Who can participate in this workshop
This workshop is an offering for photographers of all skill levels. Somebody who is a professional or a very experienced nature or wildlife photographer, will benefit through my experience regarding light and locations on the Falkland Islands. For not so experienced participants individual discussions about photographic topics will be arranged. The focus is, to stay as much time as possible at the locations and with the animals.
How many days will I spent on the Falkland Islands
The whole workshop is planned for 14 days. We will stay about 12 days at different locations with abundant wildlife. The workshops starts and ends on the Falkland Islands. Therefore it is easy to extend the trip on the Falklands or in Patagonia
What animals can be photographed during the workshop?
- Gentoo Penguin
- Magellanic Penguin
- King Penguin
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Black-browed Albatross
- Rock Shag
- King Shag
- South American Tern
- Falkland Island Flightless Steam Duck and other typical ducks
- Upland Goose and other typical geese
- Striated Caracara
- Southern Elefant Seal (please see note!)
- South American Seal
- and much much more......
Note regarding Elefant Seals:
Sea Lion Island is the only location, where it is garantueed to watch and to photograph larger groups of Elefant Seals. But this population is part of a scientific monitoring programm, which was carried out during the last decade. Nearly all animals show in thick letters their names on all their sides! This will limit the photo opportunities and spoils much of the fun being at the Elefant Seal beaches. Of course it is not certain, that in the austral summer this programm will be carried on!
How can I fly to the Falkland Islands
At the moment you will have two option to go to the Falkland Islands:
From Punta Arenas in Chile using LAN Chile
With the Royal Air Froce from the UK
I recommend using LAN Chile via Punta Arenas. It will take a bit more time, but you can combine the Falkland Island Workshop with intersting photo opportunities in Patagonia or Tierra del Fuego. Moreover the RAF has very strict regulation regarding the luggage allowance per Pax.
If necessary I will help you planning your flights.
Where will we stay during the workshop on the Falkland Islands
We will stay as close as possible to the photo locations and the animals. This garantuees, that we can stay as long as possible with the animals and that we can react to the cahnging weather situations on the islands very easily.
Most of the time we will stay in Farm- or Guest Houses which offer full board for tourists. Only one location is a more rustic place, where we have to take care of ourselves.
In the capital Stanley we will stay in B&Bs with full board.
Which places on the Falkland Island will we visit?
This is the preliminary itinery:
Stanley
Saunders Island (Self contained, rustic hut)
Carcass Island
Bleaker Island
Sea Lion Island
Stanley, day trip to Volunteer Point
Stanley, day trip, still open
Each location has its focus regarding wildlife
Google Earth Links
Do we have power for all my equipment?
We will have power on all loactions but the self contained hut on Saunders Island.
How do we travel on the Falkland Islands
The local, public transport on the Falkland Islands are robust two engine airplanes operated by the Falkland Island Air Service (FIGAS). FIGAS is extremley reliable and has an excellent track record. But it always can happen that flights are postponed or cancelled due to bad weather. The itinery of the trip will take this into account. Better save than sorry! Most locations are on islands with good air fields. For 2 days we will use 4x4 to get to interesting locations on East Falkland.
How much will be the Photo Workshop
The costs will be app. 3.700 Euros. This includes full board (without beverage), transport on the Falkland Islands and the guiding service. Transport to Falkland and back to your home destination is not included!
I have a very heavy equipment. Is this a problem?
Generally speaking no! But FIGAS is very carefull and restrictive regarding the load of the planes. Access luggage is possible, but must be payed by each participant. We will have to inform FIGAS about our total weight, this includes luggage, but also the weight of each participant.
FIGAS exess luggage is not included in the workshop price and must be payed by the participants at the FIGAS office
Contact
Do not hesitate to contact me. The number of participants is due to FIGAS and the limited supply of accomodation very small!