1. Where does the workshop take place?
The photography workshop takes place in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. (10-days, excluding travel from your city to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia).
Upcoming workshop: TBD
2. Who can apply for this workshop?
A photography enthusiast with a DSLR camera, dedicated and passionate about furthering their knowledge of photography and sensitive about different cultures and people. However, please be warned, this is not a vacation but an 10-day intensive workshop. We are restricting the group to a maximum of 6 participants, so application is highly competitive. Only your experience and interest matters.
3. What is the total cost of the workshop?
The total cost of the workshop is $4000. This includes transport in Ethiopia, Hotels/Tents, meals, workshop fees, water, translator/guide and village entrance fees. Your flights, Visa, tips to the locals who you photograph and other personal expenses are not included.
Once you apply and the application is reviewed, we will help you with the payments.
5. What about travel arrangements, VISA and local permits?
Participants are expected to book their return flight tickets from their city of residence to Addis Ababa, where you will meet Trupal Pandya. In case you are flying from New York, you can coordinate with Trupal to travel together. We will take care of pickup and drop from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and the campsite.
Tourist visa, can be issued for three months on arrival at Bole International Airport for nationals and residents of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Democratic people's Republic of Korea (northern Korea), Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea (south Korea), the Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Please confirm your VISA eligibility prior to applying for the workshop by checking out the Ethiopian embassy website.
6. Where would the participants stay and what about daily meals, sleeping arrangements, toilets?
Accommodation in the Lower Omo Valley is very basic. Hotels are rare and generally of a very rustic standard. In many places the only option is to camp (equipment provided). Where possible we will be staying in simple eco lodges.
Water: We will have at all times have enough packed water stored in the cars.
Meals:I recommend local restaurants. Part of the trip experience is trying local dishes. I have been going there quite often and have been eating without any problems. Food is normally prepared from fresh local produce. Meals will usually be hot but occasionally will be light meal such as sandwiches.
We recommended you consult your doctor and carry vaccines for travel to Ethiopia. Check link for more details.
8. What is the weather conditions in the month we visit the Omo Valley? How will we get around?
Light rains and humid.
This trip is done in a private, 5-seater land cruiser. Road conditions in the south of Ethiopia are generally very poor, especially during the rainy season, and during dry seasons the roads turn quite dusty.
7. What is the photography gear participants should carry?
Mandatory: DSLR Camera, lenses, tripod, extra batteries, memory cards & card readers, laptop to transfer data, external hard drive for backup.
Other essentials: Flashlight, dust/rain protection for your cameras and bags, ziplocks, bug repellant spray or cream, hand/face wipes, basic medical supplies and first aid kit, good shoes, light cloths.
You will have to restrict your luggage to 2 bags max. 1 for your equipment and second for clothes/other supplies. We will be traveling in a car and will have limited space. Try and bring only the necessary things.
9. What about communicating with the tribes of the Omo Valley?
We have a guide/translator who has been taking me to the tribes from last couple of years. He is a local and has grown up with the tribes. Its home for him!