Fashion Photography Channel Blog

 WHAT TO EXPECT

Watch 1 min Video Promo for our last Grenada Adventure Cruise ( Nov 12-18, 2017):

Photo Album from our recent trip to Grenada on SV Mandalay here: 
https://www.facebook.com/Antonoparin/media_set?set=a.10155934603063007.1073742142.747293006&type=3&pnref=story

The Itinerary:

FashionStock crew is going to the Sail Windjammer cruise AGAIN because of the popularity of these cruises there and unique opportunity to find untouched “paradise” spots to shoot models at Exotic locations without any “location permits” or restrictions. Also trip on boat make us savings from paying for hotel AND renting boat to find remote spots for our shoots. ALL INCLUDED HERE:

We start April 15th, 5 pm in Philipsburg, St. Maarten harbor and casually move north to surrounding Islands and Saturday April 21th Disembark Ship in the Antigua port.

Visit a selection of Islands IN THE GRENADINES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE ANTIGUA, NEVIS, ST. KITTS, ST. BARTHS, ANGUILLA, ST. MAARTEN AND POSSIBLY SOME OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY!

It’s one photo op after another for seven days and six nights.

Quick facts about St Maarten:

Sun-lovers, water babies, sailors and divers alike will find St Maarten an alluring Caribbean getaway. This popular destination in the former Netherlands Antilles is lined with delicious coastline, on which to frolic, bake, or get active.

The most prominent physical feature in St Maarten is Mount Flagstaff, an extinct volcano, but the most important for visitors is the excellent beach that follows the south and west coasts; beach activities and shopping at duty-free centres firmly satisfy most tourists.

St Maarten is also popular with sailing enthusiasts and divers. The excellent diving conditions feature striking coral reefs located close to the shore. One of the most popular dive sites is the wreck of HMS Proselyte, a British man-of-war which sank in 1801. Body boarding is increasingly popular way of enjoying the gleaming waters and getting refreshed in the pouring sunshine.

The Vibe

It’s all family and friends on Mandalay. Help hoist the sails. Take a turn at the helm. There are only 25 cabins, so the word “crowd” is foreign. Yes, each cabin has a private bathroom and … air conditioning. Say ahh…

The Sounds 
The only sounds at sea are the tune of “Amazing Grace” (every time the sails are raised) and the popping of the ship’s cannon (when another ship approaches within earshot).

THE SHIP

Check 5 min Video Interview with Captain Sly:
https://youtu.be/06HPLofEP1s

Mandalay is a 236-foot schooner with a million nautical miles and a billion pages of history. She’s all wood, steel and cloth, and the perfect model for epic photography. The captain has two rules. One: Do not ask where we’re going. Two: Do not ask when we’ll get there. Where you wake up is anyone’s guess. But know this: It will be amazing.

WHAT IT COST

Price can be various, depend of your location, But from New York we found Direct flights/Round trip on JetBlue/ American Airlines back for $592 ONLY!

About Organizer/Photography Instructor/Trip Producer:

Anton Oparin (http://AntonOparin.com/www) currently working at Fashion industry in NY-Milan-Paris-Miami-LA for past 20+ years and his company (https://www.facebook.com/fashionstock.production/) FashionStock DIRECTLY connected with many fashion designers and event organizers doing house Photo/Video production for them.

Last 3 years we at Fashion Photography Channel (http://fashionphotographychannel.com/blog) group made 106 !) successful workshops (https://www.meetup.com/FashionPhotographyCh/events/past/?scroll=true) at various locations and studios, so we extremely experienced with logistic and travel arrangements for team members
(booking more than 20 trips a year with hotels, air, boats, transfers etc.)

This Adventure Travel Cruise on SV Mandalay – 236ft Schooner is really UNIQUE by concept of not just luxury tropical vacation trip, but logical combination with Top Swim/fitness Models Fashion Swimsuit Photo/Video production. Elements of Action Underwater/Arial drone shoots and big sale boat as background already at our screenplay!

See sample of this kind of video and Models vibe/ style of shoots will be similar to Surf magazine 2015 Promo:

Concept:

• We planning to involve many of our clients – designers swimsuit brands like Luli Fama, Aguaclara, Aguabendita, Maaji, Cia Maritima, Liliana Montoya and few more to this project, so models not wearing they own clothes…

• This trip financially NOT really expensive, if we compare with any similar shoot when photographers and models based at hotel/villa and need to rent a car and/or boat to get on shoot locations and dine out every day. We offering Payment Plan for you with down payment LESS than 40% of total amount ( $999 ) and 2 monthly payments after…(PayPal invoice with Split Deposit Payment Program option will be send to your e-mail)

• Here at our big schooner ALL included – accommodation/food/drinks/local transportation-airport transfers.

• We offering daily photography instructions and hands on new Nikon/Profoto/Bowens/GoPro/ gear trials for team members.

• The boat will move to new islands/locations Everyday and we’ll have direct access to sandy beaches to shoot models. Shoots on boat deck also will be permitted by our schedule.

• We already have few magazines (and would like to involve more!), who ready to publish EDITORIAL coverage of this cruise, but more important for us is to create short promo video, using action and professional video cameras, drone, multiple GoPro’s attached at high points of the boat and underwater scenery as well.

• ***Models*** who will book this trip for $1,749* USD will receive special 5 DAY MODEL PHOTO/video PACKAGE DEAL (Priceless!)

• ***Photographers*** who will book this trip for $2,349 * USD will SUPPORT this project (Models and Hair/MUA expenses) and become part our our crew. Unique shooting/post production experience & publicity Guaranteed!

Not ready to book now?

We can offer Payment Plans Starting just with $999 down payment and 2 monthly payments after ( Down-payment MUST to be put down before Jan 15th, to Reserve your spot)
Have other concerns, questions or need addl info? Please do not hesitate to ask
🙂

Anton Oparin / Producer
https://facebook.com/AntonOparin

Payment Options
For you convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards or debit cards with the Visa, MasterCard logo over PayPal payment link. US banks checks, International wire transfers ($25 addl external transfer bank fee will applied) or Chase QuickPay® with Zelle  (no fee, instant payments) methods also accepted (for more details, check Zelle a person-to-person P2P payment service)

How to send and receive money with Chase QuickPay® with ZelleSM:

Both parties need a U.S. bank account; only one needs an eligible Chase account. You only need an email address or mobile number of your recipient (FashionPhotographyChannel – ask us for details if you want to use this payment method!).

Transfers between eligible Chase accounts and select participating Zelle member banks or Zelle app users are typically available within minutes (go to chase.com/personal/quickpay to view All participating banks). Transfers between eligible Chase accounts and non Zelle member banks not using the Zelle app could take up to 5 business days.

Here are just a few of the banks offering Zelle aside from Chase:
Bank of America, Capital One, Citi, Fifth Third Bank, FirstBank , PNC, TD Bank, USAA, USBank, Wells Fargo
Split Deposit Payment Program

FashionPhotographyChannel.com is the only web site that allows you to split up your payments for Adventure Travel cruises. With this program, you can make a deposit on your reservation at the time of booking, with your final payment due 21 days before your date of departure. A non-refundable deposit fee of $29 will be added to your reservation total and will be reflected on your invoice. All elements of the Vacation/Adventure Travel package, boat cruise, rooms upgrades, port fees, airport transfers, etc., are reserved for you until your final payment is made. (Airfare excluded from Split Deposit Payment Program, but we can find you best deal possible for your  destinations so you can make your air tickets reservations in advance and get best rates!)

The plan allows you to keep as much money in your pocket as possible, for as long as possible. And who doesn’t like a fat wallet? In fact, since your final payment will be on the same credit card/PayPal credit account you used for your deposit, you may be able to actually pay for your vacation after you return, depending on when your credit card bills you for the final payment.

How cool is that? Pretty cool, we think.

What are you waiting for? Reserve your spot now!

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I’m from Russia (or other country). Do I need a passport? Visa?
Answer: YES! A passport valid for six months from date of departure is required by all US, Canadian, Australian, UE citizens wishing to visit St. Maarten, Antigua and other Carribbean islands.

https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/caribbean/st-maarten/

Visas required ONLY for some nationals (Visa NOT required for Holders of a valid residence permit for the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.)

Detailed information here:

https://www.government.nl/binaries/government/documents/leaflets/2014/05/06/caribbean-visa-nationalities-not-requiring-a-visa-and-exceptions/countries-whose-nationals-do-not-require-a-caribbean-visa.pdf

DO NOT pack your passport or contract of passage in your checked luggage!

Question: What does it cost?
Answer: The first person in the cabin will pay $2,349  single cabin), $2,699 (standard double cabin),

$2,799 (commodore cabin), $2,899 (main-deck cabin),

or $3,399 (king cabin). Each cabin can accommodate two people, so the second guest in a cabin would pay a flat rate of $1,799 – 2099 depend of cabin type ( see chart above)

Question: So for two people in a cabin it would be a total of $4,198 up to $5,498?
Answer: Correct.

Question: When is payment due?
Answer: A minimum of $999 Down payment per/person required BEFORE Jan 15th to RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Than in 2 days the PayPal online payment invoice ( with CUSTOMIZED payment plan) will be send to your e-mail, and remaining balance will need to be paid before March 24th, 2018. Or you can use 2 Time Split payment option at the same RSVP payment link later on.
(http://fashionstock.com/Adventure_Travel_Cruise_St_Maarten_Antigua_2018_RSVP.html)

Note: You can also use Chase QuickPay to castweb@yahoo.com e-mail to make your RSVP and payment arrangements! It’s instant and NO FEE service if you have bank account in Chase, Capital One, City Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and few more… Check more details here:
https://www.chase.com/personal/mobile-online-banking/p2p

If payment isn’t made in full at that time we reserve the right to open your spot to people on our waiting list. (see below Cancellation policy explanation with $200 administrative non-refundable fees )

Question: How many passengers will there be?
Answer: A maximum of 36, not including Fashion Photographers Channel / FashionStock staff and Boat crew.

Question: Do the cabins have air conditioning?
Answer: Yes. They all have private bathrooms and showers too. There are no hairdryers on the ship.

Question: Explain the cabins.
Answer: All cabins sleep two people.
• The standard single cabin is a single bed bunked under another single bed ($2,349).
• The standard double cabin is a double bed under a single bed ($2,649).
• The commodore cabin is also a double bed under a single bed, but the cabin is a little bigger ($2,749).
• The main-deck cabin is also a double bed under a single bed, but the cabin is up on the main deck ($2,849).
• There is one king cabin, with a king bed and the most overall space ($3,349).

Question: What’s included in the cost?

Answer: Seven days and six nights at sea. Four excursions. Snorkel gear. Airport transfers and transportation to and from the ship from host hotels. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding blender drinks, smoothies, and bottled water). Daily complimentary Bloody Mary’s in the morning (1 per person), daily complimentary Rum Swizzles at Happy Hour (1 per person), daily complimentary glass of wine with dinner (1 per person). Additional drinks are available for purchase. Also included in the photographer’s rate are daily photo lessons from our staff photographers and hands-on shooting around the islands to replicate a Fashion Photographers Channel feature story.

IMPORTANT:

If you planning to shoot NOT only nature/landscapes/underwater around the islands and on the boat, but participate at our MODEL/Swimsuit/Catalog/Calendar/Products shoots with 3 Top Swimsuit Models you will have to pay additional MODEL/Hair Make-up flat fee of $550 which will goes to compensate expenses for bringing 3 Professional Models and Hair/Make-up Stylist to this trip (Included in $2349 Photographers price)

Note: Copies of Full Model Releases will be available for participating Photographers after completion of this trip.

Question: What’s included for my guest?
Answer: Everything above except the photo lessons.

Question: What isn’t included?
Answer: Airfare to St.Maartin, alcoholic drinks beyond what’s specified above, gratuities, optional meals ashore, souvenirs, personal expenses, optional beach chair rentals on some islands, and any necessary lodging on St.Maartin.

Question: Are Tips included?
Answer: Tips are optional but are always appreciated. Tipping is done at the end of the cruise and will be explained during story time or captain’s dinner. Tips are shared by the entire crew. If you feel the crew has made you forget reality, relaxed, and done an outstanding job, a tip of approximately $125 per person per week is suggested. More is always appreciated. Cash, traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted.

Question: Will I need a room in St. Maarten?
Answer: The ship begins boarding around 5 p.m. April 15 at St. Maarten harbor and departs the port in Antigua at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 21st, 2018. We encourage guests to arrive on St. Maarten at least one day early (Saturday, Apr 14th) to avoid any issues caused by a delayed flight. St. Maarten is well worth at least one day of exploring

Question: Does the ship arrive back in St. Maarten?
Answer: No . Ship will arrive to Antigua on April 21st ..Again, we encourage guests to schedule at least one night hotel in Antigua upon return so you aren’t rushed.

Question: What hotel on St. Maarten do you recommend?
Answer: You can book rooms through http://flamboyant.com.or http://Expedia.com

Question: How much one-on-one time can I expect with a Fashion Photography Channel photographer and his crew?
Answer: Plenty. On the ship Anton and his crew will offer daily lessons about shooting and editing (in an open-air environment, weather permitting). They’ll also join you while you shoot on the islands. They’re traveling with you and will be available for questions and tips.

Question: What if I don’t have an expensive camera?
Answer: It doesn’t matter. We’ve hosted photographers for our workshops who have pulled out point-and-shoot cameras. They’ve captured amazing photos!

Question: What if I do have expensive camera gear?

Answer: We’d suggest a camera body, lenses (wide, telephoto, and macro), batteries and charger, memory cards, tripod, and laptop. A laptop, card reader and your favorite editing software will also help during the post-shoot chat over drinks. Past guests have also enjoyed bringing their GoPro’s! Please note, if you forget something there are no camera stores that are open in Grenada on Sunday, so you will not be able to replace any camera gear that you may have forgotten. Cabin doors have locks, however, there are no in room safes for your valuables.

Question: What else should I bring?
Answer: Shorts. Flip flops (hiking shoes or athletic shoes if you plan to explore). Two bathing suits. Sunglasses. Sun hat and sun-protective shirt. A beach towel. Travel-sized toiletries (none are provided on the ship). The smallest luggage possible to maximize your cabin space. Seasickness remedies, if you’re prone. A costume for masquerade night. Oh, and a passport. Upon boarding the ship, the purser will collect everyone’s passport so that the captain can clear the ship through customs as we arrive and depart from different islands.

Question: Will I need cash for anything?
Answer: You might want cash to purchase souvenirs or optional meals ashore. Shipboard purchases (including drinks and tips) can be made with cash (US dollars) or charged to your credit card.

Question: What is the currency in the Leeward Islands/ Caribbean?
Answer: The East Caribbean Dollar. U.S. currency is honored on the ship and most locations, however bills that have folds or tears won’t be accepted by most establishments and change will be provided in local currency.

Question: Will I get seasick?

Answer: Everyone reacts to the water differently. The ship itself is 236 feet of steel and wood, so it isn’t prone to bucking or swaying. The crew rarely sees people get seasick on Mandalay, but if you’re concerned then we recommend taking Dramamine the night before the ship sets sail (to allow time to run through your system). You can also use eucalyptus oil or patches behind your ears.

Question: Will the cruise accommodate special dietary needs?

Answer: It will, provided we advise boat crew of any dietary requirements at least 60 days prior to sailing. You can make those needs known on the registration form or send us an email with the specifics of your needs.

(Local lobster from “Special Captains Sly Dinner” at last day of cruise!)

Question: Will there be Wi-Fi so I can Instagram all my photos?
Answer: In certain spots, yes. But this is a part of the Caribbean that isn’t heavily traveled, so connectivity is spotty. There is no Wi-Fi on the ship.

Question: Is there diving or snorkeling?

Answer: Snorkel gear will be available to rent for the week. There may be opportunities for diving. Make sure to bring your dive certification card. You may bring your gear, but be advised there is very limited storage space in your cabin.

Question: What if I have to cancel? What’s the refund policy?
Answer: If we receive notification of cancellation 90 days or more prior to the sail date, the entire deposit will be refunded with the exception of a $200 administration fee. Cancellation 89 days to 44 days out, 50 percent of the deposit will be refunded minus a $200 administration fee. Cancellation 45 days or sooner from the sail date, fares are non-refundable.

We ALWAYS recommend that passengers buy trip insurance. We don’t have a preference or recommendation, but Windjammer refers passengers to www.mhross.com. (http://www.mhross.com) Every trip, unfortunately, it seems someone has to cancel for a family emergency or other circumstances. We hope this trip is the exception and everyone is able to join us, but life has a way of happening and may not recognize the date of the cruise on your schedule.

Question: What if there’s a tropical storm?
Answer: Hurricane season begins June 1 – September, so the dates of this cruise do not fall within the traditional storm season.

Question: What if I have other questions?
Answer: Send any questions to support@fashionstock.com

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TWO CONFIRMED Models  who is Going to this TRIP with us –

Emily Geary & Carrie Baker – CONGRATULATIONS!!!