• Kyrgyzstan. photo by Tim Vollmer
  • Kyrgyzstan. photo by Tim Vollmer
  • Kyrgyzstan. photo by Tim Vollmer
  • Kyrgyzstan. photo by Tim Vollmer

Join photographers Mike Shipman and Tim Vollmer on this photo tour of the vulnerable ecoregion of Kyrgyzstan, along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia. The landscape is dominated by the Tian Shan Mountains (Mountains of Heaven) along the northern China border, along with park-like meadows, spruce forests, rocky slopes, and glaciers. Wildlife found here are Asiatic ibex, argali sheep, wolves, brown bears, and the elusive snow leopard.

Kyrgyzstan, photo by Tim Vollmer

Our gateway city is Bishkek, the capitol of Kyryzstan and a city of around 1 million people. From there we will venture out into the mountains and grassland-steppe to visit and photograph lakes, rivers, waterfalls, Kyrgyz traditions and culture, including the sport kok-boru and the Berkutchi (eagle hunters).

All accommodations, meals, and transportation on site are included.

We will focus on landscape photography and the intriguing Kyrgyzstan culture during this workshop, with opportunities for photographing people and wildlife. For more detailed itinerary information and to register the full fee for the workshop, please visit Tim Vollmer's website. When you register, please let me know. Thank you!

Daily reviews of images in the field and assistance with camera operation, composition, and exposure as you work will be commonplace, as well as practice with long exposure, filter use (polarizer, neutral density, graduated neutral density, etc.), image processing, and more. Each participant will receive a copy of my book The Ecology of Photography: Senses & Perception.

kyrgyzstan. Photo by Tim Vollmer

We will be "working the landscape" from our base in Bishkek and the surrounding area. Accommodations will be in hotels, guest houses, and traditional yurts and experience local cuisine.

To get the most from this workshop you should be capable of hiking over uneven and sometimes slick ground. Temperatures in June will range from the low 50s to high 80s. Long hours of photographing will be the norm, though there will be time during the day to relax and engage in personal exploration.

A release form, gear list and other information will be emailed to you upon registration.
Registration Policy.

[Canceled until further notice]

Kyrgyzstan


[Canceled until further notice]
 
  • Tuition: $3999 single supplement $400
    Deposit: Full balance due at reservation
  • Type of Excursion: Workshop
  • Skill Level: All Levels
  • Dates: June 1 - 13, 2020
  • Duration: 13 days
  • Group Size Min: 4
  • FAQ

Emphasis
  • Landscape, People, Culture, Wildlife
  • Composition
  • Exploration-Personal Style & Vision
  • Camera Operation
  • Exposure, Working with light
  • Workflow
  • Filters, Time Lapse, & Long Exposure

Included
  • Instruction, image review & feedback
  • Accommodation
  • On-site transportation
  • All meals (full board)
  • Admission to sites on itinerary
  • Mike's Book: The Ecology of Photography: Senses &
    Perception
 
Not Included
  • Transportation to/from home and gateway city
    of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
  • Personal items & expenses
  • Fees for activities not included in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)