Workshops

FALKLAND ISLANDS PHOTOGRAPHIC EXTRAVAGANZA

14 nights – departs Brize Norton Wednesday 6th February 2013 Fully inclusive cost £5,975 (single room supplement £500*) Maximum number of clients: 7
*Single rooms cannot be guaranteed in all the lodges and you may need to share on occasion. We will do our best to ensure this does not happen.

A photographic extravaganza in the company of wildlife photographer, Craig Jones and operated by Falkland specialist, Island Holidays (ATOL 2725)

The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that provide one of the most unusual and spectacular wildlife destinations in the world, lying some 450 kilometres from the coast of South America amid the rich fishing grounds of the South Atlantic. Explore the wildlife-rich beaches of Sea Lion Island, discover Pebble Island and marvel at the King penguins and Elephant seal colonies at Volunteer Point alongside a huge choice of other amazing and unique wildlife the Falklands has. The islands are inhabited by huge numbers of seabirds during the breeding season which extends from October to March, the spectacle of these great assemblies of penguins, albatrosses, cormorants and terns is reason enough to visit the Falkland's but the islands are so much more than just a haven for seabirds. The scenery is often reminiscent of the Scottish islands and there are many unique aspects to life in the Falklands, visitors are constantly charmed by this blend of familiar and unfamiliar and in many ways the islands are essentially British in character but a flavour of the South Atlantic exerts its own influence onto the islands. The site of huge Elephant Seals hauled out on the sandy beaches, or the giant Albatrosses gliding effortlessly over the sea, this place is pure magic in terms of its wildlife.

The Falkland Islands offer a very special birding experience, 227 species have been recorded in the Islands, with five of the worlds species of breeding penguin and over 65% of the World's Black–browed albatross population. Many rare species inhabit the Islands, with some of these classified globally as “threatened” and "endangered. At many destinations around the Islands we will find ourselves alone in a rookery, on the hillside or by a waters-edge, able to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this very personal encounter. Photography is easy for any level with endless opportunities everywhere you go and visit. The Islands are home to the World's largest pinniped (seals, sea lions and walruses) mammal, the elephant seal. Sea Lions and Fur seals are easily seen around the Islands, the Leopard Seal is an occasional visitor. Male elephant seals return early in the summer and are a spectacular sight when battling to establish territories at the start of the breeding season or even simply relaxing on the beach.

Craig Jones Wildlife Photography has teamed up with ISLAND HOLIDAYS a small, personally run company with a strong conservation ethic which has been operating holidays to the Falkland Islands for 25 years and is one of the leading specialists in this field. This will ensure we will be working with first class wildlife guides on the ground to get us to the best places and spots to capture the islands amazing wildlife. All my photo trips from one to ones right up to the bigger trips are designed and lead from the front by myself, a professional wildlife photographer, with each trip designed for wildlife photographers, where I pride myself on working with the very best people on the ground and in the field, giving that personal and private touch offering all clients the best service possible with smaller group sizes also ensuring all my clients get my full expertise and guidance. So with a place as important as the Falkland Islands it was imperative this trip should be run with the brilliant advice and help from Libby and her small and spealizsed team here in the UK and on the Falklands Islands

The islands occupy an area roughly the size of Wales but the population is tiny in comparison and even the capital, Stanley, is barely the size of a large English village. With little cover from trees the islands vast expanse of wild peat moorland gives way to magnificent sandy beaches that would equal any found in the tropics, this place has everything. Sea Lion Island, Carcass Island, West Point and Saunders Island constitute the main centres for this photo tour each of which offers something different, we will be spending several days at each location to get the very best light conditions and best photographic opportunities for those amazing images. Once on the islands we will travel between them by a 9-seater 'Islander' aircraft which give superb views of the scenery. On the ground we travel by Land Rover guided by the same guides who have worked for island holidays for 25 years. In my view you will not get better local knowledge, which is key to successful wildlife photography.

Migratory birds and mammals return to the Falklands beaches and headlands between October and March. December, January and February are the best months for wildlife watching, as the extended daylight hours provide up to 18 hours a day to photograph and capture the wonderful wildlife. You will benefit from expert photographic and fieldcraft advice explained and demonstrated by me and tuition on photography skills and techniques, use of lighting and composition, slow shutter speeds, impending movement shoots and much more. Different approaches will be given to each and every client encouraging you to not only take photographs but to remember this trip for years to come.

A well planned full day’s excursion trip from Stanley to Volunteer Point is sure to rank among the tour highlights as we visit the Falkland’s colony of over 1000 breeding pairs of King Penguin, along with Gentoo and Magellanic. This is a very remote spot and provides one of the best places to see all these species of penguin. Seeing these beautiful birds with be amazing and the timing of this photo tour has been chosen to coincide with the birth of their chicks which will be very appealing, parading in front of you wearing their comical "fur" coats of thick down. A memory to take home with you from these extraordinary South Atlantic islands.

ITINERARY Please note that the itinerary can be changed at the sole discretion of Island Holidays or our representatives

Wednesday 6th February

The group assembles at RAF Brize Norton in the evening for the flight over the South Atlantic Ocean via Ascension Island. The one and a half hour stop on Ascension next morning gives us a chance to stretch our legs and try to find the Myna birds that frequent the airport and to see if those dots over the ocean beyond are Frigatebirds or Boobies.

Thursday 7th February: Darwin

The drive from Mount Pleasant Airport to Darwin gives us our first introduction to the rolling landscape of that part of the islands. Long-tailed Meadowlarks are often feeding beside the road and Turkey Vultures can be seen gliding low over the White Grass hills. Once settled in at the comfortable lodge overlooking the end of Choisel Sound we should have time for a walk around the shore where Upland, Ruddy-headed and Kelp Geese amongst other waterfowl are found in abundance and are very photogenic. The signs of Falklands maritime past are easy to see in the shape of the wrecks that are not far from the lodge. Mount Osborne, the highest point on the Falklands, provides a scenic backdrop for dinner in the evening sunshine.

Friday 8th – Sunday 10th February: Carcass Island & West Point

We move on to Carcass Island which will be our base for the next three nights. The accommodation is in en suite rooms in the main house with meals taken in the dining room that looks out through the trees to the sea. We'll have plenty of time to explore this lovely island with its Gentoo Penguin colony, its wonderful scenery and abundance of the smaller birds of the Falkland Islands such as the Falkland Pipit, the Rufouschested Dotterel and so many more star turns. In addition, we are hoping to be able to take a boat trip to nearby West Point with its mixed Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin colony and its delightful "English Garden" settlement where they serve superb teas! This trip is obviously weather dependent...

Monday 11th – Wednesday 13th February Saunders Island

Another very special island, Saunders boasts a wonderful colony of Black-browed Albatross. You can spend hours just watching and photographing these magnificent birds and, as with all wildlife in the Falklands, it's possible to approach really close without causing any disturbance. We’ll spend one night in the settlement and the other two at The Neck which, as well as being gloriously remote, is home to a small colony of King Penguins plus a mixed bunch of Imperial Shags and Rockhopper Penguins.

Thursday 14th – Saturday 16th February: Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island, with its amazing array of spectacular wildlife, is the most southerly of the Falkland Islands. As nature is so close at hand here we will spend our time on foot exploring pools and coasts of the island. The majority of all Falklands breeding birds can be found on this island, including three different species of penguin, and it is also home to one of the rarest birds of prey in the world, the Striated Caracara. Be careful of these birds – they’re liable to nick your lens cap! One of the great sights of the holiday are the Elephant Seals hauled up on the sandy beach as they moult. The lodge has views right across the island to the sea and the occasional pod of Killer Whales can be seen.

Sunday 17th February : Stanley

Our final inter–island flight of the holiday takes us back to Stanley where we will be staying in the Malvina House Hotel. Depending on flights (and we never know the schedule until the night before) there will be a free afternoon for exploration or more photography.

Monday 18th February: Stanley (Volunteer Point)

Today we take a LandRover excursion to Volunteer Point, home to the islands' principal King Penguin colony, a visit to which has to be one of the highlights of your Falklands holiday. The three–hour LandRover trip takes us through typical Falkland landscape and we will spend lots of time with the delightful King Penguins.

Tuesday 19th February : Falklands-Ascension Island – Brize Norton

We have a relatively early start for our transfer from Stanley to Mount Pleasant Airport for our flight to the UK via Ascension Island.

Wednesday 20nd February: Arrive UK

We arrive back at Brize Norton at 0730 hours.

Recommended Kit

You will need to provide your own photographic equipment. Cameras and lens ranging from 100mm right the way through to 500mm will be ideal for this action packed photo tour as the wildlife on these islands has little or no fear of humans so they can come quiet close which will present you with many close encounters. A tripod, beanbag are a must and the amazing wildlife and landscapes of this area will give you many beautiful opportunities to capture their beauty so bring a wide–angle if you have one. Protection from the elements for both your camera and lens is also a must on this trip.

Climate

Surrounded by cool South Atlantic waters, the Falkland Islands has a climate very much influenced by the ocean with a narrow annual temperature range. January and February averages about 9 °C, with average daily high of 13 °C. Rainfall is relatively low, humidity and winds are constantly high. Snow is rare, but can occur at almost any time of year.

Your Tour Leader

Craig Jones is a professional photographer and naturalist whose love of the wild goes back to childhood. His passion for his subject is matched by his talent not only to take photographs but to work with other people to help them to develop their art and share their experience.

Island Holidays

ISLAND HOLIDAYS have been operating holidays to the Falkland Islands for 25 years and is one of the leading specialists in the field. They are a small, personally run company with a strong conservation ethic. www.islandholidays.co.uk

Payment

The deposit for this amazing 14 day photo tour will be £1000 per person with the remainder to be paid 10 weeks before departure. Once you have paid your deposit it is totally non–refundable. This photo trip, plus flights are ATOL Protected under Licence 2725.

Included in cost: All food and accommodation, International air fares and taxes, inter–island flights, transfers, Land Rover excursions, local guides, first class photography tuition, guidance and help.

Not Included in cost: Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature, Sundry Items. Luggage allowances are limited to 20 kilos per passenger, excess baggage will be carried at your own expense and advanced notice of excess baggage is required.

Cost
Fully inclusive cost £5,975 (single room supplement £500*) Maximum number of clients: 7

Dates
Wednesday 6th February 2013 – Wednesday 20th February 2013