Cambodia: Ancient Temples, Floating Villages

As we move to Cambodia, the group gets immediately immersed in the life of the local folk on the floating villages of Tonle Sap.  These hearty people have built their entire existence around fishing from the lake.  Their homes either float or are built on stilts and they even keep a supply of regular farm livestock for dietary variety in floating pens as well.  Here are a few examples of the daily activity on the lake.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

One of our guests Carolyn gave each child a small ring as a gift and it helped us get  wide smiles that were great to photograph.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

   Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

On the tour, we cover the floating village experience in two days because our guests love it so much.  There is so much to shoot and the lake is very large so we visit several locations to get the best shots.

These two children were out practicing their seamanship near the shore of the lake at their home.  They become comfortable with water life from a very young age and quickly become expert at catching fish or shrimp and drying it for long-term storage.  Cooking is done on small fires inside metal containers inside the house.  They want smoke from the fire to fill the house because the smoke treats the thatch walls and roof so bugs will not eat it or live in it.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

 Another awesome part of Cambodia that we visit is the temples at the Angkor complex.  These shots are from Angkor Wat.  The first one was an in-camera HDR shot on a Canon 5D MKIII.   The results are truly amazing.  The shot needs no post processing and looks this good.  Give yours a try if you can.

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

 

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This costume is prevalent in Thailand and Cambodia because of their similar heritage.  It was shot in low light so the ISO needed to be higher to capture a clear image but as you can see the detail in the shot is still good.  This was a great place for our guests to practice their low light skills and have an excellent meal too.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This man was in charge of bailing while his group rode in to town from their floating village.  They make occasional trips like these to get supplies and to buy livestock.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

At Ta Prohm, old trees have overgrown much of the temple site.  It makes for fantastic pictures.  Every year, this area has become more commercial and more boardwalks are erected.  If you want to see this stunning area in it’s original state, you should make the journey as soon as possible.  The longer you wait, the more that will be “fixed” for tourists and the less photogenic it will be.  This is one reason we offer this trip every year and encourage others to go soon.

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Many people have seen Monks in this region.  How many have seen female monks though?  We took our guests to this village where predominantly female monks gathered for their morning meal.  It’s a unique shooting opportunity for all our guests.   These female monks wear white gowns rather than the traditional saffron color wraps common to male monks.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

  

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This man was working to restore a part of the female monks village that was damaged.  He liked seeing the camera display with his picture on it and he posed for more pictures.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8,  Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

We visited a local market where folks can buy anything from clothing to fresh produce to cooked meals.  One of our guests Hal tried the fried grasshopper and said it was good.  “Like buttered popcorn” he said.  You can get great photos when you interact with the locals doing their daily work.  Here are some shots of the market.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Do any of you who have gone with M&M Photo tours on this trip recognize this face?  Hint: local lady, eats grasshoppers with us, speaks fantastic English, fits in a suitcase… She’s on Facebook if you want to look.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8,Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Making noodles at the market.  Great skill too.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8,Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8,Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express  

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8,Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This trip is all highlights.  As you can see from this and the previous 3 posts there are more photo opportunities per minute than just about anywhere in the world.  There is so much to shoot that some guests have chosen to do the trip twice just to get the great shots they were missing while getting a great shot.  You almost need 360 degree lenses to get it all.  On average, guests shoot at least 10,000 shots on the trip and most shoot many more.  Space is limited because of its popularity but remember that we also offer private tours.  If you are longing to see Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, give us a call and whether on a private group or a regular tour, we will make it happen!

Good Morning Vietnam

After an awesome shoot in Laos, our group moved to Vietnam to continue our frame-making joyous journey.  This land is full of great places to shoot including terraced rice paddies, hill tribe folk, Ha Long Bay, and the Tay Ninh region.  But this first shot comes from a tribe near Sapa.  These ornate headdresses confirm tribal status and make for some great photos

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/320, f/4, ISO 400, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

The Sapa region is one of the unspoiled treasures in Vietnam.  Only a few options to get there but the journey is a must if you want to see village life and capture it for yourself.  This Lady was instructing her grand-daughter when we arrived.  She gave us a quick tour of her place and was very proud of her new sewing machine.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/500, f/4.5, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

You have heard of bringing home the bacon?  This is how you bring home the poultry… on your scooter!  These birds are still alive, bought at market, then taken home to the family farm.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/320, f/9, ISO 200, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This family was making corn wine in a giant indoor still.  Grandma was in charge of the kitchen and supervised the whole operation.  Children and grand children all do their part.  No sampling for our group, but the family did offer.  Great folk who are generous to even the strangest of strangers.  It was dark in here, so it was great to have a fast and reliable lens to get this photo.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/80, f/4, ISO 2000, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

In Saigon while shooting some local pagodas, we came across this couple on their wedding day.  Their own local photographer was struggling so we decided to help them make some good memories.  We made sure the bride and groom got copies of these pictures for their happy day.  That makes two wedding shoots in one trip!  We also shot a funeral during our time here.  Always make the most of your opportunities and don’t be afraid to try these activities even if they are new to you.  It builds your photo skills and makes the locals happy too.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/100, f/22, ISO 1600, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

 While we were in Saigon, proceedings were underway for the funeral of a Great Vietnamese general and dignitaries from all over came to pay their respects.  This man was happy to show his pride in service

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/640, f/4.5, ISO 400, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

In Hanoi, (AKA Scooter City) you take your life into your own hands every time you enter the street.  Scooters are everywhere and no one obeys the traffic laws.  This officer was mad at our pedal taxi driver for trying to use a closed street.  It was a scary ride, but well worth the photos.  Be sure to roll some video if you take this ride.  it will be a guaranteed hit at your photo party later.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/400, f/2.8, ISO 640, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This photo was taken with a long exposure at Sward Lake in Hanoi.  A tripod was used to be sure to make the image steady and sharp.  When you travel, always take along a Benro Travel Angel or similar tripod that is lightweight and quick to set up.  It needs to fit on the side of your bag and in the overhead storage of the plane too.  The travel angel also converts to a monopod as well.  Fun shooting at night, but bring good equipment when you go.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/3, f/2.8, ISO 200, Lexar Digital Film, Clik Elite Pro Express, Benro Travel Angel convertible travel tripod

No trip to Vietnam is complete without seeing the Cao Dai temple.  You will never find a better place that begs photography and has culture saturated in every image.  This ceremony is open to the public (with limits).  The colors are fantastic and the sounds are awesome as well.  Video and stills are both a must here.  These shots also make great black and white images or sepia toned frames.  It is well worth the drive from Saigon.  If you do HDR (High Dynamic Range) at all, you will want to try some here.  The outside pic is “in-camera” HDR.  Also, bring a wide lens so you don’t miss the edges since the building is very large and long.

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/125, f/4, ISO 800, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/80, f/4.5, ISO 800, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ 70mm, 1/320, f/16, ISO 200, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This is a great shot on the way to Ha Long Bay.  There are many fields and many workers to photograph.  Don’t forget to do as our guest pro Ron Wyatt says and “zoom with your feet”.  Most folk roll up in a car and snap one out the window.  Those lazy people didn’t get this shot.  You need to interact with the locals and they are happy to see what you are doing just as you see what they are doing.  Show them the images and they may even make a suggestion for a better picture.  Many have good English skills too.  Regardless, make an effort.  The two best things a photographer can do is go to the image (don’t shoot from afar) and to be patient for the right image (watch cars, background, subject blinking, etc.)

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/640, f/4, ISO 200, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This is the top of our boat in Ha Long Bay.  We stayed overnight on the boat and had private meals catered.  You can too!  Join us early for this trip though.  It always fills up fast because it is a true gem.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/250, f/10, ISO 200, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This is more Ha Long Bay.  The view is from a cave entrance that we visit.  Many of these mountain islands have monkeys on them as well and can make great wildlife shots.  The cave is huge and well worth the 225 stairs to visit.

Canon 5D MK III, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/60, f/5.6, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This guy was winning but likely due to his full concentration.  They did not even seem to notice four of us shooting them.  Some of the bystanders were coaching us for shots and coaching the players for a win.  Great culture shots of daily live in rural Vietnam.  This village has pottery makers, a clay water pipe business and several reburial casket makers.  Of course agriculture is a strong influence and some even deal in exotic meats.  These photos tell the story.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/50, f/5.6, ISO 640, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/200, f/6.3, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/120, f/4, ISO 640,  Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/640, f/4, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Villages also offer the opportunity to visit the local schools and see how the children learn.  This girl was the obvious champion in this game with equipment made from bicycle inner tubes cut to strips and tied together.

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/320, f/13, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

Canon 5D MK III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, 1/320, f/13, ISO 640, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Lexar Digital Film, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

From here, we take a short flight to Cambodia to see the famed Angkor complex and the floating villages of Siem Reap.  Stay tuned to see how the tour ends with a bang in this ancient wonderland.  Take extra memory cards on this part of the trip. You won’t want to miss out an any of these shots. The weather is hot, but the photography is even hotter!

Introduction to Cambodia

One of our favorite places to visit on earth is Cambodia.  The people are so kind, the food delicious, the photography and history inspiring, and the ease and cost of travel in country are affordable to many.  We believe Cambodia is an under-appreciated photography and tourist destination and we work hard to expose as many people as possible to what the country has to offer.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 24mm, 1/90, f/4, ISO 500, BlackRapid RS-7, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

Let us share a bit about Cambodia that will hopefully help you understand her history and plan to enjoy a visit.  Most Cambodians consider themselves Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its peak between the 10th and 13th centuries.  Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline.  The king placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became part of French Indochina in 1887.  Following the Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953.  In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns.  At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot.  A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside and began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war.  UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government.  Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability.  The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999.  Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been tried or are awaiting trial for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal supported by international assistance. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him.  Local elections were held in Cambodia in April 2007, with little of the pre-election violence that preceded prior elections. National elections in July 2008 were relatively peaceful.  Cambodia is a multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 24mm, 1/15, f/8, ISO 100, Tiffen Grad ND, BlackRapid RS-7, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

Cambodians consist of 90% Khmer, 5% Vietnamese, 1% Chinese, and 4% other.  Religiously they are 96.4% Buddhist (the official State religion), 2.1% Muslim, 1.3% other religions, and 0.2% are unspecified.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 28mm, 1/60, f/4, ISO 2000, Tiffen Grad ND, BlackRapid RS-7, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

Since 2004, garments, construction, agriculture, and tourism have driven Cambodia’s growth. GDP climbed more than 6% per year between 2010 and 2012.  The 2012 per capita GDP for Cambodia was $2,400 – the 2012 USA GDP was $49,800. The garment industry currently employs more than 335,000 people and accounts for more than 75% of Cambodia’s total exports.  In 2005, oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia’s territorial waters, representing a potential revenue stream for the government, if commercial extraction becomes feasible.  Mining also is attracting some investor interest and the government has touted opportunities for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems.  The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year since 2007.  However, Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in Asia and long-term economic development remains a daunting challenge, inhibited by corruption, limited educational opportunities, high income inequality, and poor job prospects.  Approximately 4 million people live on less than $1.25 per day and 37% of Cambodian children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition. More than 50% of the population is less than 25 years old.  Much of the population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the countryside, which also lacks basic infrastructure.  The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country’s many pressing needs; more than 50% of the government budget comes from donor assistance.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 24mm, 1/60, f/6.7, ISO 250, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, BlackRapid RS-7, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia’s demographic imbalance.

Canon 5D Mark III, Sigma 70-200 OS @ 70mm, 1/800, f/5, ISO 2000, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

Each visit we make it is pleasing for us to see progress being made for the people of Cambodia.  International travelers from all over the world visit key sites and contribute to the local economies.  Unfortunately, large portions of revenues from the prized Angkor complex, one of the highest grossing tourist sites in the country, are sent to Vietnam as payment for their help in repelling the Khmer Rouge – an example of the saying that “Freedom is not free.”  Even with that we see Cambodia’s future as bright and on the rise.

Canon 5D Mark III, Sigma 70-200 OS @ 147mm, 1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 800, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express, Lexar Digital Film

We hope you’ll join us for our October 2013 visit to Cambodia.

Laos – an introduction

We visit Laos every October.  It is the start of our annual Indochina tour where we also visit Vietnam, and finish the tour in Cambodia.  We are often asked why we visit Laos.  Not too many photo tours do.  The answer is simple.  Classic Indochina images, Monks, simple lifestyles, kind people, great food, and the opportunity to capture people in their natural setting doing things they do every day.  We also contribute to the tourism industry and through our images bring Laos to the world.  Our guests are pleasantly surprised after the visit and often state “I would have never imaged such great images could be captured here.” and “The monks and local people and markets are the highlights of the visit.”

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 82mm, 1/25 (handheld), f/4, ISO 5000, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen UV filter, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

Let us tell you a bit about Laos – modern-day Laos is a little bit larger than the state of Utah and has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM.  For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos.  After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina.  The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand.  In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam.  A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988.  The country is landlocked and shares significant borders with Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 105mm, 1/200 f/4, ISO 4000, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen UV filter, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

The country consists of the following Ethnic groups: Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26%.  We spend a lot of our time photographing the Hmong and many minor ethnic groups that inhabit the hills and countryside.  From a religious perspective Laos is made up of the following: Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5%.  We also spend a lot of time photographing the monks of Laos and observing their daily rituals.  One of which is the daily procession of ‘Giving of The Alms’ where people line the streets to give food and other items to the Monks (and the poor children) to help them live.  It is an awesome expression of humility and peace.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 35mm, 1/320, f/5.6, ISO 400, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen UV filter, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986.  The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking – growth averaged 6% per year from 1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997.  Lao’s growth exceeded 7% per year during 2008-11.  Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.  It has a rudimentary, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal land-line telecommunications.  Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts.  Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and 75% of total employment.  Economic growth has reduced official poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2010.  The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydro-power, mining, and construction.  Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing.  The GDP per capita was approximately $2800 in 2011 – as point of reference, in 2008 the US per capita GDP was approximately $48300.  Approximately 26% of Lao’s people live below the poverty line making Laos the world’s 49th poorest country.

Canon 5D Mark III, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS @ 128mm, 1/100, f/3.5, ISO 1600, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen UV filter, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

Why give you this background?  Simple – for all the hardships Laos may face her people are happy, kind, and open.  The country is beautiful and offers excellent photographic opportunities.  As we bring guests here every year we notice that growth is taking place.  We like to get off the beaten path and that is easy in Laos.  It is one of the few places we visit where we get to ride the national symbol – the elephant – through the jungle.

Canon PowerShot G15 @ 28mm, 1/200, f/2.8, ISO 160, Lexar Digital Film, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

In addition, you come into contact with budding business people like this young girl who was such a gracious host as we visited her as she worked her loom in her village a couple of hours outside Luang Prabang along the Mekong River.  She sold several handmade scarfs to our group.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 32mm, 1/100, f/5.6, ISO 400, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen UV filter, Black Rapid Sport strap, Clik Elite Pro Express backpack

A recent guest from New York state gave a group she was speaking to the following feedback on her trip with us: ” This is a PHOTO TOUR…not a sightseeing, shopping, strolling, relaxing tour.  You’re up early shooting vistas at dawn and asleep late after shooting the night markets…you’re racing to catch planes, buses and trains that take you to non touristy, out of the way areas, you will see things you NEVER imagined and you will come home with the unbelievable photographs to prove it!  If NOTHING is more important to you than capturing the images you want…then call M&M PHOTO TOURS and book your next amazing photographic adventure today!  You will NOT be sorry!  I HIGHLY recommend them!!”

We hope you’ll join us in October 2013 as we head to Laos again.  For details please visit http://www.mmphototours.com/Store/tabid/80/CategoryID/39/List/1/Level/a/ProductID/46/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName the simplicity of life and the images you come away with will amaze you.

Indochina 2012 tickler

Canon 5DMKIII, Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS @ 60mm, 1/400, f/8, ISO 800, Tiffen Digital HT Polarizer, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

The above image is titled “6 Faces” and is from The Bayon in Angkor Thom in Cambodia.

We visit Indochina (Laos, Vietnam, & Cambodia) every October.  This is one of the best times to visit the region because the rainy season has just finished, the heat is not too oppressive, and the tourist rush has not hit yet.  We love the region and this trip is ALWAYS one of our highest rated tours annually.

In this brief post we just want to give you a peek of what is to come in our upcoming posts about the trip.  We’ll Blog about our visit to each country and share our images and trip stories with you.  Hope you look forward to 3 great posts and some compelling stories to go along with the images.  To quote one of our happy guests this year “I have literally never seen anything like this before!  It was a life changing trip, to say the least.  Mike Gulbraa thanks again for a truly amazing experience!  M&M Photo Tours really delivered in every way.” A. Tompkins NY, USA

Laos – is all about the people and the simple but happy life they lead.  The first image below is of the Monks of Luang Prabang collecting Alms early in the morning and poor and/or orphaned children kneeling “asking” the Monks to show mercy on them by sharing a small portion of what they collect:

Canon 5DMKIII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS @ 104mm, 1/10, f/22, ISO 1600 (handheld in very low light), BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

We next went to Vietnam and spent a wonderful week in country and came away with some awesome memories and images.  The first image here is of a little girl in a market in the hills near the Chinese border a few hours away from Sapa.  Colorful and such a simple, innocent look.  The eyes and innocent face make the image.

Canon 5DMKIII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS @ 200mm, 1/64, f/4.5, ISO 400 (handheld), BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

This next image illustrates that the rice harvest n Vietnam is still done mainly by hand by many people.  This woman took a break to catch her breath as I fired away trying to capture the essence of her work.  The scythe in her hand, the bunch of fresh-cut rice, her clothes to protect her from the sun, and the vast rice field surrounding her tell us a story and what her task is.

  Canon 5DMKIII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS @ 137mm, 1/160, f/9, ISO 200, Tiffen Digital HT Polarizer, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

The highlight of the trip each year is our visit to Cambodia.  Don’t get me wrong, Laos and Vietnam are awesome.  There just seems to be an extra something about our visits to Cambodia and the experiences and images we come away with each year.  Case in point – the floating villages outside Siem Reap always impress our guests and we always see something new.

Canon 5DMKIII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS @ 70mm, 1/1600, f/5, ISO 800, Tiffen Digital HT Polarizer, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

And then there is always the allure and mystery of the Angkor complex temples like Ta Prohm where the jungle battles the man-made edifices and the power of Mother Nature is evident in the massive roots entangling and swallowing up many sections of the temple.

Canon PowerShot G15 @ 35mm, 1/60, f/2.8, ISO 80, BlackRapid Sport, Clik Elite Pro Express

We hope this post gets your attention and you’ll look forward to the following posts about our visits to the three countries in the coming weeks.  Thanks for following us and letting us share our experiences and images with you.

More faces of Indochina 2011

Things have been so crazy – always is this time of year – since returning from Indochina (Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia) that we haven’t posted much from the trip.  We always enjoy this trip.  We have spent so much time in Asia in our lives it is like a second home to us.

Just a quick post and images to show the many faces and people of the region.  M&M strives to give our guests BOTH an awesome photography experience AND cultural experience.  There is no better way to connect culturally than with the people of where you visit.  Watch what they do, what they eat, how they work, how they interact – watch and photograph everything they allow you to.

It is hard to find a more hardworking and humble people on earth than in this region of the world.  Life is not easy for them but they do not let it keep them down or bring any negative aspects to their interactions with guests in their respective country.  They lead a simple life and are simply kind.

Nothing epitomizes simplicity more than monks.  I captured these two walking in a light rain just after sunrise in Luang Prabang.  Love the contrast in the image – the old, weather-worn and stained wall against the vibrant orange of the robes and the gold vs. black umbrella.  Also like the motion of the image.Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @200mm, f/4.5, ISO 1000, 1/640, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

The mother and son team below were out early heading to the market when we visited the Floating Villages outside of Siem Reap.  The image grabbed me because of the colors, shadows and the absolute need for the boy to get his work done.  Have been testing the Sigma 7-200 f/2.8 and think it did a great job on the trip and with a shallow depth of field in this image.  Scenes like this play out all over Indochina.Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @200mm, f/2.8, ISO 250, 1/2500, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

Images like this are all over the Floating Villages in Cambodia – just waiting to be captured by you.  The simplicity of life is the essence of how these people live.Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @200mm, f/5, ISO 800, 1/400, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

Contrast that with life in Vietnam – much more fast paced whether you are in Hanoi or Saigon.  This young woman was sleeping on the job at Hanoi’s Central Market – it was hot, the store stalls are small and it is crowded. Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @200mm, f/4, ISO 1000, 1/100, Lexar Digital Film, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

What do they eat for breakfast on the street in the Old Quarter in Hanoi?  Pho’ – yes, even for breakfast and it is awesome yummy eats. Our guide took us to one of the most famous places so we could try ourselves.  Can this young woman be wrong?Canon 5DMKII, Canon 24-105L @105mm, f/4, ISO 1000, 1/125, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

How does one get his/her haircut in Hanoi? Many visit “stalls/booths” like this one below.  Yep, face the little mirror and let the barber work his magic.  You can see Mike G’s blue shirt and part of his cheek in the reflection of the mirror.  Who has time to go to the salon?Canon 5DMKII, Canon 24-105L @32mm, f/6.3, ISO 400, 1/200, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

But, get back into the countryside of Vietnam – like north near Sapa and Lao Cai – and you’ll run across small villages with basket makers like the man below who brings out the life in your images with his eyes and beard.Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @200mm, f/4, ISO 500, 1/125, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

Just as a bit of foreshadowing for the next post about the trip we’ll leave you with the following image from Banteay Srei Temple which lies outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia and is considered by many one of the best temples of all Angkor temples.  The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, is built of red sandstone, and has some of the most elaborate decorative carvings of all Angkor carvings which have endured 1100 years of wear and tear.  I spent a lot of time this trip working the carvings, reliefs and stone work of Cambodia.

Canon 5DMKII, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 @180mm, f/4, ISO 320, 1/160, Lexar Digital Film, Tiffen Circular Polarizer, Clik Elite Pro Express Backpack

We hope you enjoy this post.  The people make the photographs and make our job easy.  Do not miss your chance to visit Indochina – https://mmphototours.wordpress.com/cambodia-laos-vietnam-with-ron-wyatt/

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Indochina 2011 – Laos

It’s been a fantastic first week of our tour through Southeast Asia!  Time has gotten away from me while we are out shooting everyday and enjoying critiques and tutorials with our guest pro Adam Barker.  Hopefully I’ll get time to explore the details later.

Here are a few quick images from Laos and the fun we had at the annual lantern festival and boat races in Luang Prabang.  Of course, we visited the local villages and markets – those images to come later.

The Lantern Festival is a Buddhist religious event that happens only once a year to coincide with the full moon.  It is a wild party where the entire town of Luang Prabang comes together for a full day of celebrations.

More to come soon about Vietnam and Cambodia too!

This monk was standing watching the boat races on the Khan River outside of Luang Prabang (LP).  Love his concerned look.

This boy was in the Lantern Festival procession through LP.  Love the modern t-shirt (Spider Men) vs the ancient tradition of the town.  His humility is all over his face.

 These young monks were watching all the floats and the parade through LP.  Love the juxtaposition of their status vs the use of cell phones to record the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This shot shows young monks and a visitor lighting and sending a “lantern” off into the air during the celebration.

The picture below is one of the festive floats the LP folks make during the festival.  There were many and they parade them through town and end up at the Mekong River where some are launched.

The shot below depicts 2 teams battling it out in a boat race during the day of the festival.  It is intense!

Hope you enjoy. All images were hand-held using Canon 5D Mark II and Canon L Series 24-105 f/4 lens or the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens on Lexar Digital Film.  Thanks to Clik Elite for our camera backpacks, Tiffen for filters, Benro for tripods, Columbia Sportswear and all our sponsors who help us in the field.

More later!

Tuscany Day 1

Hello from Tuscany.  Excited to be back in Tuscany and have a fine group of guests enjoying “la dolce vita” in one of our favorite parts of Italy.  We flew into Milan and then took the train down to the Florence area where our private villa awaited with serenity, privacy and a massive swimming pool.

Today we ventured through the Val d’Orcia.  We hit Montepulciano – famous for wine, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and drove the back roads looking for great images.  Nice thing about this early in the season is NO crowds.  Everywhere we’ve been we’ve had excellent access to sites and unimpeded views for our photography.

Our villa is superb and the private chef is amazing – sorry no pictures of the food it disappeared too fast to get any.  Suffice it to say that we are enjoying fine Tuscan homemade cooking with our private chef.  She and her husband make a great team.

All-in-all the tour is off to a great start.  Here are just a few images we liked from the day – we hope you enjoy:

This first one is a scene of the private chapel of a local farming family just outside Pienza.  I like the serenity.  The framing with the yellow flowers draws the viewer’s eye directly to the chapel.

Canon 5D MKII Sigma f2.8 70-200 @ 200 mm f/8 1/350 ISO 320 w/ Tiffen Circular Polarizer

Canon 5D MKII Sigma f2.8 70-200 @ 200 mm f/11 1/125 ISO 250 w/ Tiffen Circular Polarizer

This image is a stained glass window from the Cathedral in Montepulciano.  Love the colors and vibrance.

Canon 5D MKII Sigma f2.8 70-200 @ 200 mm f/2.8 1/250 ISO 100 w/ Tiffen Circular Polarizer

This next image is a villa sitting atop a field of olive tress and red poppies.  I like the color variations.

Canon 5D MKII Canon 24-105L @ 58 mm f/8 1/125 ISO 200 w/ Tiffen Circular Polarizer

The last image for this post is the local wine master of Montepulciano named Adamo.  Adamo has been making wine since the 50’s and is internationally known.  He always love to pose for pictures and greet guests who come by his cellar.

Canon 5D MKII Sigma f2.8 70-200 @ 200 mm f/5.6 1/125 ISO 400 w/ Tiffen Circular Polarizer

Tuscany has so much beauty and flavor – you have to experience it for yourself and as a photographer there is no better way to enjoy it than immersing yourself in it for 10 days with us next year.

Kamakura, Japan

Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo.

Kamakura became the political center of Japan, when Minamoto Yoritomo chose the city as the seat for his new military government in 1192.  The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century.

After the decline of the Kamakura government in the 14th century and the establishment of its successor, the Muromachi government in Kyoto, Kamakura remained the political center of Eastern Japan for some time before losing its position to other cities.

Today, Kamakura is a small city of under 200,000 but it remains a popular tourist destination among Japanese and foreign travelers.  Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines, and other historical monuments.  Kamakura is also known among Buddhists for being one of the cradles of Nichiren Buddhism in Japan.

We had a great time in Kamakura and spent the majority of our time at 2 locations – The Great Amida Buddha & Hasedera Temple.  Hope you enjoy some of our shots from these 2 memorable sites.

Canon 24-105L @ 28mm 1/60 f9.5 ISO 100 w/Tiffen Polarizer & 2 stop Grad ND filter

Canon 24-105L @ 105mm 1/45 f8 ISO 100 w/Tiffen Polarizer & 2 stop Grad ND filter

Canon 24-105L @ 35mm 1/90 f4 ISO 800 w/Tiffen Polarizer

Canon 24-105L @ 105mm 1/90 f4 ISO 800 w/ 2 stop Grad ND filter

Canon 24-105L @ 45mm 1/45 f8 ISO 100 w/Tiffen Polarizer & 2 stop Grad ND filter

Canon 24-105L @ 73mm 1/60 f8 ISO 100 w/Tiffen Polarizer & 2 stop Grad ND filter