Pay the full price now, or pay a deposit, with the balance payable 8 weeks before the workshop start date.
27 September – 8 October 2027
5 places left
Max 6
11 nights/ 12 days
Low to Medium
Various 4 star hotel accommodation
Samarkand airport
Join me for a fabulous Uzbekistan photography tour and workshop in central Asia during late September and early October 2027. The photo tour is centred on the travel aspect of photography, where we will concentrate on both the stunning architecture of Uzbekistan as well as the people we meet on our journey.
In August 2021, I was invited to photograph Uzbekistan over a near month-long period. I got to know the intricacies of this Central Asian country and made many contacts who have all offered their help on my return journeys to Uzbekistan.
In late September and early October, the intense heat of the summer has gone. The temperatures at this time of year average in the early 20s, so our days during the photography tour will be comfortable. So we’ll be free to concentrate on getting stunning travel imagery documenting this beautiful country in Central Asia.
A typical day on our Uzbekistan photography tour will see us photograph the architectural wonders in the city before heading back for breakfast. From here, we’ll spend our time concentrating on the travel aspect of the photography tour. From the people to the various street scenes, we’ll encounter you’ll be sure to come back with a whole raft of imagery. We’ll also make time to review our imagery and run through the processing of it, too.
Our stay is based in the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Nukus and Tashkent, as well as an overnight stay at a yurt camp.
Photography techniques covered during the Uzbekistan workshop
Out in the field
Processing
Arrival into Samarkand
I’ll be meeting you at the airport from your flight into Samarkand. If you’ve taken the early morning flight in then you can rest and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Next, we visit various sites around Samarkand including Bibi-Khanum and Siab Bazaar.
Sunset at Registan Square
Samarkand
We get up early to photograph the sunrise at Registan Square. We’ll have breakfast then take in sites such as Gur-Emir where we can admire the stupendous interior as well as some of the old colonial buildings around the city.
During our time on Registan Square we may have the opportunity to shoot a friend of mine in traditional dress.
Our sunset shoot will be around the Ruhanab mausoleum and possibly Gur-Emir.
Samarkand to Bukhara
Sunrise in the Afrosiab archaeological site (Samarkand vista in the background). Next, we’ll head to a bakery to visit and see the traditional bread being made.
We’ll leave Samarkand around lunchtime and take the train to the ancient Silk Road city of Bukhara.
Once we check in, we’ll start our discovery of this stunning architectural marvel.
Bukhara
We’ll be up early for some sunrise photography in Bukhara at the Ismoil Somoni tomb or the Ark Citadel.
After breakfast, we head out and visit local craftsmen at work and visit to other historic sites in the city.
The sunset shoot will either be in the Kalon Complex or Chor-Minor.
Bukhara
Our photography tour of Uzbekistan continues with a trip to the suburbs for sunrise in Sitora-i Mohi-Hosa (TBC) or at Tudakul Lake with our local guide.
We’ll then drive to the Naqshbandi complex and afterwards, we’ll travel to Gijduvan to see and photograph the ceramic workshop.
We’ll head back to Bukhara for sunset.
Khiva
In the morning, we drive to Khiva with stops in the Kyzyl-Kum desert and the Amudarya riverbank. There is the potential to visit the local fish market, depending on time.
Once we check in at our hotel inside the Ichan-Kala citadel in Khiva, we can explore the ancient city and take in the sunset from the Kuhna-Ark over the old walls.
Khiva
Our day begins with sunrise over Khiva before breakfast. Next up we take in the historic sites in the Ichan-Kala and around with our local guide.
In the afternoon, we’ll discover more of this former Silk Road city as well as capture sunset from one of the many rooftops in the city.
Khiva to Ayaz-Kala
Our day begins with sunrise over Khiva before breakfast. Next up we take in the historic sites in the Ichan-Kala and around with our local guide.
In the afternoon, we drive to the Ayaz-Kala fortress for sunset. Our overnight stay is at the adjacent yurt camp.
Zhampyk-Kala to Nukus
We wake up early for the drive to Zhampyk-Kala (aka Djanpi Qala) for sunrise.
This hidden desert fortress is rarely visited by tourists. Set near the Amu Darya river, it was once an important stop on the old trading routes.
Next, we drive to Nukus before checking into our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
For sunset, we drive to the Mizdakhan Necropolis for sunset photography.
Nukus and Chimbay
We won’t be up for sunrise, but we will be out to discover the artisans who work in and around Chimbay.
The autonomous region of Karakalpakstan is well known for its master yurt makers and instrument makers. We’ll have the opportunity to meet them and learn about their crafts whilst getting environmental portraits of them.
In the evening, we may opt for a sunset either at the Mizdarkhan cemetery or the Muhammad Imam Iyshan Mosque.
We’ll take the evening flight to Tashkent before checking into our hotel for a well deserved rest.
Tashkent
There’ll be no sunrise shoot this morning as we’ll have arrived in the early hours.
Our morning, though, will be spent photographing the metro, where we’ll have special permission to capture this stunning piece of Soviet architecture under the city.
During the afternoon, we’ll visit the Chorsu Bazaar as well as a sunset location.
Tashkent
It’s the departure day from Tashkent and back home.
Our ground agent will arrange for us to be transferred from our hotel accommodation to Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change before our departure. But if that does happen it will be for operational reasons.
I’m here as a professional landscape and travel photographer to help you get the best from the Uzbekistan photography tour. You can expect:
The two inevitable questions before any photographer tour are “what camera gear do I bring and what clothing?”
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at Samarkand Airport on 27 September 2027.
Is it hot in Uzbekistan in late September and early October?
Maximum daily temperatures are likely to be 20°c/ 68°f.
What clothing should I bring?
Make sure that you bring comfortable footwear for walking around the old cities. Be prepared too for rain, as it is always possible during our journey.
What camera kit should I bring?
A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) and a medium zoom (24-70mm) are the lenses we’ll be using the most. A longer zoom (70-300) will be useful to cover most compositional eventualities that we may need to isolate. The most used lens will likely be in the 24-70mm range, as a super wide angle can create the pancake effect on the mountainous landscape, so make sure this focal length is covered.
If you are able to, then hiring a tilt-shift lens, such as a 24mm, will enhance the imagery that you’ll bring back.
Do I need a computer?
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with me.
What computer support do you give?
I try to make a point of helping those who need it in digital photography. If inclement weather or tiredness takes hold, it can really help to have a computer session to assess our progress.
How about charging my gear in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan uses the European circular 2-pin type plug.
Do you arrange for any transportation to Uzbekistan?
I can absolutely help you with your journey to Uzbekistan. There are various routes into Samarkand, including flying through Dubai and Istanbul.
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has a visa-free regime for a number of countries; If you’re unsure, get in touch.
The official portal, if you do require a visa, is https://e-visa.gov.uz/application
What’s included in the Uzbekistan photography tour?
Double rooms on a single-occupancy basis (no single supplement) accommodation with en suite bathrooms
One night in a shared yurt
Breakfasts (Lunches TBC)
Airport transfers
Transport during the tour in air-conditioned vehicles
Licensed local Uzbek city guide
Licensed Uzbek guide throughout the tour
All admission fees and permits
Tuition from Julian Elliott
What’s not included in the Uzbekistan photography tour?
International air fares to and from Tashkent
Visa application fee (if required)
Food and drink not specified
Medical or travel insurance
Excess baggage fees that may be incurred at the airport
Tips for guides and drivers
My tours fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the tour you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form
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