In this workshop, we will photograph horses in various settings, from wild to staged, across the Cappadocia region. Cappadocia is famous for the otherworldly landscapes, for its unique rock formations and amazing hot air ballooning opportunities.



The amazing wild horses of Turkey, called the Yilki, contain traits of various types of horses that were brought into the region over the centuries by traders and emperors. They exhibit characteristics of Arabian, Mongolian, Akhal-Tekes, and Asil horses. That is why the Yılkı wild horses come in so many sizes, hues, and leg variations. Yılkıs can be found in abundance in the Central Anatolia plains near Mt. Ericyes and near the Sultan Sazligi National Park.
One of the highlights of the workshop is photographing a herd of around 200 horses, galloping across the land during sunset.

In Turkey, taming wild horses and using them for farming and transport needs is an ancient practice. In much of Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, which makes up the majority of modern-day Turkey, villagers practiced an ancient tradition for centuries whose origin can be traced to the times of the Mongol Empire. After working with them on farms from spring thru fall, the farmers let the animals loose in the plains and foothills. In the spring, they would round up the animals again. “The Arabian blood brings a liveliness that the Anatolian horses don’t have. But the Anatolian blood adds resilience from sickness and toughness to conquer difficult conditions.”
We will photograph these domesticated horses in various backdrops, such as the Swords Valley, the Red Valley, the Pancarlik Valley, and more. We will also photograph them at a Salt Lake, where the shallow and calm water provides perfect settings for mirror effects.



We will photograph horses in herds and as individuals posing around rock formations, caves, deep valleys and open fields. We will set up variety of scenarios (portraits, herds of horses at liberty, stallions in movement, quiet moments with mares and foals) to create diverse and unique images.
We will even have a chance to photograph local ranchers in our setups, using natural and enhanced with artificial light.

We are staying at a traditional Cave Hotel, with panoramic views of Cappadocia and Pigeon Valley. The rooms are beautifully furnished with antique furniture and tastefully decorated to make your stay as memorable as possible.



The workshop is all inclusive from the time you land in Kayseri (ASR). We will arrange pickup at the airport, transportation, meals, accommodation, park and other related fees. The workshop is led by Oliver Klink and a large team of local helpers, guides, drivers, and horse trainers that will welcome us.

You will leave the workshop with well thought out images, newly acquired photography skills, the experience of bonding with amazing creatures – the horses … and the true Turkish hospitality.

See you in Turkey in February.

Join the workshop extension to capture Ancient Culture in Eastern Turkey (February 25 - March 3, 2023)

Agenda Logistics Difficulties Is it for me? Instructors Extensions

Workshop

Turkey: Horses Galore
February 19 - 25, 2023

Itinerary

Note: Itinerary and activities might change based on weather conditions and activities we find on the spur of the moment. Our local experts and the contacts made over the years are incredible source of information to locate unique activities. As the group is kept small, we are able to attend special events, without overwhelming the local communities and be welcomed with open arms.

7 days on the ground to photograph and explore the horses of Turkey

Day 1 (February 19): Arrival in Kayseri Airport (ASR)
• Transfer to the hotel
• Welcome dinner

Day 2: Balloon ride and the Yilki Horses
• Morning: Balloon ride (additional) or sunrise from the ground
• Photograph the Yilki horses at sunset

Day 3: Ancient Horse Valley
• Set up photoshoot with large herd of horses and ranchers
• Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to learn the history of the rock formation and Christianity
• Set up photoshoot at the Pancarlik Valley of horses and a model. Create various scenarios with natural and artificially enhanced light.

Day 4: Love Valley and Salt Lake
• Set up photoshoot with horses either with balloons and rock formations in the background
• Set up photoshoot at the Salt Lake to capture mirror reflections of horses

Day 5: Set ups with horses and ranchers
• We are going to have two morning set ups with herd of horses running liberty in rock formation. The 2nd set up will be with horses in caves enhanced with natural and artificial light.
• Two different set ups in the evening in deep rock formations to create a fairy land scene and a “sheriff on a Friesen horse” in rock formation. Group will be split

Day 6: Set ups with horses and traditional carts
• Set ups in rock formation of horses and traditional carts
• Grand Landscape photography
• Reverse the group in the evening. Two different set ups in the evening in deep rock formations to create a fairy land scene and a “sheriff on a Friesen horse” in rock formation.

Day 7 (February 25): Conclusion of the workshop or Continuation to the extension: The Eastern Culture
• Transfer to Kayseri Airport
• Continuation to the Turkey: The Eastern Culture workshop (details

Logistics

Upon signing up for the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed coursebook and recommended reading material.

Logistics
- Plan on arriving in Kayseri Airport on February 19 (anytime) – Airport (ASR)
- Departure on February 25 from Kayseri (ASR). Best is to book early morning flight
- All ground transportation and accommodation provided
- All meals included
- All model shoots and set ups included
- All entry fees included

Recommended equipment
The average temperature in Cappadocia in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 46°F (8°C) and a low of 32°F (-0°C). Some would describe it as really cold with a gentle breeze. Clothing: (Average temperature: 32F – 46F)
- Comfortable and warm layered clothes (neutral color recommended)
- Goretex gears, gloves, hat for sudden weather change
- Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes (hiking on rocky and possibly snowy terrain)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sun screen
- Rain gears/windbreaker
- Knee pads for low angle shooting
- Sandals (protected toes) to photograph at the Salt Lake

Camera Equipment:
- DSLR (bring your camera manual), extra battery (and charger)
- Recommended Lenses:
• Wild horses: 24-200mm
• Set Ups (portraiture, rock formation, etc.): 24 – 100mm
• Set Ups (caves): 10 - 50mm
- Camera raingear (Kata, Kirk)

Other Equipment (Optional):
- Tripod (Recommended for sunrise, sunset, caves)
- ND Filters (3, 6, 10, 15 stops) for slow motions
- Small notepad (notes, observations, write down questions)

Photography Review Equipment (Recommended):
- Laptop (with power cord), memory card downloader
- Post processing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, plug-ins)
- External hard drives (backup)

Workshop Structure
- The itinerary is built with flexibility so we can leverage the atmospheric conditions
- Early morning rise and late evening to catch the soft light
- During the day, we will explore the Cappadocia unique landscape and learn about the history (birth of Christianity)
- At the end of the workshop, you will have experienced the rich horse culture in Turkey and how they bond with horses

Participants' Responsibility
- Book transportation to Kayseri – Airport ASR
- Have a valid passport to travel to Turkey (expiration at least 6 months)
- Apply online for a eVisa (dependent on nationality)
- Bring your certificate of full vaccination

Not included:
- Personal expenses, meals, alcoholic beverages
- Extra night(s) in Cappadocia (for early arrival or late departure)
- Balloon ride (appr. $250), which we can book for you (1st morning)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips to local staff

Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance Suggestions:
Here are a few recommendations but please browse around as services and prices vary.
• Travelex Travel Select http://www.travelexinsurance.com (800) 228-9792
• Travel Guard http://www.travelguard.com/ or Travel Insurance Services http://www.travelinsure.com.
• Travel Insurance Services (Walnut Creek, CA) http://www.travelinsure.com/cobrand/select/photoex (800) 937-1387
• Atlas International Insurance (HCC Medical Insurance Services) http://www.visitorsmedical.com/atlasinternational.html
• TEN (Travelers Emergency Network) Emergency Evacuation Coverage https://www.sevencorners.com/insurance/HW7C6YH
• Medjet Assist 1-800-527-7478 https://medjetassist.com

Difficulties (Medium)

- Walk on uneven surface (dirt path, possibly snow)
- Temperature in the 40F. But creating some incredible atmosphere
- Possibility of rain and snow showers
- Sunrise at 8 AM, Sunset at 6PM

Is it for me?

YES, if …
- You want to photograph wild horses (Yilki) and create unique set ups with horses in rock formation, caves, open fields
- You need a gateway, find inspiration for your photography, and come back home with images that wow you
- You want to expand your photography comfort zone (natural and artificial light)
- All levels welcome. You need to be familiar with operating your camera as the instruction focuses on creativity

Rules for attending IncredibleTravelPhotos workshops during the Covid 19 pandemic and Legal Disclaimer

As we live in a pandemic world, we want everybody to have a safe, productive and creative experience during the workshop. We are following the recommended guidelines set by the CDC and Santa Clara County Health Department. By signing this document, you understand and will adhere to the rules to protect yourself and others.

1. You need to vaccinated against Covid 19.
2. You need to bring your own mask. Bandannas are not a mask.
3. Wearing a mask is recommended upon arrival at the workshop. Mask will cover mouth and nose at all time.
4. You will sanitize your hands upon arrival. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
5. Not adhering to the above rules is a reason for immediate dismissal from the workshop. No refund will be provided.
6. We want everybody to feel comfortable. Thank you for the understanding!

I have read and will adhere to the rules. _______ (initial)

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Instructors

Oliver Klink is a fine art photographer based in Los Gatos, CA. His book Cultures in Transition won nine awards for best photography book of 2019. He was selected as B&W photographer of the year (2018) by Dodho magazine, the Best” Emerging artist in 2016 by BWGallerist. Cultures in Transition body of work was selected as Top 50 Critical Mass Award (2016 & 2018). His image, “Herding Instinct” won the grand prize at the Rayko International Photocontest in 2014, others have received “mentioned” in the Black and White Spidar Awards and Color Awards in the past 5 years. “Processing images with a personal style is a passion. You can relive what you saw at the point of capture with your artistic mind”, says Oliver.
Oliver’s images have been exhibited on four continents. He is a master print maker using various technology.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Oliver Klink (408-910-6701) or email oliver@incredibletravelphotos.com