Travel Photography Aventures - Feedback and Reviews

Feedback from Grace C.
December 2010 - Laos Elephant Research Trip
"For someone who has a passion for photography, adventure and life, Ewen's photo research trips are just perfect. I was lucky enough to be able to join Ewen on his Elephant Photo Research trip from Thailand to Laos in 2010 and it far exceeded my expectations. What made the trip particularly great was that it was off the beaten path, which allowed us a closer experience with the locals and immersion in their culture. And on top of all that was Ewen's obvious passion and compassion that make him a great tour leader and teacher. Unlike other large tour groups, Ewen's tours are small and he is able to give personal attention to everyone on their photography, which I greatly appreciated. This was such an amazing trip filled with great people, fun and love for elephants that I hope to come on another one soon. :)"

Feedback from June W.
November 2010 - Ancient Kingdoms Photo Tour
"I can highly recommend this trip for any avid photographer. Ours was a mixed group with a wide range of expertise and experience, but Ewen Bell gave each of us the degree of instruction we wanted and/or needed. It was exhilarating just to follow him around and see what he did, although we also had ample time to explore on our own. He and Jason Williams were tireless in their efforts to show us a good time, as well as develop our skills: panning; shooting "rough"; timing our expeditions so we caught sunrises and sunsets; showing us the best corner on which to see the processions of monks receiving alms; encouraging us when we felt a bit discouraged with our results; demonstrating how to engage the local villagers who spoke no English so they were happy to pose for us; sharing processing tips; waiting for us to catch up (mainly me). What impressed me most about this tour was the genuine consideration of our guides for the local people of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, who responded with warmth when we asked them for photographs. Jason and Ewen showed us many ways we could 'give back"; Jason is a pretty good juggler, to the delight of the local children! I would highly recommend the tour. Great food and accommodation, interesting and varied sites, good friends. "

Feedback from Susan VM.
November 2010 - Ancient Kingdoms Photo Tour
"My first photography tour with Ewen and Grasshopper Adventures will not be my last. Our tour of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia was orchestrated with the perfect mix of one-on-one photography instruction, planned activities and photo opportunities, and free time to recoup and relax. Ewen’s approach to non-obtrusive photography, responsible tourism, and cultural sensitivity was refreshing and inspiring. Ewen and Jason went the extra mile to accommodate my special needs due to a recent knee injury. Thanks for a great holiday and unforgettable introduction to SE Asia."

Feedback from May-Lee W.
September 2010 - China Photography Tour
"The trip was everything I wanted it to be and more! We saw a great cross-section of China, tried fabulous local foods, honed our photography skills and managed to squeeze in some good trekking and a calligraphy class as well. The photography tuition on the road was invaluable; Ewen knows his craft inside out and has a real passion and willingness to share it with others. His positivity and wicked grin is infectious, we laughed our way through China and took a ton of fabulous photos while doing it. The trip was very comfortable and flexible enough to suit all of our needs; plenty of free time here and there meant tour members could choose to take a breather or do additional activities, for which Ewen and Yiran provided plenty of suggestions. I give this tour 12 out of 10 - when's the next one? :)"

Feedback from Michelle M.
June 2010 - Outback Photography Tour
"Ever been on a magic carpet ride? Neither have I. Although, travelling on a private plane, to remote outback locations, being first and foremost a tour catering to photographers; awe-inspiring. An opportunity of a lifetime for me, this tour was above and beyond what I could have imaged. The extra special thing (besides the red drink :) ) Ewen was happy to share his experience/knowledge on photography and always made time to answer any questions. With his help, it certainly inspired me to bigger and better things in my photography. The bad note; the trip ended! If you have a passion for photography (regardless of level) you will not be disappointed by this tour. It is an adventure not to be missed. "

Feedback from Liz G.
April 2010 - Nepal Photography Tour
"My fourth trip with Grasshopper Adventures to Nepal was the best yet. Someone on the trip said that her friend suggested that travelling to Nepal was the journey of a lifetime, and for all of us, I think it was. We started in the warm, vibrant and colorful Kathmandu Valley, moved to the rhinos and elephants of the Chitwan National Park, then on to the gray, stoney architecture of the mountain towns with bold splashes of color here and there and the majestic Himalayas shining in the sun. Spiritual places, scenery that takes your breath away, and people that are the kindest and warmest you will ever meet - that's what we photographed. And Ewen and Sam gave us their experience and love for the country along the way. Tibetan music in the van, sunrise to catch the first light on the mountain peaks, an arm around an old man showing us his sword, a hug for a kid, a laugh and a cry. What a journey of a lifetime!"

Feedback from Martin Z.
April 2010 - Nepal Photography Tour
"I now fully appreciate what the words 'tour de force' mean. From the frenetic pace of crowded Kathmandu to the more gentle pace of ancient Baktapur, the wildlife of Chitwan National Park, the picturesque provincial town of Pokhara, the rugged beauty of the Anapurnas and village life in rural communities, we had an amazing time. Nearly every day, we were up before the sun to catch the first precious rays of light and at the end of the day totally ready to collapse into bed. Yes, it was hard work but the rewards were well worth the effort. The travel experience was a pleasure, occasionally punctuated with the odd surprise, such as an unexpected departure from Chitwan by elephant. Just as importantly, my photography reached a new level. I felt rather like the sorcerer's apprentice following in the footsteps of the sorcerer (Ewen Bell) who helped me along the path to improving my digital sorcery. The results speak for themselves and I can even claim to be smugly proud of more than a few remarkable shots. So many thanks to those who made it possible: Ewen, Sam the Mountain Man, Mr Mohan, our gentlemanly Nepali guide, and most of all the Nepalese people who were a delight everywhere we went."

Feedback from Liz G.
November 2009 - Ancient Kingdoms Photography Tour
"My third trip with Ewen and Grasshopper Adventures to see the ancient kingdoms of SE Asia was magnificent! I fell in love with the land, the people and the culture and brought back some great photographs and memories. Typical of Grasshopper Adventures, we found things there that no large tour company would ever include. As an example, on the way to visit one of the ancient temples we happened to see a small group of people harvesting rice, so we stopped the bus and our local Cambodian guide asked if they would mind if we took their pictures while they worked. They said yes we could, so we spent at least an hour with them while they worked, talked and laughed. It is interactions like this one that bring you nearer to the people and what I love so much about Ewen's style and Grasshopper Adventures' philosophy on travel. Thanks, guys!"

Feedback from Rachael B.
September 2009 - China Photography Tour
"I travelled with Ewen and Grasshopper Adventures to China in 2009. It was a wonderful trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of a photographic holiday. Each destination was unique and offered ample photographic opportunities. Ewen is an enthusiastic teacher happy to answer questions and always willing to help. I have been on other photography tours where the photographer was too busy taking his own photos to help those on the tour. This was not the case at all with Ewen. He was there first and foremost as a teacher happily offering suggestions and advice to ensure everyone in the group went home with great photos. I certainly hope to join them again in the not to distant future!"

Feedback from Audrey O.
September 2009 - China Photography Tour
"This trip was a combination of learning in many different ways. The information imparted regarded the history culture and geography of china was given with with humour respect and a great understanding of the Chinese people.Both Jason and Ewan showed great respect and care towards the group.It was such fun many laughs were had and Ewen was always there to ask questions, which were answered with detail. I know my photography has come on three fold with Ewen patience and understanding has given me the impetis to carry this further. So if you want to learn have fun become a better photographer these guys will help you to do this. Great trip and so many experiences."

Feedback from Eve W.
March 2009 - Yunnan Photography Research Trip
"I was one of the lucky three people to join Ewen when he did a research trip into the province of Yunnan, China in March 2009. What an unbelievable experience it was, full of amazing people, scenery, adventures and most of all fantastic photographic opportunities. I have to say it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done and was a photographers dream, not to mention some of the best food I have ever tasted! This trip takes you off the usual tourist path giving you greater freedom and more opportunities to really immerse yourself into the local culture and meet the people and find out more about their way of life. Under the guidance of Ewen, I also learnt so many more tips and tricks to take control of my camera and achieve the results that I wanted. For anyone who may be contemplating this trip, an opportunity not to be missed."

Reuters India
December 12th 2008 - Online Lifestyle
...You've been there, seen that and probably have the photos too, but for holidaymakers keen to add a professional edge to their snaps, an Australian travel journalist offering Asia Pacific tours may be just the ticket.

Feedback from James S.
November 2008 - China Photography Tour
"I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in photography and China travel, regardless of your age (I'm 81). The tour was essentially perfect in every way, far exceeding my expectations. Ewen is a fine and gentle teacher who will guide you into ways of looking at a scene to fine-tune the visual quality of your complete photograph before you snap the shutter. There is no shortage of tantalizing scenes to capture for the experienced or inexperienced photographer. Ewen and Simon made this trip so much more than I expected, and I'm still almost jumping with exuberance about the entire experience long after I returned home."

Feedback from Nanciellen D.
October 2008 - Silk Road Photography Tour
"My recent trip on the Silk Road with Ewen and Simon was everything I wanted and more. Every day included extensive opportunities for photography followed by feedback on my efforts; the accommodations, food, and transportation were excellent, especially the camel ride; Ewen and Simon are terrific travel companions. My photography has improved and my appreciation of China has expanded even further. Well done!"

Feedback from Heather H.
February 2008 - India Photography Tour
"My third trip with Ewen and Jason from Grasshopper Travels and definitely not my last! Rajasthan is an amazing and confronting region and this trip was packed full of highlights from the Thar Desert to the bustling towns. With Ewen's guidance I was able to photograph the wonderfully friendly people of the region and, along with his forays down busy streets, temples and markets, I brought home the best travel photos I have even taken. Once again the trip was flawlessly planned and smoothly delivered. We stayed in former palaces, tried out local restaurants and rode camels across the desert. Jason even organised a cricket match with the eager people of Mandawa. I can't recommend these two professionals highly enough - for photographers or just those who like to travel to somewhere different. Thanks guys for yet another wonderful adventure."

Feedback from Elizabeth G.
February 2008 - India Photography Tour
"My trip to India with Grasshopper Adventures was the most fabulous journey of sights, sounds and smells! Rajasthan is an unforgettable region filled with color and pattern, chaos and beauty, and welcoming people - an incredible place for a photography adventure. Jason and Ewen were the best guides, taking us to places tourists don't usually find so that we could slow down, experience where we were, and capture in a photograph the people and scenes that cemented the wonderful experiences into our hearts. Ewen's photography skill and great teaching techniques left me with more than 1800 pictures, with a set of really great ones that will inspire my artwork for a long time. The tour itself was spectacular and well planned. The hotels were all unique in their own right, everyone on the trip had lots of laughs, we made new friends and carried home great memories. As a person who doesn't tend to like tours, I'm sold on Grasshopper Adventures' intimate style and already planning my next two trips. Thanks Jason and Ewen!"

Feedback from Eve W.
February 2008 - India Photography Tour
Travelling around Rahjastan, India was a truly amazing experience. This was a trip that appealed to all of the senses - the sights, sounds, smells, taste and feel, every sensory experience is covered. It was a joy to travel with people who were all focused on the same interest of photography and each person captured their own individual images of what and how they saw this truly amazing country.India can be a difficult place to travel, but our tour guide Jason did a seamless job of ensuring that all the logistics were in place and we travelled in comfort. Nothing was too much trouble!

Lastly, the trip would not have been a success without Ewen imparting his expertise and professional tips on photography. He did this in a manner that was easy to understand with sessions and topics each day and also spent time with all of us individually. This was very beneficial as each member of the tour had different questions according to their individual skill levels. A big thank you to Ewen, his knowledge now means that I am in control of the camera and enjoy my photography!"

Feedback from Martin Z.
September 2007 - China Photography Tour
"We will be recommending this tour to our friends both as a wonderful experience and a great chance to improve one's digital photography. The locations are varied and exciting and the photographic opportunities countless. We had over 1400 photos to sift through after our return and there were some really great shots. Very glad we bought that wide angle lens for the tour! As we said, a wonderful experience which will live on in memory as well as the photos."

Feedback from Diana E.
September 2007 - China Photography Tour
"The China Photography Tour with Grasshopper Tours and Ewen Bell met my expectations times ten. As an amateur photographer my goal on this trip was to learn my new camera and improve my photography skills. I accomplished both. Ewen was terrific, knowledgeable, patient and informative. He clearly knows and loves his craft. The tour was great - each destination was unique resulting in a trip that was constantly interesting with new and different photographic opportunities. If you can, join Ewen and Jason for great destinations, great food, great photographs, great company."

Feedback from Sharon P.
September 2007 - China Photography Tour
"I'd like to thank Jason for running a memorable tour for us and thank Ewen for opening my eyes to the world of travel photography. I'm now equipped with invaluable knowledge and new techniques taught by Ewen. With more practice (and more holidays), I'm confident that my photos will be much more interesting and engaging."

GoNomad
March 26th 2007 - GoNomad Online
... With plush green bamboo trees reflecting off the clean waterways in the area, Yangshuo is a perfect setting for any artist. A visit to this unforgettable region would not be complete without a cooking lesson from the locals. For a participant in Bell’s tours, Yangshuo provides a scenic canvas for a traveling photographer before the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

Vancouver Sun
January 27th 2007 - Vancouver and Online
...the cultural richness of China's eastern provinces with the opportunity to learn about photography from an expert. This trip focuses on responsible tourism through keeping the group size very small (max 8 people), using local guides, and visiting out-of-the-way communities.

Connected Photographer
January 16th 2007 - USA and Online
...A travel photography workshop that delves deep into the cultural, scenic and human richness of China and teaches you how to capture the photographs of a lifetime. Anyone who has dreamt of learning how travel photographers capture their evocative images can now enjoy an adventure travel experience that will take you up close to the people and culture that make such powerful images possible.

Feedback from Eliot S.
November 2006 - China Photography Adventure
"Ewen Bell is a real photographer’s photographer. Even though all of the members of the trip had different levels of photographic skill, Ewen endeavored to help everybody. He certainly helped me to tailor my photography to China and helped me to come home with some fabulous shots. I have new respect for my wide angle lenses now that I have learned from Ewen. Ewen was able to take us to the locales in each district where the shots were. I think Ewen even helped with the weather and the light!!"

Feedback from Kim R.
September 2006 - China Photography Adventure
"This trip brought a part of me to life - it focused a passion for culture, people and travel and gave me the opportunity and confidence to express that in a way personal to me. I feel privileged to have met Jason, who is so unique in what he does, and Ewen who is quite simply an amazing photographer gifted with empathy and insight. I also feel especially lucky to have received so many smiles from the local people, and to have seen some of what is a very beautiful country. I wish I could do this 12 months of the year."

Frommer's Travel Guides
August 24th 2006 - Online
Grasshopper offers a sensational photography tour of China -- the "China Travel Photography Adventure" which features 15 days of clicking from Beijing to Hong Kong, including visiting the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, Shangahi, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces and finally Hong Kong. Under the guidance and tutelage of professional photographer Ewen Bell, you will receive photography and technique lessons on the road with plenty of stunning subject matter to practice with.

New York Times Style Magazine
Holiday 2006 Edition
We were a little surprised to find the photo tour covered by such a stylish publication but it's clear that the good people at New York Times know a quality product when they see it. We chatted with the editors about what makes a great photo tour and also reccommended a few other operators who do something similar, but different.

Feedback from Michel F.
March 2006 - China Photography Adventure
"Wow! What an experience! I really have enjoyed my travel workshop in China with Mr. Bell and Grasshopper Adventures. I had some previous photography experience before but during that trip, I have learned useful techniques and new ways to approach travel photography that can only be acquired while being coach by a professional; no books, no magazine will ever show you that!
Highly recommended to all photography lovers."

Feedback from Betty B.
March 2006 - China Photography Adventure
"Upon losing my father in January, I decided on my way home after his homecoming that a special way to memorialize my father's life would be through photos of my journey along the rural countryside to our farm. The March photography trip was just what spirit lead me to do, and the learning/travel experience was better than I could have ever imagined. The beauty of China along with the supurb tour into the wonderful nuances of another culture brought to life by an excellent photographer teacher, has changed my sad thoughts of never seeing my father again to knowing that he is with me every time I use my camera."

Budget Travel
March 3rd 2006 - USA and Online
"The leaders are adventure travel operator Jason Williams and professional photographer Ewen Bell, whose work has been featured in publications such as GetLost Magazine, Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, and brochures for STA Travel and GAP Adventures. Hands-on digital photography workshops are organized by theme, including capturing intimacy and expression, using light for dramatic effect, shooting for context, and portraiture. Each shoot is followed by a discussion of the results and experience."

Atlanta Journal-Constitution
February 26th 2006 - Atlanta and Online
"Experience the vibrant color and rich culture of China while learning how to capture powerful photographic images from an expert during Ewen Bell's 15-day China Adventure workshop. Bell, who developed the tour with travel operator Jason Williams of Asia-based Grasshopper Adventures, is a professional photographer and writer who has worked on photo assignments in more than 25 countries. Key cities and attractions include Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, the Great Wall, rural villages, rice terraces and Xian's famous terra cotta warriors."

Chicago Tribune
February 26th 2006 - Chicago and Online
"With cultural icons such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and endless ranks of larger-than-life terra-cotta warriors, China serves up a feast for any photography buff. This year professional photographer Ewen Bell leads 14-night workshops in the Middle Kingdom, offering technical sessions and practical 'shoots' in cities and rural areas. Open to anyone with an interest in photography"

MX Newspaper
February 16th 2006 - Melbourne and Sydney
"Photographic instruction starts from ay one and aims to redefine the way each traveller looks and thinks about their photography. The hands-on photographic workshop will offer not only technical expertise, but also an opportunity for travellers to practise what they learn as they go along."

Sunday Times
February 12th 2006 - Perth
"Expert travel photographer Ewen Bell and adventure travel operator, Jason Williams have joined forces to offer the experience of a lifetime - a travel photography workshop that delves deep into the cultural, scenic and human richness of China and teaches you how to capture the photographs of a lifetime."

Honolulu Advertiser
February 12th 2006 - Hawaii
"Photographic instruction offers technical expertise with practice as you go. The workshops are open to anyone interested in photography. Each shoot is followed by a discussion on results and experiences. The workshops cover topics such as capturing intimacy and expression, using light for drama, capturing motion and shooting for context."

TravelLady Magazine
February 6th 2006 - Monthly Online
"Anyone who has dreamt of learning how travel photographers capture their evocative images can now enjoy an adventure travel experience that will take you up close to the people and culture that makes such powerful images possible."

Sun-Herald
January 29th 2006 - Sydney
"Want to improve the quality of your holiday snaps? Renowned travel photographer Ewen Bell is taking four groups of 12 to China thi syear on 15-day workshops which promise to redefine the way you look through a lens."

Feedback from Michelle W.
April 2005 - Photographers Morocco Private Group
"Travelling with Ewen was an extraordinary experience which literally changed the way I looked at the world. Being guided to look through the lens in a particular way made me acutely aware of my surroundings and enabled me to engage with the local population in a way that is usually not possible as a tourist. Highly recommended as a rewarding way to travel."

Feedback from Chiara C.
April 2005 - Photographers Morocco Private Group
"Ewen taught many useful tips and tricks in taking photos. Comparing the photos I ended up with at the end of my Morocco trip with previous trips, I saw a definite improvement. He was able to teach me many handy tips and tricks in taking photos. It isn't difficult to take a good photo when you know how and travelling with someone who does know how was fun."

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