Take in the rich culture of Cambodia at Angkor Wat with a healthy dose of photography to capture it all.

(November 9th-13th 2023)

Throughout the trip, Samuel R. J. Gillilan will be leading photography specific excursions throughout diverse areas of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. This trip has been curated for the travel-loving, photography junky. We'll be bringing you on an eye-opening, insider cultural tour of the center of Cambodian culture and have some added adventures along the way.

We'll explore the magical ancient city of Angkor Thom outside of Siem Reap - home to Angkor Wat. Each day will begin with an early morning photo shoot, capturing the temples at their most peaceful and serene. You'll then have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and lectures, covering topics such as composition, lighting, and post-processing. In the afternoons, you'll have time to explore the temple complex on your own and continue practicing your craft.

In the evenings, you'll gather with the group for photo critiques, giving you the opportunity to get feedback on your work and learn from your fellow photographers.

This retreat is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our team will be there to help you every step of the way.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Angkor Wat, and return home with a collection of stunning images that you'll treasure for a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable photography adventure!

Price includes:

• Five night stay at a boutique hotel at the center of Siem Reap.

• Fresh daily breakfast.

• Private transportation to and from airport.

• Entry fees and guided tours of the temple complex, led by Samuel R. J. Gillilan and a local guide who can provide insights into the history and cultural significance of the temples.

• Opportunities to photograph the temples and surrounding areas at different times of day, including early morning and late afternoon, as well as street photography of the local area of Siem Reap with night markets and cultural events.

• Workshops on a variety of photography topics, such as composition, lighting, and post-processing.

• Critiques of participants' work, where photographers can get feedback on their images and learn from one another.

• Workshops on printing and publishing books with your photography.

*All rooms are double occupancy unless single occupancy is requested at an additional fee.

*All Covid 19 safety measures will be followed.

Not included:

• Round trip flights.

• Lunches and dinners (typically it's about $10-20 with drinks), alcoholic beverages.

• Baggage fees.

• Tips for our on-the-ground team.

What is Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is a breathtaking temple complex located in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world. It was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple and capital city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and its design reflects the spiritual and cosmic beliefs of Hinduism. The temple complex is a stunning display of ancient Khmer architecture, with its massive sandstone walls and intricate carvings and sculptures. It is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and artistic talent of the Khmer people, who built this magnificent structure over 900 years ago. Angkor Wat is a symbol of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Southeast Asia. Visitors can explore the temple complex and marvel at its stunning beauty, learning about the history and culture of the Khmer people.

This is the Samuel R. J. Gillilan Masterclass™ tailored to bring you up to an advanced level on using your camera equipment, setting up a workflow on your computer, editing and presenting images, and shooting different assignments.

Good to know about going to Cambodia

• Book a flight ticket to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

• Bring cash US Dollars, Euro or Canadian Dollars for food and expenses during the experience in Cambodia. Credit cards do work in Cambodia, however prepare for the likelyhood that you cannot use cards, only cash. Cambodia uses Riel and US Dollars, the exchange rate is best in local currency. Local ATM machines will dispense US Dollars.

• Arrive in the airport and get a visa issued on arrival or E-Visa prior to arrival. An On-Arrival Visa costs $30 US dollar and will be issued at customs at the airport. (visa rules depend on your country of origin)

• Change money in the airport in Siem Reap upon arrival. There are also currency exchanges in the town.

• Pick up a Tourist SIM card for your phone, we recommend Smart or Metfone.

Arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Airport in Siem Reap is small. When you walk off the plane, you walk into the main building under "Arrivals" and there is passport control. We will provide transportation from the airport to the hotel.

What to bring

• Camera gear: Be sure to bring all the camera equipment you'll need, including your camera body, lenses, camera bag, and any other accessories such as tripods, filters, and extra batteries. Memory cards and backup drives: Don't forget to bring plenty of memory cards and/or external hard drives to store all your photos. A computer with Lightroom installed for editing of photos. For the walkabout day we will select a minimum of equipment.

• Comfortable clothing and shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so be sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes that you can wear while shooting.

• Sun protection: Cambodia can be hot and sunny, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in some parts of Cambodia, so it's a good idea to bring insect repellent to help keep them at bay.

• Basic first aid supplies: It's always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with you on any trip, including band-aids, painkillers, and any other medications you may need.

• Water and snacks: For our day trips be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during the retreat.

• Power bank: It's a good idea to bring a portable power bank to keep your electronic devices charged while you're out and about shooting.

• Passport and visas: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport and any visas required to enter and travel in Cambodia.

What to expect

You will meet like-minded people who want to improve their photography. All types of cameras are welcome.

The seminar is very informal and hands-on. You will be able to ask all the questions you like.

What we will deal with

People, light, cityscapes, street photography, portraits, how to handle people, timing, composition, your goal as a photographer, color control, messages in photographs, your unique talents and skills, how to set up a digital workflow, what to look for when editing, color management, speed of work, white balance, exposure, reflectors, quality of light, finding the right locations and how to share and present your photographs.

End result

You can expect to get a relaxed and simplified view on photography and realize that this is something you can perform well, enjoy and produce much more than you used to.

You will walk out from this seminar taller and more confident, no matter their skill level and experience

FIVE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY

Day 1:

• Arrive in Siem Reap and check into the hotel

• Meet and greet with the retreat instructors and other participants

• Introductory workshop on camera usage and basic photography techniques

• Early evening photo shoot at Angkor Wat

Day 2:

• Morning workshop on composition and lighting

• Afternoon photo shoot at the temple complex, with guidance from the instructors

• Evening photo critique and review session

Day 3:

• Day off to rest and explore the local area

• Optional activities such as visiting the local markets or taking a cooking class

Day 4:

• Morning workshop on editing with Lightroom

• Afternoon photo shoot at the temple complex, with guidance from the instructors

• Evening photo critique and review session

Day 5:

• Morning workshop on printing and making books

• Afternoon photo shoot at the temple complex, with guidance from the instructors

• Evening photo critique and review session

• Farewell dinner and discussion on photography book publishing options

Overall, this 5 day photography workshop retreat at Angkor Wat and Siem Reap in Cambodia will provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for photographers of all levels. Each day will include a mix of structured activities, such as workshops and photo critiques, as well as plenty of time for independent exploration and shooting at the stunning temple complex. The retreat will cover a wide range of photography topics, including camera usage, composition, editing, printing, and book publishing, giving participants the skills and knowledge they need to take their photography to the next level.

Got questions? We got answers!

1) WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Almost everything! The retreat price includes accommodations, transportation to and from the airport, transportation to and from the temple complex each day, breakfast, and all workshop materials. Additional meals, activities, and personal expenses are not included in the retreat price. Not only do we take care of the not so fun stuff, like reservations and on the ground transportation, but we always connect our travelers with beautiful, locally owned boutique hotels in central Siem Reap. We cover it all. You just have to cover some meals and the amazing souvenirs you’re going to bring back! We will provide all participants with a detailed schedule and any updates or changes as they occur. We recommend that you keep an eye on your email and check in with us regularly to stay up-to-date.

2) WHAT EXACTLY IS A PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUSED TRIP?

The workshop is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our team of experienced instructors will be there to help you every step of the way. We’ve added some incredible photography walks/workshops with Samuel R. J. Gillilan. He’ll be with you the entire week to hang out and talk shop about photography and will be leading photo walks to really practice and sharpen your photography skills. It’s an amazing opportunity to bounce questions off of him, ask for examples all while shooting shoulder to shoulder with some really great photographers!

4) SO GROUP TRAVEL, EH??

We know what you’re thinking…am I going to like traveling with people I don’t know?? We have been doing this for the past few years now and the answer, every time, is YES! When else, as an adult, can you meet a group of people all with one very major thing in common, the love of travel and photography?! The group size will vary, but we aim to keep it small to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience. We forget in this technology filled day and age that people like being around people. Also, there is plenty of time for relaxing and solo time built into our itinerary in case you need to recharge! We’ve got all the angles covered.

5) IS THERE INTERNET?

For sure! The internet works very well when you connect to WiFi hotspots or in our hotel. You probably won’t have it walking around (unless you purchase a data plan with your carrier or purchase a local tourist SIM Card for the trip), although, it’s nice to unplug on vacation, right??

7) WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

Average weather in November is mid 80s F during the day and lows are in the 70s F. There is some chance of warm, tropical rains. As the date nears, it is best to check your weather app to get more specific temperatures.

8) WHAT IS THE LOCAL CULTURE OF CAMBODIA?

Cambodia is a largely Buddhist country, and the local culture is quite different from that of many Western countries. It's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions while on the retreat. The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, but many people in the tourism industry also speak English. Cambodia is generally considered a safe destination, but it's always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings while traveling.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Payment: Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure your spot on the retreat.

• Cancellation: If you need to cancel your registration for the retreat, please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of the retreat, you will receive a full refund minus a processing fee. If you cancel within 30 days of the start of the retreat, no refund will be given.

• Travel and Camera insurance: We recommend that all participants purchase travel and camera insurance to protect against any unforeseen circumstances such as theft, damage, illness, injury, or travel delays.

• Responsibility: We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur during the retreat. Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and for ensuring that they have adequate travel insurance coverage.

• Photography release: By participating in the retreat, you grant us the right to use any images or video you create during the retreat for promotional purposes, including on our website and social media channels. You will receive attribution for any photographs or videos used.

• Behavior: We expect all participants to behave in a respectful manner during the retreat. Any behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive may result in the participant being asked to leave the retreat without a refund.

• Changes to the schedule: We reserve the right to make changes to the schedule or itinerary of the retreat as necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.

• Accommodations: Accommodations will be provided at a local hotel. Single rooms are available at an additional cost.

• Meals: Breakfast is included in the retreat price, and additional meals can be purchased at the hotel or at local restaurants.

• Transportation: Transportation to and from the airport, as well as transportation to and from the temple complex each day, is included in the retreat price.