Arrive Early for the Ultimate Experience.We highly recommend arriving at least one day before our workshop begins in Mandalay. This ensures you’re well-rested and ready for an early morning departure to Bagan. Better Moments is available to assist with extra accommodations and personalized photo excursions in Mandalay both before and after the workshop.

Morning (9:00 AM): We embark on our adventure with a scenic three-hour drive from Mandalay to Bagan in our private bus. As we traverse through breathtaking landscapes, we’ll make several photo stops, allowing you to capture the stunning beauty of Burma.

Enjoy a delicious lunch en route, savoring local flavors while you prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Upon arriving in Bagan, the afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Take this time to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area.

Evening: We come together for a delightful welcome dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead. Following dinner, enjoy an engaging and visually rich lecture about Burma, featuring Steve McCurry’s iconic images. This inspiring session will provide valuable insights and set the stage for our photographic journey.

Our journey begins early, as we capture the breathtaking sunrise over Bagan from the iconic Shwesandaw Pagoda. The view of the temples bathed in the soft morning light offers a perfect start to your photographic adventure. As the day progresses, we explore the revered Ananda Temple. Known for its impressive architecture and serene Buddha statues, this site provides ample opportunities for capturing stunning architectural shots and serene spiritual moments.In the afternoon, we visit the significant Shwezigon Pagoda, with its magnificent golden stupas. Here, you can photograph the intricate details of this sacred site and the devout worshippers, adding rich cultural context to your portfolio.

As the day winds down, we head to Pyathada Paya for a serene sunset experience. This lesser-known temple offers spectacular views with fewer crowds, allowing you to capture the serene beauty of Bagan in the golden hour.

After a delightful dinner, we gather to review and refine our work. Steve McCurry will provide constructive feedback on your best shots, helping you enhance your skills and vision. The evening will culminate with Steve presenting his most iconic and award-winning images, offering insights into his creative process and the stories behind his legendary photographs.

Experience a day of profound photographic exploration as we delve into the spiritual heart of Bagan. We begin early morning, capturing the majestic sunrise from Thatbyinnyu Temple, Bagan’s tallest temple, where the first light of day casts a magical glow over the ancient landscape. This is an unparalleled opportunity to create stunning images of the awakening city.As the day unfolds, we visit Htilominlo Temple, renowned for its exquisite plaster carvings and ancient murals. The intricate details and historical significance of this site provide a rich tapestry for your photography, allowing you to capture the essence of Bagan’s artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the serene life of a local monastery. Here, you’ll have the chance to photograph monks in their daily routines, capturing intimate portraits that reflect their spiritual dedication. Remember to be respectful and seek permission before taking photos, ensuring a genuine and meaningful interaction.

Our day culminates with a sunset photography session at Dhammayazika Pagoda. Known for its unique circular layout, this site offers a spectacular setting for capturing the vibrant hues of the setting sun, adding a dramatic finish to your day’s work.

Throughout the day, you’ll work in small groups, allowing Steve to provide personalized guidance and individual tutoring. This hands-on approach will help you hone your skills in travel and portrait photography, ensuring you make the most of every photographic opportunity.

In the evening, we return to our hotel for a delightful dinner. Afterward, we’ll review the images taken so far, with Steve offering constructive feedback to help you refine your techniques and enhance your photographic vision. This session will provide invaluable insights and inspiration, setting the stage for the remaining days of our workshop.

Embark on a journey of discovery and creativity as we take you off the beaten path in Bagan. As the morning progresses, we will explore lesser-known temples such as Sulamani and the serene Minnanthu Village. These hidden gems provide an intimate and tranquil setting, perfect for capturing unique architectural details and quiet moments of reflection. The beauty and peace of these locations will inspire your photography and allow you to connect deeply with your surroundings.In the afternoon, we visit Myinkaba Village, renowned for its traditional lacquerware artisans. Here, you will photograph the intricate process of lacquerware creation and engage with the artisans to capture authentic portraits of their meticulous work. This interaction not only enriches your cultural understanding but also adds depth and authenticity to your photographic portfolio.

As the day draws to a close, we will end with a picturesque sunset at Lawkananda Pagoda along the Irrawaddy River. The golden light of the setting sun provides a perfect backdrop for capturing the beauty of this historic site and the tranquil river, offering a serene conclusion to a day filled with exploration and creativity.

After returning to the hotel for a delightful dinner, we will review the images taken throughout the day. Steve McCurry will provide personalized feedback, helping you refine your techniques and enhance your photographic vision. This evening session will offer invaluable insights and inspiration, ensuring you make the most of your photographic journey in Bagan.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Bagan’s cultural and natural beauty. After a hearty breakfast, we embark on our journey in a private 4×4 to a nearby village. Here, you will have the opportunity to capture intimate portraits of villagers and their traditional lifestyle. Engage with the community, learn about their daily routines, and photograph the rich cultural tapestry of rural Burma, creating powerful and authentic images that tell a story.Following a delicious local lunch, we travel to Taung Kalat, a breathtaking Buddhist monastery and temple complex perched atop Mount Popa. This sacred site offers stunning views and a serene spiritual retreat, making it an essential destination for any passionate photographer. The unique architecture and panoramic vistas provide endless opportunities for capturing both majestic landscapes and the serene ambiance of this spiritual haven.

As the evening approaches, we return to Bagan for a sunset shoot at Thitsarwadi Temple. The temple, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, offers a perfect backdrop for your photographs, creating a magical conclusion to a day filled with diverse and enriching photographic experiences.

To cap off this incredible day, we will indulge in a delicious dinner and unwind with a leisurely evening. This is the perfect time to reflect on the day’s experiences, share stories, and enjoy the company of fellow photography enthusiasts.

Begin your day with a visit to the tranquil and lesser-visited Kheminga Temple. Here, you can enjoy peaceful photography sessions in a serene setting, capturing the quiet beauty away from the crowds. The calm atmosphere and unique architectural features of Kheminga Temple offer a perfect start for your photographic exploration.After a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant, we dive into the rich history of Payathonzu Temple, renowned for its stunning murals. These intricate artworks provide a captivating subject for your photographs, showcasing the temple’s artistic heritage and offering a glimpse into the cultural past of Bagan.If time permits, we’ll experience the serene atmosphere of Manuha Temple, home to impressive reclining Buddha statues. The sense of calm and spirituality that permeates this sacred space provides an excellent opportunity to capture powerful images that reflect the peacefulness and devotion of Burmese Buddhism.As the day comes to an end, we have the option to conclude with a breathtaking sunset at Thetkyamuni Temple, another hidden gem off the beaten path. The temple’s unique location offers unparalleled views, making it the perfect spot for capturing the day’s final, golden light. The sunset here will add a dramatic and beautiful end to your day’s photographic journey.Following a delightful dinner, we will gather for an inspiring lecture by Steve McCurry. He will share insights and stories behind his award-winning images from around the globe, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for your own photography journey. This session is designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the art of photography, leaving you motivated and enriched.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Bagan with a day dedicated to capturing the essence of Burmese life. We start our journey with a visit to the bustling Nyaung U Market, where you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the vibrant colors, diverse local produce, and the dynamic daily life of the market. This lively environment offers endless opportunities to capture the authentic spirit of Burma.As the morning progresses, we explore Gubyaukgyi Temple, renowned for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the Jataka tales. These intricate murals provide a captivating subject for your photography, showcasing the historical and artistic heritage of Bagan. The temple’s serene ambiance and detailed artwork will inspire your creativity and enhance your portfolio.

As the day draws to a close, we relax with sunset views from Bulethi Pagoda. The stunning panorama, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, provides the perfect backdrop for your evening photography. Capture the tranquil beauty and majestic landscape of Bagan as the day transitions into night.

After returning to the hotel for a delightful dinner, we will review the images taken throughout the day. Steve McCurry will provide personalized feedback, helping you refine your techniques and enhance your photographic vision. This evening session will offer invaluable insights and inspiration, ensuring you make the most of your photographic journey in Bagan.

We begin our day by revisiting our favorite temples or locations in Bagan to capture those final, unforgettable shots. This is our chance to immortalize the beauty and essence of Bagan one last time, ensuring we leave with a portfolio filled with incredible memories. We will also explore any last-minute sites or hidden gems we might have missed, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and vibrant culture one final time.The evening is a celebration of our amazing workshop experience. We’ll start with a delightful farewell dinner, sharing stories and highlights from our journey. Afterwards, we’ll gather for a special session with Steve McCurry, who will provide personalized feedback on the images taken during the workshop. This intimate review will offer invaluable insights and help you refine your skills even further.

We drive back to Mandalay to catch our flights back to our respective destinations. Those who wish to extend their stay have the option to be driven to their hotels in Mandalay. The journey is relaxing, and we will have coffee and tea breaks along the way.In other words, today we sadly have to say farewell to each other after an amazing workshop.