous Landscape and Lonely Planet books and guides. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist and highly commended in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography or the Year, IPA, Head On, Eyes on Asia and the International Loupe awards. In 2014 he was awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country). www.iptravelphotography.com.au LUKE AUSTIN Luke Austin is an Australian born landscape and nature photographer currently based in Perth, Western Australia. He has spent time travelling and photographing throughout Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Luke is out and about as often as possible looking for new compositions, view points and subject matter to photograph while continually refining and developing his photographic techniques. His passion and awareness of the outdoors shines through in his images. Some of Luke s photographic achievements include being named the 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the year, winner of the International Loupe Awards for the Landscape Photography category (2012) and being a featured artist at the Head On photo festival. His work has also been published in numerous media platforms across the globe. I have always felt a strong connection with the environment. I like to use the camera as a tool to create images that not only capture the physical location and conditions present but also communicate emotion, experience or an idea. When I am on location I try to relax in the environment and immerse myself in the surroundings. I am then able to absorb the intricate details, subtle light and form of the landscape. It is these times when I am out and about with camera in tow that I feel truly free. All the soppy stuff aside though... I just love taking and creating photographs. Accommodation Update copy... Hotel Lago Grey 20 21
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Terms of payment A deposit of US$2,000 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else. You will get refunded if the tour did not go ahead The Registration Form must be filled in and signed by each participant at the time of paying the first deposit. Participation will be declined otherwise. The remaining balance must be paid on or before 1 February 2020 Bookings will be accepted strictly in the order they are received Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 6 participants to run so please don t book your flights until this has been confirmed. Entrance fees in the parks/ reserves All photographic tuition and workshop materials for the duration of the tour. What s not included Airfares from Australia/US and other international destinations Overnight accommodation prior to and following the tour Travel and cancelation insurance. Please note that Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is mandatory as a condition of booking Visas (if required) Camera/Equipment Insurance Porters/Assistants They have a cost of $200/day if required in El Chalten Optional personal activities Snacks and beverages between main meals Alcohol Souvenirs purchased Any other personal expenses Tips for the driver. Bookings made after 1 February 2020 must be paid in full No refunds will be made for unused portions of the workshop. The photography workshop is sold as a land package (no airfares included) Cancellation fees are not transferable. Camera gear There is really no limit to what camera gear you take. Check with your airline about weight restrictions. Whatever level of camera equipment you have, we will help to ensure you get the most out of it. Check the camera equipment checklist at the end of the brochure but if you want to discuss specific equipment for this trip, contact me. Once a booking has been accepted by IP Travel Photography, medical circumstances will not be accepted as an exemption to the Cancellation Policy above. Please note that if you are over 65 years of age a medical certificate will be required to participate in this tour. Within the Registration Form, please indicate any health issues, allergies or dietary requirements. IP Travel Photography does not assume any responsibility or liability for medical care or special dietary requirements. If a participant become ill during the workshop, IP Travel Photography reserves the right to continue the tour for the benefit of the rest of the participants. IP Travel Photography will make every effort to assist you whilst trying to minimize disruption of the workshop for other participants. changes in airline schedules, or when necessary Cancel the workshop prior to departure, in which case a full refund of all payments received will be given. If such event occurred, IP Travel Photography will not be responsible for any other expenses such as nonrefundable air fares, visa fees and other related expenses. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection and cancelation insurance prior to paying the first deposit. Substitute the tour leader and guest photographer as originally specified, in which case this substitution will not entitle the participant of a refund itinerary IP Travel Photography does not accept any liability for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise of third party providers IP Travel Photography disclaims liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or trouble caused by force majeure or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on IP Travel Photography s part. IP Travel Photography IP Travel Photography is an ASIC business name with Australian Business Number 16578586693 and registered in Australia under the Business Names Registration Act 2011. IP Travel Photography Pty Ltd (Ignacio Palacios) will guide and provide photography tuition to all participants during the tour. IP Travel Photography is not a travel agent or travel service provider. Fitness and health WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES considerations Run the photography Note: the workshop is quoted Sometimes participants will be workshop without the guest Tour dates: 18 27 July 2020 in US$. To calculate the rate in required to walk on uneven Visas photographer if the group size AU$, the currency exchange terrain or tracks and hiking. Chilean Visa: Australians must is less than 6 participants rate will be obtained from the This tour is not a hiking tour or The tour commences in Punta Arenas (Chile) and ends in pay it at the airport. You don t Westpac website at the time a trekking tour but participants Accept or refuse any person as El Calafate (Argentina) have to pay again when we of transferring the deposit and might be required to walk with a participant in the workshop Cancellation Policy reenter Chile. balance (https://www.westpac. snow shoes in Parque Nacional Change the price of the Cost is US$8,990 per person, twin share A written notice of any com.au/personal-banking/ los Glaciares in El Chalten. Argentinean Visa: You don t workshop at any time due to cancellation must be received by services/currency-converter/). Although our guides will bring need to get a Visa. adverse currency exchange Optional single supplement US$1,990 you at which time the following If you are located outside the best possible equipment and fluctuations, airline schedule cancellation fees will apply: For the latest information about Australia, I accept payments in sleeping bags (double sleeping changes, fuel and tax price Visas, please check with your Maximum 12 participants and two photography instructors US$ through PayPal only. If cancelled between 1 February bags) temperatures will be below charges. consulate/embassy regarding 2020 and end of May 2020, zero. If you have concerns about Chilean and Argentinian VISAS. A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop What s included 50% of the workshop cost will Liability your own capabilities or health, Full 10 days in Argentina and be payable The operation of the workshop is please check with your doctor Rights Chile with all land content If cancelled between 1 May at the sole discretion of Ignacio before booking a place. By IP Travel Photography reserves All meals 2020 and before departure, Palacios (IP Travel Photography signing the Registration Form, the right to: All excursions including the a fee equal to 100% of the Pty Ltd), having in mind the you guarantee that to the best Substitute hotels/ cruise around Grey Lake workshop cost will be payable wellbeing and interests of of your knowledge, you do accommodation all participants and the safe All local taxes Failure to pay by the due not have any physical or other Make changes in the itinerary and sensible operation of the dates will be considered a disability that could create a risk or transport if required due to program as specified within this cancellation of the booking and for you or other tour participants. 22 fees paid will be nonrefundable 23
CHECKLIST We will see lots of guanacos around Torres del Paine. The guanaco is an animal native to the arid, mountainous regions of South America and the puma is its main natural predator. 24 Camera equipment DSLR. A couple of bodies is always recommended. (check your baggage allowance with your airline/travel agent) Tripod with quick release plate Standard zoom, wide angle and telephoto lenses. Plenty of batteries and a couple of chargers Shutter cable release Polarising filter and ND filters Laptop computer with Photoshop and Lightroom and/or Capture One External backup drives and memory cards for storage. We recommend to shrink-wrap your baggage at your departure airport. Ensure your telephoto lenses are packed in protective packs designed for such lenses. We also recommend that you pack your camera equipment as your hand luggage as much as possible so that if the checked-in baggage is lost or delayed at least you can start photographing as soon as you arrive. Note: Please contact me if you want to discuss equipment for this trip. What to bring, clothing and other Our accommodation is clean and comfortable with all bedding and towels provided. In terms of clothing you ll obviously need plenty of warm and weatherproof clothing. The following are very much recommended: A good pair of strong waterproof warm walking boots and ideally those offering some thermal lining or maybe even a pair of thermal overshoes such as those made by Neos to go over your walking boots. Keeping warm feet, hands and head should be your priorities. Good waterproof over trousers (lined ones are best as they eo;; keep you warmer especially with a normal pair of trousers and some thermal leggings underneath as well) and dependent on how these 2 items fit together some gaiters can be useful as well. For the top half it s very much a question of having several layers like a thermal type vest, t-shirt, thin jumper, fleece and then a waterproof down coat that is built for keeping out the wind chill. You ll know your own cold thresholds but it really is a question of build it up in layers. A good hat, some fingerless mittens and then some warm waterproof gloves to go over the top (the former so that when you come to photograph your fingers can still work the camera) should round the piece off. The temperatures we could be working in are -10 to -5 it might be very windy so sometimes it actually feels colder than that Hiking boots (well-worn in) and good socks Gore-Tex mandatory Snow shoes They will be beneficial to walk in the snow. Our guides in El Chalten might be able to provide them for a small fee Snow boots To keep your feet warm. I use Sorel but there are other good brands Micro-Spikes mandatory https:// www.amazon.com/ Snowlinestud-Spikes-Chainsen- Pro/dp/ B006O5K050 They are easier and quicker than crampons. Very warm jacket mandatory (can be Gore-Tex or use a warm jacket and put a think Gore-Tex on top). Average mini temperatures are below zero. Gloves and hat mandatory Snow trousers/waterproof pants, thermals (both legs and body) mandatory Thin gloves to shoot mandatory Sunglasses (mandatory to walk on the snow) Raincoat/waterproof jacket/ wind jacket and warm jumper mandatory Head torch mandatory Alarm clock/smart phone. IP Travel Photography reserves the right to cancel this workshop. In the event of this happening, all payments received will be refunded but participants shall have no further claim against IP Travel Photography arising from such cancellation. Any such refund will not include payments for any bookings for other services made in addition to the itinerary outlined above. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection and cancelation insurance prior to paying the first deposit. To reserve your place for 2020 or to make an enquiry, please email iptravelphotography@gmail.com Base of the Towers 25
TESTIMONIALS The March 2014 Patagonia workshop was an excellent way for me to get to some of the best photographic locations in Patagonia. Secondly, the workshop enabled me to capture great landscapes and associated flora and fauna images. Thirdly, it enabled me to learn and increase my technical and creative skills in photography with subject matter experts. The workshop s facilitators provided ongoing advice, support and ideas that challenged my way of thinking when photographing as well as providing me an almost encyclopaedic reference of new and relevant information to develop my photographic knowledge and skills. An enjoyable and very educational trip! Craig Patagonia tour March 2014 If you are looking for a wonderful photographic adventure led by the internationally renowned photographers Ignacio Palacios and Peter Eastway, this is the trip to do. The southern part of South America with its huge variety of scenery can be a photographer s paradise: desert-like plains, snow-capped mountains, stunning glaciers and glacial lakes all crying out to be photographed. And with the support and helpful comments from people like Ignacio and Peter photographers at the top of their profession this was indeed a workshop not be missed. A terrific experience thank you! John and Jenny T. Patagonia tour March 2014 In April 2015 I was very fortunate to experience the wilds of Patagonia Patagonia in autumn is extraordinary. An environment which is often lashed by winds up to 150kph treated us kindly. We were treated to perfect autumn weather were clearly visible as we stood before the magnificence of these amazing natural structures. And on our visits to Grey Glacier and Perito Moreno we had near perfect conditions a rarity, especially for Perito Moreno, which is only clear on five days of every year. This brilliant photography tour was led by Ignacio Palacios and Canon Master, Richard I Anson. I cannot express my gratitude enough to both for their absolute professionalism, generosity in terms of their time and willingness to share their expertise and for making this such a fun and exciting experience. Clara Patagonia tour April 2015 This was a fantastic photography tour and adventure, one of the best I have experienced. What a treat to have the guidance of two travel photographers, Ignacio Palacios and Richard I Anson. Their different approaches to capturing images and post processing provided a rich learning environment and prompted useful discussions and personal reflection. The 14 day itinerary was designed to maximize optimal lighting conditions for sunrise and sunset which in Patagonia in April is breathtaking. We were very fortunate to enjoy excellent weather which made us smile broadly. Lower tourist numbers at that time of the year made travel in general easier and gave us more time for a pisco sour or two. Getting up close and personal with magnificent glaciers, staying in a refugio, waiting for early light to hit Torres del Paine, long hikes amidst the colours of autumn in El Chaltén and marveling at the most magic cloud formations were just a few of the highlights. Lou Patagonia tour April 2015 26 Paine Grande and Condors 27
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TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2020 OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY, PLEASE EMAIL IPTRAVELPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM 32 2018 IP Travel Photography www.iptravelphotography.com.au