Itinerary
Our itinerary
Our photo expedition to Myanmar (Burma) will introduce photographers to the “Real Asia”, a country largely untouched by western influence. Our culturally sensitive tour includes visits to photogenic locations including Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.
Thursday 11th November – ARRIVAL YANGON – KYAIKHTIYO (GOLDEN ROCK)
Arrive to Yangon International Airport by morning flight by TG 303 at 08.45 hrs. You will meet your tour guide after clearing immigration and customs control at Yangon International Airport. From Yangon Airport, drive via Bago to Kinpun “base camp” (194 km – 5 hours). Lunch at a simple local restaurant en route or at the camp.
Continue to Kyaiktiyo (the Golden Rock), a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaves and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. From Kin Pun, a steep and rough 11-km dirt road leads to the upper staging point, a journey made in open trucks, which can be very crowded. In the afternoon, take a local truck up a bumpy track about half way up the mountain. (Private trucks are available at extra costs – please ask your guide to arrange). From the “upper area” travelers must walk the final stage (approximately 4 kilometers – 45 minutes) up steep paths, which ascend some 500 meters to the Golden Rock. As an easier alternative to walking (approx. 45 minutes), visitors can be carried in sedan chairs by four porters at an approximate extra cost of US$ 10 per person. On arrival, watch the beauty of a sunset at this important pilgrimage site. Accommodation at Golden Rock Hotel, Kyaikhtiyo. (Deluxe room)
Meal included: Lunch
Important note: The region around Kyaikhtiyo is still undeveloped for most aspects of tourism. Diethelm Travel will endeavour to obtain the best available accommodation, transport and facilities for guests, but would ask for their understanding for any practical aspects that do not come up to expectations and for delays or changes in the itinerary.
Friday 12th November – KYAIKHTIYO – BAGO – YANGON
Breakfast at hotel. Early Risers: A great opportunity to see the sunrise! Return to Bago (110 km – 3½ hours). Sightseeing includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is over a thousand years old. Its spire is even taller than the one of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda. The 55-meter-long reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha image is among the country’s most revered. Lunch at Hantharwaddy Restaurant in Bago. Continue to Yangon (84 km – 1½ hours). En route visit the Allied War Graves Cemetery near Htauk Kyan and a tree shrine dedicated to legendary animist spirits known as “Nats”. Accommodation at Chatrium Hotel, Yangon. (Superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Saturday 13th November – YANGON – BAGAN
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Yangon Airport. Domestic flight (approx. 0630/0750 – direct) from Yangon to Bagan. From the airport, start visiting the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, which is Bagan’s most important reliquary shrine – look out for images of the 37 ‘nats’ housed in a small hall. See 13th Century frescoes adorning the corridors of Kyansittha ‘Cave’ Temple. Continue to Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi In village), another ‘cave’ temple with fine frescoes of the ‘Jataka Tales’. Next stop is Htilominlo, the last Bamar style temple built in Bagan, with old murals and friezes. Visit the Taungphi village to see old monasteries, which have beautiful Khone Baung dynasty frescoes. Then, pass through Tharaba Gateway into Old Bagan. Check into your hotel late morning. Lunch at The Beach Restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit continues to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery from the early Bagan era with well-preserved murals. Make a photo stop at the tallest temple measuring 61 meters – Thatbyinnyu known as ‘temple of omniscience’ and dating from 1144. Continue to Mingalazedi, the last of the large Pagodas built in the 13th Century, representing the pinnacle of Bamar pagoda architecture. Enjoy sunset at one of the monuments along Ayeyarwady River. Accommodation at Thande Hotel, Bagan. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sunday 14th November – BAGAN
Optional morning program: Diethelm Travel is offering a unique opportunity to see the ancient city of Bagan from a different perspective. With ‘Balloons Over Bagan’ you get a magnificent birds-eye view of thousand year-old pagodas, temples and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. The champagne flights at sunrise last just under one hour and take off daily from October through March. The balloon is guided by gentle winds not exceeding 24 km/h. Eight passengers plus a pilot fit into the balloon’s basket.
Breakfast at hotel. Today we have time to explore the Myinkaba village area either bicycle or horse cart. First we visit Gubyaukgyi Temple admiring the fine stuccowork. We continue to Nanpaya temple, built in the Mon style with intricate stone carvings, and said once to have been Manuha’s residence. See the four Buddha images in Manuha Pagoda and later stop at Myazedi stupa to see Myanmar’s “Rosetta Stone”, bearing inscriptions written in four languages. Lunch at Sunset Garden Restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit to Moe Moe Lacquer ware factory to watch craftsmen skillfully making this most famous of Bagan handicrafts. After that visit to Abeyadana Temple with frescoes representing Bodhisattvas and the gods of Indian mythology. Continue to Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170 that is famous for its interlocking mortar less brickwork. Next, visit Sulamani, one of Bagan’s great two-storied Bamar style temples, which has 4-seated Buddha images. Observe a sunset in the vicinity of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Accommodation at Thande Hotel, Bagan. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Monday 15th November – BAGAN
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, visit Damayasaka temple, built in 1196 A.D, the biggest pentagonal base stupa in Bagan. Continue to Lemyethna Temple, topped by an Indian-style spire similar to Ananda. Then, visit the three shrines of Payathonzu (if open), which are connected by passages adorned with Mahayanist or Tantric mural paintings. Visit Katthapha Paya, which was built in early 13th century in the Sri Lankan style. Visit to Nandamannya Temple with fine frescoes and an unexpectedly erotic mural. Take a break from temples and wander through the village of Minnanthu to see how the local people live. Lunch at Eden BBB Restaurant.
In the afternoon visit Lawkananda Paya, a cylindrical shape Pyu style from the 11th century. Then, visit East & West Phet leik which is believed to be built in 11th century with 550 Jataka Terra-cotta plaques. Continue to Seinyet Ama another temple from the 11th century. There are frescoes of 550 Jatakas and floral designs on the interior wall. Beside of the Seinyet Ama you can see Seinyet Nyima Stupa which was built in 11th century with tree terraces at the base in beautiful Bagan style. After that visit to Soemingyi Monastery which was built in 12th century, a good example to see how the monks used to live and study Buddhist Scriptures. Observe a sunset in the vicinity of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Accommodation at Thande Hotel, Bagan. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday 16th November – BAGAN – MANDALAY
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Bagan Airport for domestic flight (approx. 0805/0835 – direct) from Bagan to Mandalay. From the airport, start your morning sightseeing tour of Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda with its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves. Stop to see stone carving and, later, to see gold leaf being beaten into wafer thin pieces. A visit is also made to a craftsman’s workshop to see Kalaga tapestries being created. Visit to Jade Market where many size of raw Jade are on sales and can see Jade cutting. Although market is opened all day, busiest time is in the morning around 7 to 10. Check into your hotel late morning. Lunch at Golden Duck Restaurant.
Mid afternoon, you’ll take a trishaw ride to Kuthodaw Pagoda. See the ‘world’s largest book’, being the Buddhist Scriptures inscribed on marble slabs. Then, visit Shwenandaw Monastery, an ancient wooden building with intricate carvings, which was once King Mindon’s home and Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda to see a large Buddha statue carved out of a single block of local marble. At sunset visit Shwe Kyin Monastery and observe the evening prayers. Accommodation at Red Canal Hotel, Mandalay. (Run of the house)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wednesday 17th November – MANDALAY – MINGUN – SAGAING – AMARAPURA
Breakfast at hotel. A boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun about 11 km (one hour each way) upriver from Mandalay. The boat trip (approx. 1 hr – up river trip) is interesting because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Visit the Mingun Bell, weighting 87 tons and being the world’s largest intact bronze bell. Continue to the beautiful Hsinbyume Paya and the unfinished Mingun Paya (built with the intention of being the world’s biggest pagoda). Then return to Mandalay and proceed by car to Sagaing. Lunch at Sagaing Hill Restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit picturesque Sagaing Hill, where hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. This is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. Return to Amarapura via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers. Then continue to the 150-year-old U Bein teak Bridge, built in 1851 at the time when Amarapura was the royal capital. Walk over U-Bein Bridge, which is over a kilometer long and enjoy spectacular views at sunset. Return to Mandalay. Accommodation at Red Canal Hotel, Mandalay. (Run of the house)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Thursday 18th November – MANDALAY – KYAING TONG
Early bird: After an early wake up, drive in downtown where watch the beautiful scene of monk’s procession along the road accepting the alms offering. You can also see the local life and why not take a tea or a light breakfast in a typical tea shop. A unique Mandalay scene hiding behind the early morning light.
Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure until transfer to Mandalay Airport for flight on Yangon Airways or Air Bagan flight at (approx. 1240/1430 hours – via Tachileik) from Mandalay to Kyaing Tong. Packed lunch is included.
Arrival in the afternoon at Kyaing Tong Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. A short drive through Kyaing Tong takes us to Lake Tong, the centre of the city. A nice path goes around the lake and we can walk along. Make a photo stop towards the huge standing Buddha. Accommodation at Princess Hotel, Kyaing Tong. (Superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Friday 19th November – KYAING TONG & HILL TRIBE VILLAGES
Breakfast at hotel. This morning we drive out of Kyaing Tong, north west direction. The road takes us through Kattauk village and then to Pin Tauk village, about 1 ½ hours by car. In Pin Tauk village, Akkha and Lahu people have converted to Baptism and they have built a church in the middle of the village. The Akha are the largest minority in the Kyaing Tong area and surely the most colourful. We park our car at Wan Ping village and start our trekking tour. After about 15 minutes walk we already arrive at the first Akkha village, Wanpin, where people still dress in their traditional costumes. The Akha are famous for their women’s striking headdresses, which resemble heavy silver helmets. They consist of rows of heavy silver baubles, interspersed with beads, which are sewn on a bamboo cap. Akha embroidery is extremely intricate and includes panels of diamond and geometric shapes. The village has only a few houses and people welcome visitors with open arms. We might will be invited for a cup of tea. We walk a bit outside of the village and have a packed lunch under a shady tree.
The village we visit next, Wanlar, is only about 20 minutes walk away and the path is not very steep. The Akkha in this village have converted to Catholicism or Baptism. They are famous for their technique of hunting birds and if we are lucky, we can watch villagers making the simple but efficient traps. A steep path leads us up to the first Ann village, Nat Min Khaung, the walk takes about 30 minutes. People in this village are still animists, are dressed in their traditional black costumes and they paint their teeth black. In their believe, it is better to be black from the outside and have a pure heart.. We continue our trek to another Ann village, another 30 minutes walk, Wan Mai, which is very nicely located on a plateau overlooking the rice terraces, surrounded by shady trees. When we enter the village, we will see the shrine, where they sacrifice before they go hunting. Just next to it there is an other shrine with a Buddha statue, which was sponsored by the government, to convince the villagers to convert to Buddhism. However until today, they are still animists. 1 ½ hour walk back to the car through rice and vegetable fields. Drive back to Kyaing Tong. On the way we can make a short stop at Wan Kam, famous for its rice win production. Accommodation at Princess Hotel, Kyaing Tong. (Superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Saturday 20th November – KYAING TONG – HEHO – INLE LAKE
Breakfast at hotel. This early morning we visit Kyaing Tong market – a fascinating place to soak up the local atmosphere. On the big wet market all kinds of vegetables, rice, fruits, meat and fish are sold. Also minority people come to town to shop or to sell their goods. For the Akkha’s the many silver shops are of special interest as there they can buy the silver coins to make their very unique headdresses! We can stop at one of the noodle shops and enjoy a typical Shan breakfast with Shan noodles and a cup of tea. If time permitting we can stop at Wat In – a Khun-style temple or at the more “Myanmar” style Maha-Myat Muni temple. Also a pottery and a blacksmith shop can be visited. Lunch at Pan Kabar Thai Restaurant.
Transfer to Kyaing Tong Airport for flight on Yangon Airways or Air Bagan flight at (approx. 1445/1540 hours – direct) to Heho. Transfer from Heho Airport down into the valley to Nyaung Shwe (approx. 1h drive) on the edge of Inle Lake and board your own local boat to take you to your hotel. Accommodation at Myanmar Treasure Resort, on the lake. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sunday 21st November – INLE LAKE – SAGAR – INLE LAKE
Breakfast at hotel. Today, enjoy a full day boat trip to the southern part of Lake Inle (approximately 1h30 to 2 hours back and forth depending on your hotel location on the lake). Visit one of the 5 days rotating markets at Taung To (on market day only) on the way. While driving through Kyauktaing you may stop to visit a small pottery production center. The village of Kyainkham near Kyauktaing is famous for the production of fibers made out of Lotus trunks. These fibers are mainly used to weave Robes for the monks. You will leave the lake and continue through a narrow channel to the southern part of the lake. Arrive at Thakong and enjoy your lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Thakong Pagoda. Continue to Sagar village, which was once a Shan Prince village. Walk through this quiet village, talk to the villagers and visit the remains of some old pagodas. Not much has changed over the centuries. You may also stop a local rice wine distillery. Return by boat back to Nampan, then to your hotel. Accommodation at Myanmar Treasure Resort, on the lake. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Monday 22nd November – INLE LAKE
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy boat trip on Inle Lake – a photographer’s dream, its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to which scenic high hills provide the perfect backdrop. This morning visit to the village of Ywama – to see the famed colourful floating market (on market day only). By visiting 5-day markets, clients will get insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha inhabitants who came to these markets to sell their goods. On market day, Ywama floating market is traffic jam of tourist boats and souvenir hawkers, with a few local farmers trying to see their vegetables to a few local buyers. The approach to Ywama is quite beautiful, despite the market scene. You pass through floating fields where the Intha people grow everything from vegetables to flowers. The fields make an unusual and picturesque sight. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Lunch at Orchid’s Restaurant.
Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. Also see traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop. Pass endless floating gardens, where fruit and vegetables are grown. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake. One can see ancient Buddha statues which are more than 200 years old. The beauty of sunset over Inle Lake enchants all visitors. Accommodation at Myanmar Treasure Resort, on the lake. (Deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday 23rd November – INLE LAKE – HEHO – YANGON
Breakfast at hotel. Leave your hotel by boat to Nyaung Shwe and then transfer to Heho Airport. Domestic flight (approx. 0925/1020 – direct) from Heho to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, proceed to to the colonial style buildings downtown and drive throuhg the Chinatown area and the Indian quarter. Photo stops at the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years and makes a useful landmark in downtown Yangon. Lead by our knowledgeable guides you will explore the lively streets with uncountable street vendors and teashops on the sidewalks as well as the colonial buildings constructed in the early years of the 20th century. Take a 30 to 45 minutes ride on the circular train. Opened in 1961, the train carries an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people a day, starting and ending at the Central Station in downtown Yangon. The circle train will throw you into life the way the locals live it, and it’s a great way to participate without being obtrusive. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.
The tour continues to Chauk Htat Gyi, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo stop at the Karaweik Hall royal floating barge. An extended visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, famous worldwide – its golden stupa is the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offerings at Shwedagon, and it’s a fascinating place to spend time watching the world go by. Accommodation at Chatrium Hotel, Yangon. (Superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wednesday 24th November – YANGON – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel. This morning tour concentrates on different types of markets. You will be able to experience the locals bargaining and trading their products in sometimes hectic atmosphere. While Scott’s Market is a must for almost all tourists, some of the other markets like the Indian Market or the Vegetable & Fruit Market still kept their original vibe and a your visit will be a great opportunity to enlarge your impressions of an original Myanmar. A stop at Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on Holidays) gives you the opportunity to see Myanmar’s wide range of handicrafts.
After lunch at Sky Bistro Restaurant, drive to a selection of Art Galleries, Interior Design and Antiques shops. There is a surprisingly high amount of very talented painters and artists in Myanmar. Some of them are known internationally. Then transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure flight TG 306 at 19.40 hrs to Bangkok.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Notes:
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Travel to Kyaing Tong is recommended only during the dry season from November to April. In March and April it is very hot and one must bring good sun block and a sun hat. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water, which will be provided during the trip!
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The area is known for its heavy monsoon which makes travel very unpleasant, almost impossible from May to October!
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A trip to Kyaing Tong must be regarded as an adventure tour because of the prevailing travel conditions: bad roads, simple vehicles with No air conditioning, very simple restaurants and hotels. Meals during the trekking tours will be packed lunch, normally rice, chicken, vegetable or fruits.
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Accommodation is very simple. Power cuts happen very often and the hotels are allowed to use the generator only from 6AM until 11PM. It is therefore advisable to bring your own torchlight.
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It can be quite cold in Kyaing Tong and therefore one requires warm clothing
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Since the trip includes trekking, one needs good walking shoes
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Please note that villages change and roads can suffer damage in the rainy season – exact itinerary is therefore subject to changes.
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The area around Kyaing Tong is new to tourism and not many have travelled here. The hill tribes have lived, and still live, their lives traditionally. Since this is the main attraction of this area, we kindly ask your co-operation in preserving the villages. Please do not bring pens, candy, T-shirts etc. as gifts for the villagers.
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To ensure that the area stays untouched and beautiful, please do not leave garbage on the way or in the villages. Take the litter back to your hotel where you can dispose it.
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If you would like to give some support to the hill tribes, you can bring them soap or salt, which they can not produce themselves. You can either buy these items on the market before you start your trekking tour, or you can ask your guide to buy it for you.
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You can also make a donation to the Roman Catholic Mission in Kyaing Tong, which supports development in over 100 villages around Kyaing Tong.
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Tours to Kentung are only operated in small groups due to the limited transport and hotel availability.
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It is essential that all guests visiting Kyaing Tong are fully aware of travel conditions as described above.
Tour Leaders
The Tour Leaders
The Myanmar Photo Expedition will be led by professional photographer Gavin Gough. As well as providing participants with an insight into the local culture and customs, Gavin will share his knowledge and experience, helping you to make the most of the opportunities and to capture the very best images possible. Daily tuition is available to those who seek it and evenings are often spent discussing post-production techniques, critiquing images and enjoying photographic and software tutorials.
“Our aim is for our tour participants to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experience, whilst capturing images that they can be proud of.”
Gavin Gough
Gavin Gough is an independent, freelance travel photographer. Originally from England, Gavin is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, from where he travels extensively, working on assignment, on commission, creating stock images, writing and teaching.
“As a travel photographer, my studio is the world outside my door and the only equipment required is a camera and a willingness to look for new perspectives. Lighting comes courtesy of whatever is available; sun, sky, tungsten and neon – travel photographers have access to it all. We are not restricted by subject or location, only by an obligation to record the world we see with honesty and compassion. More than just exotic locations and wild adventures, travel photography is about seeing our surroundings with fresh eyes and childlike enthusiasm.”
Gavin Gough works primarily as a freelance photographer, working on assignment. He has been commissioned by a variety of NGOs, humanitarian and charitable institutions and has completed commissions for organisations as varied as Sony, Vanity Fair magazine and the Vietnamese Tourist Board.
Gavin produces stock photographs for Getty and Lonely Planet images. His vibrant stock collection includes images from more than forty countries which have been reproduced in hundreds of newspapers, magazines and books and are regularly featured in publications such as National Geographic, Geo, Vogue, The New York Times, The Guardian, and many more. His stock images have appeared on everything from postage stamps to magazine covers and billboards.
When time permits, Gavin contributes articles of words and pictures to several photographic and trade publications, relating his travel experiences and offering technical and career advice to enthusiastic photographers around the world.
Terms & Conditions
Our Terms and Conditions
We hope that you will enjoy your time on our Photo Expedition. In association with our local contacts, we make every effort to ensure that the tour runs smoothly but ask you to appreciate that the itinerary is necessarily flexible. Locations and timings may vary depending upon prevailing local conditions. The following terms and conditions should cover most potential situations but please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or comments.
Payment:
A deposit payment of US $550 is payable at the time of registration to secure your place.
Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy:
Clients are subject to the following charges in the event of cancellations. The fee depends on the number of days notice provided before the programme begins, as follows:
More than 60 days before the tour commencement date: 10% fee.
30-60 days notice: 30%.
15-30 days: 50%
. Fewer than 15 days: 100%
Cancellation fees apply to tour costs only and not to transfer flights, which will be refunded according to the airline’s cancellation policy.
Notification of cancellation by either e-mail or phone is acceptable but must be followed by written confirmation.
In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel a tour, as much notice as possible will be given and a full and immediate refund of the deposit will be made.
Travel Insurance:
All tour participants are required to obtain full and comprehensive travel insurance, which must include evacuation and cancellation cover. The policy duration must extend for thirty days beyond the intended conclusion of the tour. A copy of the policy schedule must be submitted to Gavin Gough prior to departure
Liability Waiver:
Participants will be required to sign a standard Liability Waiver form before the tour commences.
Responsibility:
Gavin Gough and his agents and representatives accept no responsibility for loss, damage, theft or injury to person or property resulting from the actions of Gavin Gough or his associates, their agents or any persons who provide services for the tour. Camera equipment and other possessions remain the responsibility of the owner at all times. Gavin Gough reserves the right to withdraw or conclude the tour at any time or to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time, for any reason.
Health:
It is the responsibility of the client to inform Gavin Gough of any potential health issues at the time of booking. Agreement of these terms and conditions indicates that you certify that you do not have any physical or other conditions that may hinder your participation in the tour or which might present a potential risk to yourself, the tour organiser or other tour participants.
Acceptance:
Payment of a deposit constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Testimonials
My Testimonials
The opportunity to spend time with enthusiastic photographers is always one that I’m grateful for. When those photographers who have joined me for workshops, classes and photo tours feel moved to convey their appreciation, that’s the icing on the cake. Here’s a small selection:
“I had an amazing day. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, insight, and experience with me. I really think this workshop made me grow as a photographer, and as a person. I have started to walk a bit more slowly, talking more with people and getting to know them better before bringing up my camera (the results were amazing). By the end of the day I have new friends and interesting stories to tell, not to mention a better knowledge and understanding of the place and its people.” Daniel Torres
“It was such a memorable experience… Your golden tidbits of instruction have stuck with me since our time together. Thinking about things differently and digesting your teachings has been empowering.” Linda Sykes I’Anson
“I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Gavin is delightful company; incredibly experienced and your photography can only improve when you spend time with him.” Marco Ryan (Read Marco’s full review)
” I feel that I know my camera so much better and I am trying out new ideas every weekend. I felt entirely comfortable asking questions and making comments. All sessions were excellent. I would be happy to recommend this course to others, let me know when you are planning another.” Jane Monks
“I think the course was absolutely fabulous. I have recommended it to many and should you consider to do more I will endorse every aspect. You were thorough, professional and enjoyable. The fieldtrip was incredibly helpful, even for those of us with some experience.” Penny Fournel
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the workshop, it was incredibly informative and was great to see the way you work. It has certainly given me lots of ideas to stretch my creativity when I am feeling “stuck”, and I just wanted to say thanks for sharing.” Sally Slack
