Better Moments Catalog v2

BETTER MOMENTSSpring 2012 - Travel with passion

Travel with passion

“Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that per-son, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” Steve McCurry

Dear guest,

Better Moments’ new travel program – TRAVEL WITH PASSION - was founded on the belief in the importance of travel and exploration. The signature of the Better Moment workshop program is our network of top-tier award-winning photographers with deep knowledge and respect for photography. They share their favorite destinations and through personal one-to-one tuition, all our guests gets the ideal opportunity to learn from the best, and to capture the greatest moments.

When participating on a Better Moments workshop, you will travel not as an observer, but as an active participant, and will explore amazing locations, learn about different cultures and meet local people and share their passion and traditions. Better Moments was established in 2011 and operates around the globe, with the main focus on Scandinavia and the North Atlantic. Our mission is deliver exclusive land-scape, wildlife, and travel photo workshops at unique loca-tions. We want our guests to explore their passion for pho-tography and learn and get inspiration from the some of world’s best photographers.

We want to share our excitement for outdoor photography and provide our guests unique opportunities to experi-ence great moments in life.

Better MomentsCopenhagen, [email protected]

About the founders of Better Moments

Christian Nørgaard has over 20 years experience in inter-national media and photography. He started his career as a professional travel photographer and lists Asia, Greenland, Iceland and Antarctica among his favorite destinations. For three years, Christian worked as Photo-Relations Manager at Hasselblad, where he was in charge of building strong relationships with some of the best photographers in the world. Here, he worked to expose these photographers’ amazing work through programs such as the Hasselblad Masters photo contest and the Victor by Hasselblad corpo-rate magazine. Philip Boissevain has over 15 years experience in the high-end photography business, working in sales and global marketing at Phase One, Imacon and Hasselblad. Recently, Philip was in charge of the overall marketing strategy at Hasselblad, where he was also responsible for the rebrand-ing process after their merger with Imacon. Philip has sol-id experience in organizing digital photo workshops with vendors such as Adobe, HP, Epson and Wacom. Philip has worked in Germany, UK and France for 7 years and is there-fore very well acquainted with the European pro-photogra-phy scene.

Christian Nørgaard Philip Boissevain

Sweden Söderåsen Spring WorkshopApril 27-29, 2012

Söderåsen National Park is possibly the most scenic location in southern Scan-dinavia, with a unique mix of decidu-

ous forests, mighty screes, high cliffs, flowing streams and wide views. In the rift valley and along the slopes you encounter an almost pri-mal forest. Tall beech trees mixes with mighty oak. During the workshop you will have the opportunity to operate and shoot with the lat-est, professional DSLR camera models with a wide selection of Medium format models and lenses, guided by competent operators. Epson Large format printers will be avail-able, allowing you to print your preferred work on professional fine art paper from Hahnemühle.

SWEDENPopulation: 8.940.000Total area: 450,000 km2Capital: Stockholm Practical information:The workshop is based on the best and most unique locations in Söderåsen National Park. We will do our absolute best effort to visit all planned destina-tions, but changes might occur due to local weather conditions.

The workshop includes:· One-to-one field tuition and short practical semi-

nars in conference room with personal feedback on taken images.

· Hotel accommodation including dinner and breakfast.

· Lunch will be served at the locations.· All ground transport· Transport to and from the hotel and drinks at

dinner are not included.

Scandinavian Spring

Led by Hans Strand

The workshop is a unique opportunity to combine an adventurous journey into the wild with award winning nature photogra-pher Hans Strand.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Departure to the south rim of the ravine 4.00 pm: Check-in at the hotel.4.30 pm: Departure to the rim of the ravine. We will spend the evening in the area and Hans Strand will bring us to the most scenic locations for our sundown shooting, including strategic vantage points overlook-ing the dramatic landscape.9.00 pm: Dinner at the hotel.10.00 pm: Briefing about the program of the next day.

Day 2 - Sunrise shooting5.00 am: We arrive at Kopparhatten with plenty of time to get prepared for a sunrise shot, when the first rays of the sun gives the spring colored leaves a radi-ant light. Hans will take you to his best spots and teach you how to handle contrast and exposure. We work with this short and warm light for one hour.9.00 am: You will be divided into small groups and Hans will take you to a number of photogenic loca-tions inside the park. He will move from group to group and give instructions and coach.12.00-1.00 pm: Lunch on location.1.00-2.00 pm: Group instruction and further coaching by Hans Strand.2.00-4.00 pm: On your own6.00-7.00 pm: Dinner at the hotel.7.00-9.00 pm: Working on your images from the day’s shooting on your own computer.9.00-10.00 pm: Hans Strand will go through your best images and provide feedback to you.10.00 pm: Briefing on tomorrow’s shooting.

Day 3 From the top of the rim. 9.00 am: Leaving for Kopparhatten, in the center of the National Park. Hans Strand will start by teaching you how to shoot this fantastic location professionally. The workshop session will start by shooting from the top of the north rim, overlooking the 3km long and more than 100m deep ravine. From there we will work us slowly through the park by following the rim to the west and decent into the floor of the ravine. Here we will shoot the chaotic vegetation as well as the Skärån river with its reflections of spring colored trees. Here we will practice all kinds of landscape photography, everything from large to small. We will cover how to use the color and direction of light to accomplish the “perfect” image. 12.00-1.00 pm: Lunch. 1.00-2.00 pm: We will divide the participants into small groups and Hans Strand will give you individual shooting tasks for the rest of day. 2.00-4.00 pm: On your own. 4.00 pm: End of workshop

Maximum number of participants is 16 and a mini-mum of 8 participants are required to carry though the workshop.

PRICE890 EUR

Sign up for the workshop.

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Sweden Söderåsen Spring WorkshopApril 27-29, 2012

Scandinavian Spring

Wildlife and bird action workshop in what is possibly the world’s best place to photograph wild white-tailed sea eagles in full action at

close distance.

Here, in the scenic and mountainous, far-away coasts of Trøndelag in Norway, are some the best locations in the world for photographing the impressive and majestic white-tailed sea eagles, as well a a host of other coastal bird species. And often also the odd elk/moose, deer, otter, fox, seal or porpoise. The track record of fantas-tic pictures taken from the boat of our local host Ole Martin Dahle, ”The Eagle Man”, is very impressive and attracts photographers and film makers from far afield.

NORWAY Population: 4.513.000Total area: 385,155 km2Capital: Oslo The workshop includes:· Field and night tuition and seminars on location,

with personal feedback on taken images.· Hut stay includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.· Single or double room with shared facilities, rustic

forest standard.· The lodge has full wi-fi connection and mobile

phone coverage.

· All ground transport included, to and from air-port.

Teaching Staffan will also hold a couple of workshops on the practice of wildlife photography, equipment and image file treatment methods. During the week, he will focus on improving your: Technique and equip-ment, hardware and software settings for action wildlife photography. And composition skills Photo approach and attitude.

Wildlife expectationsSea eagles and gulls, elks/mooses, goshawks, deers, otters, squirrels, foxes, seals and orpoises. Arctic skuas are frequently seen, lots of gulls of several spe-cies, black guillemots and shags.

NorwayWildlife and bird action workshopJune 9-12, 2012

Sea Eagle Eldorado

Led by Staffan Widstrand

Join Better Moments and award-winning photographer Staffan Widstrand, ”one of the 40 most influential nature photogra-phers in the World” (Outdoor Photography magazine 2010), and Managing Director of the Wild Wonders of Europe initiative, who also has 8 years of experience of pho-tographing the eagles and other wildlife in this area.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in NorwayStaffan Widstrand and the staff of Better Moments picks you up at the Trondheim airport in North-cen-tral Norway and we travel together through the very green, smiling and rolling farming landscape of Nord-Trøndelag, out to the sparsely populated coastline and the small village of Flatanger, where our local host , the legendary ”Eagle-Man” Ole Martin Dahle meets us.

After a hearty meal we head straight out in order to make best use of the beautiful Scandinavian summer night light. At this time of year the sun barely sets.

Day 2-3We will split up the group in teams of four and then rotate these between the many attractions – boat safa-ris to the sea eagles and the gulls, elk/moose safari at dusk and dawn, goshawk hide, squirrel and forest bird hide, old-growth forest, hike to the top of the moun-tain for wonderful landscapes.

In the Flatanger lodge and in the hides Each day start-ing with a possible photo shoot at the crack of dawn, and then back for a big Norwegian breakfast when the light starts to get dull. A bit of sleep during the day, fol-lowed by a dinner in the late afternoon and then back out to the different photo shoots.

Day 4 Departure to Trondheim AirportEarly morning shoot, then transfer to Trondheim and further travel back homeward.


PRICESingle room: 1,595 EURDouble room: 1,395 EUR

The workshop is run in cooperation with the Wild Wonders of Europe initiative.



Norway Wildlife and bird action workshopJune 9-12, 2012

Sea Eagle Eldorado

Steve McCurry’s seminars and workshops in Copen-hagen are committed to provide a stimulating en-vironment in which photographers of all levels can

explore their potential and hone their skills. During the course of this hands-on and seminar-based workshop you will work one-on-one with Steve McCurry. You will also be immersed in an “on-assignment portrait shoot”, participate in discussions, receive constructive critiques of your work, and join in for a VIP tour around the Steve McCurry Copenhagen exhibition at Øksnehallen. These high-energy days are designed to heighten your insight and expand your personal photographic vision while taking your work to the next level. Join us for an inspir-ing day in an environment created to educate and ener-gize photographers from the emerging amateur to the seasoned professional.

Steve McCurry, recognized universally as one of today’s finest image-makers, has won many of photography’s top awards. Best known for his evocative color photog-raphy, McCurry, in the finest documentary tradition, captures the essence of human struggle and joy. Member of Magnum Photos since 1986, McCurry has searched and found the unforgettable; many of his images have become modern icons.

DENMARKPopulation: 5.356.000Total area: 42,930 km2Capital: Copenhagen

Itinerary:9 - 10 amCopenhagen Steve McCurry Exhibition - 200 unique works. Steve McCurry will lead the group on a VIP tour around the exhibition with Q&A during the tour.

10 - 12 amOverview of Steve’s work. Introduction and slideshow with Steve’s most famous photos, discussing which photographic ele-ments makes them successful.

12 - 13 pmLunch Break

13 – 15 pmLearn From the Best. Photographing in Copenhagen with Steve McCurry, who will teach you how to approach subjects, use backgrounds and available light to make a great portrait.

15 - 17 pmThe art of Editing. Steve will discuss your best frames from today’s shooting, and help edit your work.

17 - 19 pmMasters of Photography.A lecture discussing the greats icons of photography, including Henri Cartier-Bresson.


PRICE750 EUR

DenmarkSeminar and workshop22, 23 & 24 June, 2012

Led by Steve McCurryOne-day seminars and workshops in Copenhagen

Wildlife action workshop in what is possibly the world’s best place to photograph wolves and bears.

In these far-away forests in the Finnish borderlands with Russia. we find some of the best locations in the world for photographing wolves, bears and wolverines. The track record of fantastic pictures taken from the photo hides here is very impressive and attracts photographers and film makers from far afield.

Join Better Moments and award-winning photographer Staffan Widstrand, ”one of the 40 most influential na-ture photographers in the World” (Outdoor Photogra-phy magazine 2010), and Managing Director of the Wild Wonders of Europe initiative, who also has 8 years of experience of photographing the eagles and other wild-life in this area.

FINLANDPopulation: 5.160.000Total area: 338,000 km2Capital: Helsinki The workshop includes:· Field and night tuition and seminars on location,

with personal feedback on taken images.· Hut stay includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.· Single or double room with shared facilities, rustic

forest standard.· The lodge has full wi-fi connection and mobile

phone coverage· All ground transport including to and from air-

port.

Teaching Staffan will also hold a couple of workshops on the practice of wildlife photography, equipment and image file treatment methods. During the week, he will focus on improving your: Technique and equip-ment, hardware and software settings for action wildlife photography. And composition skills Photo approach and attitude.

Wildlife expectationsYou will experience the following animals duringthe week:· Bears for sure· Wolves most likely· Wolverines are very regular visitors but not every

week· Among other species that we might encounter are

sea eagles, golden eagles, moose and wild forest reindeer.

FinlandWildlife action workshopAugust 4-11, 2012

Wolves, bears and wolverines

Led by Staffan Widstrand

At this workshop where we come very close to the wildest animals in Scandinavia. We can guarantee a unique experience on the border between Finland and Russia, with one of the best wildlife shooters. - Staffan Widstrand.

ITINERARY

Day 1Staffan Widstrand and the Better Moments staff pick you up at the Kajaani Airport in central Finland and a transfer through the very sparsely populated for-est land to the Kuikka lodge, almost on the Russian border. In the bus, a detailed briefing for the coming week by Staffan Widstrand and our local host, nature photographer Lassi Rautiainen, also one of the Wild Wonders of Europe Dream Team of European photog-raphers.

At arrival in Kuikka, we have a hearty meal and then go straight out to the photography hides, to spend the night there with the bears and wolves, who are most active during the darkest hours. However, at this time of year the night is not very dark and the darkest pe-riod is also quite short, so there should be lots of time to observe and photograph these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Day 2-5 In the Kuikka lodge and in the hides. We change our rhythm of life and turn night into day, sit-ting in the hides each night, coming back to the lodge for a big Finnish breakfast, maybe a sauna bath and a dip in the wonderful lake right beside the lodge, and then sleep during the day, have dinner in the afternoon and then go back out to the hides. Our host has 15 different photo hides in the area and you can vary your chances and backgrounds every night. The hides are relatively comfortable, with chairs or benches, insu-lated floors, sturdy planks with ready-made holes in which to amount your ballheads or swivel-heads/cam-era mounts, and bait laid out outside for the preda-tors. So it is just to sit down, enjoy the wilderness and hope that the large carnivores will come your way, in the right light and doing the right thing whilst there. There will be sleeping bags available for those who don’t want to bring their own and in the hides we usually take turns being awake to keep watch for whe the action will be.

Day 6 Bear cubs at Martiselkosen. Martinselkosen Eräkeskus is a wildlife centre in the midst of the great Kainuu wilderness. We go there af-ter mid day/lunch, and we hope to photograph bear mothers with their cubs from the professional hides situated either in the forest or by a small lake.

Day 7 Kuikka lodge. We have breakfast at Martinselkonen and then head back to Kuikka, which we reach at lunchtime. Then out to the hides again in the evening.

Day 8 Departure to Kajaani Airport. NB! During the night and early morning on day 8 there will still possible for a hide visit, breakfast at Kuikka and then transfer to the Kajaani Airport and travel back home. We will also organise a half day forest shooting, taking place during the week,depending on weather condi-tions.


PRICE 2,650 EUR

The workshop is run in cooperation with the Wild Wonders of Europe initiative.



Finland Wildlife action workshopAugust 4-11, 2012

Wolves, bears and wolverines

Iceland LandscapeAugust 12-19, 2012

Get up close to some of the best and most beautiful locations by van, trek-king and helicopter assisted by the

Better Moments staff and a renowned Icelan-dic cook. The workshop is a unique opportu-nity to combine an adventurous journey to the edge of the world with one of the best amature photographers Hans Strand.

Iceland Population: 325,000Total area: 103,000 km2Capital: Reykjavik Practical information: The workshop includes: · On- and off location workshops with Hans

Strand· Hotel accommodation including dinner and

breakfast.· Lunch will be served at the locations.· Three hostel stays including breakfast, lunch and

dinner, prepared by a well-known, Icelandic cook. · All ground transport and aerial photography with

helicopter. · Transport to and from Iceland is not included.

Travel on Volcanoes

Led by Hans Strand

Hans Strand has traveled to Iceland with his camera for the past several years. And Its was landscape and aerial photographs from Iceland which he was rewarded with the ti-tle of Hasselblad Master Landscape Photog-rapher - in fact, Hans Strand was the first Scandinavian photographer who received this prestigious award.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in IcelandHans Strand and staff from Better Moments will pick you up at the airport and drive you to the Hotel in Reykjavik. Before dinner Hans Strand will make a de-tailed briefing for the coming week. Evening shoot of the new, fabulous Opera House.

Day 2 Reykjavik – Gjáin. Departure in the morning for Gjain, a picturesque canyon with rock from river rapids rock formations and lush greenery in Tjorsardalur. Elaborate picnic in the vicinity of Gjain. After lunch, we will continue our our exciting shooting in Gjain. After shooting we will set off for Hrauneyjar Mountain Center, where we will spend the night. Dinner at camp in the lava field, pre-pared by our chef of award winning fame.

Day 3 - LandmannalaugarWe will spend a full day in Landmannalaugar area and Hans Strand will take us to the most scenic locations for our shooting, including hot springs and strategic viewpoints overlooking the volcanic landscape. Our chef will prepare a wonderful lunch and dinner. After dinner we will make an easy trek through the dramatic landscape to one of the hot springs, where we will shoot, relax and enjoy the starry sky with a glass of wine. We will stay the night at Hrauneyjar Mountain Center.

Day 4 Fjallabak and SvartifossTraveling through and shooting in Fjallabak Nature Reserve in a spectacular canyon of eroded lava. We will stop by at the legendary Svartifoss waterfall in Skaf-tafell National Park before arriving at the magnificent Jörkulsárlón and check in at the hotel. The chef will prepare a three-course, tent camp din-ner. Evening shoot of the shimmering icebergs float-ing in the lagoon and along the coastline.

Day 5 JörkulsárlónDriving west, stopping at Eldraun lava field and the rugged coastline of Dyrholaey. Arrive at the legendary

Hotel Ranga. Hans Strand will make an evening briefing about next day’s aerial shooting session.

Day 6 Ranga aerial helicopter photographyFlight with aerial photography over the spectacular river deltas of the south coast. Relaxation at the hotel and an evening photography seminar after dinner.

Day 7 Departure from Hvolsvöllur heading for the cave Rau-farhólshellir, which is the fourth longest cave in Ice-land and the longest outside of the Hallmundarhraun lava field in the Borgarfjörður region. The cave is formed as a lava tube during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 4600 years ago. Dinner will take place at a pleasant restaurant in downtown Reykjavik.

Day 8 Departure Transport to Keflavik International Airport for return flights.


PRICEDouble room: 5,690 EURSingle room: 5,995 EUR



Iceland LandscapeAugust 12-19, 2012

Travel on Volcanoes

Led by Anders Geidemark

Anders Geidemark has worked as a wildlife photographer and writer since 1988. He has combined this with freelance work includ-ing graphic design, lecturing, teaching in photography schools around the globe.

Travel to the edge of the arctic and into land full of stunning tidewater glaciers, sparkling icebergs, and explore fjords that split the rugged coastlines.

We will trek in the tundra, and search the edge of the pack ice for polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here.

NORWAY Population: 4.513.000Total area: 385,155 km2Capital: Oslo Practical information:The workshop includes:· 9 nights on board the M/S Origo. · All shore excursions by Zodiac. · One-to-one field tuition and inspirational semi-

nars with personal feedback on taken images. · All meals

The expedition is based on the absolute best and most unique locations on and around Svalbard. We will do our absolute best effort to visit all planned destinations, but changes might occur due to local weather conditions.

SvalbardWildlife and landscape workshopSeptember 2-11, 2012 - SOLD OUT

Svalbard - Land of polar bears

ITINERARY

Day 1Pick up at the airport and embark M/S Origo - your base for the following 9 days of adventure.

Days 2-9 Exploring Svalbard We are traveling in the period when the light at Sval-bard’s latitudes is simply magical. The sun has started to dip below the horizon at night, and the light is mag-nificent for taking breathtaking pictures. The concept for our workshop is that we have the time and the means to go places that others expeditions cannot.

Day 9, departurePhotography from M/S Origo. The vessel has relatively low decks, but are still safe from polar bears. The op-portunities for varied photography provided by the ship’s construction are plentiful, and make a decisive difference compared to the majority of other vessels that operate around Svalbard with perhaps 50 or more passengers.

All our guests will have their own private cabins de-signed for two people. This is to assure your comfort onboard.


PRICE6,500 EUR - 9,500 EUR

SIGN UPMake your reservation now for the 2013 Wildlife and landscape workshop at Svalbard.



Svalbard Wildlife and landscape workshopSeptember 2-11, 2012

Wildlife and landscape workshopSeptember 2-11, 2012 Svalbard - Land of polar bears

Serene, majestic and pristine all describe the moun-tains, valleys, plains, forests, rivers and flora and fauna of Abisko National Park in Lapland, Sweden.

Wild, unique and incomparable are three more words that describe this Arctic Circle paradise. But to get a sense of what we mean you really have to visit Abisko; take a deep breath, smell the fragrant scent of the moun-tain air and view the scenery that will make your heart sing.

Better Moments and Hans Strand invite you to partici-pate in a unique photography workshop, where you get to the very best and most beautiful locations by van, trekking and helicopter.

After evening meals, we will also keep our eyes out for aurora borealis, “Northern Light”.

The workshop is a unique opportunity to combine an adventurous journey into the wild with award winning nature photographer Hans Strand.

SWEDEN Population: 8.940.000Total area: 450,000 km2

Capital: Stockholm

Practical information:The workshop is based on the very best and most unique locations in Lapland, Sweden. We will do our absolute best effort to visit all planned destina-tions, but changes might occur due to local weather conditions.

The workshop includes:· On and off location workshops with Hans Strand· Hotel stays including breakfast and dinner.· Lunch will be served at the locations by a re-

nowned, Iocal cook.· All ground transport and aerial photography with

helicopter.· Transport to and from Lapland, Sweden is not

included.

SwedenAbisko National ParkSeptember 20-23, 2012

Wild, unique and incomparable

Led by Hans Strand

This workshop is led by Hans Strand. Many of his pictures for his books and calendars has been photographed in Abisko National Park. “This is my backyard.” Tends Hans Strand to say about Abisko.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival by flight to Kiruna Hans Strand and the Better Moments staff will pick you up at the airport. Lunch in Kiruna and transport to Abisko Mountain Hotel. Slideshow and presenta-tion on Lapland. Dinner at the Mountain Hotel.

Day 2 Abisko Canyon Exploring and shooting limestone formations and river rapids in the upper section of Abisko Can-yon. Lunch at the Mountain Hotel. Hike into the birch forest and evening shoot of the mountain range. Din-ner at the Mountain Hotel.

Day 3 Mount Njulla Breakfast at the Mountain Hotel. Cable car lift up to the top of Mount Njulla. Hike down through the birch forest. Lunch at the Mountain Hotel. Aerial photog-raphy from helicopter. Afternoon shoot in the lower section of Abisko Canyon. Evening workshop in con-ference room. Dinner at the Mountain Hotel.

Possibility to visit the Kebnekaise mountain region by helicopter.

Day 4 The art of macro photographyMacro photography of plants in the forest.Departure for airport.


PRICE1,495 EUR

VIP ARIAL HELICOPTER WORKSHOP Better Mo-ments offer a VIP aerial helicopter workshop.

The price includes a two hour evening seminar, a per-sonal training in the air by Hans Strand and a 30-60 min helicopter flight. The flight includes two students and Hans Strand.

HELICOPTER PRICE PER PERSON30 min: 600 EUR60 min: 1,080 EUR



Sweden Abisko National ParkSeptember 19-23, 2012

Abisko National ParkSeptember 19-23, 2012 Wild, unique and incomparable

Bhutan National Geographic Nordic and Better MomentsNovember 1-10, 2012

Bhutan is one of the last kingdoms in Asia. The country is bordered by Hima-laya’s milky white peaks and deep lush

valleys. The country is locally known as Druk Yul or the land of the thunder dragon, named after the northeast wind, which blows down through the mountain passes. The people are Buddhists and they practice their religion without fear of persecution. Bhutan, which has been a closed kingdom for many years, has preserved its rich culture and beautiful histori-cal temples and royal palaces.

BHUTAN Population: 700,000Total area: 39,000 km2Capital: Thimpu The workshop includes:· All transportation in Bhutan.· Hotel accommodation including full board (excl.

beverages).

· All hotels are 3 or 4 star and approved by the Bhu-tanese Tourist Board.

· English local guides.

· Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulsen are present during the entire voyage.

· National Geographic photography workshops on location. All tickets to tourist attractions.

Land of the Thunder Dragon

Led by Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson

Discover Bhutan with award-winning National Geographic photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Copenhagen - Delhi. We meet in Copenhagen airport where we fly to Delhi, India.

Day 2 Delhi - Paro (Altitude 2250 m).We land in the beautiful Paro valley in Bhutan, and are transferred to the hotel for check-in. We take a walk around Paro town to see and capture the city’s impres-sive Dzong (temple).

Day 3 Paro (Altitude 2250 m). We begin the day with a general Bhutan introduction and continue with short trips around town and in the gorgeous surrounding landscapes. There will be plen-ty of time to do your own photography. In the evening there will be a joint dinner and lecture on “A life with National Geographic” by Sisse and Cotton.

Day 4 Paro - Thimphu (Altitude 2350m). We leave Paro and drive to the capital Thimphu - wel-come to the modern Bhutan. The capital is growing rapidly, and you will see how tradition and modernity meet. Thimphu is a fascinating and unusual capital. There are no high-rise buildings, limited traffic and no traffic lights. After check-in at our hotel, we take a walk around town before we eat lunch. We spend the rest of the day in Thimphu, and after dinner we spend a few hours to talk about the day’s photography.

Day 5 Thimphu - Punakha (height 1350 m). After breakfast, we leave our hotel and take the bus through the lush valley, from which you are able to see the more than 7000 meters high Himalayan peaks in good weather conditions. We will make stops to enjoy the special peace of the magnificent landscape. We reach our next destination, the town of Punakha, where we will visit one of the most important and also most impressive dzongs Punakha Dzong from the 1600th century. Hereafter, we walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge (100 meters). In the evening we meet Sisse and Cotton for an entertaining session and mini-workshop on photography as a National Geographic photographer.

Day 6 Punakha - Trongsa. We leave early in the morning for the drive toward central Bhutan, and we will stop en route for morn-ing photography. And what a landscape it is. Among other things, we will see the impressive Trongsa Dzong monastery, which is seemingly glued to the rock wall, before reaching our next destination, the village of Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong once belonged to the royal family and is today it is considered the most beautiful and important monastery in Bhutan.

Day 7 Trongsa - Paro Traveling to Paro with many photo stops and private lessons by Sisse and Cotton. We arrive in the afternoon at Paro.

Day 8 Paro After breakfast we drive up to Ramthangkha (10 km from Paro). From here, we (slowly) trek to 3,100 me-ters and the famous monastery Taktsang. Taktsang can be translated into something like “Tiger’s Nest”, and is frequently called just that. The monastery is situated on a rocky ledge overlooking the Paro Valley. In the afternoon we return to Paro.

Day 9 Delhi We leave Bhutan and fly back to Delhi. Arrival at the hotel and farewell dinner.

Day 10 Delhi - Copenhagen Transfer to Delhi Airport and departure to Copenha-gen.


PRICESpecial Price: 3.995 EUR for accommodation in shared double room. Single supplement: 360 EUR.NB! 5 single rooms available at double room rate on a first come first served basis.



Bhutan National Geographic Nordic and Better MomentsNovember 1-10, 2012

Land of the Thunder Dragon

The experts galleryWe proudly present...

Steve McCurry, recognized universally as one of today’s finest image-makers, has won many of photography’s top awards. Best known for his evocative color pho-tography, McCurry, in the finest documentary tradition, captures the essence of

human struggle and joy. Member of Magnum Photos since 1986, McCurry has searched and found the unforgettable; many of his images have become modern icons.

His career was launched when, disguised in native garb, he crossed the Pakistan border into rebel-controlled Afghanistan just before the Russian invasion. When he emerged, he had rolls of film sewn into his clothes and images that would be published around the world which were among the first to show the conflict there. His coverage won the Robert Capa Gold Medal for Best Photographic Reporting from

McCurry’s work has been featured in every major magazine in the world and frequently appears in National Geographic magazine with recent articles on Tibet, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and the temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. McCurry is driven by an innate curiosity and sense of wonder about the world and everyone in it. He has an uncanny ability to cross boundaries of language and culture to capture stories of human experi-ence. “Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that person, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” McCurry has published books including The Imperial Way (1985), Monsoon (1988), Portraits (1999), South Southeast (2000), Sanctuary (2002), The Path to Buddha: A Ti-betan Pilgrimage (2003), Steve McCurry (2005), Looking East (2006), In the Shadow of Mountains (2007), The Unguarded Moment. (2009), and The Iconic Photographs (2011).

“I like to tell stories about my subjects through my photographs – especially those I have shot in areas of conflict.”

RESPONSIBILITYBetter Moments and its designated tour operator and tour administrator shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or ve-hicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (b) any loss or damage due to delay, cancella-tion, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdi-vision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against Better Moments and/or its desig-nated tour operator and tour administrator for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.By registering for a Better Moments workshop, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other partic-ipants. Better Moments and its designated tour op-erator reserve the right in their sole discretion to ac-cept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a Better Moments workshop and the tour operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.Better Moments, its designated tour operator, or its tour administrator shall not be liable for any air car-rier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant’s Better Moments workshop departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsi-bility of the participant.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:Basis of rates: All prices are normally based on two persons sharing a room or cabin. All prices and fares are quoted in Euro. The prices are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so, and notifica-tion will be given at the time of final invoicing.

Included in Better Moments workshops: Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itin-erary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); educa-tional materials; pre-departure information; entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; all gratuities except those for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; ground transportation during the workshop; transfers to and from group flights where applica-ble; services of Better Moments experts, lecturers, guides, workshop manager and any other staff; taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges. Please note: the “B, L, D” notations apply to the pe-riod during the workshop only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the trip. Internal airfare is included on some international workshops as indi-cated in the itinerary.

Not Included in Better Moments workshops: Air transportation and related fees (except as indi-cated in the itinerary); activities noted as optional in the itinerary; gratuities for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insur-ance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Single/shared Accommodations: A limited number of single rooms/cabins are avail-able at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served ba-sis. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged.

Payments: A 25% deposit is required to reserve a place on a Bet-ter Moments workshop. Balance of payment is due no later than 75 days prior to departure. The pay-ment terms can be stricter when the workshop in-cludes chartered ships or planes, and any variation will be communicated clearly in our sales material and on your invoice.

Cancellations and refunds:All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the post-mark. If you cancel 75 days or more prior to depar-ture your deposit will be lost. For cancellations that occur 30–75 days prior to departure the cancellation charge is 50% of the total price. There will be no re-funds for cancellations received later than 29 days prior to departure. This policy also applies to pre- and post-trip extensions. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Leaving a workshop in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a workshop. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasi-ble to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the partici-pants. If a workshop is canceled prior to departure, the tour operator will provide you with a full refund; except in the event that the cancellation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the workshop as planned, in which case the tour op-erator will provide you with a refund and/or credit toward a future Better Moments workshop equiva-lent to amount paid to the tour operator. If we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a pro-rata refund based on the number of days. We are not responsi-ble for any refund for non-refundable airline tickets or for any airline tickets purchased by the passenger directly from an airline or travel agent. We strongly recommend that you buy cancellation and travel in-surance.

Group Discounts:Parties of five people or more traveling together will each receive 5% group discount on the workshop list prices. Other terms and Conditions may apply. Please ask upon making the reservation.

Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by the Better Moments workshop or its designated tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate pro-grams as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent.

Health requirements: You must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring spe-cial attention must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. Photography: We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the op-eration of any workshop or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. If the participant prefers that his/her likeness not to be used, he/she must notify us in writing prior to departure of the trip.

Other: Other terms and Conditions may apply to some workshops and details will always be provided with pre-trip mailings. By registering for a Better Moments work-shop, the participant agrees to the responsibil-ity statement and the terms and Conditions herein.

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

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Better Moments Catalog v2

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