Travel with our mentors and try out all of the
latest equipment from Nikon! Including world class digital SLRs, Nikkor lenses and the Coolpix line of Digital Cameras.
Journey alongside Nikon professional photographers Mark Alberhasky and Layne Kennedy to Ireland, a country where emerald hills, majestic seaside cliffs and a charming culture all await your eager lens!
Starting in Dublin, a city over a thousand years old and thus rich in history, you will take in the same sights that have inspired countless writers, musicians and artists throughout the ages. A guide will introduce you to all the photo hot spots of the city, including Phoenix Park, Trinity College and the Liberties.
En route to the next city, pass through the rolling green landscape of Meath and the Boyne Valley, home to many of Ireland’s most notable Neolithic sites.. Amble down the Falls and Shankill roads, where large political and historical murals line the streets and there is sure to be vibrant cultural activity afoot. Even more fantastic scenes await your capture at the Botanic Gardens, the Weir on the River Lagan, the Port, and Belfast Castle.
Amble along the nearby Antrim Coast and Glens where a gorgeous seascape of ivory sands and towering cliffs will provide you with another winning opportunity to take in some of Ireland’s most distinctive sights. Onward to the city of Derry where your camera will delight in scenes varying in ancient and modern value. Take a tour of the colorful town, walk the city’s surrounding wall, then capture panoramic views from the Druid ring fort Grianan of Aileach.
Arriving next in Galway, you will quickly notice a historic yet contemporary city, populated with ancient locales, such as St. Nicholas’ Church, Old Weir Bridge, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, all intertwined with the vibrant, modern lifestyle of its citizens.
Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands known for its “typical Ireland” look and preservation of the Irish language, will offer even more chances to expand your portfolio. Visit the magnificent fort at Dun Aengus, made of stone and situated on a steep cliff overlooking the Atlantic. Without a doubt, Ireland will meet your most fantastic expectations as a country brimming with unforgettable photo ops!
Mark Alberhasky
Asian Photography
Nikon World
www.imagema.com
Layne Kennedy
Smithsonian
National Geographic Traveler
www.laynekennedy.com
Air & Land Workshop Cost: $3,625.00*
*includes roundtrip economy airfare on Aer Lingus from JFK to Dublin, Shannon to JFK, hotels based on double occupancy, full Irish breakfast daily, 1 evening meal at Dublin hotel, 1 evening meal at Belfast hotel, 1 evening meal at Donegal hotel, 1 evening meal at Galway hotel, ferry to Aran Islands, entrance fees, English speaking guide, transportation to all shooting locations, airport tax and fuel surcharges, daily lecture series, presentations, group review sessions, and an Mpix photo book.
Land Only: $3,025.00*
*includes hotels based on double occupancy, full Irish breakfast daily, 1 evening meal at Dublin hotel, 1 evening meal at Belfast hotel, 1 evening meal at Donegal hotel, 1 evening meal at Galway hotel, ferry to Aran Islands, entrance fees, English speaking guide, transportation to all shooting locations, daily lecture series, presentations, group review sessions, and an Mpix photo book.
Single Supplement:
(additional fee and based on first come basis)
Thursday 25th September x 1 night - O’Callaghan Stephen’s Green Hotel
Address: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Phone: 01 607 3600
Phoning from the US: 00 353 1 607 3600
Friday 26th September x 2 nights – Europa Hotel, Belfast
Address: Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AP
Phone: 00 44 28 90271066
Phoning from the US: 00 44 28 90271066
Sunday 28th September x 2 nights – Silver Tassie Hotel
Address: Ramelton Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Phone: 074 912 5619
Phoning from the US: 00 353 74 912 5619
Tuesday 30th September x 3 nights – Radisson SAS Hotel
Address: Lough Atalia Road, Galway
Phone: 091 538 300
Phoning from the US: 00 353 91 538 300
Non-Photographers/Spouse Policy
We would like to notify you that spouses or non photographers of trek participants who travel with them to mentorseries trek destinations advertised as part of the mentorseries will be charged the prevailing workshop cost. This is because of limitations in the workshop classes, transportation and seating at the many venues we work with on the treks.
Digital
Be sure you bring your laptop for review sessions; edit sessions and the Photoshop presentation, as well as a extra memory cards and storage devices.
Equipment
Bring a camera, all your lenses, flash and lightweight tripod. We suggest lenses ranging from 12-24mm to longer lenses 75 – 300mm. Be sure to bring your battery charger and more then one set of rechargeable batteries. Be sure to bring your camera's manual too. Bring an external hard drive besides your laptop to guarantee you have enough space, especially if you are shooting RAW
Incidentals
You are responsible to pay for all charges to your room when we check out of your hotels. Incidentals such as room service, drinks, phone calls, business services, laundry, etc. are not included.
What to Bring
camera/ camera instruction booklet
film/flash unit (and the instructions)
fresh batteries/sharpie magic marker
interchangeable lenses (if you have them)
lens cleaner and lens-cleaning paper
tripod / mini tripod / monopod
laptop
bathing suit/sunglasses / sunhat/sunblock
OK trekkers, let's get in the swing of a fantastic trip right off the bat... When someone says, "Top of the mornin' ta yah", your response is, "And the rest of the day to yourself!" Ahhh, you can almost hear the beautiful accents already.
This will be my first trip to Ireland and I can't wait. Every photographer I've talked with who has been there says we are in for a major treat. Historic architecture, magnificent land and ocean scapes, fascinating culture and people ... how can we miss. And with the help and guidance from your two Nikon mentors, you won't miss!
We'll be on adventure in a part of the world where the weather can turn in the blink of an eye, so be sure and bring 3 season clothing to cover a range of temperatures, as well as breathable rain gear. I'd recommend investing in a good hooded shell of the hiking variety if you don't have one. Make sure it's roomy enough for your camera to hang inside too. Some of you are undoubtedly going to bring those big, heavy backpacks filled with every lens you own. That's fine, but I'd also think about bringing a second small backpack for daily use when you want to travel lighter (and you will before the trip is over!). With the range of subject matter we'll see, you should ideally be able to cover focal lengths between say 28 mm - 200 mm. Wider wouldn't hurt, but longer you'll regret carrying, unless you're really hardcore. Make sure you bring enough digital storage cards and at the very minimum, one of the portable storage devices with a screen so you can look at your work, and show it to your mentors. Most people bring their laptop with image editing software they already know how to use. We will give tips during lectures and work time, but we can't do justice to comprehensive software instruction and still squeeze in all the tremendous travel opportunities. A second battery for your camera is a must. Don't forget the chargers and all relevant electrical connections to plug in an Irish wall receptacle. A tripod is always a good idea, although not mandatory. If you have a really heavy, sturdy model, think about getting a travel friendly model to bring along instead.
If you have ANY questions you'd like to run past me in advance, don't hesitate to drop me an email. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and making some pictures of a lifetime!
See you this fall,
Mark
