Focus-Gambia: Photographic Workshops in The Gambia, West Africa

The Gambia is abundant in photographic potential. The focus of the workshops will be very much on taking the photographers to non-tourist areas and discovering the culture, scenery and wildlife of authentic Gambia.

The emphasis with each workshop will be on the People; Documentation/photojournalism; Composition and Light; Your tutors will be there to guide you; inspire you; and ensure you go home thrilled with your pictures and buzzing with passion for your craft.

With small groups of like minded people, the focus is on enjoying this unique country.

With Tuesday or Friday flights you can create your own ideal vacation and choose from a long weekend; a mid week break or a 7/10 or 14 day holiday around your chosen photographic workshop/tutor.

In less than 6 hours from London Gatwick, with no time difference, you have the chance to escape the British summers and enjoy the warmth (and tropical storms) which make The Gambia an exciting all year round destination for the enthusiastic beginner or advanced photographer.

Included
Accommodation in a suite at the Ngala Lodge Hotel with breakfast; Flights, all ground transport and services of guides.

The workshop price includes 3 alternate days of expert photographic tuition, including evening appraisals, ending with dining al la carte at the hotel.

We will include at least one dawn shoot and on some of the days we will stay out until dusk having captured the experience of being in West Africa and experienced travelling in areas not seen by tourists.

Tutorials on image processing software when required.

On the alternate days, those participants who wish to devote their entire stay to photography will be given the opportunity to compete in a Photomarathon.

A Photomarathon is a photograph competition with a twist: Over the three separate days you have to take pictures on 12 given topics, 4 different themes per day. It's not your physical condition, but your sense of improvisation, fun and creativity that is stressed throughout the Photomarathon.

Where appropriate you will be given the services of a guide or the pertinent contact in a village/school/destination etc who will act as your aide

At 10.00 am each participant receives the first set of 4 topics. They have the whole of the day shoot one image per topic, in the same order as the topics are listed.

The topics are kept secret until the day. The topics will offer plenty of room for interpretation and creativity. Hence, more important than the technical perfection of the pictures is the creativity and imagination in interpreting the topics.

In the evening you will be given the chance to download and use image processing software if required, before submitting your four chosen photos for the competition.


Not included - travel and equipment insurance, optional activities, malaria tablets (Private prescriptions only ASDA have the best price as at October 2008!)