ANGKOR WAT AND LAUANG PRABANG WITH CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
ANGKOR WAT AND LAUANG PRABANG WITH CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
ANGKOR WAT AND LAUANG PRABANG WITH CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
ANGKOR WAT AND LAUANG PRABANG WITH CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
This Better Moments Indochina photography workshop is your chance to travel with a small, intimate group of passionate photographers while staying at the best hotels along your way. You will have all the time in the world to take the images you are looking for, whilst at the same time get a maximum of mentoring. You will have the opportunity to work in private with Christian Nørgaard, who will guide and support you throughout the most important parts of the photographic process.
There are other benefits as well. We are more flexible, can move faster, improvise, and explore cities and other environments that we wouldn’t visit with a bigger group. We will cover some of the distance by boat and sail along the Mekong River to experience its many faces. We will embark on a rustic and simple river tour as has been the custom for centuries.
The trip is divided into three main segments; Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Thailand: we will feel the pulse of Bangkok’s capital and the northern part of Thailand. A corner of Thailand that is not yet overwhelmed by tourists.
Laos: Luang Prabang, the capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos, served as the royal capital of Laos until 1975. Here, we will meet the local people and explore their culture and the lush nature around the city.
Cambodia: Christian Nørgaard visited Angkor Wat for the first time more than 25 years ago. “I was amazed and overwhelmed by the culture and the historical ruins. Even 25 years later, I still get goosebumps when I see the sunrise over the ruins of Angkor Wat”.
Christian Nørgaard
Christian Nørgaard is the founder and CEO of Better Moments. For years, he has photographed and traveled extensively in Asia and has received wide acclaim for his unique photographic talent. In recent years he has also collaborated with Steve McCurry and other National Geographic’s leading photographers for exhibitions and events. His workshop in Indochina is a unique opportunity for any photographer to combine adventure, travel, street, portrait, and landscape photography and to work with one of the best in the field.
Throughout this workshop, there will be regular 1-on-1 teaching and mentoring as well as evening presentations by Christian Nørgaard. We will hold workshops in post production and editing, and discuss your images on a daily basis. Whenever possible, Christian will hold improvised lectures. Therefore, there won’t be a fixed schedule for this workshop. Instead, we will decide on a day-to-day basis and whenever the opportunity arises. Traveling in a small group allows us to be flexible and attend to everyone’s questions and needs.
Chiang Rai is the capital of the Chiang Rai Province, located in northern Thailand. It is close to the borders to Myanmar and Laos.
Our first on-location photo session will take place at the Hloyo Akha Hilltribe, which lives on the border of Burma and Laos, also called The Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. Today, you will work together with Christian Nørgaard and get his unique advice to optimize your photography.
The focus will lie on street photography, portraits of local monks at dawn as well as the many sights that hide behind the city’s facades. We will of course visit the lavish temples of Wat Sensoukarahm, with their ruby red and gold facades, and Wat Xieng Thong, where gold decorations adorn every wall, pillar and door. We will visit the local school for monks – a wonderful morning and day with photogenic monks in their daily surroundings. We will also have the opportunity to explore the unique landscape around Kuang Si Waterfall. Kuang Si Waterfall is considered one of the world’s absolutely most beautiful and exotic waterfalls.
Doing the day, Christian Nørgaard runs one-on-one private workshops with you.
After dinner or breakfast, constructive reviews by Christian Nørgaard of your photos taken during the day.
We will enjoy a nice evening in Siem Reap, find a cozy local restaurant for dinner, and recharge our creative batteries for the next days, which will be very unique and busy.
Tonight: Lecture by Christian Nørgaard on the greatest and most important photographers in our history of photography.
The old city center is now a ruined city surrounded by a square, with eight-meter high walls. After passing the entrance gate flanked by impressive elephants, we move into the Bayon Temple, located in the exact center of the city. We will look for the best angles and light to take photos of the fascinating architecture.
Walk and shoot together with Christian Nørgaard to get his unique advice to optimize your photography.
Moreover, we will visit local monasteries where the monks work in the classrooms, and we will follow some of them on their way through the historic buildings. Their orange robes provide a stunning contrast to the green shade of the ruins and rainforest and allow for some great photography.
After dinner or breakfast: Constructive reviews by Christian Nørgaard of your photos taken during the day.
The temple can not be accurately dated, and its exact history is unknown, but it was originally built as a Hindu temple which is reflected in the extensive carvings with scenes from Hindu mythology. Beng Mealea is not as extensive as Angkor Wat and not nearly as well-known or visited by tourists. The ruin is much rougher and overgrown. It invites you to walk, climb and explore the jungle surroundings with your camera.
Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.
Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.
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GETTING THERE
All international flights arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as Bangkok Airport.
VISA
All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, and all visitors will need a visa. Most nationalities can enter on a tourist visa, but contact and confirm with your local embassy to be sure.
WEATHER
The average temperature in our region of travel is around 25°C.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Thailand is Central Thai, in Laos it is Lao, and in Cambodia it is Khmer, though French is still used in many of its cultural institutions. Most can also communicate in English.
CURRENCY
Laos: LAK, Laotian Kip
Thailand: THB, Thai Baht
Cambodia: KHR, Cambodian Riel
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