It's not very often that I am surprised by the contents of my e-mail inbox. It's the usual spam interspersed with a few bookings of work for the most part. Recently I received one that really intrigued me though.
The post was from a company that runs photo tours overseas and they had stumbled upon my photography web site but also followed links through to the living history, bushcraft and expedition sites too.
It turned out that I was just the sort of person they were looking for to fill the Guest Artist position on their upcoming tour of Arkhangai in Mongolia. All their regular guys had other commitments in August it seems.
They were organising an overland trip in Russian Furgon jeeps for photographers that are looking for a different sort of experience from the usual coach tours. Accommodation would be mostly in Gers (Yurts if you speak Russian.) and the intention is to get right out into the wilderness areas where the nomadic culture is still alive and kicking.
All the itinerary and logistics have been sorted out by a team used to working in the area and it's designed in a sustainable way to work with the local people bringing them a welcome income from tourism that usually only reaches the capital.
Apparently I caught their eye because it was clear to see that I had an interest in such nomadic cultures but also didn't mind roughing it a bit to get my pictures. As they said We think you will be a good fit in our team..
My role would be to support the other photographers on the trip, offering advice, inspiration and help where needed. Something I have done on an informal basis with groups for many years. In return I get a free trip and the opportunity to take my own pictures. This of course will only ever happen if enough people book onto the course so the whole thing is by no means definite yet.
I do have to declare an interest beyond that though, because if the trip is well subscribed I might even make a bit of profit too. In reality I doubt if they'll get that many takers. It's a very long way to go for most people and lacking in the usual comforts that tourists expect. Although it's a long way away, the current trouble in the Crimea isn't likely to improve peoples confidence either.
Before anyone asks, I did run this past Tony first and he said it would be OK to mention something here. I'm not going to post up direct links though, if anyone really wants to see what it's all about you'll have to look for the details on my websites.
I'm posting it now partly to share my news but also to start finding out if anyone here has advice or information they could share on Mongolia. I'm researching like mad at the moment but information seems a bit sparse.
The post was from a company that runs photo tours overseas and they had stumbled upon my photography web site but also followed links through to the living history, bushcraft and expedition sites too.
It turned out that I was just the sort of person they were looking for to fill the Guest Artist position on their upcoming tour of Arkhangai in Mongolia. All their regular guys had other commitments in August it seems.
They were organising an overland trip in Russian Furgon jeeps for photographers that are looking for a different sort of experience from the usual coach tours. Accommodation would be mostly in Gers (Yurts if you speak Russian.) and the intention is to get right out into the wilderness areas where the nomadic culture is still alive and kicking.
All the itinerary and logistics have been sorted out by a team used to working in the area and it's designed in a sustainable way to work with the local people bringing them a welcome income from tourism that usually only reaches the capital.
Apparently I caught their eye because it was clear to see that I had an interest in such nomadic cultures but also didn't mind roughing it a bit to get my pictures. As they said We think you will be a good fit in our team..
My role would be to support the other photographers on the trip, offering advice, inspiration and help where needed. Something I have done on an informal basis with groups for many years. In return I get a free trip and the opportunity to take my own pictures. This of course will only ever happen if enough people book onto the course so the whole thing is by no means definite yet.
I do have to declare an interest beyond that though, because if the trip is well subscribed I might even make a bit of profit too. In reality I doubt if they'll get that many takers. It's a very long way to go for most people and lacking in the usual comforts that tourists expect. Although it's a long way away, the current trouble in the Crimea isn't likely to improve peoples confidence either.
Before anyone asks, I did run this past Tony first and he said it would be OK to mention something here. I'm not going to post up direct links though, if anyone really wants to see what it's all about you'll have to look for the details on my websites.
I'm posting it now partly to share my news but also to start finding out if anyone here has advice or information they could share on Mongolia. I'm researching like mad at the moment but information seems a bit sparse.
Lot of work but so very worthwhile. Really chuffed they approached you for this 
