October 14 – 25, 2005

Sorry – Sold Out

In October, 2005Michael ReichmannandPaul Elsonwill be leading a small exclusive photographic expedition to China. For eleven days, a group of just twelve photographers will explore three of the most exotic and photographically rich locations in this vast and ancient country.

This trip will offer opportunities for both extensive landscape and cultural photography, with an emphasis on rural areas.

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The Li River – Guilin / Yangshuo

There is a stretch of the Li River that is storied for its antique beauty. Fisherman in classic boats festooned with lanterns are seen at dusk among the unique hills through which the river wends its way. We will be working with local fisherman and farmers to ensure that we are able to capture the ideal moments as both dawn and dusk are presented to us over three days in the region.

We have planned the trip so that we will be shooting three sunsets and two sunrises during the time of October’s full moon along the Li River.

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Longi – rice terraces

Sculpted into the land for thousands of years, these terraces at Longi offer spectacular landscape photography opportunities, as well as a chance to photograph traditional rice farmers at work. We will explore this area on foot at a leisurely pace.

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Huangshan – The Yellow Mountains

Huangshan, has been described by ancient Chinese poets as "Paradise on Earth". It offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Also called "The Yellow Mountains", it consists of 72 peaks, and is located in the Anhui Province. We will be staying at a hotel near one of the mountains tops – ideal for both sunrise and sunset photography. We will spend nearly three days in this rich locale, exploring both by foot and in mini-vans.

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The Instructors

This expedition / workshop is being lead byMichael ReichmannandPaul Elson.

Michael is the publisher and primary author of this site. He has been a photographer and photographic educator for more than 30 years, and has taught workshops and seminars as well as conducted photographic expeditions in recent years to Iceland, Bangladesh, Costa Rica and many locations throughout North America. Michael is a Contributing Editor toPhoto Techniquesmagazine, and his work is found in both private and public collections worldwide.

Paul Elson has been a commercial photographer specializing in working with the international travel industry. He currently devotes his full time efforts to fine art photography. Paul has traveled extensively in China, most recently in 2001 when he was invited to exbit his work there by the Chinese government.

Paul’s wife, Jasmine, speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese, and will be accompanying our trip, acting as as translator when required. Paul’s web site is foundhere, and his article on China, published on these pages in 2003, is foundhere.

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The Itinerary

Parts of this itinerary is subject to change. Arrival and departure dates for Hong Kong are firm, so that attendees can book their international flights, but our plans for travel within China are subject to change, depending on the availability of accommodations and other variables.

14-Oct:Arrive Hong Kong

15-Oct:Jet lag recovery and shopping day in Hong Kong. Welcome dinner that evening.

16-Oct:Hong Kong to Guilin by air. Guilin to Yangshuo by bus. Afternoon and sunset shoot along the Li River

17-Oct:Li River. Dawn shoot and then daytime exploring area by foot, bicycle and car. Sunset shoot. Full moon rising at sunset.

18-Oct:Dawn shoot on Li River. Early afternoon bus to Gulin. Afternoon shooting in Gulin

19-Oct:Early morning bus to Longi rice terraces. All day. Return to Guilin PM.

20-Oct:Early AM flight to Shanghai. Bus to Yellow Mountain / Huangshan. Full day of travel.

21-Oct:Yellow Mountain / Huangshan. Shooting on foot and by mini-van. Dawn to dusk.

22-Oct:Yellow Mountain / Huangshan. Shooting on foot and by mini-van. Dawn to dusk.

23-Oct:Dawn shoot then afternoon bus back to Shanghai

24-Oct:Shooting and shopping in Shanghai. Farewell dinner.

25-Oct:AM flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, then home

Please note that our trip begins and ends in Hong Kong. Most people will find that this is the most convenient place to fly in and out of on major international airlines. Our trip formally begins on the evening of 15 Oct with a reception dinner, and ends the morning of 25 Oct with a flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong to meet onward connections. You are of course free to begin your trip earlier, and to stay on in China afterward, at your own cost and discretion. We will be pleased to advise you on coordinating such plans with ours.

All of your hotel, meal and travel expenses are covered, from arrival in Hong Kong on 14 Oct through our return to Hong Kong on 25 Oct.

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The Cost

The cost of this all-inclusive trip isU.S. $6,995 per person(but not including airfare to and from your home and Hong Kong). 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 11 nights (double occupancy), and all meals and alcoholic beverages.

Accommodations are two persons to a room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be a supplementary charge of $1,500 – if such rooms are available.

A deposit of U.S. $2,995 (per person) will be required when you register, and the balance of $4,000 will be due no later than July 1, 2005. If you need to cancel before July 1, you’ll get a full refund (less $500). After July 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 of all monies paid to that date.

Please note:This trip is designed for photographers. Though non-photographer spouses are of course welcome, and alternate activities will be scheduled if possible, our primary emphasis will be traveling to the best locations for the best light, and this will often mean long days of both travel and shooting.

You should therefore only consider joining this expedition if you are a passionate photographer willing to put yourself out a bit. This is not a vacation sightseeing trip, but rather is an expedition designed for those who’ll go the extra mile (or kilometer) to get the images they’ve been dreaming about.

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What’s Included?

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

Please note that while we will be staying in the best hotel accommodations available while in China, because we will be in some moderately remote areas these may not be 4 or 5 star by western standards. They will though be clean, with private bathrooms, and as comfortable as can be found in each locale.

In both Hong Kong and Shanghai we will be staying in international quality 4 star hotels.

Similarly, food will be at the best available restaurants, but be aware that western cuisine is not readily available in many places outside of the larger cities. Those with dietary restriction may find this problematic.

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What is Not Included?

• Airfares to and from Hong Kong and your point of origin
• Fees for passports, visas, immunizations and insurance
• Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature

Citizens of most countries require visas to enter China. Obtaining these is the responsibility of each individual, and should be attended to as soon as possible. Note that your passport needs to remain valid for a minimum of 6 months following your last day in China. Please also check with your local travel health clinic for any needed inoculations. Purchasing a travel health insurance package is strongly suggested.

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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, Paul Elson, 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, Paul Elson, their guides, instructors and any cooperating agent from any liability. The Luminous Landscape Inc., Michael Reichmann and Paul Elson will assume no liability for injury, illness, or loss of personal property or expenses thereof associated with workshop participation.

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To Register

Sorry – Sold Out

If this is the photographic expedition that you’ve been waiting for, then there’s no time to lose. There are 8 places available, and these are likely to sell out very quickly.

To register, pleasesend an email to Michael Reichmann, including your full name, address and telephone contact information. Also, please write a sentence or two with a bit about yourself. Please indicate the number of places requested. I will be in touch with you as soon as possible to answer any questions that you might have and to make arrangements for you to join this expedition.

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