Burma 2021 • Off the Beaten Path
Yangon, Bagan, Popa, Salay, Pindaya, Loikaw & Hpa An
November 8th – 20th, 2021
Workshop cost $7,700 single supplement $900
workshop limit • 7-9 people
** a few spots open **
As of Feb. 2021, it looks like Burma is in huge turmoil because of the military
* I am hoping this workshop will be able to run in 2022*
A special trip to a special place
I will be going back to my favorite country on earth and a lead a 13 day photography workshop from November 8th – 20th, 2021 which is different from any workshop I have ever lead to this amazing country! We will venture to many out of the way locations in this country that many tourists rarely see.
Our travels will include photographing incredibly photogenic tribes, enormous caves where we will photograph monks by candlelight, boats at sunrise on the beautiful lakes, monasteries on top of mountains and so much more. This will be one very special workshop to one very special place!
The hidden jewel and land of enchantment of Southeast Asia is Myanmar, or what many of the locals still refer to as Burma. Bordered by Thailand, India, Bangladesh, China, & Laos, this country is a mecca for capturing one of a kind images.
From the awe inspiring monasteries & temples to the simplicity of the soft spoken people, Burma stands out from the rest of Southeast Asia. It might be the least visited & explored country in that part of the world & that is what makes it so special. The hospitality of the locals make you feel like you are the first foreigners they have ever seen. It is truly a feast for the eyes in every direction and a place that will stay in your heart forever.
The Land of Enchantment
This will be a trip for photographers who want to capture once in a lifetime images and different than any other workshop that I have led here. My guide is one of the best in Burma and his clients include some of the top photographers in the world.
He is not only knowledgeable about every aspect of Burma but also highly respected and will go out of his way to please each and every one of us. We will be going to many unique locations for photography in all seven of the areas that we will be visiting, often looking for monks, local villagers & children for our photos.
Jaipur
Eyes Wide Open
Our trip will be about one thing and that is to be in the best light at the best time at the best locations. Photo opportunities are everywhere in Burma and we will all see why this country is the jewel of Southeast Asia.
I have chosen early November as it is one of the best times to be in Burma with the coolest weather and great angles for the sun. I know this country well and I want our group to have the best photo ops away from tourists. This magical place called Burma is a photographers paradise and this trip is for those serious about capturing great images and are not just here for a sightseeing trip
Our itinerary includes the capital, Yangon, with many sights and sounds including the golden Schwedagon Pagoda. We will then visit the ancient religious city of Bagan, where the landscape is filled with thousands of temples and is one of the most special places on Earth. This is probably my favorite spot on this planet and the eye candy in every direction is beyond stunning.
Next is Mount Popa, an absolutely gorgeous monastery perched on top of an extinct volcano that is 4,981 feet above sea level. We will travel to Salay, a town with over 50 monasteries and a beautiful monastery with red pillars where we will capture images of children and monks walking through the photogenic red pillars.
We will also visit the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Pindaya, with their massive caves filled with golden Buddhas in every direction. Wide angle photography will be front and center in these caves and this will be one fun time! We will then leave for Loikaw where the faces of the tribes are addicting to photograph.
We will try different shooting techniques from natural light to diffusers, reflectors and also off camera flash. This is where we will really hone in on people photography of amazing faces of the Kayan, Yainphaw & Red Lesu tribes. The villages are perfect places for unique photogaphy and we will shoot as a group and you can also venture out on your own looking for great photo ops!
We will next travel to Bago, one of the richest archaeological sites with mesmerizing temples and pagodas in all of Burma. Then we will visit the stunning provence of Hpa-an, the capital and largest city of Kayin State, with amazing mountains and a very relaxed attitude all over. The Kyauk Kalap Pagoda will be an amazing place for photography as we pose monks in boats with parasols in front of the this gorgeous Pagoda.
We will be looking for great images every place we venture to in this workshop I designed for us to get off the Beaten Track. The goal is to capture incredible photography in stunning locations in my favorite country on earth!
Trip Cost
The cost for the workshop will be the same as my last two workshops and I am happy to announce this as costs always seem to go up in this country!!. The workshop will be approx. $7.700 based on sharing a room with someone else. The single room request will be around $900 and if we cannot find a roommate for you and you did want to share, you would have to pay the single room supplement. We are also staying in some beautiful hotels all over Burma as I love choosing the best places possible in each city will be be in.
Also, If I took a larger group, then I could charge less, but that is not what I like or want. The price includes: lodging, all meals, domestic economy flights, ground-transportation, guide/translator, boat fares on scheduled rides, entrance and archaeological fees for scheduled visits, portage charges at airports and jetty, camera and video fees. A visa for your passport is required for Burma which can be easily obtained by their new online eVisa system.
The price is based on two people sharing a room as is the same with most international workshops and to have your own room and not want to share is a Single Room Supplement fee.
Not included: International airfare to and from Yangon, airport taxes, entry visa fees, alcohol, soft drinks and personal shopping and tips for drivers, models, monks and our guide.
Workshop Limit
The workshop is limited to 7-9 participants. I do not like large groups, as I said, especially to this beautiful place and I will be working with everyone individually and as a group to better their photography skills, throughout the entire trip. I take larger groups to other destinations but for what I do with my groups in this special country, even eight or nine people is pushing it.
I do not leave the group and do my own shots as other leaders do but let everyone participate in unique set ups that I design with my guide as I will share many ideas and techniques with everyone on creating compelling images. Not many leaders do this but I want everyone to experience what I do, especially in Burma.
I want everyone to have an amazing experience and I know no other instructor will give a workshop like this as I work tirelessly to get everyone amazing photo ops in every place we go to. I will speak individually with each person in the group and want to know each of their wishes and goals.
I also cannot guarantee that the workshop will run as sometimes this happens. So far, this has not happened to me but just want everyone to know there is always a chance of a workshop not running without the right enrollment. Trip insurance is also highly recommended.
Skill Level
Basic understanding of your camera operations including using f/stops and shutter speed is needed for this workshop. This workshop is for the intermediate to advanced photographer wanting to expand their knowledge of photography & capture one of a kind images in this special part of the world.
Good camera gear is expected and a tripod although optional is very important and I never travel anywhere without one. I will go over camera gear with each person to make sure nothing is left at home.
Passage to Burma
My love affair with Burma began long ago in 2001 and after multiple journeys throughout the years, there is nowhere I would rather be. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to get a book deal with Skyhorse Publishing in New York to make a 270 page coffee table book called Passage to Burma, which this link will take you to. My book was a labor of love that was years in the making. The second edition was published years ago with many new images.
During the workshop, we might be able to see some of the people in the book including my favorite monks and monk masters and also gorgeous little children that I adore to pieces over there. There are too many places inside of Burma that are incrediby special to me and I love leading groups to this magical place!
Intermediate to Advanced
Nothing strenuous
Light Hiking
8-9 people
WHAT TO EXPECT
This workshop includes a small amount of walking and hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. We will be supported by very nice buses in every city with plenty of room for all of our gear and you can also relax in the buses at any time.
CLIMATE
The climate is always hot and can be pretty humid at times but going in November is a good time of the year for the coolest temps. The average for November in many parts of Burma is around 80-90 degrees. Plan on being hot and bringing a towel to wipe away your sweat is always a good idea but the AC from the bus and hotels is always fantastic!
CLOTHING
Shorts are probably what you will want to wear most days with light shirts but nights can be cooler. I would also bring a few pairs of long pants and hiking shoes or tennis shoes, as there can be mosquitos in different areas. I like to wear good sandals such as Tevas…and you might want to bring a pair of these as they keep you cooler and cut down on bringing so many socks. A light rain jacket is a good idea too.
MONEY
The currency in Burma is the Kyat. We will exchange money as a group on the first day but make sure you bring extra cash for tips and also a major credit card since Burma finally is able to take credit cards in many places.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. U.S. passport holders must have an e-visa to enter Burma, which you will apply for online. I will give everyone instructions on how and when to apply for your e-visa as it is a lot of questions but is easy to apply. I love doing visas for foreign countries online!
ELECTRICITY
Burma uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have either grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). You will need a plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter. View more information about electrical standards around the world.
Please check out these two links on my website to see many images from previous Burma workshops:
HEALTH
Burma is an extremely clean country and a jewel compared to some of its neighbors. I still only drink bottled water but the food in most places and drinks are very safe. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Hepatitis A: The CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Burma, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Typhoid: You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Burma. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Malaria: Usually you do not need to take Malaria pills for Burma but talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Burma.
