Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the sand dunes and cracked clay valleys of Namibia. Explore the spectacular rock formations of Spitzkoppe, known as the Matterhorn of Africa, and discover the colonial architecture of Swakopmund, photographing shipwrecks along the coast and colorful flocks of flamingos at Walvis Bay.
BETTER MOMENTS & PHASE ONE EXPLORER is your gateway to working with top of the line equipment from Phase One. We provide participants with free exclusive access to the power and versatility of the Phase One Premiere XT Camera System and Capture One software, as well as continuous support and training from both Phase One experts and award-winning Better Moments photographers. This workshop offers you the opportunity to learn, discover and explore the dramatic landscapes of Namibia together with passionate and like-minded enthusiasts, using the best photographic equipment on the market.
All our guests will receive – for free – exclusive Phase One equipment, software and training for use during this Namibia photography workshop, including:
Tom D. Jones is famous for his fine art photography for which he has received numerous awards, such as the European Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2009. He’s part of the prestigious association Master Qualified European Photographer, and in 2012 he distinguished himself with the well deserved Hasselblad Master Award 2012 in Landscape/Nature.
It is recommended that you book your flights to arrive a day early, as we depart from Windhoek early on day 1. Take a day to rest and acclimatize yourself to the country before the big adventure. We can arrange accommodation and activities on request.
We leave for a pleasant and scenic drive in the direction of Spitzkoppe, stopping spontaneously along the way to photograph points of interest. We arrive at the first lodge, located near spectacular 700 million old granite rocks, with plenty of time to settle in and conduct a proper introduction as well as a short briefing about night photography. Because of its geographical location and lack of light pollution, we are at the perfect place for night sky photography and star gazing. The extraordinary rock formations are the perfect subject with an incredible backdrop of stars.
Below:
Namibia by night and the Milky Way.
Our privat 5 star hotel at Spitzkoppe – just an easy walk from Spitzkoppe.
We head out early in the morning to catch the first light over the summit of Spitzkoppe, as well as taking some iconic shots of the famous rock arch. After lunch we will review the first results of our night photography. The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the surroundings, which take the form of a giant playground for photographers, before embarking on our second night photographing Spitzkoppe and the Milky Way.
The early birds head out again to catch the first light, as the sun rises behind the rock arch. After breakfast in the lodge, we leave Spitzkoppe and head towards to our next destination. Arriving in Swakopmund, you can relax or enjoy some street photography in this fascinating city, wedged between towering sand dunes on the border of the Namib Desert and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean.
Swakopmund is rich in architectural history, dating back to the period from 1884 through 1915, when Swakopmund served as the main port for the area. During the colonial era, this area was a German Protectorate known German South-West Africa, so a very strong German influence can still be seen in the architecture, and fortunately the buildings have been maintained and preserved very well.
In the afternoon we head into the dunes by 4×4 for photography.
DAY 4: HIGH OVER THE COAST OF SHIPWRECKS (OPTIONAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY)
Walvis Bay is famous for the thousands of flamingos that feed in the lagoon and the surrounding wetlands. It is considered one of the best locations in the world to see flamingos. The day is divided into two workshops: Landscape photography in and around Walvis Bay or an optional aerial photography workshop by helicopter.
On our basic tour, we will conduct a landscape photography workshop, visiting the area around Walvis Bay by 4-wheel drive. On the other hand, if you join our optional aerial photography workshop, we will fly high over the spectacular sand dunes by helicopter. Along the coastline, we will see shipwrecks on the shore and continue over the wetlands where thousands of flamingos congregate. Finally, we will capture some amazing shots over the wonderfully patterns formed in the salt pans.
If time allows, we will indulge in some incredible sunset photography over the beautiful ocean around Swakopmund.
We end the evening in Swakopmund’s best sea food restaurant with a stunning sea view: ‘The Tug’
Ready to take off ?
Today we will leave the coastal region and drive inland towards the red sand dunes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and Sossusvlei region. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch and take a few stopovers to admire the beautiful scenery where we have a good chance to see springbok, ostrich, oryx and mountain zebra. On our way, we will pass the smallest town in the region, Solitaire, where car wrecks have been picturesquely draped along the road.
Here we will stop for some of Solitaire’s legendary apple pie – arguably the best in the whole of Namibia. On arrival at our lodge, we take time to install ourselves, and before dinner we will drive to the first big sand dunes for a nice sundowner.
Our luxury hotel is inside the Nature Reserve. We will, as the only ones, have the opportunity to photograph early morning as well as late evening and shoot night and star photography.
This morning, we need to get up early to reach one of the most iconic and photogenic places on earth. Known as ‘Deadvlei’, it is a clay pan where the skeletal trees and cracked ground form some fascinating geometric patterns. After taking advantage of the most ideal lighting, we will take our breakfast under the shade of a nice big tree. We then head back to the lodge where you can either review your images or have a refreshing dive at the swimming pool before lunch.
In the afternoon, we drive back for night photography.
Catch the first sun rays over Dune 45, an awe-inspiring 85 meter high sand dune. The climb is well worth the effort, as from the top you will be spoilt with incredible panoramic views of Dune Valley. In the morning light, the floor of the pan has been described as a “moonscape” and is truly a sight to behold. After a short breakfast break at the foot of the dune, we will begin our 5 hour drive back to Windhoek. Halfway there, we will stop for a nice picnic lunch and admire a spectacular view of Spreetshogte Pass.
Once we arrive in Windhoek and are checked in at our hotel, you will have some time to explore the area before we meet up for the farewell dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse, a restaurant famous for their big selection of game dishes, such as oryx, springbok and kudu antelope.
This is where we head out for the Windhoek airport and say our goodbyes, as we all head in different directions and thank each other for a wonderful journey.
I have been on two bucket list workshops with Better Moments. The first one was to Greenland to experience shooting with a Phase One in a place that I’ve always wanted to visit. Better Moments helped me through using the camera for the first time. Not only did I learn how to use the IQ4, I learned to see better compositions that I would have missed previously. The second trip was as a Phase One owner to another bucket list location: Namibia. Again, the expert tutelage from Better Moments pushed my photography further. It’s the help in becoming a photographer that will bring me back to future workshops.
It has been such an enjoyable trip that I would absolutely consider doing it again!”.
Joe Graf, from the US, joined us in the Namibia and Greenland workshop.
Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.
Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.
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GETTING THERE
Namibia’s main airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport. It is advised to arrive a day before the workshop to make sure you are well rested for the drive.
Better Moments will arrange one pickup transfer and one return transfer to the airport on the arrival- and the departure day.
VISA
Many nationalities do not require tourist visas for stays under 3 months. For a complete list of visa exemptions, as well as up-to-date information regarding visa fees and requirements, visit: http://www.namibiahc.org.uk/fees-and-requirements.php
WEATHER
Namibia is one of the sunniest places on earth, with approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. December to March is relatively humid in most of Namibia, with some localised rainfall. April and May are pleasantly dry, without being dusty. The weather is cooler during June to August, when the landscape dries out and animals congregate around watering holes, making it a good time for wildlife photography. The weather warms up again during September to November.
Min 13°C , Max 26°C .
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of Namibia. There are several local languages spoken in different regions, as well as German and Afrikaans.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Namibian Dollar, but the South African Rand is also commonly accepted.
QUICK GUIDE
Namibia offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors. From thrilling ATV rides along the rugged coast, to star gazing in the desolate wilderness. While much of the country is less developed, urban centres such as the seaside city of Swakopmund provide some great culinary experiences, with antelope and game being a particular highlight.
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