This Exclusive Adventure Workshop
is Limited to Just 6 Participants

Sorry — Sold Out

About The Workshop

TheLuminous Landscape Inc.,Michael ReichmannandPierre Claquinare pleased to announce a photographic workshop and expedition to Bangladesh in early January, 2005. This will be a 10 day trip — from Tuesday, January 4th through Thursday, January 13th, 2005.

Bangladesh is not the first country that comes to mind when one considers a photographic adventure on the Indian sub-continent. But it offers photographers an almost completely unknown venue, with remarkable landscape, wildlife and cultural photography opportunities. What makes our trip unique is that it will be co-lead byPierre Claquin, whose knowledge of Bangladesh is extensive.

Leading the workshop will beMichael Reichmann, the publisher of this site. Michael is a renowned nature and landscape photographer, writer and teacher.Chris Sandersonwill be filming the workshop forThe Video Journal, and will act as an additional photographic resource.Pierre Claquin,who is co-leading the workshop, is an accomplished wildlife and documentary photographer as well as long-time resident of Bangladesh. He will be working closely with Michael in organizing and conducting the trip.

Pierre is a French medical epidemiologist who has spent most of his professional life working in Africa, Central and South-East Asia. He has lived in Bangladesh for 13 years. His photographic exhibitions include: "Borrowed faces" (Dahka- October 2000; Chittagong Feb 2001); "The Eastern Gallery of the Berlin Wall" (Dhaka April 2001); "1972-2002: The changing faces of Shariakandi" (Dhaka and Shariakandi – April 2002); "Surviving Dreams: the struggling circus of Bangladesh" (Dhaka Chobi Mela II – November 2002). His book of 120 black and white photographs on the circuses was released in October 2003.

This workshop is open to just 6 participants along with Michael Reichmann, Pierre Claquin, Chris Sanderson (the director of theVideo Journal) and their wives. This will mean a total of a dozen people will participate in this adventure.

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Itinerary (Tentative)

Day 1 (Tuesday — January 4, 2005)

Arrival in Dhaka in the morning (depending on your flight plans). Welcome at the airport by facilitator and transport to the Sonargaon hotel (5 star hotel) by hotel vehicle.

At 4 pm departure with our private air-conditioned bus for the scenic and historical Old Dhaka where we shall visit the Red Fort and enjoy a country boat ride on the busy Buriganga river for a sunset photo shoot. Diner.

Day 2 (Wednesday — January 5, 2005)

After breakfast visit to the Dhaka National museum then travel to the airport to catch the flight to Jessore (one hour West of Dhaka)). Bus ride to Khulna (3 hours) where we shall embark on our boat, en route for the mangrove forest of the Sunderbans. The boat will be our home for the following few days. Dinner on board followed by a short briefing on the ecology of the Sunderbans and on the current status of the Royal Bengal Tiger by a wildlife expert and our guide. Overnight accommodation on the moving boat.

Day 3: (Thursday — January 6, 2005)

The boat is expected to arrive at the forest station of Kotka early morning, depending on the tide. Time permitting, between 6:30am and 9am we shall enjoy a silent ride in a local fishing boat along the narrow canals of the forest to watch birds and wildlife (this is tiger country). After breakfast we shall walk to the beach (a one hour easy and safe walk). A swim in the sea, then return. Lunch followed by a 2-hour rest (this is the tropics).

In the late afternoon another silent boat ride along the canals of the forest and/or observation of wildlife from the watchtower. Diner. There is the option for 2 people to spend the night on the open watchtower to listen to the jungle nightlife.

Day 4 (Friday — January 7, 2005)

The boat will move to another part of the Sunderbans where silent rides along the canals and observation might provide opportunities to observe the stealth tiger (the name “tiger” is never mentioned out of fear and respect. Instead the tiger is called “uncle” or Mamu). There might be also an opportunity to spend hours in several hides (machan) specially arranged for us.

Day 5 (Saturday — January 8, 2005)

Early morning the boat will head North back to Khulna. The ride will allow the additional observation of the ecology of the Sunderbans and of its scenic beauty. It might be possible to observe crocodiles and fishermen working with domesticated otters. Transfer by bus from Khulna to Jessore. Fly back to Dhaka in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Sonargaon hotel.

Day 6 (Sunday — January 9, 2005)

After an early breakfast departure by road to Chittagong. Lunch at theBangladesh Academy for Rural Development. Visit to the Buddhist ruins at Mainamati. Before arriving in Chittagong, an exciting shoot at the ship-breaking site of Sitakundia until sunset. Overnight at the Agrabad hotel in Chittagong.

Day 7 (Monday — January 10, 2005)

After breakfast departure for the Chittagong Hill Tract resort of Rangamati on the shores of the Kaptai lake. Lunch at the Parjatan motel. In the afternoon visit to a tribal center and a boat ride on the lake. Return to Chittagong Agrabad hotel.

Day 8 (Tuesday — January 11, 2005)

After breakfast departure for Chittagong airport to catch the 9 am flight to Dhaka and from there the 11 am connection to Saidpur. Travel by road (1 hour) from Saidpur to Dinajpur. In the evening slide presentation by photographer and Kantanagor expert Gora on the Terra cotta of the famous Kantanogor temple. Overnight in Dinajpur at the Ram Chagor resort and at the Parjatan motel .

Day 9 (Wednesday — January 12, 2005)

Morning: Visit to the Kantanogor temple and the old palaces (Rajbaris) of the XIX century landlords. Travel back to Saidpur airport. Flight to Dhaka. In the late afternoon meeting with the young photographers of the Drik Agency for a workshop.

Day 10 (Thursday — January 13, 2005)

Shopping in the morning before leaving Dhaka in the afternoon to fly home or onwards.

For many participants this 10 days in Bangladesh may be just part of a larger trip. Eastern India is right next door, and a visit to the exotic and ancient city of Calcutta may be of interest. We will be pleased to work with you and your travel agent regarding suggestions for an expanded itinerary either before or after our time together in Bangladesh.

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It’s About Photography — Lots of it!

This is not a workshop for absolute beginners. There will be no photographic instruction per-se, unless requested. But, the workshop leaders will be shooting alongside you at all times. They will provide discussion and assistance on specialized topics such as, for example, long lens technique, projection flash usage, action shooting, wildlife observation and field craft. Advanced techniques will be constantly discussed, demonstrated and put into practice.

This workshop is about shooting — lots of shooting. There will be no classroom sessions, no lectures, no slide shows, and most importantly — no unnecessary egos. Participants and group leaders will work closely together, sharing their knowledge and experience.

Because of the unique location this workshop adventure is open to spouses as well as photographers. Even non-photographers will find the locales visited and the wildlife and cultural opportunities to be thrilling. The cost for non-photographers is the same as for active participants and the 6 places available include both photographers and non-photographers.

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About Equipment & Extras

Workshop participants will be provided with comprehensive equipment suggestions. You may shoot film or digital, and all of our accommodations along the way will have electrical outlets. There will be no film processing facilities during the trip.

The use of anImage StabilizedorVibration Reductionlong lens is highly recommended if your system has these available, because we will be shooting from boats on a number of occasions.

Tripods are recommended, as we will be able to do some architectural work at temples. A light weight model with ballhead will be fine. A Tilt/Shift lens would also be useful.

Members will also be provided with access to a private Discussion Forum, and the opportunity to have their work exhibited on this site after the Workshop.

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The Cost

The cost of this all-inclusive trip is U.S. $4,895 per person (but not inclusive of airfare to Dhaka, Bangladesh). The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography or not. This fee includes all in-country ground, river and air transportation as well as hotel accommodation for 10 nights (double occupancy) and all meals and alcoholic beverages.

Accommodations are two person to a room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be a supplementary charge of $650.

A deposit of U.S. $2,395 (per person) will be required when you register, and the balance of $2,500 will be due no later than September 1, 2004. If you need to cancel before September 1, you’ll get a full refund (less $500). After September 1 if you need to cancel you’ll receive all of your money back except $500, but the refund will be possibleonlyif a replacement for you can be found.

If we have to cancel the trip for any reason you will receive a full refund.

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What’s Included?

• All hotel accommodations, based on double occupancy
• All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips
• Beer, wine and spirits
• Services of guides and drivers
• Land and water transportation by private motor coaches and boats
• Airport transfers to and from hotels
• Airfare for all internal flights within Bangladesh
• Bottled water at all times __________________________________________________________

What is Not Included?

• Air Fares to and from Dhaka, Bangladesh and your point of origin
• Additional tips for staff such as local guides and drivers
• Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
• Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

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Video Filming

On this workshop we will joined byChris Sandersonwho will be filming the workshop forThe Luminous Landscape Video Journal.

Naturally, we will need your consent to be filmed. Once you have registered for the Workshop we will be sending you a Release Form. This will signify your permission to be included in the filming that will be done during the workshop. We will, of course, be providing you with complimentary copies of whatever video or print material comes out of this. Of course this will provide you with a professional quality video record of this trip, something that no other workshop can provide.

Finally, I want to assure you that the filming of the workshop will in no way interfere with the workshop and the time that we spend together. Chris is an experienced filmmaker and will be shooting in an unobtrusive documentary style. Of course, as an experienced cinematographer and director Chris will be available as another resource person to all Workshop members. If you have problem with being filmed during the workshop please ask me for more information, or consider taking an alternative workshop.

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Liability Limitation

The Luminous Landscape Inc., Michael Reichmann, Pierre Claquin, our instructors, guides, and cooperating agents aim to provide every participant a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience. We act solely as agents for you regarding accommodations, special activities, and travel, by any means, and assume no liability for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause during the course of the workshop or in transit thereto. We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in the services to be provided. We reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances. In the event that we deem it necessary to cancel the workshop we will provide a full refund which the participant acknowledges as full and final settlement.

As there is always an element of risk in any adventure associated with the outdoors, participants must read this form carefully. This liability release will certify that the participant is physically fit and capable of participating in outdoor photography exercises in field locations, and is fully and completely aware of any associated risks created by field locations and weather.

By joining this workshop I acknowledge that I have read the above information concerning responsibility and release The Luminous Landscape Inc., Michael Reichmann, Pierre Claquin, their guides, instructors and any cooperating agent from any liability. The Luminous Landscape Inc., Michael Reichmann and Pierre Claquin will assume no liability for injury, illness, or loss of personal property or expenses thereof associated with workshop participation.

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What Do I Do Next?

If this workshop has your name on it; if you’re excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register.

Remember, there are only 6 positions available for this workshop. When they’re spoken for, that’s it. To fill out theRegistration Formsimply click on the registration link below. If you have any questions before registering,click hereto send me an e-mail inquiry.

Sorry — Sold Out
If You’d like to be Placed on the Waitlist Please fill out the Form Below

— REGISTER —