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BC SPIRIT PHOTO TOUR
GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST, B.C.
September 14-18, 2009.
HIGHLIGHTS
This is an amazing opportunity for avid photographers to join me in a photo workshop tracking and photographing BC's Spirit (Kermode or white bear), Grizzly, & Black bears ... and maybe wolves. The area we are venturing to has known wolf packs.
My goal (other than staying safe) for the 5 days is to ensure each participant has an incredible experience that will last a lifetime. Next, advancing and enriching photographically through composition, lense selection, autofocus selection, proper tripod and handhold camera technique, depth of field, aperature, ISO settings will be constantly worked. Photoshop CS3/CS4, NIK Software plugins, and Nikon Captre NX 2 techniques will be explored as time permits.
The tour operator, Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd. hosted by Doug Neasloss, is an exclusive photo tour designed specifically by published photographer Dave Hutchison, to experience the wild Great Bear Rainforest and it surroundings. This exciting 5 day - 4 night adventure will unfold as follows:
ITINERARY
DAY 1
- Monday, Sept 14 - Arrive in Klemtu on Pacific Coastal flight 801/407 at 2:30pm. There is an option to take a boat from Bella Bella directly to the cabin in Mussel Inlet (see below). We will have an orientation with Doug Neasloss (make sure all our batteries are charged) and head to Mussel Inlet to find Spirit bears ... and whatever else comes our way. Each of the three nights are spent at the Mussel Inlet Cabin located in the BC Parks Fiordlands Conservancy Area. Note, the cabin does not have hydro (heated by wood) so extra device like shavers, hair dryers, etc. will no function.
*We (as a group decision) may arrange a boat to start the tour from Bella Bella on Sept 14th. Based on min of 2 people taking the boat to Mussel Inlet the cost additional cost would be $250 GST tax per person each way. This decision will be made closer to the end of August and all participants will be consulted. I myself think the 5 hour boat trip and photo opportunities could be amazing.
**I have made provisions for a generator to be available to charge batteries and run laptops. This location is worth the extra effort due to reduced travel time and INCREASED photography time instead of traveling back and forth to Klemtu (1-1/2 hrs each way by boat).
DAY 2
- Tuesday, Sept 15 - A minimum of 2 photo sessions on this day committed to tracking and photographing the nature and wildlife in this rugged and remote area. Depending on weather conditions (i.e. overcast) we may photograph 3-4 sessions. Flexability will be very important.
DAY 3
- Wednesday, Sept 16 - Similar to the previous day we will strive for 3-4 photo sessions and more if weather cooperates.
DAY 4
- Thursday, Sept 17 - Similar to the previous day we will strive for 3-4 photo sessions and more if weather cooperates.
DAY 5
- Friday, Sept 18 - A possible early morning photo session before returning to Klemtu. This day could offer an optional cultural tour of Klemtu and everything this small native community offers. Pacific Coastal flight 406/806 leaves Klemtu at 10:45am to complete this rare and customized photo tour currently not found elsewhere.
(Note, a photo session can range from minutes to hours in length ... depending on wildlife behaviour and weather).
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Any avid nature photographer wanting to advance their skills including composition, camera technique, approaching wildlife and short, focused computer software work. Also, non photography partners are also welcome as well as bear viewers. The focus of the trip will be on photographing the environment and behaviour of Spirit Bears and wolves (if they let us).
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- At least one Digital SLR - an extra body would be useful (brand does not mater). Full frame format is recommended due low light situations but not mandatory. Rubber eye cup is also useful to reduce eye strain.
- A wide range of full frame lense from wide angle to telephoto is preferred (17-300/400mm). Longer 500-600mm lenses will also be useful. 1.4x & 1.7x teleconverters are recommended but not mandatory.
- A strong easy to use tripod (monopod and knee pad while photographing in the 13ft Zodiac) and a gimbal style head is highly recommended. Wimberley II head is suggested.
- A durable backpack to hold your gear as we expect a few km's of light hiking each day.
- Spare memory cards and batteries (bring enough in case generator fails).
- Camera sensor cleaning supplies - if applicable.
- Laptop computer and external back up hard drive - preferrably a HD without external power source required.
- Rain gear including water proof jacket, pants, hat, gloves and hiking boots. (rubber boots are provided but you may choose to have your own for the five days ... or high cut hiking boots)
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Travel arrangements can be made for through flights from Victoria or Vancouver to Klemtu via Pacific Coastal Airlines.
COSTS & REGISTRATION
5 day tour - $2,200 CND plus 5% GST tax (this does not include the optional 5 hour boat trip from Bella Bella to Mussel Inlet at $250 GST each person each way)
limited to 5 participants only (2 spaces remaining)
at this time to reserve space full amount is due
deadline to book trip is subject to availability
payment accepted by VISA or Mastercard over the phone (250-655-1105)
or Paypal to paypal@davehutchison.ca
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Four nights accommodation at the Mussel Inlet Cabin operated by Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd.
Three meals a day (and snacks) while in either Klemtu or Mussel Inlet Cabin
All transportation to and from Klemtu to the bear viewing sites
Services of Doug Neasloss and other related staff
Park fees & First Nations Permit fees
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Canadian GST tax of 5%
Transportation to and from Klemtu, B.C. (or Bella Bella if the boat option is decided)
Camera equipment and items of personal nature
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (optional)
Insurance of any kind
Medical costs including hospital, search & rescue, or evacuation
Excess baggage charges ($1.80 per pound from Vancouver - subject to availability): Please read carefully. Pacific Coastal Airlines has a 40lb limit for baggage per person. The only way to ensure baggage over 40lbs is on the same flight is to buy an extra "freight" seat for approx. $360 CDN which includes 200lbs. The other optional is to make sure your baggage is not over 40lbs or ship some baggage by cargo in advance.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Per case basis. Refunds will be processed only if trip does not proceed or if I have to cancel for unforseen reasons. (if someone has a unique situation, feel free to discuss directly with myself)
Due to the nature of operating in the remote wilderness, Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd. and D. Hutchison Consulting Inc. (dba Images by Dave Hutchison) reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. This includes inadequate sign up which makes the photo tour unfeasible for us to operate. Both companies will strive to give at least 1 month notice prior to the tour departure date for cancellation due to inadequate sign-up. In such a case, a full refund of the tour cost is given unless it is possible to reschedule the departure date. If a tour is canceled, neither company is responsible for expenses incurred by clients in preparation for the tour including non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, equipment purchases, etc. Please consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
All trip participants will be required to complete a tour registration form and Waiver of All Claims, Release from Liability And Assumption of Risks before the photo tour commences.
GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST, B.C.
September 14-18, 2009.
HIGHLIGHTS
This is an amazing opportunity for avid photographers to join me in a photo workshop tracking and photographing BC's Spirit (Kermode or white bear), Grizzly, & Black bears ... and maybe wolves. The area we are venturing to has known wolf packs.
My goal (other than staying safe) for the 5 days is to ensure each participant has an incredible experience that will last a lifetime. Next, advancing and enriching photographically through composition, lense selection, autofocus selection, proper tripod and handhold camera technique, depth of field, aperature, ISO settings will be constantly worked. Photoshop CS3/CS4, NIK Software plugins, and Nikon Captre NX 2 techniques will be explored as time permits.
The tour operator, Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd. hosted by Doug Neasloss, is an exclusive photo tour designed specifically by published photographer Dave Hutchison, to experience the wild Great Bear Rainforest and it surroundings. This exciting 5 day - 4 night adventure will unfold as follows:
ITINERARY
DAY 1
- Monday, Sept 14 - Arrive in Klemtu on Pacific Coastal flight 801/407 at 2:30pm. There is an option to take a boat from Bella Bella directly to the cabin in Mussel Inlet (see below). We will have an orientation with Doug Neasloss (make sure all our batteries are charged) and head to Mussel Inlet to find Spirit bears ... and whatever else comes our way. Each of the three nights are spent at the Mussel Inlet Cabin located in the BC Parks Fiordlands Conservancy Area. Note, the cabin does not have hydro (heated by wood) so extra device like shavers, hair dryers, etc. will no function.
*We (as a group decision) may arrange a boat to start the tour from Bella Bella on Sept 14th. Based on min of 2 people taking the boat to Mussel Inlet the cost additional cost would be $250 GST tax per person each way. This decision will be made closer to the end of August and all participants will be consulted. I myself think the 5 hour boat trip and photo opportunities could be amazing.
**I have made provisions for a generator to be available to charge batteries and run laptops. This location is worth the extra effort due to reduced travel time and INCREASED photography time instead of traveling back and forth to Klemtu (1-1/2 hrs each way by boat).
DAY 2
- Tuesday, Sept 15 - A minimum of 2 photo sessions on this day committed to tracking and photographing the nature and wildlife in this rugged and remote area. Depending on weather conditions (i.e. overcast) we may photograph 3-4 sessions. Flexability will be very important.
DAY 3
- Wednesday, Sept 16 - Similar to the previous day we will strive for 3-4 photo sessions and more if weather cooperates.
DAY 4
- Thursday, Sept 17 - Similar to the previous day we will strive for 3-4 photo sessions and more if weather cooperates.
DAY 5
- Friday, Sept 18 - A possible early morning photo session before returning to Klemtu. This day could offer an optional cultural tour of Klemtu and everything this small native community offers. Pacific Coastal flight 406/806 leaves Klemtu at 10:45am to complete this rare and customized photo tour currently not found elsewhere.
(Note, a photo session can range from minutes to hours in length ... depending on wildlife behaviour and weather).
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Any avid nature photographer wanting to advance their skills including composition, camera technique, approaching wildlife and short, focused computer software work. Also, non photography partners are also welcome as well as bear viewers. The focus of the trip will be on photographing the environment and behaviour of Spirit Bears and wolves (if they let us).
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- At least one Digital SLR - an extra body would be useful (brand does not mater). Full frame format is recommended due low light situations but not mandatory. Rubber eye cup is also useful to reduce eye strain.
- A wide range of full frame lense from wide angle to telephoto is preferred (17-300/400mm). Longer 500-600mm lenses will also be useful. 1.4x & 1.7x teleconverters are recommended but not mandatory.
- A strong easy to use tripod (monopod and knee pad while photographing in the 13ft Zodiac) and a gimbal style head is highly recommended. Wimberley II head is suggested.
- A durable backpack to hold your gear as we expect a few km's of light hiking each day.
- Spare memory cards and batteries (bring enough in case generator fails).
- Camera sensor cleaning supplies - if applicable.
- Laptop computer and external back up hard drive - preferrably a HD without external power source required.
- Rain gear including water proof jacket, pants, hat, gloves and hiking boots. (rubber boots are provided but you may choose to have your own for the five days ... or high cut hiking boots)
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Travel arrangements can be made for through flights from Victoria or Vancouver to Klemtu via Pacific Coastal Airlines.
COSTS & REGISTRATION
5 day tour - $2,200 CND plus 5% GST tax (this does not include the optional 5 hour boat trip from Bella Bella to Mussel Inlet at $250 GST each person each way)
limited to 5 participants only (2 spaces remaining)
at this time to reserve space full amount is due
deadline to book trip is subject to availability
payment accepted by VISA or Mastercard over the phone (250-655-1105)
or Paypal to paypal@davehutchison.ca
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Four nights accommodation at the Mussel Inlet Cabin operated by Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd.
Three meals a day (and snacks) while in either Klemtu or Mussel Inlet Cabin
All transportation to and from Klemtu to the bear viewing sites
Services of Doug Neasloss and other related staff
Park fees & First Nations Permit fees
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Canadian GST tax of 5%
Transportation to and from Klemtu, B.C. (or Bella Bella if the boat option is decided)
Camera equipment and items of personal nature
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (optional)
Insurance of any kind
Medical costs including hospital, search & rescue, or evacuation
Excess baggage charges ($1.80 per pound from Vancouver - subject to availability): Please read carefully. Pacific Coastal Airlines has a 40lb limit for baggage per person. The only way to ensure baggage over 40lbs is on the same flight is to buy an extra "freight" seat for approx. $360 CDN which includes 200lbs. The other optional is to make sure your baggage is not over 40lbs or ship some baggage by cargo in advance.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Per case basis. Refunds will be processed only if trip does not proceed or if I have to cancel for unforseen reasons. (if someone has a unique situation, feel free to discuss directly with myself)
Due to the nature of operating in the remote wilderness, Spirit Bear Adventures Ltd. and D. Hutchison Consulting Inc. (dba Images by Dave Hutchison) reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. This includes inadequate sign up which makes the photo tour unfeasible for us to operate. Both companies will strive to give at least 1 month notice prior to the tour departure date for cancellation due to inadequate sign-up. In such a case, a full refund of the tour cost is given unless it is possible to reschedule the departure date. If a tour is canceled, neither company is responsible for expenses incurred by clients in preparation for the tour including non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, equipment purchases, etc. Please consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
All trip participants will be required to complete a tour registration form and Waiver of All Claims, Release from Liability And Assumption of Risks before the photo tour commences.
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