Tshering and His Gift
That moment when you are reminded of the true value of travel and how deeply it affects us. As I look to the future of travel in Bhutan and the changes ahead for us we are reminded of how treasured it is to share a gift.
Canal Town of Xitang
Xitang is a taste of old China, old Shanghai and old charms. Hidden away from the madness of Shanghai and its every expanding skyline, the remnants of Xitang's old town is something of a rarity. The town is both popular but photogenic, a genuine attraction for tourists and photographers that is close to Shanghai, yet worlds away.
The Treasures of Angkor
Millions of tourist visit Angkor Wat every year, and some days it feels like there's a million tourists flooding into the temple just when you were hoping to enjoy a quiet moment with the ancient ruins. Yes this is a popular place, but for photographers it still holds wonderful treasures and immense beauty.
Punakha Sunrise
A rare opportunity to welcome the morning rays of sunshine as they break across Bhutan. Here’s your guide to one of the most beautiful photographic experiences in the land of the Thunder Dragon. Sunrise over Punakha in the Himalayan winter.
The Bus Is Better
I recently got asked the question about why I use a bus instead of cars for the Bhutan trips. Buses are ugly and at first glance don't look like a luxury option, so I get why this question comes up. I’ve done it both ways and have learned through experience that it’s waaaaay better to run my tours in Bhutan with one big bus instead a fleet of smaller cars. Here’s why.
Covid and Travel
Expectations of a return to international travel are giving many of us something to look forward to. Myself included. As a professional guide however, the reality of travelling in a covid filled world poses a whole new challenge.
Luang Prabang for Photographers
A field guide to photography in Luang Prabang. Monks, markets and the Mekong make this town the most beautiful place to photograph in all of South-East Asia. Morning alms and the monks in the mist may soon make this destination a little too famous.
Blurb Restores Photography to Reality
Blurb has been a wonderful development for me because now I can see more of my photographic expression converted to the printed media for which cameras were originally intended. The digital age has made photography more relevant and more accessible, but Blurb and other sites like it have returned digital photography to the essence of the art - sharing a printed image.
Dark and Moody Food Photography
Mastering the art of Dark and Moody food photography, and going beyond the basics of 'black box' styling. Dip into the velvet shadows and embrace your darker moods. Warning - this article may contain traces of very delicious dark chocolate.
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 - Long Term Review
This is a hard lens to leave at home. It delivers quality and sharpness for landscapes and the night sky, plus has a neat party trick with rear pocket for ND filters. Worthy companion to any full-frame mirrorless camera. (Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN)
Snow and Light in Norway
Snow hides everything you don’t want to see. It silently arrives in the depth of night and fills in the gaps, wipes away the footsteps from yesterdays photographers and leaves you a clean slate to work with every morning. Snow clones out the messy bits better than any Photoshop session.
Philosophy
If you want to change the way you take photos you have to change the way you think. Photography is not just about F-stops and shutters. You cannot shoot what you cannot see.