Saturday, March 1, 2014

Armenia – A Photographers Paradise

Armenia – A Photographers Paradise
Photography is increasingly a big draw for many travelling to Armenia and the rise of the package holiday for photographers, with daily visits to some of Armenia’s astounding landscapes, are increasing common.

Unique Heritage
Armenia is a uniquely individual country and one that has a distinctive heritage where Western Asia and Eastern Europe collide to make the country an exceptional cultural experience for any traveller. Experienced photographer Arran Brody took to the Armenian mountains for his latest photography project for a major European sports brand:
He explains the uniqueness of Armenia and why it appeals to the photographer, “Armenia is one of the oldest and most beautiful countries in the world and is said to be where the Garden of Eden is located, indeed many scholars have dedicated their whole lives in its pursuit. However, whether they found it or not is up for debate nevertheless it does indicate the area is one of great beauty. Nonetheless, from a photographer’s perspective, the country offers a unique mix of landscapes to which the photographer is rarely privy.

Photographic Variety
Brody goes on to discuss how the countries unique ecosystem provides the photographer with more than he could have hoped for… “In the morning you can photograph magnificent snowy mountain ranges before heading off into sprawling desert vistas after lunch and then wade through lush, vibrant forests before bed time. It is rare to find such a varied ecosystem within the same borders and is a joy for those who see life through a lens, certainly the country is worth a visit as long has you have sufficient rolls of film… you will need them!”

Photographic Coverage
Finally, for Brody the increasing presence of travelling photographers from the west will only grow as the photographs of the Armenian landscape fill photographic galleries, books and websites.  “With Asia to the west and Europe to the East Armenia can be considered to be a clash of cultures; however the people are so unique that one might be forgiven for forgetting that you are in the heart of the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.”

Perfect Hosts
“That said, this clash of cultures ensures that the visitor is well looked after and whether you are in the heart of Yerevan, immersed in its café culture or out in the regions and the guest of a local family… you are assured of warm hospitality and excellent wine. “

“You will find the people of Armenia excellent hosts and always keen to discuss with the visitor a little of their lives and heritage, such a friendly, welcoming people.”

Photographing Olympians
Whilst photographing snowboarders for a European sports brand, Brody found himself in new photographic territory when photographing Olympic snow boarders as they defied death on some of Armenia’s deadliest virgin slopes.  

“What an experience it was to photograph these snow stars strut their stuff in the Caucasus mountains, knowing that in a couple of hours they would all be water skiing on lake Sevan, and then hitting the bars in downtown Yerevan.”

Catering for the needs of the Photographer
Arron Brody is only one of a number of professional photographers visiting the country for its unique landscapes; however, the amateur photographer is increasingly visiting the country for similar reasons also. With travel providers increasingly meeting the needs of the camera wielding tourist (and the professional photographer) the unique environment offered by Armenia will be seen by a wider audience as the images fill the galleries, websites and social media accounts across the world.

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