cambodia tours - nathan horton photography · 2014-12-29 · cambodia tours after 8 years of...

Cambodia Tours

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Cambodia ToursAfter 8 years of calling Cambodia ‘home’, Nathan has developed highly praised tours that show you this very unique country from an insider’s perspective. His aim is to encourage participants to see Cambodia with a deeper insight than the usual tourist experience and to help them go home with great photographs to prove it. These tours not only take in the key photographic highlights but also include privileged access to Nathan’s manyl Cambodian friends in Phnom Penh, the rural provinces and Angkor temples. He takes great pride in going beyond the usual guidebook suggestions which allows keen photographers to get involved at ground level with the real Cambodia.

On the road to Battambang


Nathan has always believed that his photography tours should open up a country by presenting opportunities to engage with local people. One of his principal aims, going far beyond teach-ing good camera technique, is to show participants that instead of being a barrier between the photographer and subject, the camera can be used as the key to open doors. He aims to show how, when used sympathetically, the camera can help to establish a vital connection between the traveller and the locals they meet.

Nathan speaks a little of the Khmer language, which is always handy, and with his experience, we feel that no-one else is better placed to help fellow photographers get the best out of a relatively short trip to Cambodia.

Engage

Harvest time


Our tours are designed to deliver options according to your level of photography. We have scheduled in optional work-shops and some post production advice and picture reviews. We recommend that you bring a laptop with the latest version of Lightroom loaded onto it.

Option 1 - WorkshopsWe offer two highly praised workshops, which will give you a very firm foundation to work from in improving your ‘travel’ photography. In the first workshop Nathan starts with the ba-sics and then systematically describes his technical approach in getting the best out of your camera for the variety of condi-tions that you will encounter in travel photography. The second workshop will cover the aesthetics of travel photography and again Nathan’s very personal approach how to engage with the people you meet and how to see the picture opportunities that present themselves. These workshops take place on the first two mornings of the tour.

Option 2 - Straight out with your cameraIf you are comfortable with how your camera works and are used to getting out and about in the countries you visit you can skip the workshops at the beginning of the tour and be taken out and about by Nathan’s assistant on a guided tour of the streets of Phnom Penh in the morning before meeting up with the rest of the group at lunchtime.

Options

Angkor Wat


First and foremost this is a photography tour and rest assured Cambodia is an exciting mix of photo opportunities. Our in-depth seasonal knowledge and good organization means you get the most out of a relatively short trip by constantly being in the right place at the right time.

Angkor Wat is justifiably on most peoples bucket list of places to visit before they die but Cambodia is much, much more than that in terms of cultural interest. Nearly every one leaves our tours agreeing it is the local people who are the real gem in the crown of this ‘ Kingdom of Wonder’.

The tour will start in Phnom Penh. Nathan will reveal the charm of this ever-changing city with walking tours around the acknowledged highlights and the river quarter that has been his home for the last eight years. The itinerary could not possibly miss out the afore mentioned majestic splendor of Angkor Wat and the many ancient temples that surround it, but this tour will introduce you to the UNESCO World Herit-age Site in a way no other tour can offer you.

Nathan not only knows the temples inside-out after over 100 visits but also good friends with many of the residents, including the head monk at Angkor Wat, charismatic nuns and local families which will make your experience all the more richer.

Itinerary

Phnom Da

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In between the two big cities we spend four days making scheduled stops in rural provinces that show you the everyday lives of everyday people. We photograph locals who grow rice, catch fish, pluck coconuts, shape clay pots, weave silk and even build trains, by hand with little or no recourse to modern technology. Beyond that, we take pride in making un-scheduled random stops whenever we something interesting from the mini-bus window.

On this tour you will practice photography in one stimulating environment after another. Novice photographers go away with photographs that look like they have been taking shots for years, and seasoned photographers are always happy as there are new challenges around every corner. Time is also put aside for post-production advice and we highly recommend that you bring a laptop with you because you will be too excited to wait until you get home. The tour will start in Phnom Penh and end in Siem Reap so please book your flights accordingly. If you want to fly out of Phnom Penh we can transfer you back to Phnom Penh for free on the last day. The tour contains 10 full days on tour and 11 nights’ accommodation.

Tour Highlights


On the road near Siem Reap

{ 2 Travel Photography Workshops{ Post production workshop in Lightroom{ Picture review{ Royal Palace{ Riverside{ Tuol Seng{ Wat Phnom{ Kandal Market{ Silk Island{ Udong{ Floating Village at Kampong Chnnang{ Bamboo train at Battambang{ Phnom Sampeau{ Kompong Phluk (Floating Village){ Ta Phrom{ Angkor Wat (With privileged access to resident monks){ Angkor Thom (The Big City){ Bayon{ Roluos Group (Pre-Angkorian temples){ Beng Mealea (Off the beaten track)


Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom PenhThe day will start with either the workshop or the street tour.

Option 1. Includes workshopsWe offer two highly praised workshops, which will give you a very firm foundation to work from in improving your ‘travel’ photography. In the first workshop Nathan starts with the basics and then systematically describes his technical approach to getting the best out of your camera for the variety of condi-tions that you will encounter in travel photography. The second workshop will cover the aesthetics of travel photography and again Nathan’s very personal approach how to engage with the people you meet and how to see the picture opportunities that present themselves. These workshops take place on the first morning of the tour.

Option 2. Straight into the tourIf you are comfortable with how your camera works and are used to getting out and about in the countries you visit you can skip the workshops at the beginning of the tour and be taken out and about by Nathan’s assistant on a guided tour of the streets of Phnom Penh in the morning before meeting up with the rest of the group at lunchtime.

In the afternoon we take a walking tour around the River Quar-ter of Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom is one of the capital cities main tourist sites and the starting point for our leisurely stroll through old colonial buildings, bustling street markets and interesting temples before making our way to the entertain-ing riverside quay for sunset. As soon as we lose the light we are well placed to take a well deserved drink at the legendary Foreign Correspondents Club.

Independence Monument, Phnom Penh


Silk Island

Day 3: Phnom PenhEarly morning we kick off with a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Still the principal residence of the King of Cambodia, these highly decorative buildings and gardens date back to the 1860s and offer a wealth of photo ( teaching) opportunity. We will then take a Tuk-tuk ride to Tuol Sleng, the infamous prison where the Khmer Rouge wreaked havoc on the population. It is sobering place to visit but we feel it an invaluable cultural insight into Cambodia’s recent past. To lighten things back up again, we mix photography and shop-ping opportunities with a visit to the landmark building that houses Central Market.

After lunch we set out on a visit to Silk Island in the nearby Mekong River. Despite being only a short ferry ride you will find yourself stepping back in time to see a charming rural Cambodian community set amongst orchards, paddy fields and pagodas. Nathan once had a small house on the island and has built up many friends over the years. If you hadn’t guessed the island gets in name from its primary form of income. Nearly every house hold owns at least one loom and will get many opportunities to photograph local’s as they spin and weave there highly praised handmade silk products.


Monks at Udong

Day 4: Phnom Penh to Udong/ Kompong ChhnangToday we depart Phnom Penh to visit the ancient capital of Udong. We will visit a large monastery with plenty of time to enjoy the great photo opportunity of hundreds monks and nuns taking their lunch preceded with much ritual and ceremony. In the afternoon we continue to the town of Kompong Chhnang and visit families making clay pots amongst sugar palm stud-ded paddy fields. These vistas also make great pictures, either in the dry season with farmers climbing the trees to collect their sugar sap, or in the rainy season with local families planting lush green paddy fields. Late afternoon we take small boats out on the river to get up close and personal with the largest floating village in Cambodia

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Bamboo Train at BattambangDay 5: Kompong Chhnang to BattambangEarly in the morning we travel further up the river to visit an-other floating village. Although mostly residential this village has a more commercial feel to it with just about every village necessity you can think about; floating petrol stations, floating bread shops, floating telephone shops, even a floating church. We will then drive to Battambang. After lunch we will hold a post production workshop in our very pleasant hotel where we introduce you to Lightroom. In the late afternoon we will take a trip on the famous Bamboo train to typical country village.

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Monks lunchDay 6: BattambangA leisurely morning is put aside to explore downtown Bat-tambang which is a perfectly place for short strolls. Blessed with colonial buildings, an impressive central market and endless monk processions doing there ‘alms’ with no less than 5 local temples just along the riverside you won’t be short of photo opportunities. After lunch we head out of town to more interesting modern and ancient temples set amongst some of Cambodia’s largest paddy fields.


FLoating village on the Mekong

Day 7: Battambang to Siem ReapToday we head for Siem Reap travelling through endless paddy fields. We always stop in a market town for coffee and as usual we stop on the road when we see something of interest in the fields and waterways we pass. We arrive in Siem Reap in time for lunch after which we take a boat to the stilted village of Kompong Phluk. This village is on the edge of the Tonle Sap lake and highly unusual in the fact that a lot of houses are built on 8 meters stilts above lowest water level - towards the end of the rainy season you find out why as the water laps their doorstep. Interesting in all seasons, we try to finish with a sunset on the lake.


Day 8: Siem ReapToday you have free morning to do what you want. Chill out by the pool or do a spot of shopping or sort out your downloads. In the afternoon we start our Angkorian adventures and travel through the countryside to visit the beautifully carved temple at Banteay Srei. On the way back we will stop off at Pre Rup temple. Perfect for sunset pictures and a chance to practice setting up your tripod for the big day tomorrow.

Banteay Srei


Day 9: Siem ReapWe begin the day with an unforgettable sunrise over Angkor Wat. We follow this stunning introduction with several hours exploring the largest religious building on the planet, often with the help of a few monks known to Nathan. Later in the day we visit awesome Angkor Thom – the ancient city capital of Angkor. Its three square kilometers of walls still contain many treasures such as decorative gates and parade areas. These are stunning enough, but are mere appetizers for the jewel within that is Bayon. This temple, originally constructed as an official state temple around the early 13th Century, shows over a hundred serenely smiling Buddha faces which will keep any photographer happy for hours. We end the days shoot with sunset shots around the South Gate and city moat or an optional trip on a tethered balloon over the temple of Angkor Wat. This balloon trip runs seasonally.

Angkor Wat at dawn


Day 10: Siem ReapBefore the sun rises we will be at Sra Sang (ancient Khmer name for a bathing pool) to view the beginning of the day. A friend of Nathans volunteers to make a great silhouette as she collects sufficient water for her mother’s orchid garden from the pool with the sun rising behind. Nearby is Ta Phrom, the famous temple with amazing trees growing out of it and on the back of sunrise we generally get there early enough to avoid the crowds. The next site is one of the less busy temples, where, if we are in luck, we plan to meet another great friend of Nathan: the most charismatic nun in Angkor. The last visit of the day is to the Rolous Group, a set of temples pre-dating the Angkor style. It is very photographically rewarding with befriended monks and good sunset vantage points.

Sra Sang


Day 11: Siem ReapToday we go off the beaten track to Beng Melea, an as yet unrestored temple. At this temple you will scrabble over the piles of stones and see the trees which are winning the battle to take over the temple. There will be a picture review ses-sion either before or after the trip to Beng Melea depending on the season.

Beng Melea


Nathan Horton has been a professional photographer for 23 years since graduating with a BA Hons in Film, Photography and Video Arts. He has sold work as an artist, worked as an advertising photographer for some of the world’s biggest brands includ-ing Nokia and Lux, and also as an editorial photographer for some of London’s premier magazine titles including Elle, The Times Travel section and Food and Travel magazine.

Nathan has travelled extensively in Asia for over 25 years and has made Cambodia his home since 2006. After many years of experience in this field he has managed to fine-tune some very successful itineraries that deliver in-depth photography tours throughout South East Asia. His tours have been highly praised in Trip Advisor, Na-tional Geographic Traveller and the Weekend Guardian for exploring Asian culture in deeper, richer and more ethical ways than most.

Nathan’s Mission “After living, working and teaching photography in Asia for over 8 years, I have a unique in-depth knowledge of the countries I visit. I have extensively researched my itineraries and pride myself that my tours don’t just drive straight past fabulous photo opportunities but remain flexible enough to make random stops. We often find ourselves pulling up when we see local people harvesting rice, catching fish, climbing coconut trees etc. What makes my tours different is that I consider it my job to help you engage with the country and its people in a much more natural, friendly way than you might ever have imagined”.

About Nathan


TuitionThis tour is for all photographers wanting to expand their knowledge of travel photography. Nathan will cover both the technical and ethical issues of travel photography, very specifi-cally orientated towards photographing people. This approach will help both novice and experienced photographers to capture very special images.

Most of the teaching is done on location. Nathan will work alongside you to help you understand particular technical challenges, give you artistic inspiration and most importantly, lead by example in approaching local people. Time is also put aside to help develop your post production skills so that you can subtly enhance your pictures thus producing a stunning portfolio of the tour.

Rural ferry


The GroupIn Cambodia we will never run a tour with more than 8 photog-raphers. A group of this size is ideal for Nathan and his regular local guides to give everyone the attention they may need. This intimate group size forms a stimulating dynamic where partici-pants can share their experiences with like-minded people, and more often than not, they will leave with new friends. Whether you are a single traveller, or you come with a partner you will find being in a small group who share a common interest a great way to get something extra out of your trip. No more worrying about keeping people waiting whilst you get your shot.

The cleansing ceremony


ReviewsPast participants say it all:

“Wow! The best thing I have ever done!”5 out of 5 stars. Trip Advisor, Reviewed August 13, 2014‘Wow, amazing, fantastic, brilliant, fabulous....there are just not enough superlatives to describe what I have just experienced on one of Nathan’s tours.Having got very excited upon reading the itinerary and reviews before I left, I guess I had set my expectations pretty high but what Nathan delivered exceeded those by miles. He has endless energy and enthusiasm and his connection and affinity with people and the country in which he resides is obvious right from the start of the tour. What made it for me were the spontaneous stops along the way whenever a photo opportunity was spotted and the fact that Nathan knows exactly where to go & when to avoid crowds, to get the best light and to get off the beaten track. One of the best things was that I never felt like a tourist!10 day tours in Cambodia (Jul/Aug 2014)’.

“I would never go to Cambodia without Nathan!”5 out of 5 stars. Trip Advisor Reviewed July 31, 2014 “I am a fine art photographer & I just returned from the full 10 day trip with Nathan from Phnom Penh to siem reap & let me tell you, that is the only way to see Cambodia! The images I got are amazing. I have been on photo tours all over the world & I have never been with someone who comes close to him on any level.”

Given special mention National Geographic Traveler 2010Listed as a top ten photography holiday around the world UK Guardian Newspaper Travel Section Sept 2011Described as ‘comprehensive’ Lonely Planet 2012Highly recommended Luxe Guide Cambodia and Laos 2012

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2012/2013Trip Advisor Over 95% 5 Star Reviews - In the top 10% of world wide businesses

How to BookPlease go to Contact on the website where you will find the Tour Request Form. (Just click on the website link at the right hand side of this page). We aim to respond within one working day. Once we receive your enquiry we will check availability and confirm this to you, and also reserve you a place on the tour. We will send you an invoice for the deposit (25% of the tour cost). Once this has been received your place will be fully confirmed. At the moment we can only receive overseas payments via Swift Code. Full details of how to pay will be found on your invoice.


Working in the rice paddy


What to BringYour best camera, be it a DSLR, mirrorless or an advanced compact with some manual controls. Your lens(es) should cover at least a medium zoom range. If you have them, a wide-angle lens (useful in temples and pagodas) and a longer telephoto lens (good on boat trips) would be useful but not essential. A fast standard lens with aperture of f1.8 or f1.4 is another good option.

{ A torch{ A polarising filter{ A tripod{ Plenty of memory cards and a spare battery{ A laptop is not essential but is very useful for backing

up the day’s shoot, and also for reviewing what you have taken and the post production wokshop. We also recommend a portable external hard drive - just in case!

{ A rain cover for your camera and one for yourself are recommended, and are essential during the rainy season

Siem Reap


The Small PrintDates and PricesInclusions:{ All teaching { Accommodation{ 2 printed presentations { Photography guidance { All transport (A/C car or minibus){ All entrance fees{ Free tripod hire (on request){ Free water

Exclusions:{ International travel to and from Cambodia

(see itinerary for meeting point){ Any kind of insurance{ Drinks and meals other than specified

above under ‘inclusions’{ Other personal expenses, e.g. laundry,

phone calls, gifts etc{ Tips for local guide and staff

Payment and Cancellations:25% deposit must be made at the time of confirmation. Full payment of the remaining 75% is due, in cash (US$), on the first day of the tour. Cancellation of services less than 60 days prior to the start date will result in the deposit being retained. However this may be transferred to another tour date (minus any costs incurred in arranging the changeover).

2015:2nd - 12th January6th - 16th February20th February - 2nd March27th March - 6th April6th - 16th June27th June - 8th July25th July - 4th August15th August - 25th August26th September - 6th October7th November - 17th November12th December - 22nd December

Prices:$2500 - 10 days (including 11 nights accommodation)$170 individual day (without accommodation)

Insurance:Please understand that Nathan Horton is not an ‘above the line’ tour operator. Nathan Horton runs a guided photography tour with third party local service providers.

Your safety is always a top priority but all participation is at your own risk and you should not sign up without accepting that Nathan Horton can accept no liability for damage to equipment or personal injury.

SECURING YOUR OWN INSURANCE IS ALWAYS CONSIDERED A PREREQUISITE FOR ACCEPTANCE ON THIS TOUR, AND PROOF THAT YOU HAVE ARRANGED ADEQUATE INSURANCE WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE OPERATOR IN ADVANCE.

Accommodation:All accommodation is included in the price of this full 10 day tour. We have gone out our way to research the best value safe, clean and comfortable mid range hotels available on all parts of the tour, but you can opt out or go with one of our upgrade options in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and we will adjust the tour price accordingly. We are also happy to book you any ad-ditional hotel nights either side of the tour. Please indicate any such requests on the Tour Request Form which can be found under Contact.

cambodia tours - nathan horton photography · 2014-12-29 · cambodia tours after 8 years of...

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