Images © Cheryl Ertelt

The Falkland Islands -photo tour
Jan 31st-Feb 14th, 2009 (must arrive in Santiago, Chile no later than Jan 30th)
This trip is limited to 7 participants (full)

Join "Shoot the Light" host Master photographer Charles Glatzer for 2 weeks of incredible photography ‘off the beaten track’, in the Falkland Islands. We will photograph a large variety of approachable bird species including at least 4 species of penguins-king, magellenic, rockhopper and gentoo as well as black-browed albatross, striated caracara, king and rock cormorants and many other shorebirds, seabirds and passerines. We will also have the opportunity to photograph elephant seals and Southern sea lions.

“I visited the Falkland Islands in 2002 and found that I enjoyed it as much as my two trips to Kenya. It was a very special experience to be able to sit in the open and photograph birds at close range with my 100-400 zoom. I am excited to be returning in 2005 to this special place.” Cheryl’s image of a ‘singing’ rockhopper penguin received a Highly Honored award in the 2003 Nature’s Best photo contest.

Located east of the southern tip of South America, the Falkland Island archipelago consists of over 700 small islands. Approximately 2500 people live in the Falklands and all but about 500 in the capital of Stanley on East Falkland. The rest are scattered throughout settlements on the smaller islands. We have chosen 4 locations to visit to maximize our photographic opportunities. We will have transportation on the islands to any of our remote shooting locations although much of our shooting on Sea Lion and Carcass Islands will be within walking distance of our accommodations.

Because the animals have little or no fear of humans they are quite approachable. By sitting quietly and waiting, many of the birds will approach humans out of curiosity. Because of this, a super long lens (500mm or 600mm) is not necessary and due to weight restrictions on inter island flights, difficult to arrange. Lenses in the 17-400mm range along with a teleconverter should cover most if not all situations.

As much of the photography is done individually or in very small groups, especially on Sea Lion Island where there are a large variety of photographic opportunities within walking distance of the settlement, there will be less teaching in the field than for most STL workshops, but the evenings will be full, with recap of days events, discussion on technique and critique.

Our tentative schedule includes:

Jan 31st, Arrive and transfer to Stanley to stay at Malvina House Hotel for 1 night on a full board basis.

Feb 1-3, Transfer by small plane to Saunders Island to stay in the settlement for 3 nights on a self catering basis. Whilst at Saunders take 2 trips to the Neck and 1 to the Rookery.

Feb 4-7, Transfer by small plane to Carcass Island for 4 nights on a full board basis. Whilst here you have the option of taking a West Point Island and a Steeple Jason boat trip. s

Feb 8-10, Transfer by small plane to Sea Lion Island for 3 nights on a full board basis. Subjects include rockhopper and gentoo penguins, often surfing in on the waves, black-browed albatross colony and king cormorants

Feb 11, Transfer by small plane to Stanley to stay at Malvina House Hotel for 3 nights on a full board basis.

Feb 12, Take a full day overland tour to Cape Dolphin.

Feb 13, Take a full day overland tour to Volunteer Point (these 2 day trips can be switched if Volunteer clashes with a cruise ship visit).

Feb 14, Transfer overland to the international airport for the return flight.

Includes- From; Mount Pleasant, East Falkland Island
photo instruction, all transport on the Falklands including inter-island flights and Driver/guide ground transport, food and lodging, applicable taxes and service charges. Accommodations on the outer islands consists of small lodges, or cottages that are modest but comfortable.

Not Included:
Airfares: Air fare costs for flights from participants home city to Stanley are not included. Participant is responsible for making their own arrangements to arrive in Stanley for the start of the expedition, lodging in Santiago, travel/baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; gratuities. Weather permitting- we may do an additional boat trip to Jason Islands- massive black browed albatross colony, and fabulous seabirds (see below). Weather Permitting boat trip to West Point for BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS NESTING IN TUSSAC, GENTOO, MAGS AND ROCKHOPPER PENGUINS. LOTS OF BIRDS FEEDING - ALSO ALONG BACK OF THE ISLAND TO SEE NESTING ON THE CLIFFS

The fee for this incredible trip is $6995 per person, double occupancy, (single occ $7495 must know by Oct 1, '08)
Single supplement available for Malvina $280
Weather permitting- additional boat trip to Jason Islands and West Point £80 each, payable in cash at dock.

Terms: A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve space, with the balance is due Oct 1st, '08 and is then non-refundable unless the tour sells out. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. If your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit only.

Please note- all funds are quoted in US dollars and subject to exchange rate fluctuation, and gas surcharge if we are billed additionally.

Booking and Refund Policy

Please e-mail or include the the following information with deposit:

1-Workshop Location and Date
2-Your name, address, day/evening phone numbers

For additional information, contact Charles at -

"Shoot the Light" Instructional Photographic Workshops
P.O. Box 987
Horse Shoe, NC 28742
tel: 828-891-4082

Contact Chas Here