Accompanied Photography Trips in IRAQ!

There’s so much that could be written on Iraq. Misconceptions could be many, so allow me to give you a personal perspective.

I worked in Iraq (for a humanitarian NGO) during the period ISIS, or Daesh in Arabic, controlled large swathes of the country, including the second largest city of Iraq, Mosul. If you want to read more about me, go here. I drove around the city, just after the fighting finished in July 2017, when there were virtually no other cars on the road - hard to believe now! Since then, I’ve visited the country many times, and especially the city of Mosul which continues to hold a special place for me.

Moslawis (the people of Mosul) are an incredibly generous and hospitable people. I’ve experienced my restaurant bills being paid for by complete strangers. Taxis refusing to take money. Walking on the streets when people want to take a selfie with you! And talk of course!  

The city parks are full of families, young and old. Shopping malls (on the east side) are sprouting. And don’t mention the ice-cream…

And that’s all before we talk photography!

If you’re into Street Photography, Mosul is the place to go. For sure there is the “dark” side of the city where the ruins of the fighting with ISIS and their legacy remain - particularly on the west side of the River Tigris. But what grabs my attention and focus when I walk through the markets and narrow streets in West Mosul, is the vibrancy, the openness and the hope for the future amongst the bustling crowds.

Whatever story you want to tell about the city and its people through your photographs, I hope you see both the reality and the resilience of the history of this ancient city. Come with me as I show you, along with some local guides, the city and it’s people, for you to story-tell through your viewfinder.

Saturday 21st - 28th September, 2024

Mosul, Iraq.

€1995

Saturday 15th - 22nd February, 2025

Mosul, Iraq & Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

€2195

7 Day Accompanied Trip Package includes:

  • 7 nights, B&B 3* hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing room basis (private room is at a cost of + €200)

  • Two dinners (beginning and end of trip)

  • Private group transport to Mosul from Baghdad airport on arrival, and from Mosul to Erbil airport at the end of our stay

  • City orientation and Keynote presentation by Des Clark

  • Local guides, where required, will offer valuable assistance with logistics and cultural insights throughout our time

  • Private lectures and slideshows by local photographers

  • Daily photo walks

  • All local group transport where required

  • Guidance on visa process

  • Clearance through all security checkpoints

  • Private group transport to various locations around the city which are not within walking distance from our accommodation

  • Pre-trip Zoom meeting which will be scheduled a few weeks before departure

Not included:

  • International flights to Baghdad / from Erbil

  • Iraqi visa fees (80 USD)

  • All lunches - as well as dinners apart from first and last night

  • Single supplement. Having your own private room costs €200 extra

  • Travel / medical insurance (mandatory)

FAQ’s

The UK Government Foreign Travel advice says to avoid all travel. How safe is Mosul?

Ultimately, it is you that will be making this decision and whether to come on the trip or stay at home. From my personal perspective, there has rarely been a better time to visit Mosul. If you would like to talk with others that have been on some recent trips with me (including my daughter!) to get their independent and impartial views, just let me know. Additionally, please reach out to me for either / all email, Zoom, WhatsApp communications if you would like to speak with me on a 1:1 basis before committing.

How does the hotel room accommodation work?

The price of the trip includes 7 nights B&B twin room accommodation in a 3* hotel

If you are a solo traveller, you will be sharing the room with another like-minded traveller from the group. I will always try to group people of the same gender and age together but (apart from gender), please note that this won’t always be the case. If you want to have your own single room, you will have to pay an additional €200

How do I get an Iraqi visa?

You can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport. It costs $80 and is available to all EU, North American, UK, Swiss, Australian, New Zealand, China, Japan and South Korean passport holders. Other passport holders will have to apply to their local Iraqi embassy for a visa prior to departure.

What size group will there be?

Minimum of 3, maximum of 8 people. Before you book your flight ticket, please obtain email confirmation from me, that this trip will definitely run.

Where does the trip start from?

We all meet at Baghdad airport before driving to Mosul (~4 hours). We finish the trip by driving to Erbil airport (~90 minutes). Both airports have many international connections.

How are the photo walks organized?

Initially, we will start as a group until we reach a point of interest. Then the group splits for a given amount of time and regroups. We walk to the next point of interest as a group and spread out again to photograph individually or two by two. During your time in the city, you will be more confident about your ability to travel and photograph independently.

What about travel insurance?

Taking out travel / medical / emergency repatriation insurance for this trip is a mandatory pre-condition before departure. I will ask for a copy of this (as well as your emergency contact details) before departure. Failure to provide either / both will result in you being removed from the trip manifest. If you find it difficult to get travel insurance, I would suggest you look at https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/

How does payment work?

In order to secure your place on this trip, I require a €500 deposit.

All trip details will be shared upon booking your spot.

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to my Terms & Conditions.