Join acclaimed photographers Albert Normandin and Marc Koegel for this very special photographic tour to Myanmar (Burma).

With 15 trips over the last 14 years, Myanmar has stolen Albert’s heart and it will not let go.

Here are some of Albert's thoughts about Myanmar:

Once you arrive you in Myanmar, the first thing you will notice are the golden temples, pagodas, and stupas dotting the countryside everywhere you look, I mean everywhere. With the warm tones of the landscape and the rich sunsets, Myanmar lives up to its name “The Golden Land”.

Myanmar is predominantly a Buddhist country. In their daily lives, the people strive and pray for peace, happiness, and kindness. You will soon feel the warmth of these wonderful people.

Like many countries in Asia, Myanmar has wonderful landscape, historical sites, markets, festivals, etc… But what draws me back, again and again, is the beautiful, peaceful culture. It not been destroyed by outside influences yet. A visit to Myanmar is like going back in time.

I never imagined I would find a country that I would feel completely comfortable in, but then I found Myanmar. It is the safest country I have been to, by far. I come to Myanmar to find peace and happiness.

Albert Normandin

During this 13 day photo adventure, Albert will share his passion for what is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and photogenic places in the world. In fact, National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow proclaimed, “Myanmar is the most photogenic place that I have ever photographed.” 

Myanmar is a world treasure because of its warm-hearted, smiling people who make it a truly magical photography destination for capturing candids and compelling portraits of locals, including monks. The Burmese like being photographed!

Even though the people are reason #1 to visit Myanmar, it’s bursting with cultural heritage and literally thousands of gilded pagodas spread across the country, offering countless opportunities for architectural shots as well.

Myanmar is also one of the safest travel destinations in the world, despite the distorted impression the media gives recently. Please read the article below (after instructor bios and detailed daily agenda) for more information. 

For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, please click below.

What's included in this Photo Adventure:

• Single Room Hotel Accommodation
• Breakfast is included at hotels or breakfast box supplied if early flight or early travels.
• Flight ticket(s) as mentioned in the itinerary
o Flight from Yangon to Heho
o Flight from Heho to Mandalay
o Flight from Bagan to Yangon
• Porter fees at the airport in Myanmar where guide service is booked
• Current fuel surcharges are included
• Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary / Boat to Mingun
• English speaking throughout guide
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (24seater) with flexible timing
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
• Admission and zone fees according to itinerary

What's NOT included in this Workshop:

  • Flight to and from Yangon International Airport
  • Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses
  • Travel insurance (this is highly recommended) and personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned above as included

Group Size:

  • A minimum of 6 and a maximum of only 8 (!!) participants

Please feel free to contact Marc directly anytime with your questions.

To read more important details, click on the 'More Details' panel below.

About Your Instructor: Albert Normandin:

Albert Normandin was born and raised on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. He did escape to New York City to work for the legendary Jay Maisel. After 3-1/2 years with Maisel, Albert returned to Canada to commence his own photographic career.

In his 34 years in business, he has specialized in advertising, corporate and industrial assignments. His client list includes Air Canada, Beck’s Beer, Century 21 Real Estate, Canada Post, Caterpillar Inc., Fuji Film, General Motors, Tourism British Columbia, Tourism Vancouver, and Wired Magazine.

Albert’s career also includes a long list of international awards, book projects, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and speaking engagements.

His commercial work has supplied him with the fuel for his own personal projects. Which have included extensive travels to Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. But his current addiction is Myanmar (Burma). With 15 trips over the last 14 years, Myanmar has stolen Albert’s heart and it will not let go.

Albert knows Myanmar intimately.

His passion for Myanmar can be seen in his photographs:
Albert Normandin Myanmar

A story of Peace:
Peace and Happiness

Main website:
albertnormandin.com


About Your Instructor: MARC KOEGEL:

Marc Koegel is a Vancouver, B.C. based fine art photographer, educator, writer and director of Vancouver Photo Workshops. His black and white long exposure landscapes, nudes and architecture photographs have been widely exhibited in Vancouver as we as internationally in the US and Europe.

Born in Germany, Marc first came to Canada in 1996 to earn an Economics degree. He has been seriously involved with photography ever since he was given his father's camera and darkroom setup at the age of 12.

Marc's fine-art Photography has been awarded several international awards such as the IPA, PX3, Spider Awards, ND Awards and Epson Pano Awards. He has a very strong background in teaching, having taught 1000's of students in the classroom, on-location and online since 2002.

Marc has worked and studied with many internationally acclaimed photographers, including Joe McNally, Greg Gorman, Jay Maisel, Arthur Meyerson, Mary Ellen Mark, Ralph Gibson, David Hume Kennerly and Jon Cone from Cone Editions Press.

www.marckoegel.com

Please feel free to contact Marc directly anytime with your questions.


Detailed Itinerary:

 

DAY 1: YANGON (LUNCH/DINNER)

After clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will wait for you at the arrival hall of the Yangon International Airport. Welcome to the Golden Land, where countless an-cient monuments, an exotic cuisine, a diverse culture, unique encounters and - last but not least - incredibly friendly locals await you.

Transfer to your hotel and check in.

Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay's brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended. In 2005 the capital was moved from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw, however, Yangon re- mains the cultural and economic center.

Overnight in Yangon

DAY 2: YANGON (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Enjoy a full day of photography in Yangon.

You may start your tour in Yangon with a visit to the famous Botataung Pagoda, which is located at the water front. In comparison to most other pagodas in Myanmar, this is only one of a few pagodas where visitors can actually go inside.

BOTATAUNG PAGODA: This ancient monument was completely destroyed during WWII. It was then rebuilt in a very similar style to its predecessor, but the zedi is hollow and one can walk inside.

Depending on your interest, you might explorer the neighbourhood of the Strand Hotel which still features a lot of colonial style buildings. China Town is not far away and there are many authentic outdoor street markets which can be a sight to be seen all on its own.

Apart from these local street markets a visit to the most significant market in Myanmar is worth a visit as well: the popular Scott Market where you can observe Burmese and foreign visitors alike negotiating prices for the objects of their interest.

SHWEDAGON PAGODA: The highlight of any visit to Yangon, this pagoda dates back over 2,600 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the centuries. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold leaf, which is continuous- ly being replaced.

Overnight in Yangon

DAY 3: YANGON - HEHO - NYAUNG SHWE (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DIN- NER)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Yangon airport and flight to Heho together with your guide. Arrival at the Heho airport and transfer to Nyaung Shwe. On the way you can have a stop at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, which is famous for its oval windows.

Enjoy the rest of the day while you discover Nyaung Shwe and its surroundings. Nyaung Shwe is the gate way for visiting the Inle Lake. It consists of one main thoroughfare with numerous side streets and a few parallel roads. The main street has numerous shops, several restaurants, a few stupas and a market (located behind the storefronts). Near the end of this road, a bridge crosses the river channel near an impressive mirror- tiled stupa.

The town serves as a marina for the numerous long boats carrying tourists into the lake. The lake itself is located a few kilometers south through a river channel.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

DAY 4: INLE LAKE - NYAUNG SHWE (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Right after breakfast you will proceed to the jetty in Nyaung Shwe and hop into the boats which will take you to Inle Lake, for of excursions around Inle Lake.

Inle Lake is located in Shan state. The lake is dotted with islands and there are 17 stilt villages. They are inhabited mostly by the Intha people, who carry on time honored lifestyles much as their grandparents did. Farmers still grow crops using traditional methods. Beautiful floating gardens and entire villages that are built on stilts above the water.

Five-Day-Market: These bustling markets around Inle Lake are mostly of interest for the variety of different products offered, mainly grown on the floating gardens. Additional local color is added by the presence of the different tribal groups such as the Pa-O, who come from far and wide to sell their items. The market rotates between different vil- lages over five days.

Paung Daw Oo Pagoda: This complex is the holiest religious site in the southern area of the Shan State. It hosts five gold-leaf-covered statues, of which three are Buddha im- ages and two are reportedly Arahats (historical disciples of the Buddha). The gold leaf on the figures has become so thick that the images have become almost unrecogniz- able.

In the afternoon, land transfer to Mine Thauk village. Half of the village of Maing Thauk is set on dry land, while the other half sits on stilts over the water, linked to the shore by a 450-yard wooden bridge. You can continue walking uphill to a peaceful forest monastery for good views over the lake. Maing Thauk is accessible by boat and road.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

DAY 5: INLE LAKE - NYAUNG SHWE (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

After breakfast you will proceed by boat to Indein, which is located on the South-West- ern end of the lake. After boating to the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the village of Indein.

Take a walk around the village, passing a local school, and head to a covered stairway leading to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area, where ancient stupas are partly hidden in the vegetation.

In the afternoon we will drive to the town Aye Thar Yar. It is located on the foothills to the surrounding mountains. You will find the big central market on the busy main road through town, as well as rolling side streets to wander with the locals.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

DAY 6: NYAUNG SHWE - HEHO - MANDALAY (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/ DINNER)

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Heho airport and flight to Mandalay together with your guide. Arrive Mandalay airport, transfer to the hotel and time for some first dis- coveries in Mandalay.

Mandalay was the last capital of Myanmar before the British took over so it still has great importance as a cultural center and historically it is the most Burmese of the country's large cities. Mandalay's Buddhist monasteries are among the most important in the country about 60% of all the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area. The city takes its name from Mandalay Hill, the 236m-high bluff that rises just to the north- east of Mandalay Fort and its royal palace. Riverboat, trishaw and foot are still the main methods of transportation here; and water buffalo still work in the fields. Stories tell that Buddha foretold a great city of Buddhism would be founded at the base of this hill. In 1857, King Mindon chose to fulfill the prophecy by establishing a new kingdom. After the British occupied the city in 1885, the fort became the colony’s government house and British Club. Mandalay Museum and Library contain fine examples of art and historic palm-leaf manuscripts.

Overnight in Mandalay

DAY 7: MANDALAY (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Should you agree to get up really early, you would have the great chance to experience the daily life at the Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura. As the monk`s day starts early, you need to depart from the hotel at about 04.45 am.

Please note that due to its beauty and size, the monasteries are very popular among foreign visitors. However, most tourists go there during the lunch time for the monks (around 10:45 am). In order to avoid the crowds, your guide strongly suggests visiting this unique place in the early morning hours. It is worth the effort and you will experience a truly unique atmosphere.

Contrary to popular believe, the offering of food is not a charity. Rather, it is a show of respect for the monks as they as seen as the spiritually enlightened. It is a practice of giving without seeking anything in return. After the visit, you can enjoy sunrise at U Bein Bridge. Again you would be able to enjoy the view without the crowd of tourist.

After lunch, visit Kuthodaw Paya that has been dubbed 'the world's biggest book', for standing around the central stupa are 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the en- tire Tripitaka to offer great photo opportunities.

Sunset at Mandalay Hill.

Take an easy climb up the sheltered steps to enjoy panoramic views over the palace, Mandalay and the paya-studded countryside. The famous hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the buildings on and around the hill in the years after the founding of the city.

Overnight in Mandalay

DAY 8: MANDALAY (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

There’s something magical about sunrises in Mandalay that has a few good places to ob- serve them included Mahahamuni Paya.

Mahamuni Paya was originally built by King Bodawpaya in 1784 when a road paved with bricks was constructed from his palace to the paya's eastern gate. The center piece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni image that was transported to Myanmar from Mrauk U in Rakhaing in 1784.

You will visit a district which is famous for its craftsmen and stone carvers, offering great photographic opportunities.

Just a boat ride away along the Ayeyarwaddy River is the little town of Mingun, which boasts some of the most impressive pagodas in Myanmar. You will be amazed by the ru- ins of the enormous Mingun Paya - never finished, its size would have dwarfed all con- temporary pagodas.

Equally as grand is the Mingun Bell, a 13-foot tall bronze bell weighing 90-tonnes. The ancient Hsinbyme Pagoda in all its white beauty is also there to discover.

Overnight in Mandalay

DAY 9: MANDALAY - BAGAN (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

You will depart from the hotel and proceed by vehicle from Mandalay via Myingyan to Bagan. The driving time will be approximately four hours, with numerous stops for pho- to shooting on the way.

Bagan is one of the most spectacular temple sites of Asia, in quality to be compared with Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Borobodur in Indonesia. Unlike Angkor, which is covered by jungle and forest, Bagan is a vast, empty plain, nestled in the curve of the Ayerwad- dy River, where you can see thousands of stupas and temple ruins as far as the eye can see.

After your arrival in Bagan in the afternoon, feel free to discover some of the temples and pagodas of that vast area. You will not be able to visit each and every temple and pagoda of Bagan, hence, your visit features a selection of the most significant struc- tures.

Overnight in Bagan

DAY 10: BAGAN (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today you will discover some of the most impressive temples and pagodas in Bagan. You should not miss Ananda temple, Dhammayangyi temple and Shwezigon pagoda.

Sunset will be enjoyed at Lawkananda Pagoda as well as the local activities on the riverbank.

Optional: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN: Today, you have the chance to take off in a hot air balloon to drift over the scores of Buddhist temples scattered across the vast dusty plains of Bagan. Depending on the weather condition the flight usually lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. All balloons of Balloons over Bagan were produced by Cameron Balloons Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hot-air-balloons. The opera- tion crew consists of qualified pilots and technicians who are all registered in Great Britain.

Overnight in Bagan

DAY 11: BAGAN (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

This day will give you the chance to experience the real local life in the villages of Cen- tral Myanmar.

In the early morning we will drive an hour to Chauk, which is known for its huge local market which is hardly visited by any tourists. From there you will proceed to Salay, where you will visit an old wooden monastery and a couple of impressive colonial build- ings.

Around noon you will proceed to Mount Popa, where you can enjoy lunch at the Popa Mountain Resort, which offers a spectacular view over the plains of Central Myanmar.

Mount Popa is considered to be the home of Myanmar's most important nats (spirits). Visitors usually ascend up a winding covered staircase encircling the mountain, ob- served by the curious monkeys that populate the area. At the top is a monastery and temple complex, with shrines to the 37 nats and a spectacular view over the region. However, we do not recommend climbing up, as the view from the resort is spectacular enough and the stairways are considerably dirty.

On the way back to Bagan, should you wish, you can stop at the remote villages en route. These villages specialize in on agriculture, specifically harvesting juice from Tod- dy Palm Trees.

Overnight in Bagan

DAY 12: BAGAN - YANGON (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Transfer to the airport and flight back to Yangon.

According to your interest and remaining time, you can explorer some more places in Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon

DAY 13: YANGON (BREAKFAST)

Transfer to the airport for your departure from Yangon.


Reasons Myanmar Still Belongs on Your Photography Bucket List
from Apogee Photo magazine - May 25, 2018

It was only a few years ago that National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow proclaimed, “Myanmar is the most photogenic place that I have ever photographed.” That’s saying quite a lot from such an accomplished photographer who has worked all over the world.

Nothing has changed in that regard, but due to the conflict in remote Rakhine State, photography enthusiasts in the West have jumped to the conclusion that Myanmar is a dangerous place to visit, which could not be further from the truth.

The following article explains why Myanmar is still one of the safest places to travel anywhere in the world, plus points out reasons why Magnum photographer Steve McCurry still loves it and continues to visit. McCurry has taken his own photo tour groups to The Golden Land every year for well over a decade, including early in 2018.

IT’S SAFE!
While news reports over the forced expulsion of Rohingya people in a far off corner of a vast country are quite disturbing, they are NOT a reflection of the much larger reality – the fact that Myanmar remains one of the friendliest, most welcoming, and safest travel destinations anywhere in the world. Safer than Thailand, safer than Cambodia, safer than Vietnam, safer than India, even safer than England, France, Italy or the United States.
Violence against a traveler in Myanmar is extremely rare.

Even theft is quite rare. Soe Soe Lwin of Luminous Journeys Travel & Tours has spent nearly two decades as a travel agent in Burma, and during that time has had only one case theft reported by a client, and zero violence. There have no cases of camera gear theft, which cannot be said for many other popular photography destinations.

Except for a decline in visitor numbers since the conflict, tourism in the Golden Land continues 100% as normal. Fewer tourists should be seen as extra incentive for the travel photographer, not less.

A Question of Ethics?
Safety issues out of the way, what about the ethical question? Of course no one wants to support an immoral military, but truth be told, the generals in charge are not the ones who suffer if you decide to stay away. Their personal financial interests in tourism are a drop in the bucket compared to their vast holdings. Those who will actually suffer are the everyday people who – now more than ever – earn their livelihood and support their families through tourism. The most ethical way to stand in solidarity with the hardworking people of Myanmar is to visit them, not to avoid them.

Edwin Briels, managing director of Khiri Travel Myanmar, has been working in the country for over twenty years. Recently he told TTG Asia:
“The ‘ethical thing’ for tourists to do now is not to give up on Myanmar….
The government has always been very concerned about the safety of foreigners visiting the country and it is impossible to accidentally travel to a restricted area. I do think that Myanmar continues to be one of the safest places on earth to travel. Continue to visit the country in a sustainable way to support all people from all races and religions.”

And lest the reader think it’s only travel professionals with a vested interest who are encouraging travelers to keep coming, please consider the case of Mark Farmaner. Mark is the director of Burma Campaign UK, and a long time, very vocal critic of the military:

“Anyone choosing to avoid holidaying in Myanmar is making a personal moral choice, which they are free to do, but it won’t do anything to help the Rohingya.”

In fact, it won’t do anything to help anyone. Including the visiting travel photographer, who would unnecessarily be missing out on one of the great photographic and cultural experiences on the planet. And that’s no hype. Just ask Steve McCurry.

SURREAL LANDSCAPES AND HISTORICAL GRANDEUR
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon stands some 325 feet tall and is covered in over 50 tons of gold. It has been the spiritual center of Myanmar for over 2,500 years, and every Buddhist in the country strives to make pilgrimage at least once during their lifetime.

Photographically speaking it’s perhaps best as a backdrop from outside the temple grounds, as it can be seen from all over the city. Getting perspective when close is difficult, but many early evenings monks can be seen climbing and cleaning it, which adds a sense of scale. But there is a lot to see and shoot around the great pagoda.

There are numerous temples and Buddha pavilions where locals worship with candles and incense, as well as monks and nuns. A good photographer can spend many hours here, and visit multiple times without ever getting bored. I have yet to see the consummate photo essay on Shwedagon & environs, so you could be the first!

The 2,220 temples of Bagan make up one of the great archaeological sites of the world. The once Royal City of Bagan was the capital of a vast Southeast Asian kingdom that flourished as the world center of Theravadan Buddhism for nearly a thousand years. When the light is right and the mist or dust is rising, it borders on the surreal.

While it’s true that climbing the temples was banned in 2017, there are viewing mounds in four locations. In addition, you are free to roam the vast temple area on your own, either on foot, e-bike, horse carriage or car. The place is dotted with little monasteries as well, and there are working villages within the Bagan zone growing crops and herding goats and cattle.

Other places of note that fall under this heading, are the many thousands of golden pagodas all over the country; the Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo; the U Bein Bridge at Amarapura, the rarely visited but fascinating eastern Himalaya; karst limestone formations, rice fields and Buddha caves of Hpa An; the massive, earthquake split temple of Mingun on the Irrawaddy River near Mandalay; the multi-colored checkerboard flower and vegetable fields of Aung Ban; the rice terraces of Kyaing Tong; the virtually virgin 808 tropical islands of the Myeik Archipelago; and very much more…

MONKS AND NUNS AND MONASTERIES
There is no other country where Buddhist monks in maroon or orange robes or nuns in pink are so much a visual part of daily life. Every morning in cities, towns and villages around the country monks make their alms rounds, collecting food and small amounts of money as they walk single file along streets, paths and rice paddy berms. These lines can range in length from just a few to several hundred monks during a special event, such as the Ananda Pagoda festival in Bagan.

Mandalay has the largest number of monasteries and monks, and you see them not only on alms rounds, but throughout the day performing more mundane duties like shopping in a vegetable market or mobile phone shop, or even playing football.

Nuns in pink robes, which are unique to Myanmar, are not as numerous or visible as their male counterparts, and only go on alms rounds once a week or so.

THE MAGIC OF LAKE INLE
Photographically speaking, Inle is most noted for its unique Intha fisherman but is also inhabited by several other tribal groups, including the Pa O. The Intha get around the shallow lake by rowing their skiffs with one leg wrapped around an oar, and fish by dropping conical baskets to the lake bed. Both the baskets and the rowing style, along with reflections from the water and a mountain backdrop make for some striking image making.
The very early morning is the best time to catch the fishermen, especially during December and January when mist rising from the water can create ethereal sunrise light and a feeling of mystery.

Hundreds of temple ruins near the market village of Indein, whose origins are still a mystery, are always worth a visit. There are also Buddhist temples and monasteries on the lake itself, villages built on stilts, and floating gardens of assorted fruits and vegetables, including 70% of Myanmar’s tomatoes.

Other photo ops include cottage industries like umbrella making, cheroot rolling, lotus silk weaving, and rice pasta making.

While some complain that the lake is becoming over-touristed, this is far from the case. It’s a big lake. On the whole, Myanmar is vastly under-touristed, and Inle is no exception. At least so far! While the engines of local longtail boats can seemingly wreck the peace at times, all you have to do is get off the beaten waterways by canoe and vanish into the smaller garden sloughs. It’s there that you find remarkable tranquility as you paddle through hidden villages and meet and photograph the friendly locals.
Although the word “magic” is overused in the descriptions of the lake, there truly is something about the place that is profoundly affecting and never quite leaves you.

UNIQUE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
Not only is Yangon probably the friendliest major city in the world, but it’s also one of the great unsung locations for unique and striking street photography. While the city is undergoing a building transformation with new hotels and shopping centers going up, (along with numerous British colonial buildings being restored to their former glory), Yangon is still largely a decaying masterpiece for the street photographer, providing a rich tapestry of backgrounds and anachronistic settings. Within the settings are of course the diverse and welcoming people going about their daily lives.

Burma is reminiscent of India for street photography, (especially in India town!), but without the level of pollution and intensity and the difficulties that come with it. Call it, India light. Mandalay is also excellent for street photography, and is the unofficial monastery capital of Myanmar.

It’s clear the largest (and poorest) country in Southeast Asia still has an inimitable abundance of impact image making possibilities for the travel photographer. It’s also clear that Myanmar is still a very safe place to travel, and its people are still among the friendliest and most welcoming anywhere in the travel universe. If ethical qualms remain, please consider the actual effect of staying away, as opposed to the merely symbolic.

No doubt Myanmar belongs on every travel photographer’s Bucket List, on or near the top!

Pre-Requisites

Level:

Intermediate/Advanced. Must be comfortable with personal camera operation and have a basic understanding of photography techniques and terminology.

Enrollment:

Maximum 8 participants.

What to Bring

Equipment Needed:

Bring your camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens.
Tripod is beneficial
Optional: additional lenses, tripod and filters such as ND and Polarizer.

We Provide:

Workshop description as outlined above

Discounts

Early-Bird Discount:

Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.

Group Discount:

A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.

Refunds

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.

For our Photo Tours (national and international), the following charges will apply:

  • If you cancel up to 3 months before the tour start date and we can fill your space, your reservation (or deposit) fee will be refunded
  • There is no additional cancellation fee up to 8 weeks before the start of your tour
  • From 8 weeks to 4 weeks before the tour: 25% of your balance
  • From 4 weeks to 1 week before the tour: 50% of your balance
  • From 1 week to 72 hours before the tour: 75% of your balance
  • If you cancel within 72 hours of the start of the trip, no refund can be paid
  • Transaction charges incurred on accepting and refunding payments will be deducted from the refund amount
  • In the (unlikely) event that we cancel the Photo Tour, all monies paid will be refunded in full

We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance to guard yourself against monies lost due to unavoidable cancellation by either party.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.

Please note: An administration charge of $50 applies to all refunds

Read complete refund and liability policy

"We had a great trip to Norway Marc. I really appreciate all your care and personal attention. I came home inspired, filled with energy to continue to deveklop my photograophy further."

"I have take over a dozen workshops and photo tours, and yours was the best experience I've had to date. I have never received so much honest personal attention - you made me a better and more thoughtful photographer."

"The trip to the Lofoten with you was an unforgettable experience. My only critique is that it ended too soon."

"Marc you are a natural born teacher, and better yet, your photographs are amazing and inspire me to get outside and shoot."

"Marc, thank you for a very beneficial and enjoyable class. I sincerely appreciate your dedication to your students."

"Thanks Marc for your insight into long exposure photography and the constructive criticism of my photos. I'm very proud of the photos I now have and could not had achieved this without this class."

"In case, it's not obvious enough....THANK YOU MARC!!  Much gratitude for all your insightful teaching, instructive crits, and great access...all made me a better photographer!"

"Marc, earlier this fall I took your Long Exposure Workshop and ended up with a number of prints I quite like. I went off to practice on Pender Island and ended up with an image that did well in the local camera club competition. So thanks for your contribution."

"Hi Marc, I wanted to let you know, I won a merit award in the B&W single image contest. Please let me know when you have another Long Exposure Workshop shooting in a different location. Thanks."

"I really apprceiated the video tutorials and video feedback of everyone's images. I learned so much and got inspired seeing what the other participants photographed. In addition to your PDF handouts it made for a truly multimedia learning experience. My only criticism is that I wish the course would have lasted longer -:) Thank you Marc."

"Your workshop has been a wonderful learning experience. And has taken me a step closer to the kind of photography I love the best. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you yet again for this opportunity."

"I’ve really enjoyed your teaching and the techniques in producing this dramatic style of photography. Thanks for putting this course together and being able to go through and comment on each and every photo submitted."

Read more testimonials.....

Class Start Date Fee Seats Available: Location Instructor Registration
13 Day Photo Adventure October 30 to November 11, 2021

USD$ 5950
Deposit: USD$ 1000

5 only Myanmar (Burma)

Albert Normandin & Marc Koegel

Click Here to Register