Cambodia & Myanmar
A Digital Medium Format Adventure
Join us in Cambodia and Burma—now known as Myanmar—where we explore the cultural centers of ancient Southeast Asia. On our journey, we photograph the spectacular classic cities of Angkor Wat and Bagan, now in various stages of decay and rehabilitation, and create outstanding images of today's vibrant traditional cultures.
Excellent photography is just the beginning! As a Digital Medium Format Adventure, we provide several state-of-the-art systems for participants to test in the field in addition to 35mm photography with your own gear. Photographers with their own medium format systems learn how to extract the maximum resolution from their equipment in the field and on the computer.
First, we explore Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. The Shwedagon Pagoda, a commanding presence in the center of the city, is one of the wonders of the world—a gold-plated and jewel-encrusted structure rising almost 300 feet above its base and surrounded by dozens of smaller stupas. Near sunset the gold gleams, and a host of monks and worshipers circle the 2,500-year-old monument in the traditional clockwise manner.
While Yangon is ancient, Mandalay was built in the 19th century and served as the last imperial capital of Burma. In addition to its many photogenic temples, it is the crafts center of the country and home to 60 percent of the nation's monks.
Situated on a dry plain, Bagan overwhelms the eye with myriad temples in every direction—covering more than 15 square miles. Many of the temples have recently been restored, but the largest and grandest retain their original materials and striking architecture. This is the true heart of Myanmar. Hundreds of young monks walk the city and live in nearby monasteries.
From Yangon, we journey to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the center of the most powerful empire in Southeast Asia more than a thousand years ago. Angkor Wat itself is one of the wonders of the world—the archetype of a Lost City. Dozens of temples and structures with perfect harmony of design built between the 9th and 15th centuries, now in various states of ruin, surround Angkor. In some, the roots of centuries-old trees entwine the buildings; others house giant representations of Buddhas that gaze serenely over the forest. After photographing in this immense classic city, we venture out to an unrestored, little-known temple complex for a glimpse of the Angkor as discovered by French explorers—a fitting conclusion to our survey of ancient cities and traditional cultures.
From the open plain of Bagan—where thousands of temples stand exposed under the sky and every view rivals another—to the hidden world of Angkor Wat, where numerous temples still seem to await discovery among the age-old roots and forest, our exciting and productive Digital Medium Format Adventure yields a trove of incredible images from the ancient heart of Indochina. Join us for hands-on instruction in an amazing digital format—and an exceptional opportunity to escape winter’s icy grip—among the mesmerizing architectural wonders of Myanmar and Cambodia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart home.
Day 2
Travel day.
Day 3 (Feb 11)
Upon arrival in Yangon, Myanmar, we are met by our local guide. After an orientation, we photograph golden Schwedagon, the largest pagoda in the country, in late afternoon and dusk. (An early morning arrival in Yangon is highly recommended.) (D)
Day 4
We leave our hotel before sunrise to be in position to photograph the Schwedagon at first light. Following photography in the field and breakfast, we meet for instruction, troubleshooting and critiquing, a sequence we repeat throughout the trip. After lunch, we visit the riverside, the octagonal-shaped Sule Pagoda in the very center of town, and return to the rich opportunities at the Schwedagon. (BLD)
Day 5
We transfer to the airport for our early morning flight to Mandalay, on the east bank of the Irrawady River. Upon arrival, we visit a monastery to witness the monks lining up for their daily allotment of rice. After lunch, we devote the afternoon and early evening to photography around the U Bein Bridge—longest teak footbridge in the world—that spans scenic Taungthaman Lake. (BLD)
Day 6
After an early breakfast we cruise up the Irrawady River to Mingun, the site of an abandoned temple designed to be the largest in the world. Other unique temples, such as Hsinbyume with its seven white wave-like terraces, offer great photographic opportunities. We return to Mandalay midday for instruction and critiques. Near sunset, we photograph Kuthodaw Pagoda bristling with slender spires. Each tiny pagoda contains the words of the Buddha and, in aggregate, they comprise the largest book in the world. (BLD)
Day 7
We catch a morning flight to Bagan, the city of pagodas. There are literally hundreds of pagodas on the dry plain by the river, from small structures to grand palatial temples shining with gold leaf. We spend several days photographing the sacred landscape, temple interiors,
monks, markets, women walking with brightly-colored parasols, artisans, ox carts and the Irrawady River reflecting the setting sun. During the heat of each day we are at our riverside hotel untangling the intricacies of digital technology, critiquing our work, and considering how to compose images with an artist’s eye. We return to the field to take advantage of each sunset. (BLD)
Day 8
We rise before dawn to position ourselves atop a temple to shoot the vast temple-studded plain in magic light. Over the next two days we photograph the most beautiful structures from various viewpoints, including massive Dhammayangyi, the golden dome of Shwezigon, the gleaming tower of Ananda with its four Buddhas, Mahabodhi (a smaller replica of the temple in India where Buddha attained enlightenment), and the graceful, riverside Gawdawpalin. (BLD)
Day 9
Another dawn start provides us with a new panoramic vista. We continue our survey of the Bagan plain, photographing temples and people, including models. (BLD)
Day 10
We return to Yangon. (BLD)
Day 11
We fly from Yangon to Siem Reap, Cambodia. (B, Lunch airport snack on your own, D)
Day 12
A pre-dawn start gives us a chance to photograph Angkor Wat from a reflecting pool before we begin to explore the complex. The extent and variety of the carvings, along with the scale of the building, impresses all who visit. We concentrate on nearby features, especially Bayon where giant bas-relief Buddhas gaze calmly toward the four directions from the top of the temple. We devote time to several sites bypassed by most tourists. (BLD)
Day 13
Ta Prohm and Preah Khan retain some of the original character the first Europeans encountered when Angkor was discovered by the outside world. Trees are rooted to the walls and we can thread through collapsed rooms and around fallen pillars. Banteay Srey, a small jewel of a temple, remains in impeccable condition, its bas-reliefs often pristine. (BLD)
Day 14
Bang Malea has received little restoration and could serve as the setting of an Indiana Jones movie. Nearly 50 miles south of Siem Reap, the complex ranges from a heap of stones to well-preserved artwork and intact walls. The forest is still in the process of reclaiming it. We spend the last hour of daylight at Bayon to catch golden light on the Buddha faces.
Day 15 (Feb 23)
Depart for home.
Trip Highlights
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Explore hundreds of pagodas and palatial temples covered with gold leaf at Bagan
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Three full days at Angkor Wat to shoot otherworldly temples enveloped in tropical forest
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Morning boat excursion on the Irrawaddy River to visit the massive Mingun Stupa
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Photograph the golden-domed Shwedagon and the spires of the Sule Pagoda
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Several medium format camera systems provided for participants to use in the field
Tour Details
Dates
Feb 9–23, 2011
Fee
$7,995 from Yangon, Myanmar; departing from Siem Reap, Cambodia
Deposit
$400
Limit
16
Terms & Conditions