Re Kyrgyzstan:
A…read moreriver of email photo trip offerings arrive in my inbox each week. While they have merit and are attractive, the opportunity to travel throughout Kyrgyzstan is unique in the photo workshop/expedition world. I'd never seen an opportunity like this before, and it immediately intrigued and excited me. Additionally, I'd never been on a photo workshop before.
The logistics of the trip are daunting. Eighteen days long, with fifteen days on the road. Other than three hotel nights in Bishkek, the capital, at the start and end of the trip, only three nights are in hotels, the rest in yurt camps or tents. The execution of the logistics was impeccable. There was never an oversight or a dropped ball. And, despite the demands of this trip and extensive behind the scenes coordination and decision making, trip leaders Justin Black and Jerry Dodrill were always warm and in good cheer, with abundant photographic suggestions, insights and approaches to subjects.
There is great instruction while shooting, exposure to diverse environments (2,500 feet to 13,400 feet elevation), and more than enough time at a multitude of locations to develop both a feel and an approach for/to the subject matter. Both Justin and Jerry are world class photographers with decades of experience teaching, and it shows. Ask a question and you get an answer with years of knowledge behind it (Stop, I can't absorb any more!).
A word of advice to potential participants...this is not a hotel-based experience. You will be able to most enjoy this trip if you've spent some time outdoors, some time in tents, understand the clothing necessities of weather and altitude, and are prepared to tolerate a little bit of discomfort for an extraordinary experience. Justin's packing list is flawless.
I give this trip six stars, and I'm a tough grader.-Lee G., 2024 Kyrgyz Republic Expedition participant
