Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake
Monks, Monasteries, Temples, Longtail Boats, Stunning Portraits
Fisherman, Fish and Vegetable Markets, Night Shooting & So Much More
November 4th - 16, 2026
13 days and 12 nights * group size 6-8
workshop cost $8,900
single supplement $1,200
* WORKSHOP POSTPONED *
I have been taking groups to Burma since 2010 and it has always been peaceful and truly a photographers paradise. But with the current political climate from the tensions for the past 5 years, I am postponing this workshop until the Travel Advisory Level changes. Hoping that will be in 2027. *
One of a kind Burma
I have decided that after a five year hiatus, with things finally getting back to normal, that I will be going back to my favorite country on earth and a lead a 14 day photo workshop from November 4th – 16th, 2026. The hidden jewel and land of enchantment of Southeast Asia is Myanmar, or what many of the locals still refer to as Burma. Bordered by Thailand, India, Bangladesh, China, & Laos, this country is a mecca for capturing one of a kind images. I have photographed in so many stunning countries around the world but Burma has no equal.
From the awe inspiring monasteries & temples to the simplicity of the soft spoken people, Burma stands out from the rest of Southeast Asia. It might be the least visited & explored country in that part of the world & that is what makes it so special. The hospitality of the locals make you feel like you are the first foreigners they have ever seen. It is truly a feast for the eyes in every direction and a place that will stay in your heart forever.
Living by the water is a way of life
The faces are stunning everywhere
Feels like going back in time
Burma is Back!
This will be a trip for photographers who want to capture once in a lifetime images. My guide is one of the best guides in Burma and has guided many of the top photographers in the world. He is not only knowledgable about every aspect of Burma but also highly respected and will go out of his way to please each and every one of us.
I have been working with him for the past year, monitoring the country and it is finally getting back to normal in many ways & this should hopefully be a great time to visit this stunning land in SE Asia.
However, we are monitoring it every day and if need be, will postpone the workshop if we feel it is still not safe enough. Safety is my number one incentive to do this workshop.
We will be going to many unique locations for photography in all four of the cities that we will be visiting, often looking for monks, local villagers & children for our photos.
Photographers Paradise
Our trip will be about one thing and that is to be in the best light at the best time at the best locations. Photo opportunities are everywhere in Burma and we will all see why this country is the jewel of Southeast Asia. I have chosen late November as a good time for some of the best weather and we will have very few tourists to deal with too!
I know this country well and want our group to have the most amount of photo ops in magical locations. This magical place called Burma is a photographers paradise and this trip is for people that are serious about capturing great images and are not just here for a sightseeing trip.
One Special Country
Our itinerary includes the capital, Yangon with it’s many sights and sounds including the golden Schwedagon Pagoda and colorful early morning fish markets.
We will then visit the ancient religious city of Bagan, where the landscape is filled with thousands of temples and is one of the most special places on Earth. There is an optional hot air balloon ride too.
Next is Mandalay, where we will photograph monks and local children in and around local villages and many of the amazing temples and monasteries.
We will also be shooting the famous 1.2Km teak UBein Bridge at sunset, capturing monks and locals carrying their wares & goods atop their heads. This is one of my favorite locations to shoot on earth.
In Inle Lake, we will photograph local fishermen in their traditional fishing boats, the Padaung long necked women, bustling local markets and a floating monastery. Our hotel is beyond belief too!
A Love Affair
My love affair with Burma began long ago in 2001 and after multiple journeys throughout the years, there is nowhere I would rather be. Years ago, I was lucky enough to get a book deal with Skyhorse Publishing in New York to make a 270 page coffee table book called Passage to Burma, which this link will take you to. Inside the book are most of the cities we will be be traveling to within Burma and it was a labor of love that was years in the making.
During the workshop, we will also will be able to see many of the people in the book including my favorite monks and monk masters and also gorgeous little children that I adore to pieces over there. One of the special places inside the book is a grade school where they let me and my wife teach English to the school kids and we will all be able to go to this school and watch them learn English.
Cost
The workshop cost is $8,900 and includes: lodging at 4+ & 5 star hotels, all meals with breakfast at each hotel and lunch and dinner at great local restaurants, domestic economy flights, ground-transportation in large air conditioned buses, guide/translator, boat fees for Mingun, Amarapura and Inle lake., entrance and archaeological fees for scheduled visits, portage charges at airports and jetty, camera and video fees.
The workshop is based on double occupancy. The single supplement fee will be approx. $1,200 for your own room.
The cost does not include entry visa fees, alcohol, soft drinks, personal shopping, optional hot air Balloon Ride Over Bagan and tips for drivers, models, monks and our guide.
A visa for your passport is required for Burma which can be easily obtained online or by Zierer Visa Service at www.zvs.com.
Photo ops everywhere
I will be helping everyone understand the best ways to capture this amazing country and work with each person individually on their photography. My guide is also a great photographer and he knows just what I like to capture all over this very special country.
I have been to this stunning country many times since 2001 and it is always incredibly special to be in this one of a kind buddhist culture. Every place you are in is a pretty much sensory overload!
If you think you want to come, please email me asap as I am sure there will be a waiting list soon. I know this is going to be another non stop rare photogenic workshops as the photo opportunities are going to be insane! To see more images of Burma on my site here, click on this link.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This workshop includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. We will have large buses taking us all over so walking can be more some days and less other days with water bottles available every day in our buses.
CLIMATE
The climate is always hot and can be pretty humid at times but going in November is a pretty good time of the year for the good temps. The average for November in Yangon, the capital city is is usually a low of 65 degrees and a high of 92 degrees approx. Plan on being hot oftenand bringing a towel to wipe away your sweat is always a good idea!
CLOTHING
Shorts are probably what you will want to wear most days with light shirts but nights can be cooler. I would also bring a few pairs of long pants and hiking shoes or tennis shoes. I like to wear good sandals such as Tevas…and you might want to bring a pair of these as they keep you cooler and cut down on bringing so many socks. A light rain jacket is a good idea too.
MONEY
The currency in India is the Kyat. The best place to exchange money is not in the airport but at money changers in the city. We will exchange money as a group on the first day but make sure you bring extra cash for tips and also a major credit card.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. U.S. passport holders must have an e-visa to enter Burma, which you will apply for online. I will give everyone instructions on how and when to apply for your e-visa as it is a lot of questions but is easy to apply. I love doing visas for foreign countries online!
ELECTRICITY
India uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. In Myanmar, they use power sockets (outlets) of type C, D, F and G. In the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in Myanmar for sockets type C, D, F and G. You will need a plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter.
HEALTH
Burma is a very clean country but I would bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands when you can. Also, only drink bottled water. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
For travel to Myanmar (Burma), routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, COVID-19) are essential, with specific recommendations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and potentially Yellow Fever (if coming from a risk country). Hepatitis A and Typhoid are common food/waterborne risks, while Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies (due to dogs/wildlife) are mosquito/animal-borne, requiring vaccination depending on itinerary and activities, especially in rural areas. Consult a doctor or travel clinic for a personalized plan.
I will be talking to each person more about what is exactly recommended for this workshop.
Burma • my favorite country on Earth !!