Phnom Penh Weekends. 1 Kompong Chhnang

Transcription

1 Phnom Penh Weekends

2 Phnom Penh Weekends Generally referred to as the Pearl of the Orient back in the 60s the Khmer Rouge effectively turned Phnom Penh into a ghost town during it s brief but destructive reign of power. It has taken a long time for Phnom Penh to find it s feet again but much of the charm of the city is to be found in the contrast between the new and brash and the old and rundown. The first day of our tour will take you to many of the more obvious highlights (including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the attractive river front and the thought provoking Toul Sleng and The Killing Fields) but also to give you an insiders point of view on some of the more everyday aspects of the city (including back streets, local markets and temples). Kompong Chhnang If you choose to do the whole weekend the second day will take you just that little bit further out of the city to places less visited which are not easy to find without the help of a local guide (including floating villages and islands on the Mekong). 1

3 Engage 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 teaching 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. In Phnom Penh Nathan has built up many long lasting relationships with locals who live both in and around the temples who are more often than not happy to have their pictures taken. This approach offers one of the best chances for a photographer to become more than just a tourist looking on, and instead, someone engaging with local people and in local life. It is this which sets Nathan s tours apart: they stand out as offering a really rich and exciting experience for participants, including the occasional accompanying non-photographer. Silk Island 2

4 Mixed or Advanced Ability? 2 tour itineraries for 2 different levels We now offer 2 different scheduled weekend trips that meet the needs of photographers with varying abilities. Weekends labelled as Mixed Ability include introductory workshops from Nathan s studio, and these tours work at a gentler pace to allow plenty of time for instruction and teaching whilst out on field trips. These tours will be run by one of the team photographers if Nathan is away on a longer tour. Weekends noted as Advanced Ability will not spend any time in the studio. On the Saturday participants can look forward to a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Phnom Penh including its back streets, markets and temples. On Sunday we go further afield for great day out to Kompong Chhnang which includes a visit to Cambodia s largest floating village. We then move on to a village set amongst sugar palm trees and paddy fields which has some very photogenic potteries where you can see potters at work. Wat These tours might be run by one of the team photographers if Nathan is away on a longer tour. 3

5 Mixed Ability The two workshops and two field trips are designed to give you a very good introduction to understanding both travel photography in general and Cambodian culture in particular. The workshops are sit-down sessions in Nathan s studio where much of the real teaching is done. The field trips will provide a very stimulating environment in which to practice what has been taught in the morning. Both the tours and the workshops are suitable for DSLR users and those with advanced compact cameras with some manual controls. Phnom Udong 4

6 Mixed Ability Highlights { Wat Phnom { Central Market { Wat Ounalom { Local Markets { Riverside { French Quarter { Royal Palace (Dancing Hall) { National Museum { Golden Temple { Silk Island { Weaving Communities { FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) Wat Ounalom 5

7 Saturday Workshops This is a general overview of how to take technical control of your modern digital camera. If you have spent a fair chunk of money on your camera and you are still using it on the Auto setting, then you are not getting the best out of it. This workshop teaches you in an efficient way how to work with your camera in the many and various situations you will experience whilst traveling. All the basics are covered, but the real emphasis is put on taking creative control of your camera. Sag Kandal Market Saturday Walking Tour of Phnom Penh The Saturday trip involve a walking tour of the local environment starting at Wat Phnom and taking in the many local markets and temples of the riverside quarter. We finish outside the Royal Palace for our sunset shoot followed by sundowner drinks at the conveniently located FCC (Foreign Correspondent s Club). 6

8 9

9 Sunday Workshops In these workshops we introduce 8 points of good practice to think about when considering travel photography: eg. how do we approach the subject, look for the shot, compose the picture? This is not a technical class. It comprises an aesthetic overview of what we need to think about before we press the shutter. Some of the areas we look at include light, framing, rules of composition and colour. We then talk about developing a good ethical attitude, including the best way to approach complete strangers in a foreign country, and how to take engaging portraits without upsetting them. Sunday Field Trip The Sunday trips to Silk Island again gives us good opportunity to practice what was taught as we visit very friendly communities based on a relatively small island sited in the Mekong River. We visit local Wats (temples), meet villagers and silk weavers in a very personal way. Silk Island is only a few kilometres outside Phnom Penh and we travel by tuk tuk and car ferry. Silk Island 8

10 Advanced Ability The advanced ability tour assumes a certain familiarity with your camera and that you know the difference between an f-stop and a shutter speed. However during the tour Nathan will constantly be at your side offering you tips on getting the best out of each and every situation and/or answering any questions you might have. The tour itself is designed to provide you with both a stimulating environment in which to practice and also send you home with a great set of images. Kompong Chhnang 9

11 Advanced Ability Highlights { Royal Palace { Silver Pagoda { Local Market { Russian Market { S21 (Genocide Museum) { Killing Fields { FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) { Kompong Chhnang { Floating Village { Clay Pot Village { Sugar Palm Studded Paddy Fields { Sunset views over Udong Harvesting morning glory near Killing Fields 10

12

13 Saturday Field Trip We will include many of Phnom Penh s highlights inc, Royal Palace/Silver Pagoda, S21 Museum/Killing Fields, Central Market, Wat Phnom from a photographic perspective and will often take in a few back street temples and markets along the way. Sunday Field Trip This full day trip will take you to the floating village at Kompong Chnang. Life is lived right on the water here and you will take a small local boat to have a close up view. In the afternoon you will visit nearby villages where you can see the local potters at work. In the villages and surrounding countryside you will experience life as it is lived in the paddy fields and amongst the sugar palm trees. Kompong Chhnang

14 About Nathan 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 including 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 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, National 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 6 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. 13

15 Tuition The tours noted as Mixed Ability are for photographers wanting to expand their knowledge of travel photography and will help both novice and experienced photographers alike, capture very special images. Uniquely the Mixed Ability tours will include introductory workshops that cover both the technical and ethical issues of travel photography very specifically orientated towards photographing people. National Museum The tours noted as Advanced Ability does not include workshops as most of the teaching is done on location. Nathan constantly works alongside you, to help you understand particular technical challenges, give you artistic inspiration and most importantly lead by example in approaching local people. 14

16

17 The Group In Phnom Penh we will never run a tour with more than 8 photographers. 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 participants 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. Vispasana Centre, Udong 16

18 Reviews Past participants say it all: I have done two trips with Nathan, one in February 2012 around Cambodia, and another in April 2013 to Burma. Both exceeded expectations in every respect: well organised, didn t have to worry about transport or accommodations. We somehow arrived at the important places for photography at the right time of day, and often without any, or too many other tourists. Nathan s guidance shows the fact that he has been living in Phnom Penh for several years and is able to get the best out of the South East Asian environment. I learnt so much, being pushed beyond my comfort zone, but in a very pleasant way. Top marks! Don t hesitate, have a cool experience and try something new. On top of the scheduled locations there was always something extra happening... Alison Ryde, Trip Advisor review 2013 Nathan is awesome. Don t hesitate. My girlfriend and I just did the 4 day Angkor Wat tour. What can I say? All expectations blown away. If you are considering doing something with Nathan, don t hesitate. Book it. Four of my most precious travel days ever. Jon Bauer, Trip Advisor review 2012 Given special mention National Geographic Traveler 2010 Listed as a top ten photography holiday around the world UK Guardian Newspaper Travel Section Sept 2011 Described as comprehensive Lonely Planet 2012 Highly recommended Luxe Guide Cambodia and Laos 2012 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2012/2013 Trip Advisor Over 95% 5 Star Reviews - In the top 10% of world wide businesses I booked a tour with Nathan based solely on the reviews here on Trip Advisor - and then wondered how it could possibly live up to the hype. All I can say after completing the tour is that it does - it more than does. Trip Advisor review 2012 A great experience of the Real Cambodia Based on Nathan s beautiful portfolio I had high hopes for the trip and the images and experiences on the trip actually exceeded my expectations. Flemming Bo Jensen 2011 Professional photographer 17

19 How to Book Please 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 your deposit has been received your place will be fully confirmed. At the moment we can only receive overseas payment via Swift Code. Full details of how to pay will be found on your invoice. Riverside, Phnom Penh 18

20 What to Bring Your best camera, be it a DSLR 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 polarising filter { 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. { A rain cover for your camera and one for yourself are recommended, and are essential during the rainy season. { A sun hat and sun screen { Waterbottle Kompong Chhnang 19

21 Dates and Prices Phnom Penh weekends take place every weekend of the year unless otherwise stated on the calendar. Dates: All weekends listed below will be run by Nathan Horton: 1st - 2nd June (Mixed) 15th - 16th June (Mixed) 29th - 30th June (Advanced) 27th - 28th July (Mixed) 17th - 18th August (Advanced) 7th - 8th September (Mixed) 5th - 6th October (Advanced) 12th - 13th October (Mixed) 9th - 10th November (Mixed) 14th - 15th December (Mixed) All other weekends not listed above will be run by one of our other professional photographers: either Charles Fox or Conor Wall, both of whom are long-term residents of Phnom Penh (4 Days) Dates for 2014 can be reviewed via the calendar on the website. Please contact us if you require information. Prices: Rainy season (May - September) $250-2 day weekend $150-1 day High Season (October - April) $300-2 day weekend $170-1 day $85 - Half day workshop $85 - Half day field trip The Small Print Inclusions: { All teaching (2 workshops on mixed tour) { Photography guidance { Transport (A/C car or minibus or tuk tuk) { All entrance fees { Printed presentations (mixed tour) { Free tripod hire { Free water Exclusions: { International travel to Cambodia { Any kind of insurance { Drinks and meals { Other personal expenses, e.g. laundry, phone calls, gifts etc. { Tips for local guide and staff Payment and Cancellations: A 25% deposit must be made at the time of confirmation. Full payment of the remaining 75% to be paid 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 will be transferable to another tour date. Insurance: Please understand that Nathan Horton is not an above the line tour operator. 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. 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. Accommodation: No accommodation is included in the prices quoted above for these tours. However, we are happy to offer competitive special rates at a variety of hotels in Phnom Penh, to suit your budget. Please make any requests related to accommodation on the Tour Request Form which is under the contact link, to the right-hand side of this web-page. 20