CAPTIVATING CAMBODIA 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
Captivating Cambodia
Peter Eastway & Nick Melidonis 22 - 28 June 2020
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Bayon Angkor Thom Photo by Nick Melidonis
CAPTIVATING CAMBODIA 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
Captivating Cambodia – 22-28 June 2020 4
Small group Boutique tour, maximum of 16
Grand Master of Photography Peter Eastway with
participants.
Master of Photography Nick Melidonis and guest speaker; renowned American photographer,
Angkor Wat is one of the wonders of the world—
John McDermott who resides in Siem Reap, will
the archetype of a lost city and the largest
take you on a personal journey to discover the
religious complex in the world.
culture and wonders of this exciting and vibrant destination
In the plains and jungles surrounding Angkor, there are dozens of other ancient temples and
Please contact Nick Missikos from Our World
structures built to perfection by master architects
Travel for bookings (sole booking agent),
and engineers. In some temples, the roots of
travel@owtravel.com.au
centuries-old trees entwine and grow through
or ring 08 9221 9977.
the structures and have been the subject of many movies.
Please ring Nick Melidonis on 0418 912156 or nick@nickmelidonis.com for any questions on the
The magnificent Bayon Temple in the ancient city
tour.
of Angkor Thom is home to numerous giant faces of Buddhas that gaze serenely over the forest. The vast Tonle Sap Lake swells to many times its size during the wet season and is dotted with villages on stilts amidst a rich tapestry of birdlife.
Angkor Thom Photo by Nick Melidonis
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The Travel Program - AUS $3870/$4620 6
Day 1 (22 June) – Arrival Siem Reap (Dinner)
equipment and technique. The workshop will be
Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to our
participant driven and will cater for the level of
comfortable hotel. In the afternoon (depending
the photographers.
on participants’ arrival times), we will go on a leisurely orientation walk around Siem Reap with
Following lunch, we will visit the Angkor Temple’s
visits to the nearby markets and the famous Pub
ticketing office to obtain our temple passes and
Street with its colourful restaurants and pubs,
photo ID’s (three day pass). We need to wear these
serving food of almost all cultures and flavours.
whenever we are visiting the temple areas.
In the evening, we have a special welcome
We then proceed to the amazing ancient city of
treat to a stunning Cambodian cultural show
Angkor Thom as well as some smaller surrounding
and Apsara dance with a sumptuous buffet
temples. In the evening, you are invited to join
comprising both Western and traditional Khmer
us for a leisurely stroll to Pub Street for some fun
delicacies.
and dinner. Don’t make it an all-night session as tomorrow we rise early for one of the tour
Day 2: (23 June) (B../../)
highlights.
After a buffet breakfast, you are invited to attend a photography and photo workflow session
Day 3: (24 June) (B../../)
at our hotel run by Peter and Nick with lots of
This morning we are taken to the World Heritage
tips and techniques to prepare you for the rich
complex of Angkor Wat to capture a sunrise and
photo opportunities that lie ahead. We will also
explore this amazing religious complex, bathed in
ensure that all is fine with your photographic
the early morning light. You will be guided to the
Monk Photo by Nick Melidonis
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best photo spots. Breakfast packs will be provided
builder, King Jayavaraman VII. Without a doubt,
by our hotel. We continue shooting around the
this is one of Cambodia’s ‘must see’ temples.
world’s largest religious complex and a special nearby temple.
Monks can be seen and photographed in the early morning in a nearby temple. Time permitting; we
8 We return to the hotel for lunch at our individual
will also explore the smaller but exquisite temples
choice of restaurant and have a rest. Later this
of Ta Keo and Thommanon.
afternoon, we will enjoy a shoot at some more amazing temples including the spectacular
We return to the hotel for lunch and a rest. In the
corridors of Bantay Kdei.
late afternoon, we will visit more iconic temples – the stunning Preah Kahn and Tah Prom which was
In the evening, we will take a relaxing stroll with
made famous by the Film ‘Tomb Raider’ starring
John McDermott to enjoy one of his galleries and
Angelina Jolie.
then on to a recommended restaurant. A special treat awaits us tonight with a visit to Day 4: (25 June) (B../../)
the famous Phare Ponleu Selpak School of Music,
An early morning shoot and exploration with
Visual & Performing Arts. The School is a success
Peter and Nick and our guide of the Bayon, a
story of how humanitarian aid work can turn into
richly decorated Khmer Temple built in the late
a display of zest for life, genuine warmth and
12th century.
creativity, against all odds.
The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the
Enjoy the world famous Cambodian Circus which
multitude of serene and massive stone faces on
will leave you with a lasting memory of the
the many towers that jut from the upper terrace.
wonderful Cambodian people.
Some believe these gigantic faces are those of its
Angkor ruins Photo by Nick Melidonis
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Day 5 : (26 June) (B../../)
water and the village. Evening at leisure or join us
We will be up early to drive for a shoot with
for meal or a drink.
Peter and Nick at the intricate and elaborately
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decorated, pristine temple of Bantay Srei.
Day 6 (27 June): (B/D)
Surrounded by a moat with lotus flowers, the early
After a few hectic days, time to relax at leisure and
light will reveal why it is widely praised as ‘The
enjoy some exploring and shopping. Nick, Peter
Jewel of Khmer Art’.
and our guide will be happy to show you around some of the old market areas for shopping or
We will then visit Beng Mealea, a mysterious
arrange for you to attend a cooking class. Some
temple in the middle of the Cambodian jungle.
of you may want to re-visit the Tonle Sap Lake
Surrounded by a vast moat, this 12th century
and explore the amazing Chong Khneas village
temple follows a complex floorplan similar
on stilts or the spectacular Cambodian Museum
to Angkor Wat, but with a haunting jungle
or get feedback on your photos. Nick and Peter
atmosphere similar to Tah Prom. Visitors that make
would be happy to assist you with any plans you
their way through the ruined stone blocks and
may have. Altrnatively, Nick and Peter will run
wandering tree routes are rewarded by the sight
some critique workshops for our participants.
of beautiful classical bas reliefs. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner (included After lunch and a rest, we travel in the late
in the tour) to celebrate our time in Cambodia at
afternoon light to photograph by land and boat;
one of Siem Reap’s well known restaurants.
the striking village on stilts; Kampong Kleang on the mighty Tonle Sap Lake which swells to
Day 7 (28 June): (B/../..)
five times its size during the wet season with
After breakfast, we check out and transfer to the
numerous floating villages. The friendly villagers
airport for our return to Australia or continue to
will make great subjects as the sun sets over the
other destinations.
Striking architecture Photo by Nick Melidonis
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Tour Highlights •
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Capture stunning images under guidance
dinner) and marvel at the amazing
at the major temple sites including Preah
world famous Cambodian Circus (photo
Kahn with its long corridors, Ta Prohm
opportunities) as well as other attractions.
and its strangler figs, the imposing Bayon
• •
renowned photographer John McDermott
with its hidden wonders and many smaller
with John. •
French Quarter and capture images of the
world, Angkor Wat at dawn and then explore
locals and then enjoy a meal at the vibrant
the historic grounds and nearby temples.
Pub Street.
Visit saffron clad monks at prayer and capture monastic life.
Need to Know
Explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom
•
temples.
• •
show and sumptuous buffet (welcome
A significant change in exchange rates or other costs may necessitate a variation in price.
•
lake both by boat. Enjoy a night at a theatre with a full cultural
Itinerary and activities may be subject to change due to weather and other factors.
temple, the delicately clad Bantay Srei and a visit to a stilted village on the vast Tonle Sap
This tour starts and concludes in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Enjoy Nick’s favourite locations out of Siem Reap including the jungle clad Beng Melea
•
Wander around the colourful old markets; the
See the largest religious complex in the
and its surrounding richly carved walls and •
Tour the stunning photo galleries of
with its numerous giant faces, Bantay Kdei surrounding temples. •
•
A current travel Insurance policy is a requirement for this tour
•
Tour is sold as a package; unused portions of the tour cannot be refunded
Family life Photo by Nick Melidonis
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Inclusions/Exclusions 14
Tour includes:
TOUR COST
•
An opulent 4 star hotel in central Siem
$3,870 twin share; Single Supp. $750
Reap including breakfasts with large pool,
•
•
A deposit of AUD$500 is required to secure
restaurants etc.
your place which is refundable if the tour
Our own air conditioned bus and registered
does not go ahead (minimum requirement of
local guide
8 participants)
•
Airport transfers and transport as per itinerary
•
•
Temple passes for the Archaeological Temple
Travel for bookings (sole booking agent),
areas
travel@owtravel.com.au or ring 08 9221 9977 •
Please contact Nick Missikos from Our World
•
Welcome and farewell dinners
Please ring Nick Melidonis on 0418 912156 or
•
Expert guidance and tuition by Peter Eastway and
nick@nickmelidonis.com for any questions on
Nick Melidonis, supported by John McDermott.
the tour.
Not included in tour •
Airfares to and from Siem Reap (see our travel agent, details below)
•
Meals other than those on itinerary (lunches and most dinners are not included)
•
Cambodian Visa
•
Travel Insurance (a pre-requisite for the tour – see our travel agent for advice)
•
Personal expenses
Captivating portraits Photo by Nick Melidonis
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How Do You Like To Learn? 16
Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,
to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made
it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,
to feel silly because you asked a basic question -
noting how he or she positions and uses the
chances are others in the group don’t know the
camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or
answer either!
interacts with people to achieve the best posing and expression.
Peter and Nick will be shooting as well. They are just as passionate as you are about photography.
Others like to be given suggestions, to understand
They also feel it is important to practice what they
what the experts are seeing and thinking, and
preach and to show participants what they have
then left to experiment and discover on their own.
captured as the tour/workshop progresses.
They are looking for guidance, but not too much. However, both Peter and Nick are very aware And yet other photographers like to be shown
that their primary role is to act as your instructor
how to find the photograph, how to compose
and guide. And they want you to return on other
the image and what camera settings are required.
workshops and trips, which you will only do if you
They want help with their camera controls
are happy.
and detailed instructions on how to frame and compose.
So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!
Different photographers at different stages require different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter provides all three levels of interaction, all you have
CAPTIVATING CAMBODIA 2020
How Physical Is It?
Bring Your Partner
You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this
Non-photography partners are most welcome
photography tour. If you can walk along well
to come along, but they will be expected to
maintained tracks, you should have no trouble in
participate on most of the activities. Sometimes
Cambodia.
we may leave early to take photographs, and then continue on to our next destination.
However, there will be some walking involved when we leave the hotels or the vehicles to get to
However, there will be some mornings when we
the best photographic locations.
will return to the hotel, so if your partner wanted to sleep in, that would certainly be okay!
Sometimes we will only be walking a few hundred metres. Most of the time it is no more than a
What we find is that non-partners really appreciate
kilometre or so.
our itinerary. Rather than being centred around meal times, it’s based on experiencing the
The weather will also determine what walks are
countryside and what it has to offer. It’s a varied
possible, but we’re not expecting there to be any
and exciting program, and whether you’re using a
major difficulties!
camera or not, the experiences will last a lifetime.
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Peter Eastway G.M. Photog., MNZIPP, Hon FAIPP, HFNZIPP, FAIPP
photography competitions, both as a judge and as an active participant. He judges and speaks
Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway
internationally on a regular basis.
is a Grand Master of Photography and a two time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional
Peter’s work has been published internationally
Photographer of the Year. Known best for his
in photography and travel magazines, and he
landscape and travel photography, he has worked
was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide
in most areas of the profession and also loves
to Landscape Photography. His photography has
sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.
featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in
Peter is the editor and publisher of Better
articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an
Photography magazine and website, a position
Apple television commercial. And he has worked
that has given him special access to many of
with Phase One researching and promoting its
the world’s leading photographers over the past
Capture One raw processing software, and with
30 years. His ability to communicate both the
Adobe on its Lightroom software.
technical and aesthetic sides of photography makes him a sought after speaker on the
In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic
international circuit.
Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography series produced in partnership with Canon.
Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards for
He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and
many years and is still involved in all aspects of
Phase One camera systems.
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Nick Melidonis APP.L M. Photog. V
As a corporate trainer and teacher in the past, I enjoy sharing and teaching. I write about my
Hello, I’m Nick and thanks for reading. Three of my
photography adventures in Australian and US
great passions in life are photography, travel and
photo and lifestyle magazines.
teaching and I am very fortunate to have made those my life’s vocation.
Music and sailing are also passions of mine. I shoot many yachting events and was fortunate
I was born in Alexandria, Egypt of Greek parents
to be one of the media photographers covering
and migrated to Australia at the age of six. I
the 2011 ISAF World Sailing Championships in
travelled to Greece in the mid ‘90s to discover the
Fremantle WA.
way of life my father knew and fell in love with the place. My first book Aegean Light was spawned
A near fatal fall off a cliff in Karijini National Park
from those early trips and also influenced my
during a 2010 shoot in remote WA was a life-
decision to become a professional photographer
changing experience. It profoundly changed the
in 1999.
way I look at life now. As one kind soul put it in a ‘Get Well’ email she sent me, “Maybe you were
Over a couple of years, I put together my first
spared because your best work is yet to come”.
photo and cultural tour and led a small group of people to the fabled Cyclades Islands in 1999. This has now become a yearly trip, along with other photo and cultural tours to Cambodia, Borneo, Africa, Spain, Indonesia and Iceland.
I live each day knowing that’s possible
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The Atacama and Patagonia with Peter Eastway
Camera Equipment For The Expedition
Checklist
Neither Peter nor Nick are an equipment snobs!
•
Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.
Recommended Camera Stuff camera body if possible)
Yes, they use professional equipment, but that’s their full time job. So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or
DSLR or CSC camera recommended (and a spare
•
Standard zoom - cover everything
•
Wide-angles - as wide as you have
•
Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, but a 70200mm is pretty good too!
an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it really doesn’t matter. However, there are some
•
1.4X or 2.0X Converter
lenses and accessories that will certainly help you
•
Spare camera battery & battery charger
capture a wider range of photographs.
•
Backpack style camera bag
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Tripod (with a quick release plate)
We do recommend you bring everything you
•
Plenty of storage cards for your camera
think you might need, but not so much you
•
Polarising filter
can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave
•
Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)
equipment behind in the hotel at any time.
•
Card reader and cable if necessary
•
Laptop computer (Mac or PC)
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External back-up drives
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Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One
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Mouse or stylus/tablet
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Hat, sunscreen
Ancient trees, ancient temples Photo by Nick Melidonis
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS 24
These terms and conditions relate to the photography tours and workshops organised by Pt 78 Pty Ltd [Pt78], ABN 75 003 152 136, trading as Better Photography, Our World Travel and run by Peter Eastway and Nick Melidonis, the workshop leaders.
RESERVATIONS For bookings and reservations, please contact Nick Missikos from Our World Travel (sole booking agent), travel@ owtravel.com.au or ring 08 9221 9977 The workshop is limited to a maximum of 16 participants (plus the workshop leaders). A mininum of 8 participants is required for the workshop to run. Workshop places will be confirmed in order of receipt, payment or deposit.
PRICE Capitvating Cambodia 22-28 June 2020 AUS $3,870 Single Room Supplement: AUS $ 750 Deposit to secure place AUS $ 500
PRICE INCLUDES • Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the kind of hotels as described in the itinerary. • All breakfasts and two dinners as per itinerary. • All admission fees to the museums and places to visit in the itinerary. • English speaking photo guide and local guides.
• Comfortable A/C van, driver, gas, parking etc.. • Bottled water in the vehicle. • Arrival and departure airport transfers only on the official start and departure days of the tour (22 and 28 June 2020). The order of the visits and sites to photograph, as well as the itinerary, can be changed depending on the circumstances like weather, light, crowd, availability, closing / opening hours, domestic flight schedule etc…
PRICE EXCLUDES The price does not include: • International air fare to Siem Reap, • lunches and dinners (except the 2 dinners as per the itinerary) • tips to the bell boys at hotels, gratuities to the local guide and the driver, • Cambodian Visa (if required) • travel insurance.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Payment details are as follows: 1. A deposit upon booking to reserve your place of AUS $500. 2. Final payment by 15 March 2020.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must advise us in writing (email is fine). We try to have a fair refund policy that works for both you and us: • Deposits are refundable, up to 90 days prior to the event. If you don’t
request a refund of your deposit 90 days out or longer, we will assume you wish to come and the full balance is payable. • if you are cancelling more than 90 days from the workshop date, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is not full and, after your cancellation, we still have the minimum number of bookings to run, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is full, and we have turned away other customers, and you are cancelling within 90 days of the workshop date, we won’t refund you unless your place is filled by someone else; • if after you cancel your booking the workshop numbers fall below the minimum number required to run, and you are cancelling within 90 days, we won’t refund you. No part refunds are made for unused portions or services of a workshop.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS The workshop is designed to be suitable for people of all ages in good health and moderate fitness. While activities are not strenuous, on some workshops we may be taking hikes for several kilometres on tracks in National Park and wilderness areas, which may involve short steep descents and climbs. We will comply with the National Parks’
CAPTIVATING CAMBODIA 2020
safety requirements, but these are a wilderness areas and you need to be careful when you are in them. It will be necessary to carry your own camera equipment and water for these activities. Should you have any concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness, please contact your doctor to discuss before booking your place. You are required to disclose any medical or physical condition that you have which could create a risk for you or any other participants. We assume no responsibility for medical care nor guarantee to meet any special dietary requirements.
INSURANCE: We have public liability insurance, but we have no insurance for par ticipants, their health, their equipment or personal belongings. We strongly advise you to obtain your own insurances suitable for your needs.
LIMITED LIABILITY As we are a small company, we are not in a position to insure your travel arrangements with our travel providers. If our travel providers are unable to provide the services for which you have contracted and paid, Pt78 will not be liable to you for any loss you incur. We strongly suggest you take out travel insurance. In such an unlikely event, we would naturally refund the tuition component of the course. We are not opting out of our responsiblities to you, only those over which we have no control. We are asking
you to take the same risk you would were you to book your travel directly with another travel provider.
RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Pt78 is strictly limited. As a tour/workshop operator, Pt78 may organise, promote, and sell programs consisting of services that it purchases from various suppliers. Pt78 does not own or operate any of these suppliers and as such is not responsible for any negligent or wilful act or failure or omission of any supplier. By taking part in the tour/workshop, you agree that Pt78 shall not be liable for the above failings. Pt78 cannot accept responsibility for losses or extra expenses caused by, but not limited to, delay or changes in any transportation services, weather, illness, injury, strike, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the sole responsibility of the participant. Pt78 reserves the right to cancel any workshop prior to commencement, whereupon paid funds will be refunded in full, but is not liable for any other trip preparation expenses such as, but not limited to, air ticket penalties, visa fees and medical treatments. Pt78 reserves the right to substitute accommodations (if any) of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary. Where weather conditions or forces of nature restrict or prohibit workshop activities, it reserves the right to alter the trip program and substitute alternative activities.
Prior to commencement of any workshop, an Acceptance of Risk Release form is a term of sale. The Acceptance of Risk release must be agreed to by each participant prior to the commencement of the workshop. No alterations to the Acceptance of Risk Release will be accepted. If a participant attends a workshop without signing an Acceptance of Risk Release, their attendance confirms their acceptance of all parts of these Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk Release. These Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk release, shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the law within New South Wales, Australia. That’s it! Any special requests, please let us know beforehand!
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PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION
Captivating Cambodia
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Peter Eastway & Nick Melidonis 22 - 28 June 2020
Please contact Nick Missikos from Our World Travel for bookings (sole booking agent), travel@owtravel.com.au or ring 08 9221 9977. Please ring Nick Melidonis on 0418 912156 or nick@nickmelidonis.com for any questions on the tour.