Bhutan
Photography Tour

After many postponements due to the Covid pandemic I finally got to experience Bhutan with Ewen Bell on his November 2023 Bhutan Tour. This had been a much-anticipated tour and one which my wife had taken great care in researching to find the ‘right’ tour for us. I wasn’t disappointed.

From start to finish it was clear that Ewen wanted us to experience the culture, the food, the people, the unique landscape and to send us home happy that we had captured some great images. We started with a coffee and a little presentation which was all about the light. I quickly learned that it’s about looking for the light and finding a subject that will exploit that light rather than looking for a subject alone.

He is clearly passionate about Bhutan and wants to share it with you in a more personal way. He has nurtured relationships in the country that allows him to take you to lesser frequented locations, having access to people and places that you wouldn’t normally expect as a tourist. The local people are so friendly – how amazing to walk into a barn and ‘converse’ with a group of workers on their break. We couldn’t speak the language, but a smile goes a long way!

Ewen’s photographic style was a little bit different to my own, shooting wide open much of the time and with predominantly wide-angle lenses and often shooting into the sun – an interestingly creative approach. The shallow depth of field, while not working for me in every instance, certainly gave me something to think about and I surprised myself with some half decent images. ‘Get in low and close’ became a bit of a mantra for me and by the end of the trip I felt I had learned so much that I wanted to repeat the whole trip again.

Ewen’s teaching style is gentle and very personal. You feel like he is there just for you, giving advice and guidance whenever you need it. Ewen approach is to take it slow and give you the opportunity to take images, make mistakes, reflect, and try again, something that is often missed on other workshops where you quickly move on.

I came away from this trip with a renewed interest in photography and have upgraded my camera and lenses based on his excellent advice and can’t wait to start using them. Maybe another Ewen Bell tour??

  - Linda CC.
Bhutan Photography Tour, November 2023

Bhutan was the third photography tour I’ve been lucky enough to do with Ewen. As I expected, this trip was amazing, a truly wonderful experience I know I will never forget. Ewen carefully organises his tours to be at the perfect pace – even though we were “chasing the light”, nothing was ever rushed. We could slow down, study the light and truly enjoy practicing the art of photography.

Of course, the trip was photography focussed but it truly was so much more. We had plenty of time to learn about the culture and history of Bhutan, have a cup of tea with friendly locals, taste the traditional food and enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery.

Even though I work as a photographer, I know I’ll never stop learning. And I always learn a lot from Ewen, who very generously shares his knowledge and passion. One lesson I took home from Bhutan was the art of patience – waiting for that moment, that light, that look. Ewen also really encouraged me to shoot with different lenses than I’m used to and to be bolder with my processing techniques. Ewen was also always available for review and critique of my images, which was really helpful.

The Bhutanese guides and drivers for the tour were simply lovely. Accommodation was always delightful and run by friendly staff. At the end of a day of shooting, it was especially lovey to relax by a warm wood stove in my room.

Attending three days of local festivals, around which the itinerary was carefully planned, was definitely a highlight. Held at off-the-beaten-track Buddhist temples, and nearly devoid of other tourists, being immersed in these local events was truly special. Seeing the monks dancing in their wooden masks and colourful costumes until the sun went down, the music and the singing, the friendly locals in their Sunday best sharing their picnics, the kids playing and running around, all of it – simply a privilege to witness and to be amongst.

Thank you Ewen from the bottom of my heart for sharing beautiful Bhutan and your photography knowledge with me. I can’t see myself ever wanting to travel with any other photographer.

  - Lauren S.
Bhutan Photography Tour, December 2019



Last year we fulfilled a long held ambition of visiting Bhutan. We always like to travel with “knowledge” and when the opportunity arose to go there with someone with as much experience as Ewen Bell we jumped at the chance. The experience became even more interesting when it was joined by Anthony McKee (a Melbourne documentary style photographer). We experienced some of the must see tourist destinations but what made this trip so special was the opportunity to get to the lesser known areas and festivals. Though there were other visitors we were clearly in the minority and therefore felt as if we were part of a genuine Bhutanese experience. Ewen’s knowledge and experience also meant we travelled with the best of local guides — a team I would happily entrust for any future visit to this special country. Organization, photographic opportunities and guidance were all first rate.

  - Alastair and Helen F.
Bhutan Photography Tour, December 2018



It's hard to express how grateful we are for the care in planning and guidance Ewen gave on our trip to Bhutan. At every turn he anticipated our needs, executed our desires and delivered beyond our expectations. Ewen goes where everyone else doesn't, allowing us to get a closer view and a deeper understanding of the people and the culture. He takes time to make sure everyone can achieve amazing results with the light no matter what equipment they bring. The hands on, personalized lessons gave both of us great new insights into what's possible for our travel photography.

Above all, Ewen is the kind of person you would invite into your own home to share a great meal. He is kind, patient, knowledgeable and always wears a great smile. It's no wonder so many on our tour were repeat clients. We're looking forward to our next "follow the light" adventure with Ewen.

  - Melissa L.
Bhutan Photography Tour, November 2017



The trip Ewen led to Bhutan in November 2017 turned out to be the perfect antidote to a healthy dose of burnout from work and life in general. I'd lost my photography mojo and hadn't picked up a camera in months; happily, the trip revitalised my interest in both photography and travel.

The team Ewen works with in Bhutan is fabulous, and I can't speak highly enough of them. Ewen himself is the perfect leader for a photography workshop. Not only does he plan the trip itself meticulously, but he has travelled so often in Bhutan that he gets you off the beaten track to find quiet gems of places where other tourists are few and far between. Ewen is extremely generous with his knowledge and love of photography. He has a quiet, gentle way of teaching people that is really lovely, and perfect for when he is dealing with a group of introvert photographers. I highly recommend travelling with him, particularly if it's to Bhutan.

  - Sharon S.
Bhutan Photography Tour, November 2017



Ewen is a natural teacher. He wanted us to pay attention to the light so he took photos as demonstrations all the time. As a result we all came away with wonderful images of Bhutanese people with the light illuminating their faces. He was also very patient with the varying degrees of experience among the group; he worked with us one-on-one on both composition and post-processing.

Ewen loves Bhutan! Therefore it was more than a photo workshop--it was also a cultural experience that he wanted to share with us. He could explain the different purposes of the buildings in a dzong, the basic tenets of Bhutanese Buddhism, and the customs of the country. The trip resulted in beautiful images, to be sure, but also lot more. Thanks again for a wonderful experience!

  - Kathryn M.
Central Bhutan Photography Tour, December 2016



Imagine a cultural tour where you have the opportunity to met with a reincarnated Buddhist Lama and hear his life story. Add a world class photography instructor who ensures you capture great images and you have a Ewen Bell Photography Tour. I recently returned from a Bhutan Tour with Ewen. His cultural knowledge and country contacts created many opportunities for us that many would envy. We had backstage access to festival dancers, invitations to tents at both festivals and the National Day celebration, and private meetings with not just one Lama but two Lamas. We visited small villages that seldom see tourist and we were invited into private residences. I came home with a deep respect for the Bhutanese culture and some great images.

  - Patrick G.
Central Bhutan Photography Tour, December 2016

Having travelled to China with Ewen Bell in 2011, I thought that was the best tour ever. But then came Bhutan with Ewen in 2012. Every bit as good, and maybe better. Superb guides, drivers, and hotels with schedules carefully planned to capture the best light and activities for the dedicated photographer. Honestly, I don't know how I would improve either of these experiences."

  - Will F.
Bhutan Photography Tour, October 2012

My best decision of 2015 was to join this photography trip with Ewen Bell and Trent Lanz. This trip was really remarkable in various ways: the intense attention to detail in planning and execution, the 'hands on' help with the photography and the processing, plus the feeling throughout that we were able to get 'under the skin' of this fantastically beautiful country. Spending longer in one place, for example, during the Punakha festival, meant that locals became used to us and sometimes that curiosity blossomed into communication, which gave an extra dimension to the travel experience, and resulted in better photos. The visit to Gasa in the North was the first time I have ever travelled in a place where we saw NO other foreigners, and that was very special. The staff of Bhutan Scenic Tours, with whom Ewen has built up a unique relationship, fit the mould of 'perfect tour guide and driver'. Rinzi is equally passionate about the virtues of his country and in ensuring that guests leave with an equal appreciation. Nothing is too much trouble, and Kinza handled the car and our belongings as if they were eggs about to hatch. I felt so safe throughout. Between them, Ewen and Ian cover many aspects of photographic skill with diverse approaches and styles, which only benefits the client, as you have access to double the wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as strengths crossing more genres, eg, people, landscape and architecture, night photography and water. Come with an open mind, and it will be filled with ideas and images. Have no doubt that this is a trip of a lifetime, and that you will go home with a portfolio of terrific photographs, improved skills and memories to cherish."

  - Alison R.
Wild Bhutan Photography Tour, February 2015



Hi Ian and Ewen, Firstly, I would like to thank you both for a really fantastic time on the recent workshop. Your enthusiasm, generosity and organization are awesome! We both had a wonderful time and learnt so much! I look forward to more trips with you in the very near future. Please add my name to your special mailing list. My feedback to you both is this... don’t change a thing!"

  - Ken B.
Wild Bhutan Photography Tour, February 2015



My trip to Bhutan in 2014 was my third photography tour with Ewen, and I knew I could relax and enjoy my photography, confident that everything would go smoothly and great photo opportunities would be provided. The landscapes of Bhutan are awesome and we had plenty of time to enjoy them by travelling slowly (of necessity on the narrow roads) and taking walks through the valleys and mountain forests. Our itinerary was designed to coincide with the annual temple festivals, which are a deeply cultural experience and a photographer's dream. In one village we had privileged access 'behind the scenes' and were able to fully immerse ourselves in the 3-day event. Ewen was on hand to provide helpful tips and his inside knowledge ensured that we were always in the right place at the right time. Our driver and guide were very friendly and helped to give us an insight into the unique culture and lifestyle of the Bhutanese. Our accommodation was clean and comfortable and the people everywhere were a delight, despite the language barrier. As we were advised in advance, the food was not very interesting, but that didn't matter as photography was the main purpose of the trip, and the results continue to evoke happy memories."

  - Judith B.
Bhutan Photography Tour, October 2014



Travelling to Bhutan with Ewen was an amazing experience all round--Bhutan is a stunning country with breathtaking scenery and dzongs/temples in dramatic locations; the Bhutanese are such lovely people--warm, friendly and usually very happy to be photographed. Our guide and driver were very professional and such lovely people. We definitely hit the jackpot with our guide, Rinzi, who was very knowledgeable, funny and had great people skills. But the best jackpot of all was travelling with Ewen and learning so much from him about the art of 'going slow, getting closer and letting the light lead you' and these 3 concepts will stick with me whenever I pick up my camera.

Ewen is very passionate about photography, patient and a natural teacher who loves to share his immense knowledge of his craft, a trait which I found very refreshing in the increasingly commercialised world of travel photography tours. I learnt so many new techniques and a few things about my camera that made shooting even more satisfying, as well as picking up a few tips on processing of my images. I felt that we got to experience the 'real' Bhutan with Ewen--we certainly got into the heart of Bhutan and more, experienced some pretty amazing festivals and colours, and quite often we had some unexpected surprise which I loved, like chancing upon an archery tournament overlooking the rice terraces in Chimi, getting up close to see rice being harvested in the Jakar Valley in Bumthang, enroute to what was supposed to have been a short walk to a temple! If you are willing to slow down and go with the flow, a trip to Bhutan with Ewen will not disappoint. I came away with so many beautiful images of Bhutan and her lovely people, made some great friends on the trip and this definitely has been the best photography tour for me thus far. I'm now looking forward to the next one with Ewen!"

 - Joyce LM.
Bhutan Photography Tour, September 2013



Travelling to Bhutan is and will be an experience that I will never forget. Between the endless photo ops and expertise from Ewen and the tour guide, you are guaranteed to not only be deeply inspired, but also to come out a better photographer by the end of your trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Bhutan. The countryside is beautiful, quite breathtaking, the people warm and friendly. The dzongs and monastries are so impressive, in particular those at Punakha and Trongsa. It.s a trip of a life time.

Ewen, I thank you for putting together such phenomenal trip to Bhutan. You were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care that group members got good photos, much better than leaders on other photo tours I have taken. We learnt how to use our cameras creatively and to always think of the composition. Now every time I look into the viewfinder, I'm thinking 'look for the light, be creative'. Thanks for an awesome time Ewen!"

  - Kathryn M.
Bhutan Photography Tour, October 2012



Bhutan is one of those completely different flying carpet adventures. I first went on a magic carpet ride with Ewen on his Australian Photography trip, and when offered the chance to go to Bhutan. It was never going to be a no. What makes this trip unique? The small group, getting to places not on the tourist maps, adventure of immersing yourself in a very unique culture. Plus; having Ewen there to pick his brain even on the smallest of photography tips is amazing. You could use all the cliché in the world to describe this trip, but I don't think they would fully cover it. In Bhutan, you are almost at the top of the world, enclosed by mountains. There is no better way to see it, then this. Expand your view of the world and learn a lot about photography at the same time from somebody with patience and passion for his trade. Oh, and the extra bonus you may even come out with some awesome happy snaps to relive your adventure and some pretty cool friends."

  - Michel M.
Bhutan Photo Tour, October 2011



Travelling with Ewen on a photography tour is an amazing way to experience the temples, mountains, people and culture in some very beautiful and unique parts of the world. Nepal is full of gorgeous photo opportunities - from the chaos of Kathmandu, to the serenity of Chitwan National Park, to the breathtaking Himalayas, there are so many magical moments.
The Bhutan research trip was truly out of this world. Landing in Paro was like stepping into another time and place or a movie set. Travelling around Bhutan was truly amazing, full of surprises, laughter and absolutely beautiful photographs. The entire country was full of colour, excitement and pride in anticipation of the royal wedding. Friendships formed made it even more special.
Ewen's sense of adventure and passion for photography is so inspiring and his patience for teaching and sharing means that everyone gets great shots. One of the best things about the material that Ewen publishes, whether it be a tour brochure, books, photo essays or articles, is that if you been part of a trip, whenever you see one of his photos, you're able to relive the journey again. "

  - Sandra N.
Bhutan Photo Tour, October 2011

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