BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2018

“For me photography is not just looking, it’s feeling. If I can’t feel what I am looking at, then I am never going to get others to feel anything while looking at my pictures ”

“THE ONLOOKER” BAFFIN ISLAND, 2016

I am a landscape photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. Photography has always been an important part of my life. And so was traveling to remote areas in search for adventure and new topics for my photos.In order to combine my passions I self-trained myself into being a landscape photographer. I spend majority of my time hiking and exploring trails, trying to capture on my photos areas less frequently photographed, yet stunning in their pristine beauty.

Through my photography I express my personal feelings and visions of landscapes that I explore. I try to showcase natural elements via combination of unique compositions and light.

When I don't go to my photo shooting tours I continuously challenge myself to strive for perfection in this what I do. I believe it will be my lifelong journey.

Besides photography and traveling I am interested in issues associated with environmental protection, sustainability, renewable energy sources and organic/local food movement. I cherish the power of Nature and I am a strong supporter of pro-ecological movements.

In order to combine my passions I self-trained myself into being a landscape

photographer. I spend majority of my time hiking and exploring trails, trying to

capture on my photos areas less frequently photographed, yet stunning in their

pristine beauty.

Through my photography I express my personal feelings and visions of landscapes that I explore. I try to showcase natural elements via combination of unique

compositions and light.

When I don't go to my photo shooting tours I continuously challenge myself to

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My photography and travel adventures are interconnected. I believe that understanding of the Nature and all its elements has a crucial influence on this how landscape photography develops. Hiking and exploring gives unparalleled opportunities to find the best compositions and to catch the most unique light. Photographing landscapes from within and becoming an integral part of the surrounding environment brings life changing experiences and chances to capture extraordinary moments. This is my approach to photography and adventure photo tours that I organize.

If you decide to undertake this adventure with me you will:

• Hike in the unique Canadian Arctic landscape that very few have ever seen

• Camp in the middle of the action with spectacular views

• Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape in order to bring home many unique memories and photograph

• Pursue a holistic approach and reconnect with the Nature

PHOTO ADVENTURES: MISSION STATEMENT

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Baffin Island located in the Canadian Arctic is the fifth largest island in the world. Its remoteness and climatic hostility prohibits massive tourism turning it into a bucket list location for mountain lovers and adventure seekers. My first journey to Baffin Island took place in September/October 2014.  I spent two weeks hiking alone in the Auyuittuq National Park carrying on my back over 80 pounds of food and photographic gear. My 200 km route enabled me to see one of the world’s most impressive landscapes with its gigantic valleys, endless glaciers and iconic peaks: Mt. Thor and Mt. Asgard.My experiences from this solo journey prove that the enigmatic and inspiring aura of this extreme terrain is able to unleash human’s connection with nature. The pictures that I took on Baffin Island aim to show my personal photographic and spiritual interactions with this impressive landscape that never melts. I hope that the land of Norse Gods as seen via my lenses effectively demonstrates the unforgettable splendour of the Canadian Arctic.

PAST PHOTO ADVENTURE -BAFFIN ISLAND 2014

BAFFIN ISLAND

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This is the place where my Baffin Island Photo Adventure 2014 started. The boat transported me together with my gear from Pangnirtung in Nunavut, Canada to the end of the fjord, near the Overlord Mountain. This spot that is located just steps away from the Arctic Circle marks the beginning of my two weeks long solo journey. I arrived to this spot late in the afternoon and I was forced to spend my first night in this area. After I set up my camp for the night, I decided to take the opportunity of the upcoming sunset and took my first Arctic shots on Baffin Island. The light coming from the fjord created the impression of a welcoming invitation to the unknown. I named this photo “Arctic Gateway” because it truly is a gateway to the Canadian Arctic.

PAST PHOTO ADVENTURE -BAFFIN ISLAND 2014

ARCTIC GATEWAY

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Mt. Thor is without doubt one of my favourite mountains to photograph. Those that follow my photographic journey know that it is not my first and definitely not my last shot of this granite giant. Its name is associated with the Norse god, a patron of thunders, lightning, storms and strength. Thor is also considered to be responsible for protection of the mankind. Each time when you hike through the valley, you feel the overwhelming power and energy of Mt. Thor. The mountain itself is visible for about 40 km and keeps changing its shape as you approach it.

I chose this composition because it demonstrates the best Mt. Thor’s dominating power in the whole valley. The sunset light combined with soft-hued clouds added a bit of warmth to this hostile environment.

PAST PHOTO ADVENTURE -BAFFIN ISLAND 2016

BEYOND

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This is probably the most memorable view from my 2016 trip to Baffin Island.

To me the combination of these remarkable mountain peaks surrounding the immense valley is an essence of the Canadian Arctic. I have seen and photographed this particular place in many different conditions, but from the moment when I saw it for the first time I have been trying to imagine how it would look like with aurora.

But it wasn’t until this year when all necessary elements came together. That night aurora started its dance early, but its full blast happened many hours later. It was well after midnight when the sky exploded and awaken the landscape invigorating my senses. This kick of “green energy” over the Mt.Thor kept me in awe for a while.

Out of many aurora shots that I took that night, this single shot captured all elements I could wish for.

PAST PHOTO ADVENTURE -BAFFIN ISLAND 2016

THE FINAL FRONTIER

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BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2018

This photo tour is designed for people that have some experience with the outdoors and are ready to hike on and off the trail, with camping and camera gear. All hikes that were customized for the purpose of this adventure are classified as moderate therefore, by default a certain level of fitness is assumed and necessary. It won’t be a standard, commercial type of photo tour because the location is very remote, unique and sparsely photographed. After all, it is the wild, Canadian Arctic. Instead, I wish to turn it into an informal meeting of a group of friends that love photography and outdoors and gathered together to produce a lot of great photos and memories.

Baffin Island is a magnificent place characterized by extreme beauty and uniqueness. At any given day of the tour we might be forced to hike in rain, snow, wind etc. This may not be a bad thing for the main goal, which is a photo adventure tour. My previous experience shows that these quickly changing weather tends to bring the best light conditions.

In addition, we are going to spend multiple nights on remote Arctic campsites with no access to sanitary facilities. We are also going to carry all food as well as camera and cooking equipment in our backpacks. Please be notified that each participant will need to carry his/her own food and equipment and cook own meals.

We will be setting up base camp in each of the chosen areas and hiking to selected view points to take photos. Each day of the tour we will be aiming to hike to multiple shooting spots. We will try to capture Baffin Island’s landscape during sunrises and sunsets when the light tends to be the most interesting.

All your effort and discomfort associated with camping in the mountains will be rewarded by views and photos that very few have ever taken. The experiences, memories, friends and photos that you will gain during this trip will last a lifetime and will remind you about this extraordinary time long after you leave Baffin Island. See you on Baffin Island

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Day 1: August 28th Meeting in Ottawa and debrief

Day 2: August 28Flight to Qikiqtarjuag, accommodation in hotel

Day 3: August 29Mandatory orientation and registration in the

National Park office. Departure from Qikiqtarjuag. Boat trip to the North Pang ( end

of the fjord). Start of the hike.

Day 4-13: August 29-Sept. 11Hiking, camping and photo shooting in the

mountains along the Akshayuk Pass , Weassel River and Owl RiverDay 14: September 12

Boat transport to Pangnirtung, accommodation in hotel

Day 15: September 13De -registration in the National Park office.

Return flight to Ottawa

BAFFIN ISLAND, CANADA: AUGUST, 28 -SEPTEMBER 13 , 2018

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Guest Limit:Maximum 8 photographers

Tour Fee: US $8500 per person (including return flight from Ottawa to Baffin Island). Please note: the price doesn’t include Paypal or bank transfer fees. Such fees needs to be paid by the tour participant.

Payments Schedule:Deposit: US $4500 per person due at time of reservationRemaining amount : US $ 4000.00 ***Method of payment: Paypal: arturstanisz@gmail.com, or Bank transfer (bank details can be sent upon request)

Included in the Tour Fee:• Two nights of hotel lodging on Baffin Island (3 meals are included during each stay in the hotel)• All entry fees for National Park • Boat transportation to and from the park• Round flight trip from Ottawa to Baffin Island

Not Included in the Tour Fee:• Food and snacks, drinks etc. for the duration of the trek • Personal/travel insurance• Flights to and from Canada• Personal expenses, laundry, spending money• Reciprocity fees/visas to enter Canada (if applicable)

Lodging details:Prices for lodging in hotel are based on single occupancy

Travel information/VisasUS and EU citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Canada. In case of any doubts regarding Canadian visa requirements, please contact arturstanisz@gmail.com or your nearest Canadian visa embassy.

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ARTUR STANISZ IS ACTING ONLY AS AGENT FOR THE PASSENGER WITH RESPECT TO TRAVEL, INCLUDING, SIGHTSEEING, LODGE, TRANSPORTATION AND ARTUR STANISZ ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, INJURY, DEATH, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR OTHER EVENT WHICH MAY BE OCCASIONED EITHER BY REASON OF DEFECT IN ANY VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE, OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON WHATSOEVER OR THROUGH THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY COMPANY OR PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYING THE PASSENGER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRIP.ADDITIONALLY, ARTUR STANISZ ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES OR ADDITIONAL EXPENSES DUE TO DELAYS OR CHANGES IN TRAVEL SCHEDULES, SICKNESS, WEATHER, STRIKE, WAR OR OTHER CAUSES. ALL SUCH LOSSES OR EXPENSES WILL BE BORNE BY PASSENGER. BAGGAGE PHOTO EQUIPMENT AND ANY OTHER VALUABLE EQUIPMENT IS AT THE OWNERS RISK ENTIRELY, AND IT IS THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVEY SAID BAGGAGE AND HAVE IT AT THE PROPER DESTINATION. TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE IS OPTIONAL AND IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PASSENGER TO PURCHASE. ARTUR STANISZ STRONGLY RECOMMENDS SAID PURCHASE.PARTICIPANTS GIVE PERMISSION TO ARTUR STANISZ TO USE ANY IMAGES TAKEN OF THEM ON A ARTUR STANISZ BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2015 TRIP FOR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS OF ARTUR STANISZ TRIPS AND HIS WEBSITE. PARTICIPANTS GIVE PERMISSION TO USE ANY QUOTES ABOUT THE TRIP THEY SEND TO ARTUR STANISZ TO BE USED ON HIS WEBSITE OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR HIS TRIPS. SHOULD ARTUR STANISZ BE REQUIRED TO INCUR ATTORNEY FEES OR COSTS REQUIRED IN ENFORCING THIS AGREEMENT, OR DEFENDING AGAINST TERMS IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRIP PARTICIPANT IDENTIFIED BELOW AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HIM HARMLESS FOR ALL SUCH FEES AND COSTS.

***CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: TO RESERVE A SPOT IN THE BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2018 A DEPOSIT OF US$4500.00 PAID VIA PAYPAL TO ARTURSTANISZ@GMAIL.COM (OR VIA BANK TRANSFER, UPON REQUEST) IS REQUIRED. THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE REMAINING AMOUNT OF US$4,000.00 IS REQUIRED ON, OR BEFORE JUNE 15, 2018(PACIFIC STANDARD TIME) AND NEEDS TO BE PAID VIA PAYPAL TO ARTURSTANISZ@GMAIL.COM (OR VIA BANK TRANSFER, UPON REQUEST). FULLY REFUNDED CANCELLATIONS CAN BE MADE UP TO JUNE 30, 2018 (PACIFIC STANDARD TIME). THE CANCELLATION HAS TO BE MADE IN WRITING VIA EMAIL TO ARTURSTANISZ@GMAIL.COM. ALL REFUNDS WILL BE MADE VIA PAYPAL OR BANK TRANSFER. ANY CANCELLATIONS MADE AFTER JUNE 30TH, 2018 (PACIFIC STANDARD TIME) WON’T BE REFUNDED. ARTUR STANISZ RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2018 IF THE MINIMAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS NOT MET. IN SUCH CASE ALL REFUNDS TO PARTICIPANTS THAT MADE ANY PAYMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF BAFFIN ISLAND PHOTO ADVENTURE 2018 WILL BE FULLY REFUNDED VIA PAYPAL OR BANK TRANSFER WITHIN THE NEXT 7 DAYS AFTER THE CANCELLATION OF THE TOUR. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS REQUIRING CLARIFICATION, PLEASE CONTACT ARTUR STANISZ AT ARTURSTANISZ@GMAIL.COM.

THE PARTIES STIPULATE AND AGREE THAT MEDIATION SHALL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ANY LEGAL ACTION.THE PARTIES STIPULATE AND AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA.

PAYING THE DEPOSIT OF US$ 4500.00 IS EQUIVALENT WITH AGREEMENT TO ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.