A Walk Through Time…
Kulen's past and present.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Below is a very short excerpt from a seven (7) page article in the latest Asian Geographic magazine on Phnom Kulen and its hidden treasures in Cambodia.

Tags: Adventure, Discovery, Ancient, ASIA, Didier Faraud, Waterfall, Jamie Irena Rayer-Keet, Archaeology, Heritage Adventures, Heritage Suites Hotel, Empire, Elephant Pond, Bat Cave, archaeologists , Jungle, Adventure Travel, 10th century, Bantey Srei, Angkor Wat, treasure, Phnom Kulen , reclining Buddha, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Siem Reap Cambodia, Khmer, Buddhism, Cambodia, Caves, ASIAN Geographic Magazine

Travel Adventure GD Photo Workshops now
with Exotissimo, Myanmar & Indochina.
The Itinerary for 2012…
plus the ONE ASIA Event in Singapore.

I am currently in Singapore as a Guest speaker (Geographical Travel Photography) for the ONE ASIA Images of Asia Festival hosted and organized by the Asian Geographic Magazine .

Also I am part of the Live Judging together with Steve McCurry and Michael Yamashita on December 10 for this years Images without Borders Photo competition.
So, if you in Singapore please drop by the Suntec Center and join us for this years ONE ASIA Festival.

Furthermore we have been notified this morning that our Itinerary for Indochina: LAOS - VIETNAM - CAMBODIA

and Myanmar is now available at the Exotissimo website, our NEW Partner for the GD Photo Workshops in Asia. Click the LINKS for details.

We've worked out some amazing destinations within these Countries for more info click on the LINKS or the images above.

NOTE: There are still a couple of spots available for Sri Lanka - Central India and Bhutan in 2012 (for Bhutan only 2 more spots avail.) for more info pls click this LINK.
GD

Tags: GD PhotoWorkshop, ASIA, laos, Cambodia, Live Judging, Sri Lanka, Guest Speaker, Bhutan, Central India, ASIA Without Borders, ASIAN Geographic Magazine, MYANMAR/BURMA, SINGAPORE, Suntec, Michael Yamashita, Steve McCurry, One Asia Festival, Adventure Travel Tours, Indochina, Vietnam

The Journey continues through Laos - Cambodia & Myanmar
its beautiful people and true colors.

A question I get ask all the time, and a quote by Imogen Cunningham sums it up nicely.

“ Which of my photographs is my favorite?
The one I’m going to take tomorrow." – Imogen Cunningham




Inle Lake, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com




Laotian Monks looking towards Thailand, it is here where the
Mekong River separates these two Countries, Vientiane, Laos
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

I am always in search for true colors and besides the question above, which is my favorite photograph I also get often ask about my colors. The colors in my images are real and have not been manipulated using editing software.

"I have seen colors which I thought didn't exist, but they do." - Gunther Deichmann

One of many Battambang's Monasteries, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Amazing colors are all around us, finding and seeking the right combination one needs to see; no need to distort something which is already provided by nature or human. It is all out there, in front of us ready for the taking with what ever camera you use, let your eyes guide you, separating colors from the background.

Lets look at the world through our eyes, not through photo-editing tools. But have said that, we almost don't get a choice these days…in the digital age we have to use Computers and editing softwares; I am still looking for a roll of Ektachrome to be processed, that I shot recently in Cambodia. My last roll of film? If I ever get it processed…

Festival time on Inle Lake, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Battambang, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

All my camera settings are pretty much set on default and my images are processed with Aperture 3 using only the RAW Image conversion, color temperature, slightly sharpening, a little contrast and the usual cropping/straightening tools and of course getting rid of sensor dust, that little evil thing in digital photography.

During the film days we didn't have all those tools, you had to do a lot of bracketing and if you missed it then that was-it. Now we have all these options, but I honestly believe in Travel, Nature, Journalism, Geographical Photography etc., we should tell the truth.

Bagan, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



Mandalay, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Luang Prabang, Laos
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Luang Prabang, Laos
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Moving Nuns - Kyauk Se Monastery, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



Phnom Kulen, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com


Just one more...

Tonle Sap, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Essentially, I have made no changes since the good old Kodachrome film days on how I approach and create images today. My approach and my soul are the same, and this is my philosophy about light and color.
GD

Tags: Kodachrome, Film, Aperture 3.2.1, Colours, Ektachrome, Colors, manipulated, Imogen Cunningham, editing software, RAW Image, sharpening, photo-editing tools

The Students Work; from the GD Photo Workshops
in Laos-Cambodia & Myanmar.



Click on the image above or the LINKS for all the Students Work.
Please note you might have to refresh your Browser.

I keep this text very brief today and rather let the Images do the talking, we have ask our participants to select their personal favored Photos from the last three workshops.
They made their selection without any interference or adjustments by my assistant or myself.

The images posted had been sent to us and we posted them unaltered the way we received them, we only resized them to make them fit for the web.

Please do respect the copyright of all the persons who submitted their images and refrain from copying any images in any way. Thank You.

All of the participants did real well, in particular some our newbies surprised me pleasantly.
Enjoy the photos from the participants who at times had to work very hard to create these cool images.

We have also updated the testimonials and our GD Photo Workshop site with a new announcement in the Calendar for a very special Myanmar GD Photo Workshop in 2012.
GD

Tags: Students Work, PHOTOS, MYANMAR/BURMA, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Adventure Travel Tours, GD Photo Workshop, Images, Participants, laos, Cambodia

The story behind the photos…
“A little Girl and her simple way recycling soft drink cans.”

This is the story about a little Girl at Phnom Sampeou, (Killing Caves) in the rural area of Battambang.

It was during our last Photo Workshop in Cambodia and we just finished the day at Phnom Sampeou, worn out and thirsty!
We bought some soft drinks at the local store and waiting for the million of bats to appear out of
a cave at dusk along the road, it was our last shoot for the day.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

All of a sudden this little girl appeared, collecting the empty cans, sorting them out and given me the occasional shy look.

I was watching her and kept shooting a few frames now and then, as she playfully emptied the leftovers before she arranged the cans along the road.

By now it was getting very dark and I had to push my ISO higher as she kept arranging the cans in a very playful manner and I was wondering…is she collecting them or is she just playing?

Vehicles and pushbikes going by, but this little girl was paying no attention to the traffic or our group, she just kept on lining up her cans.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Now neatly arranged, she suddenly started to jump up an down flattening the cans with her feet, picked them up and disappeared as quick as she had arrived.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com


Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The process of a very simple recycling was complete, I am sure the only thing left to do for her was to take the flattened cans and sell them for a few Riel (Cambodian currency) at the local Village.
GD

Tags: Recycling, Cans, iSO, Battambang, Cambodia, Softdrinks, Poverty, Phnom Sampeou, Riel, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Killing Caves

It started all with…
Johnny Depp En route to Bangkok.

Click on Johnny above or the LINKS but please NOTE since we done some major updates on my Blog and the GD Photo Workshop site you might have to REFRESH your Browser in order for you to see the latest images.

The Photos from Behind the Scenes are now uploaded and ready for viewing…the action, the fun from all these super nice participants in the field covering Laos-Cambodia and Myanmar.

Uploaded also some of the Testimonials from our last Journey.

Their work (The Students Work) will also be up in about a week and I keep you posted when this is done, but from what I have seen already there are some very nice images amongst them…in short, everybody did real well.
But now enjoy the fun part "Behind The Scene"… and as mention above, it all started with Johnny Depp on my way to Bangkok with Arj and David entertaining myself with the iPhone and my little Leica on the way.

The photos Behind the Scene are not in any particular order, taken by my self, Arj and by some of the participants using what ever camera was handy at the time, from iPhones, point and shoot and DSLR's.

You might take also note that we have moved the “Behind the Scene” and “The Students Work” now to the GD Photo Workshop pages and removed it from my Blog.
Everything is under one roof now and we can leave the previous workshop pages active, which would not have been possible on my Blog.

Thanks again to all the participants who joined my last Journey Through Color &Time. They came from Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, USA, Philippines, Spain, Germany and Australia.
Ladies first…Christina and Vi. The Boys: Bob, Tony, David, Bebet, Mojan, Rod, Loy and Richard and Arj my trusted assistant. (Thanks for your tireless help in Laos and Cambodia unfortunately you could not make it with us to Myanmar)

We did a lot of very cool photography…but more so had a lot of fun and that is what Photography should be.

As a reminder we have finalized also our next Workshops for Sri Lanka – Central India and Bhutan and have only few more spots available.
We have scheduled also an additional Very Special Workshop for Myanmar for the end of June 2012; full details will be announced shortly.
Until very soon, GD

Tags: Johnny Depp, Exotissimo, Thai Airways, ASIA, Photo Workshops, Adventure Travel Tours, Participants, Behind the Scene

For todays post only a collage but soon I upload all the separate photos from "Behind The Scene" & also the "Students Work."

Ouch…it has been more then 6 weeks since my last Blog post but the last Journey was a long one, traveling in areas with non-or poor Internet connection.
Then I got home and had to shake of a bad cold for a week. But to be honest, I survived without the net nicely and had more time on the road creating images and looking after my Photo Workshop participants in Laos-Cambodia and Myanmar.

Before I go into more details let me first thank all of the participants who joined my last Journey Through Color and Time.
Thanks to: Ladies first… Christina and Vi. Now the Boys: Bob, Tony, David, Bebet, Mojan, Rod, Mojan, Loy and Richard and Arj my trusted assistant. (Thanks for your tireless help in Laos and Cambodia unfortunately you could not make it with us to Myanmar)

It was a wonderful group and most of them joined all three destinations covering Laos-Cambodia and Myanmar by road and air. It was an adventure for sure, with very rough roads in Laos and Myanmar, monsoon rain drenched us or the scorching sun hit us in Myanmar.
All in search for the ultimate image, but everybody hang in there. Well, I might add we had some veteran amongst us who travelled and participated in previous workshops with me, e.g..

Like the never tiring Tony, David or the energetic Loy…but even the new comers did extremely well, in particular Mojan who constantly was on the move even during our stop over in Bangkok prior departure for Yangon.

But I also like to thank all the great people, we photographed (without them no images) and of course my gratitude to our Guides and Drivers through out the Journey who made our travel so much easier and pleasant.

My special thanks also to Alexia and all the staff from Exotissimo who have done a superb job, the staff and management from the Satri House in Luang Prabang, Laos (what an amazing place) and of course to the Heritage Suites Hotel and Heritage Adventures in Siem Reap Cambodia.

Left: The cool Telephones in our rooms at the Satri House, Luang Prabang, Laos, they still work real good believe me.

Right: The super tasty Cake at the Heritage Suites Hotel, thanks again and to Rod who took that shot, somehow Arj was missing in action at that very moment.

I might mention, this year was very special in many ways; for 20 years I have been traveling to Cambodia and 5 Years of the GD Photo Workshops with the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap (they surprised me with a super cool “Birthday Cake” on our last night) yummy… I can still taste it…and Mojan could not help himself and had three slices, mind you it was a real big Cake.

Buddhist blessing ceremony for our Group at the Heritage Suites Hotel poolside.Thanks Arj for taken these shots.

Then there was the fantastic and real Buddhist blessing Ceremony at the Poolside at the Heritage that really made our last day, thank you so much for everything.
2011 was also my return to Laos after 20 years and Myanmar after 12 years, a very special meaning for me, detailed articles will follow with impressions and changes after so many years.

Well, almost an UN gathering with participants from Spain, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and the USA. This was particular evident in the evenings during our critic and assessment of the daily assignments.

I am preparing now the photos from “Behind the Scene” (some very funny ones again) and of course “The Students Work”, a selection from each and everyone’s favorite take.

You might take also note that we have moved the “Behind the Scene” and “The Students Work” now to the GD Photo Workshop pages and removed it from my Blog.
Everything is under one roof now and we leave also the previous workshop pages active, which would not have been possible on my Blog.
Check the LINKS above; the latest ones will be up soon as mention above.

We also managed to update my Home Page on my main website with new photos and the SE Asia 4 Gallery has now been completed with some of the latest images.
A complete selection of recent images from all three destinations are also available on PhotoShelter within the next week or so, I keep you posted.
Of course it goes without saying Aperture 3 performed fantastic and non of my images have been processed using PS…all the way Aperture.

Plus stay tuned for some interesting articles on my Blog, which I try to post soon, starting with Laos. Ha, ha I am connected again running a good speed Internet connection…

As a reminder we’re finalizing right now our next Workshops for Sri Lanka – Central India and Bhutan and have only few more spots available.
We have scheduled also an additional very special Workshop for Myanmar for the end of June 2012; full details will be announced shortly.

Until very soon…and no more six week breaks for a while.
GD

Tags: SOUTH EAST ASIA, Yangon, Luang Prabang, Participants, Bangkok, Siem Reap Cambodia, Photo Workshops, Buddhist Ceremony

Through the car window… using the iPhone & my little
Leica, plus my favorite Quote by Ernst Haas.



Through the Taxi window with the iPhone, Manila Philippines
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Finished the last Aperture 3 advanced tutorial at the Power Mac Center last week, got some important meetings out of my way and now the TIME has come…the packing has started (mind you very light) for our Cultural - Archaeological, Travel and Adventure GD Photo Workshops to Laos - Cambodia and Myanmar.
I report whenever possible but my Blog Posts will be a bit thin from now on, however I try to stay in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

Through the car window with the iPhone, street vendor during heavy
rain selling Sampaguita ... the national flower of the
Philippines, Manila Philippines
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



With the iPhone, on the road from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

In todays post, definitely the last one prior my departure (next one I have no clue from where) I have chosen only images taken with my iPhone and my little Leica D-Lux 4 which are my companion most of the time and the reason for my favorite quote by Ernst Haas; read the complete story below:

Street Children - through the Taxi window with my little Leica,
Manila Philippines
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Ernst Haas commented on this in a workshop in 1985:
Two laddies from Nova Scotia had made a huge effort to be there and were great Leica fans, worked in a camera store, saved to have them and held Ernst on high for being a Leica user (although he used Nikons on his Marlboro shoots, when the chips were down).   
About four days into the workshop, he finally maxxed out on the Leica adoration these kids displayed, and in the midst of a discussion, when one of them asked one more question aimed at establishing the superiority of Wetzlar;

Ernst said, "Leica, schmeica.  The camera doesn't make a bit of difference.  All of them can record what you are seeing.  But, you have to SEE."  

Nobody talked about Leica, Nikon, Canon or any other brand of camera equipment for the rest of the workshop.  
He also said, "Best wide-angle lens?  'Two steps backward' and 'look for the ah-ha'."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Haas

Street Children - through the Taxi window with my little Leica,
Manila Philippines
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



Street Children cleaning the car windows for a few centavos -
through the Taxi window with my little Leica,
Manila Philippines
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Just one more…



Ferme le Lundi - French for "Closed on Monday"
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Yep, that is me in 1992 outside a French Cafe in Phnom Penh and my first visit to Cambodia covering a story on the Mekong River for Animan Magazine, no digital…no laptops, etc. just the good old film…and a bit younger mind you. Since then I have been visiting Cambodia almost yearly, continuously discovering the undiscovered…
and definitely Ferme Le Lundi!
Now the endless Journey continuos…until soon from where ever I might be…GD.

Tags: Ernst Haas, TRAINING, Photo Workshops, laos, GD Photo Workshop, Ferme Le Lundi, Leica, Leica D-Lux 4, MYANMAR/BURMA, Power Mac Center, Aperture 3, Cambodia, Photography Today, Adventure Travel Tours, Photo Journalism

Laos - Cambodia - Myanmar…
three amazing destinations with the GD Photo Workshops.




Hill Tribes at the Thai-Lao Border
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Hill Tribes at the Thai-Lao Border
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

September is only around the corner before we set off to another adventure, traveling from Thailand on the 22nd by road to Laos, from here we go overland to Luang Prabang exploring this amazing country by road.

I have included some photos from my previous trip to Northern Thailand and Laos, images I took on assignment covering the Mekong River for Animan Magazine in Switzerland, a three month Journey many years ago and taken on Kodachrome film.

After about a week in Laos we travel from Luang Prabang by plane to Pakse and then again by road to Siem Reap in Cambodia for our second GD Photo Workshop.

BTW this is our 5th anniversary for our workshops in Cambodia and I am sure we find some time to celebrate it with some drinks at our Base the Heritage Suites Hotel. After Siem Reap we hit the road again to Battambang where we spend our remaining days in Cambodia exploring this amazing town with its french colonial buildings and the surrounding areas including a trip to Phnom Ek and the Killing Caves.

After Battambang some participants will join me for the road trip from Siem Reap to Bangkok, here we wait for others to arrive before we fly out two days later to Myanmar for some 10 days… discovering the undiscovered.
I am sure everybody is getting excited by now, including myself for this truly adventures Journey soon to start in Bangkok, only a few more weeks and we're on the road.

I am also happy to announce that we're fully booked for all three workshops and for those who missed out this time please check our Calendar for 2012, exotic destinations are planned to Sri Lanka - Central India - Bhutan (for Bhutan only two more spots available) Tibet - Mongolia and later in the year Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia (for this one we have worked out a very special Itinerary, this one will be awesome). We're also taking bookings now for Sri Lanka-Central India and Bhutan.

For more info, testimonials from previous participants, behind the scenes, students photos, bookings/reservations and Calendar just click the LINKS, thank you.

My thanks to all our partners who have been instrumental in preparing and organizing some of theses difficult destinations; Alexia from Exotissimo Travel Thailand and Laos, The Heritage Suites Hotel Relais & Chateaux and The Heritage Adventures in Cambodia and the Satri House Relais & Chateaux in Laos.

But most of all my sincere thanks to all the participants who are coming from the USA, Australia, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines…almost a United Nations gathering…ha, ha.

Of course once on the road I try and report from our locations and update my Blog, but that depends on the internet connection and speed, however you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for some short updates via my iPhone.

Laos

Laos has a rich history stretching back 10,000 years. At its height, it ruled over present day Laos and much of neighboring northern Thailand. Landlocked and laid-back, it’s a unique spin on the Southeast Asia experience.

Luang Prabang, Laos
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Luang Prabang, Laos
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Here Buddhism permeates every facet of life, change comes slowly, and cities bed down early. The perfect place to break from office politics or put a pause in a hyperactive travel agenda, this land of mountain, mists and untamed natural beauty tempts with unrivaled peace and serenity.
Open your heart, open your mind, and let the genuine faith and generous hospitality of Laos replenish your soul.

Cambodia

Situated on the Indochinese peninsula, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand and Laos on the North and Vietnam on the East and south. The Gulf of Thailand is off the western coast. The size of Missouri, the country consists chiefly of a large alluvial plain ringed by mountains with the Mekong River to the East. The plain is revolved around Lake Tonle Sap, which is a natural storage basin of the Mekong.

Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Siem Reap, the provincial ancient capital of Cambodia serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon and the legendary Angkor Wat, whose artistic and archaeological significance and visual impact put it in the same league as the other iconic wonders of the world like the Pyramids, Machu Pichu and Taj Mahal.

The temple ruins of Angkor, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

To experience an inimitable Cambodian culture, history and life, you will visit historic monastic complexes like Pre Rup, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm and Phnom Kulen and the Tonle Sap Lake.

Shy Boy at Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Butterfly's at Phnom Kulen, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



Bayon and its many faces, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Not to be missed are Heritage sites like Angkor Wat and The Bayon as well as the Cambodian sunrise, which all provide great photo opportunities for you to hone your photography skills and capture your tapestry of Siem Reap’s rich culture, people and heritage as seen through your Eyes.

Hidden temples during the wet season, Cambodia
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Buddhist Caves
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Depending on weather conditions, we always have a couple surprises visiting also places seldom seen by others. This might change our original itinerary slightly...but this can certainly be very interesting and adventures.

Amazing Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Myanmar/Burma

Slightly smaller than Texas, Myanmar occupies the Thailand/Cambodia portion of the Indochinese peninsula. India lies to the Northwest and China to the Northeast. Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand are also neighbors. The Bay of Bengal touches the Southwest coast. The fertile delta of the Irrawaddy River in the South contains a network of interconnecting canals and nine principal river mouths.

Hill Tribes in northern Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com



Myanmar Silk
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The ethnic origins of modern Myanmar (known historically as Burma) are a mixture of Indo-Aryans, who began pushing into the area around 700 B.C. , and the Mongolian invaders under Kublai Khan who penetrated the region in the 13th century. Anawrahta (1044–1077) was the first great unifier of Myanmar.

A happy face amongst eggplants, Yangon Market, Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

In 1612, the British East India Company sent agents to Burma, but the Burmese doggedly resisted efforts of British, Dutch, and Portuguese traders to establish posts along the Bay of Bengal. Through the Anglo-Burmese War in 1824–1826 and two subsequent wars, the British East India Company expanded to the whole of Burma. By 1886, Burma was annexed to India, then became a separate colony in 1937.

Just one more…



Monk watching a local Soccer Game, Yangon Myanmar
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

GD

Tags: Cambodia, laos, MYANMAR/BURMA, Thailand, ASIA, Discovery, Photo Workshops, Adventure Travel Tours, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Our next Journey through Color & Time the
GD Adventure Photo Workshop starts in September 2011.



"Unforgettable places and faces...discover the undiscovered."

For more information on all our Photo Workshops in 2011/2012 please click this LINK or the photo above.
For Laos-Cambodia-Myanmar we have only two (2) more spots available, if you like to join these you have to finalize your bookings by latest June 10, 2011. We can't except any more bookings after this date.

Our exciting Photo Workshop to Bhutan is also filling up fast, we have only four (4) more spots available, this one you have to book early, by latest on or before October 15, 2011, we're taken reservation now, first come first serve basis.
This workshop is for a max. of 8 participants only!
Feedback and testimonials from previous workshop participants please click this LINK.

I am looking forward now to our Adventure Travel Photo Workshop into Laos-Cambodia and Myanmar, I have worked out a super exciting Itinerary, but I am also happy in catching up with some good old friends especially from our base in Siem Reap the Heritage Suites Hotel. Our "Famous Round Table" will be of some very good use again.

In early July I have a three day workshop with the Filipinas Heritage Library in Manila and later that month a week long trip to Thailand for some interesting photography.
GD

60 minutes of great light on the way to Phnom Penh

The story behind the Images...

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Dirk, Tony, Arj and myself had an early start on our last day in Battambang, Cambodia, visiting first Ek Phnom an 11th century Angkorian-era ruin built as a Hindu temple under Suryavarman I and then to Phnom Sampeou temple plus the killing Cave before hitting the road for Phnom Penh. (More on Aek Phnom and Sampeou in one of my next posts)

The Idea was to get to Krakor for a full moon rise over the Tonle Sap Lake, as it turned out we did miss that one, we saw the full moon but by the time we got to Krakor it was to late.

Never mind I thought, we catch the Moonrise in Phnom Penh over the Mekong River instead the next day and we certainly did…but that is yet another story.
We left Battambang around 3:00 PM instead of 1:00PM two hours behind schedule trying to reach Krakor on time.

Around 4PM dark clouds on the Horizon appeared and some amazing storm clouds formed, oh… this looks good in the afternoon light, but we needed subjects.
I was certainly not contend with just the odd Rice Paddy…anxious looking around for the right spot. Then I shouted out off the blue…STOP the car now.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

To our right a fence line against the dark stormy sky gave us the first Photo opportunity then almost in sync a rainbow appeared as well, wow…
Hmmm…lets hang around here for a while we might not find a better spot…so we waited… patience paid of again as the light increased in intensity by the minute. By that time we’re running so late that we had to forget our Moon Rise in Krakor for sure.

This huge cloud formation above started to roll over us like a horizontal tube…a fantastic sight with the golden light in the afternoon.
I looked over my shoulder and spotted some farmers on the other side of the road, on their way home after a hard days work in the field.

I knew from experience that light like this doesn’t last very long and I sprinted from the fence line across the road to intercept these women…and just in time. Now I had what I was hoping for…foreground, color, people, landscape, great cloud formations and some amazing afternoon light, forgetting completely my Moonrise…but then again, we got it the next day in Phnom Penh, but yet again another story behind the images.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Everything fell right into place, but it lasted only a few minutes before the big tube looking cloud broke up and the light slowly lost its color except for the Rainbow, which hang around a little bit longer.

It was a great day right from the start, but these were the best 60 minutes without a doubt on the way to Phnom Penh.
More images @ PhotoShelter
GD

Tonle Sap freshwater swamp forests,
Kampong Phluk - Cambodia



Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

A red "carpet" of flowers floating on the water, this was the very first
time I have seen this at Kampong Phluk, at the northeast end of
the Tonle Sap, Cambodia

When traveling on the Tonle Sap in Cambodia there is always a surprise or two waiting, nature at its best and my last visit in September during my GD Photo Workshop was no exception. Once we entered the forest a red "carpet" of flowers floating on the water amongst the trees greeted us.

Wow...I shouted...I have never seen this before and the group started to click away feverishly, I must admit this was one cool site to be hold...the contrast alone was just awesome and you know how much I love RED.
I done some research since then but don't have an explanation from where all these flowers came from, except for, that the wet season had been very late this year and didn't wash the seeds and flowers from the trees away.

Below are some excerpts from Wikipedia and other sources information on this amazing fresh water lake in Cambodia, and as the saying goes... nature always has a surprise or two and that is what I like so much and keep returning to this incredible place year after year.
GD

In general, the dominant woody species of the short tree scrubland form a nearly continuous canopy of deciduous species reaching no more than 4 m in height. The height reached by individual species appears to be related to soil moisture conditions, with the tallest individuals occurring closer to the permanent lake basin and smaller individuals present at the periphery of the floodplain area.
More scientific info @
http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/im/im0164_full.html

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

A Khmer family gathering firewood in the swamp Forrest Kampong Phluk,
at the northeast end of the Tonle Sap, Cambodia



Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Early morning at Kampong Phluk, at the northeast end of
the Tonle Sap, Cambodia

Excepts from Wikipedia below:
Tonle Sap Lake "Tonlé" meaning "Large Fresh Water River," but more commonly translated as "Great Lake" is a combined lake and river system of major importance to Cambodia.
The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.
The Tonlé Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons.

Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Children of the Tonle Sap, near Battambang- Cambodia

From November to May, Cambodia's dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year's heavy rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake.
For most of the year the lake is fairly small, around one meter deep and with an area of 2,700 square km. During the monsoon season, however, the Tonlé Sap River, which connects the lake with the Mekong River, reverses its flow.

Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area to 16,000 square km and its depth to up to nine meters, flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish. Read more @ Wikipedia

Buddha Bless.

A day of mourning on this day, the 25th of Nov. 2010 & in support for the Cambodian people who have lost their loved ones on the 22nd of November 2010. A stampede killing over 350 people and injuring hundreds more in Phnom Penh during the annual water festival .

Prime minister Hun Sen lit incense and laid a wreath near the bridge where the accident happen and has described the stampede as the country's biggest tragedy since the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s, which left an estimated 1.7 million people dead.

For more on this tragic event please visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11832900

© Gunther Deichmann - The Bamboo Train,
near Battambang, Cambodia Oct. 2010

GD

In support of Asian Geographic's Event October 23 & 24 in
Singapore "Celebrating the images of Asia" - One Asia-




© Gunther Deichmann - Ta Prohm, Cambodia Sept.2010

Greetings from Singapore, I like to thank the Organizers and sponsor for inviting me and to be part of this truly great event in Singapore. Some schedules have been moved around a bit and I be giving now also a talk on travel Photography on Saturday and the topic on Sunday will be... "Are We There Yet? - post production tips," focus on Apple software.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning on the
Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia Sept.2010

Just as ‘processing’ is essential to film photography, so post-production is the final stage of digital creations. Advice on the essential but often difficult trick of ‘knowing when to stop’

Detailed guide to using apple software to get more from your photographs, including workflow after the shoot with tips on backing
up your files in the field using Apple software.

Check out also the Live Judging Event on the 23rd of October, for details see the info below.

The images on today's post are from my last Journey in Cambodia, September 2010, a complete selection will soon be available on my PhotoShelter archives. More recent images from Cambodia @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/page2/page2.html

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sept.2010




© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Kulen, Cambodia Sept.2010




© Gunther Deichmann - Bamboo Train station,
near Battambang, Cambodia Sept.2010



© Gunther Deichmann - on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia Sept.2010



© Gunther Deichmann - on the road to Phnom Penh,
Cambodia Sept.2010




© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Monk during a funeral
ceremony, rural Cambodia, Sept. 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Moonrise over the Mekong and
Tonle River, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sept. 2010

I be reporting back from Singapore as the days go by so please stay tuned, there is also another TV event which I am part off it, more on that later.
GD

Celebrating the Images of Asia - One Asia -
Singapore October 2010

PHOTO WORKSHOP CALENDAR 2011

Limited to maximum 8 participants for our
International Workshops.



Click on the Image and go direct to the Calendar for 2011

March 17, 2011 - Confirmed!
India - Nepal
March 17/18th  (depending on the arrival of the participants) to the 24th/25th  (celebrating Holi on the 20th in Varanasi) then we have our option to leave from Delhi to Kathmandu in Nepal our extension and second Workshop from the  25th to the 31st / 01 of April,  again depending on the departure of participants. 


You can also choose just one of the destinations either India or Nepal, or join us on both in India & Nepal and book the combination. After the completion of our Indian Workshop we fly from Delhi to Kathmandu in Nepal.

I complete Itinerary is shortly avail. and I send this one to those who are interested, pls. remember this workshop is almost full, only two more spaces available for India and only 3 more for Nepal.

Final bookings will close at the latest by November 08, 2010 http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page4/contact.php


September, 2011 - Confirmed!
Laos & Cambodia combination

We can confirm also for 2011 a combination for Laos & Cambodia starting on September 24th to the 6th/7th of October 2011 the final Itinerary and schedules will follow shortly for the above confirmed Workshops on my GD Photo Workshop site. Bookings close for Laos and Cambodia combination by latest end of June 2011.
You can also contact me @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page4/contact.php

Again, you can also just choose one of the destinations either Laos or Cambodia, or join us either in Laos or Cambodia, or go with the combination.
GD

Other Photo Workshops for 2011 are being finalized, we should have and confirm the dates by end of October 2011

Back to Cambodia...the land with it's charming
People, amazing Culture and History.



© Gunther Deichmann - the famous Battambang
Bamboo Train at full speed & I almost broke
my neck getting this shot.

Go to the Gallery "Small Taste of the Latest" Cambodia 2010
or click on any of the photos.

Please NOTE you might have to refresh your Browser if you don't see
the images from Cambodia right away.

From Siem Reap and surrounding areas across the Tonle Sap Lake by Boat to Battambang and after a few days to Phnom Penh by road, only to return to Siem Reap by car a few days later. After our GD Photo Workshop in Siem Reap the Cambodian Journey continued in September 2010. I have uploaded a small selection from this recent trip, more Photos from Cambodia and other Countries you find on my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries including the latest images from India and Nepal in 2010.

© Gunther Deichmann - it is all Khmer...

The latest and complete set from the recent Cambodia Journey will be available at PhotoShelter shortly. In the meantime you can enjoy this small selection. More interesting articles from my recent Journey to Cambodia to follow soon...

© Gunther Deichmann - Monastery near Angkor Wat

A great local and enjoyable Photo Workshop in Manila last weekend is behind me now and I am getting ready for my Singapore trip next week.

A lot will happen in Singapore, from a TV appearance as a Judge on a TV show, then there is the Fraser Suites Judging "Capture Life by the Singapore River" photographic contest and of course the "Celebrating the Images of Asia" Show at Suntec from the 23rd to the 24th of October, for sure a very busy week.

I try my best to update you all from Singapore either via FB or Twitter, I might even get the chance to send a Blog out, but lets see.

Please Note: Our GD Photo Workshop in March/April 2011 to India and Nepal is just about full, we have only two more vacancies our bookings will close by latest November 10.

We are also getting a lot of inquiries for our Workshop in Laos and Cambodia by late September 2011 and have only 4 more spaces available.

“Images of Asia – 23-24 October 2010 – Suntec, Singapore”

Reporting soon from Singapore, and if you happen to be in Singapore you can find me or join one of my Workshops at Suntec "Celebrating the Images of Asia" from the 23rd to the 24th of October.

Hope to see you there,
GD

The Students Work...GD Photo Workshop
Cambodia Sept. 2010



Click on the image above or on this LINK and go to the Students Work Gallery.

Please NOTE you might have to refresh your Browser if you see Photos
from previous students on India in 2010.

Another great Photo Workshop in Cambodia is behind us and I have uploaded all the students work into the Gallery called "The Students Work".
Some amazing Images have been taken and on purpose I ask the participants to choose six of their favorable ones, I didn't do any editing or enhancing.

Editing is part of Photography and sometimes the hardest part in deciding which images to choose out of thousands taken on a trip, there might be others and I have seen some during the workshop which are equally good or even better then the ones represented here.

What I am trying to say is... everybody did a real great Job creating nice images and coped with the hardship I had sometimes lined up for them.

On another note I might mention that my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach our Video Man on this trip, he took some amazing stills with his little waterproof Olympus Point and Shoot Camera, well it gets to show you it's not always in the equipment you use, however I let you be the Judge once you open the Gallery.

BTW (Dirk is from the Dugong Dive Center in Palawan, and we are planing one of the next GD Photo Workshops at Club Paradise soon)

I am also working on a Video from this Photo Workshop for the first time using of course Aperture 3 and mixing in the footage from Dirk's Sony Video Cam, however due to time constraints at the moment this will not be finished for a while, but I keep you posted.

Thanks again to all the participants, Boat Drivers, my friend and Guide Savuth and of course the Heritage Suites Hotel for their excellent service and hospitality.

Click here for Testimonials from the last and previous Photo Workshops -
For Photos behind the scene CLICK this LINK.

Enough words now...instead enjoy the Images from this very cool group.
GD

Just uploaded & ready for viewing...
"Behind the Scene" Cambodia 2010

It is done, after going through tons of images from everybody I uploaded a Gallery behind the Scene on my Blog.
I took the image below on my way home at the Changi Airport in Singapore at 3AM in the morning and I thought it is very fitting for the announcement of the Behind the Scene.

© Gunther Deichmann - You never to old to travel...he,he.
Click the photo above and go to "Behind the Scene" Gallery

Please Note:
If you see images from India just refresh your Browser.

Selected images from the Participants will be up soon too, still waiting for some more sets to come in, so in the meantime enjoy the Behind the Scenes. I had to keep the Photos a bit smaller than usual, we just had so many to choose from, in the Gallery you find a representation of some 86 images.
Hope you enjoy them as much I have enjoyed the last Cambodia Photo Workshop.
GD

Two GD PhotoWorkshops have now confirmed dates for 2011...

India & Nepal:

March 18th to the 25th including celebrating the exciting Holi Festival in Varanasi. The full and detailed Itinerary and cost will be available shortly.

Then we have our option to leave from Delhi to Kathmandu in Nepal this is our extension and second Workshop from the 25th of March to the 01 of April.  

You can also just choose one of the destinations either India or Nepal, or go with the combination. Other 2011 Photo Workshops I announce very soon, but India and Nepal is confirmed for 2011.


Laos & Cambodia:

I can also confirm for 2011 a combination for Laos & Cambodia starting on September 24th to the 6th/7th of October 2011 the final Itinerary and schedules will follow shortly for the above confirmed Workshops on my GD Photo Workshop site. http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/

You can also contact me @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page4/contact.php

Please Note:
India and Nepal 2011 is almost fully booked and we have only two more vacancies, bookings for India and Nepal will close by latest first week of November.

For feedback and testimonials from previous Photo Workshops please go to: Testimonials

GD

Our diet in Cambodia…Pad Thai – Happy Chicken Soup and a good
old Hamburger…today’s images are just as colorful, a total mix…
just from what I heard about the Happy Chicken Soup.

© Gunther Deichmann - Don't YOU LOVE YELLOW!!!
Battambang, Cambodia

I am not sure how to start this post today, still a bit worn out from the last Journey through Cambodia including crossing and circumnavigating the Tonle Sap Lake.
Countless images later, taken by the Photo Workshop participants and myself (some real cool ones I might add) during and after the workshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Floating Village on the Tonle Sap,
about half way from Siem Reap & Battambang

My reason for been behind my Blog posts is very simple…not enough hours in the day even so we had some good internet connections.

Starting almost everyday at around 4:30 AM and getting to bed never before 11PM,
oh no…no party’s? Wishful thinking… instead editing and importing the days take from the CF Cards to Aperture 3 on my 15 inch MacBook Pro.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Sampeou, Monastery Tea Pot.
This is also the place of the notorious Killing Cave
during the time of Pol Pot.

© Gunther Deichmann - moving...Tourist take shelter
during rain in the temples...great Photo opportunity.

Long hours indeed…and in between we had to eat and sleep too, however I admit we had a little fun during our dinner sessions in some weird and sometimes strange places.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunrise over the Tonle Sap, on the Siem Reap
side and the start of our 12 hour crossing to Battambang.
Of course the HERITAGE SUITES HOTEL had packed us
some very cool Breakfast for this long Journey.

Pad Thai in Siem Reap to the bizarre Happy Chicken Soup at the Smok’n Pot in Battambang or the first Hamburger with French Fries in three weeks at the FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) in Phnom Penh.

Note: Some more explanation will follow in due time regarding the Happy Chicken Soup Tony, Arj and Dirk had in Battambang. Unfortunately I missed out on this one, I stayed behind at the Hotel with a small stomach problem… however I did hear them later laughing their heads off.

© Gunther Deichmann - a visit to the Tonle Sap during our Photo Workshop,
the strange red flowers cover the water, I presumed due less rain this season the
flowers have not been washed away, a rare site on the Tonle.

It was indeed a long but very rewarding trip, starting with the annual GD Photo Workshop in Siem Reap, and this time it was also recorded on Video by my good buddy Dirk Fahrenbach.

Editing the Video and mixing it later with some still images in Aperture 3 will take time, so for the meantime let’s contend ourselves with some still images.
Another difficult task, what to choose, even Aperture 3 made my job easy, I am done already with my second edit but have a lot more work ahead of me.

© Gunther Deichmann - the stairs leading to the reclining Buddha on
Mt. Kulen, during pouring rain.

Instead going into long history lessons today I decided to post a mix bag of images from the whole trip, photos behind the scene and the selected images from the participants will also follow in due time.

As a matter of interest I might add that about 75% of the time I used only on Camera Body and one lens namely the Nikon D700 with the 24 to 120mm VR lens attached.

In the coming weeks I be putting together some individual articles with photos from all the destinations we visited including background information on archeology, history and culture.

Next month is also going to be extremely busy with local Photo Workshops and my trip to Singapore for the “One Asia” and “Images of Asia” which starts on the 23rd of October.

© Gunther Deichmann - at the oldest Monastery on the Tonle Sap
...the cheeky one.

If you ask me about the weather…well it was fantastic! From tropical rain, amazing cloud formations, the odd Rainbow and a moonrise over the Mekong River, we had just about everything I could wish for.

© Gunther Deichmann - an elderly Khmer getting ready for a bath at
Cambodia's holiest Mt., Phnom Kulen

I just love this time of the year, seldom a boring day, the weather was absolutely perfect, got drenched by tropical rain at times and minutes later rewarded with a Rainbow on the horizon.
Everything was so fresh with an almost unbelievable green in the countryside producing some extreme contrast…just the way I like it.

© Gunther Deichmann - fantastic skies and the road from
Battambang to Phnom Penh



© Gunther Deichmann - early morning in Battambang, Cambodia

More adventure and photos very soon...
GD

The GD Photo Workshops are supported by the Heritage Suites Hotel &
Heritage Adventures, Siem Reap Cambodia

I shall return to this amazing Country and its wonderful People...
Thank you Cambodia!



© Gunther Deichmann - see you again soon...

Finding time has been a real challenge on this trip...well at least for posting articles on my Blog. Long hours everyday starting most days at 4:30 AM and going strong until way after sunset.
Arj and myself arrived back last night in Siem Reap traveling from Phnom Penh by road, the Tonle Sap has now been completely circumnavigated by road and Boat.


The Heritage Suites Hotel welcomed as again with their friendly staff last night, now I have a few minutes to spare editing some images from yesterdays travel in Aperture 3, which performed just fantastic the whole trip. The Library switching came in so handy on this Journey, just so cool.

Due to time constrains I only posted two image today...but there are so many more to follow in the next few weeks weeding through some over 10th images.
I like to take this opportunity again and thank all participants of this years GD PhotoWorkshop in Cambodia and of course to all the staff at the Heritage Suites Hotel for their exceptional service and over the top accommodation.

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddha bless... Pre Rup Temple

I also report in the coming weeks on the extended travel across the Tonle Sap Lake to Battambang and Phnom Penh then back again to Siem Reap.
It was a fantastic trip with spectacular moody skies, people and cruising across the Tonle Sap and right around it...amazing images and tales to follow.

Signing off from the Round Table at the Heritage Suites Hotel...

The GD Photo Workshops are supported by the Heritage Suites Hotel &
Heritage Adventures, Siem Reap Cambodia

GD

Thank you again Cambodia!

First of all…my sincere thanks to all participants who joined these year’s Cambodian Photo Workshop, coming from the Philippines, Australia and the USA.

A very special thanks to the staff and Management from the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap for not only providing an outstanding service but accommodating at times our crazy requests, like super early Breakfast at 4:30 AM.
On behalf of our Group, I like to thank you all again for making our stay so much more enjoyable, you really went the extra mile.

Heritage Suites Hotel...the Home of the
GD Photo Workshops for the past 4 years

Our Photo Workshop has been winding down since yesterday, some of the participants left already some others are still around for a few extra days.

This post has been way overdue but time was not on my side, need to get some sleep sometimes, most mornings we started at 4:30 AM and by the time we finished at our Round Table at the Heritage Suites Hotel it was already 11:00 PM.

"Apple's and Monk"...night session on our Round Table...



During our midday break...editing the morning shoot.



Pad Thai and Beer in Pub Street Siem Reap

Now I am preparing for round two of my Journey, leaving at 5:00 AM with Anthony Pond, Arj and Dirk for Battambang by private Boat across the Tonle Sap. After a few days in Battambang we hit the road aging direction Phnom Penh before Arj and myself leaving again for Siem Reap to catch our flight back home to Manila.

This workshop was extremely rewarding, all participants shooting some real amazing images, I post a selection of those again once I am back home and of course cool photos behind the scenes.

At the Temples...

JP Yulo who left yesterday has send me his Quote already (see below) thanks to JP for his kind words and all other participants very much for being part of our 2010 Cambodian GD Photo Workshop… you have been a fantastic Group!
My gratitude to Savuth, who kept up with us everyday from morning to night, our Guide and my friend for many years, a very big THANK YOU.
--------------
Dear Gunther,
Yours is by far the most grueling workshops I've ever attended, but also the most fulfilling. A balanced mixture of good fun and serious work. You have certainly elevated my photography skills several notches higher.
No doubt, your workshop is one of the best investments I've ever made.  Thank you!

Cheers!

JP Yulo, Manila Philippines
-------------

I keep today’s post very brief…not enough hours in the day and another very early start tomorrow, however a complete report will follow with lots of cool images and some nice surprises…oh no, my suspense again.

Just one more...
Cat and Flip - Flops.

The Cat and the colorful Flip Flops,
Mt. Kulen, Cambodia

Reporting from the Round Table at the Heritage Suites Hotel...

The GD Photo Workshops are supported by the Heritage Suites Hotel &
Heritage Adventures, Siem Reap Cambodia

GD

Arrived in Siem Reap...traveling from Thailand via Poipet into Cambodia



© Gunther Deichmann - Thai bus...through our
Van window along the Highway

Settled into the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap and getting ready for our GD PhotoWorkshop after a nice ride from Thailand to Cambodia, crossing at the Border Town of Poipet.
Excellent road conditions from Bangkok and equally good on the Cambodian side, below are only a few photos from this first leg of our Journey.

© Gunther Deichmann - faces at the Border Town of Poipet,
Thai - Cambodia Border

I also decided today to cross the Tonle Lake Sap Lake by Boat to Battambang after the workshop, not by road anymore as previously planned, some 6 hours by Boat across the lake and straight to the pier of Battambang City. But now the Photo workshop first, everybody will arrive tomorrow and we start seriously on the 13th, I try and report and pending on my time, long days ahead of us.

However the internet connection is as to be expected... excellent at the Heritage Suites Hotel.
Today just a few images from the Road trip, many more to come soon.

© Gunther Deichmann - a cheeky look along the road in rural Cambodia
about 2 hours from Poipet



© Gunther Deichmann - planting Rice about an hour from
Siem Reap Cambodia

GD

Travel Photography Asia, the Journey continues...
September & October is going to be very busy with
Events & Photo Workshops in Asia.

A few more days and I am leaving for Bangkok to be part of an Aperture 3 event as a guest speaker. After the event we hit the road traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap in Cambodia by car.

Arriving for my GD Photo Workshop, which starts on the 12th of September, planed itinerary for the workshop are the amazing ruins of the Angkor empire, the Tonle Sap Lake and of course Phnom Kulen.

Once we have completed our Photo Workshop in Siem Reap I continue with some of the participants to Batambang an amazing Colonial Town near the Tonle Sap. After a few days of exploring and photography in the Batambang area we hit the road again, direction Phnom Penh following the majestic Tonle Sap Lake all the way.

Our Route...

We spend a few more days in Phnom Penh before some of us fly out, but I continue with my buddy Arj for Siem Reap again by car on the other side of the Tonle Sap before leaving Cambodia and back to Manila.
(see the road map on this post)

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

That's it for September; October is going to be equally busy if not more, preparing for a local Photo Workshop organized by my good friend Luis Martin Harder with support from the Power Mac Center for the 8th and 9th of the month with some 30 plus participants over two days.
(more info and a special post on this later)

“Images of Asia – 23-24 October 2010 – Suntec, Singapore”

www.OneAsiaFest.com & Images of Asia – 23 to 24 Oct 2010

After that a visit to Singapore for the One Asia Festival – Images of Asia a fantastic event organized by Asian Geographic Magazine with guest speakers, workshops and event judges like Steve McCurry, Michael Yamashita, James Whitlow Delano, Gunther Deichmann, Tay Kay Chin & David Tay and others.
More detailed info very soon.

At the end of the month (29 to the 1st of November) a 4 day Photo Workshop in Palawan organized and co sponsored by Power Mac Center and Club Paradise in Palawan exploring and photographing nature but at the same time understanding the essentials after the shoot.
For more details and bookings please contact the Power Mac Center.

Now I have to pack my Bags and get ready for the road less traveled in Cambodia, please forgive me if my post’s will be a bit thin in the next few weeks. But whenever I get the chance I report from my locations, starting in Bangkok next week, so please stay tuned.

The GD Photo Workshops are supported by the Heritage Suites Hotel &
Heritage Adventures, Siem Reap Cambodia

My special thanks to the Heritage Suites Hotel and Heritage Adventures, for the superb accommodation and service in Siem Reap, our Base again for the GD Photo Workshops in Cambodia.
Thanks also to Shroff International Travel for my always complicated travel & airline arrangements.
GD

The Road less traveled...


© Gunther Deichmann - On Mekong River Cambodia 1992
shot with Kodachrome 25 ASA

I just finished the Itinerary for the Journey after our Photo Workshop in Siem Reap Cambodia, and for those who would like to join, please contact me for more details as this trip is only for a very limited number of participants.

Traveling by road and stops I have selected including a couple days in Batambang with it's amazing Colonial architecture, along the majestic Tonle Sap Lake traveling south to Phnom Penh.

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
Rickshaw in Phnom Penh

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
By Ox Cart if weather permitting to the remote temple of
Bantey Ampoeu (part of our Siem Reap Workshop)


© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
The remote temple of Bantey Ampoeu (part of our Siem Reap Workshop)

Cambodia & other Photo Workshops please click this LINK

GD

Cambodia & beyond...last call for reservations

We are getting very close to our final bookings for our GD PhotoWorkshop in Cambodia from the 12 to 18th of September 2010, we have only 3 more spaces available and our bookings will close by July 25th.
For more info please go to:
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page1/calendar.html

A complete Course outline is available up on request, please email me and I send you the PDF file, thank you.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php
GD

Mystical Cambodia is a Journey into the past...created for my GD Photo Workshops and my love for Cambodia.
Produced with Aperture 3, Motion from Final Cut Studio and GarageBand. The short Video clip at the end was taken with a Nikon D300s long after sunset with very little light left. I created the soundtrack for this project entirely in GarageBand which took about 20 min.
You might noticed that I am using Aperture 3 slideshows with Motion lately, it is just an awesome combination for Multimedia presentations, tutorials or just for fun.

For info on my GD Photo Workshops please click this LINK

Also on: Vimeo & YouTube

GD

The GD Photo Workshops in Asia...
confirmed dates for Sept. & Oct.
Cambodia, Nepal & Philippines.



© Gunther Deichmann - discover the
undiscovered in Cambodia

You find we go beyond the normal tourist locations, experience adventure with a touch of luxury in some of the best destinations in Asia. Discover the undiscovered with your digital camera.
Gunther has many years of experience in Cambodia and Nepal, you explore places seldom visit by others.

Understand light and composition, meet new people and immerse yourself in new cultures, getting the shot right in the first place is the main objective in these workshops. Learn how to see with your eyes and using the camera only as a tool to capture the ultimate image. Photoshop manipulation is not on the agenda.

At the same time master the after the shoot workflow, critique, tips, tricks and techniques, plus securing your Photos with the implementation of a complete back up system during our classroom sessions at the Hotel.

The workshops are for advanced amateurs who want to gain insight into how to make better photographs for editorial, stock sales or for personal satisfaction. A digital SLR camera capable of capturing RAW images is required. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop.

Students will work in digital formats and for those with experience on Mac Computers Gunther will guide you through the understanding of Aperture. (including the latest version 3.0.3) He will also teach basic editing skills in Photoshop. Gunther is a certified Apple Pro Trainer for Aperture and has years of hands on knowledge using Photoshop as a photography tool.

For more info go to:

GD Photo Workshops

Cambodia, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
PHOTO WORKSHOP in September 12 - 18, 2010
Final bookings must be made by latest 19th of July


PACKAGE PRICE: US $1,795.00 (airfare not included) for more details please email us at gdeichmann@mac.com

The price is inclusive of the following:

• 7 days and 6 nights stay inclusive of accommodation bed and breakfast at a 5star Boutique Hotel (Siem Reap)

• Ground transportation and guides including visit to the Tonle Sap lake

• Bottled water will be provided throughout the excursions.

• Heritage site permit fees.

• (only 4 more slots available)

Full details and outline of course will be send to you upon request.
Please Note: If you like to take part of the Phnom Penh extension additional fees are applicable, this is in addition to our Siem Reap 7 day Workshop and a great opportunity for those who like to add some extra days and explore/discover Phnom Penh and surrounding areas. Pls. send us an email for more information for the Phnom Penh extension.

7 days Angkor Wat and beyond...explore and discover the hidden Khmer treasures, please book this workshop early it is our most popular one.
Read what students had to say from our previous Photo Workshops in Cambodia & India.

© Gunther Deichmann - ancient Temples
& ritual Cambodia


© Gunther Deichmann - Siem Reap Cambodia

October 14 - 21, 2010 Bookings close by 9th of August.
Only 4 spaces remaining! 
Nepal, Kathmandu
A 7 day Journey into Nepal, final itinerary yet to be finalized, please stay tuned for more info very soon. Shortly we announce the price and upon request we provide you with a detailed Itinerary and Course outline.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu Nepal

© Gunther Deichmann - Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal

Oct. 29 -Nov01, 2010 Bookings close by 31st of August.
PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS IN PALAWAN: Learn from the Pro. in cooperation with Power Mac Center Manila Philippines.
Four days of fun and learning travel photography..exploring nature's beauty in Palawan
Target: Amateurs and semi-pro (max 8 participants) please book this one early. Peso 12,000 (does not include Hotel and accommodation charges yet)
Philippines only! Course outline soon to be announced.
For registration: workshops@powermaccenter.com

© Gunther Deichmann -perfect camouflaged Monitor Lizard
cooling of in the lagoon on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines



© Gunther Deichmann - Flying Fox, - Fruit Bats
on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines

Hope to see you on one of our GD Photo Workshops,
GD

“My Photo Gallery” the Prototype...

© Gunther Deichmann - “My Cambodian Gallery” 1.36 min QT Prototype only.
Broadband recommended 13.2MB

During my last trip in Cambodia I used the new Nikon D300s a lot (I might add for the first time) but had very little time to test the Video function on the D300s (a lot more when I get back from Nepal/India in March)
All image editing was done with Aperture 2.1.4 and the video was very quickly edited using the new Quick Time on Snow Leopard which is fast and so easy to use.

I managed to get a bit of Video footage, nothing special but easily applied in a presentation like this. Of course the music was created in GarageBand before and I pulled this track from my archives.
In due time and when I get back from India I put up a nice mix with stills and Video. Having the ability now to create presentations where we can use stills and video combined is just so nice and cool.
I hope you like this small and first demo...the adventure only started.
Also on YouTube as: "My Gallery" the Prototype http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVi8IgL1tGI&feature=channel
GD

“Small Taste of the Latest” updated with a
selection of Photos from my last trip to
Cambodia in December 2009.


© Gunther Deichmann - Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009
View more images in the Gallery click on the Photo or go to
“Small Taste of the Latest”on the menu bar.

In September 2009 we had our very cool and humoring GD Photo Workshop in Siem Reap and then in December I had to return to finish a few projects on my own, namely the very soon to be launched Heritage Suites Hotel and Heritage Adventures websites. They be up very, very shortly and I keep you posted. Only a few more days and I announce the NEW LINKS to you.

During my last trip in December 2009 I did spend more time at the Hotel then shooting but I guess that’s life and work, however I had to show my good friend and webmaster Arnold around a bit since it was his very first trip to Cambodia, plus I had to finish a couple other things deep in the Jungle. I know my suspense again but unfortunately I can’t share these images with you yet, all pending on a publication later this year. I know, shrouded in secrecy again, sorry about that.

But I made a small selection from the last trip today which I can share with you, just a mixed bag from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
What I like about Cambodia so much, no matter how often I go back, say for example Angkor Wat I always find and discover new things or the light is just in my favor like on the day I took Arnold for the first time to Angkor in the afternoon.

© Gunther Deichmann - Ta Phrom, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

While he was dazzled and overcome by this architectural master piece trying to catch his breath, I just wondered around and played with the light.
The next morning at 5:30 we left for Ta Phrom with a perfect sunrise and a slight cool breeze, a welcome change from the normal humid condition earlier in the year. Besides my Jungle trip (more on that later) that was all the time we had exploring Siem Reap this time around.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

Due to unavailability of flights from Siem Reap (sort off lucky for us) we chose to drive from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, a town I know only to well, again we only had two days but since I know my way around it was easy to get to the right places at the right time.
Located along the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has a lot to offer for visitors and Photographers alike, charming French restaurants and Bars lined up along the “Boulevard” overlooking the Mekong, and behind you the majestic Grand Palace with its famous Silver Pagoda.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

Thanks to Aperture 2, editing was fast and smooth, plus I have finished all my tagging, key wording etc., uploaded all the latest images into Archives from my Agencies and in a few days everything will also be on my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries.
I hope you’re going to enjoy this small selection of Images from our last Journey, Cambodia is certainly one of my favorite destinations in Asia, more very soon on PhotoShelter.
GD

The mood & colors from the last
few days in Cambodia...

The year is coming fast to an end and I am looking forward to some very exciting Journeys in 2010. Myanmar – India - Nepal & Cambodia are confirmed trips…plus what ever else crops up in between, with me you never know.

© Gunther Deichmann - the mood of Angkor Wat
the day before we left for Phnom Penh Cambodia

Before I am going into the family Christmas mood I like to share with you some more interesting escapades from the recent Cambodian Journey including a bit on Aperture 2.
I have also included a disturbing Photo…a stark reminder of the dark past in Cambodia with its Land Mines; its scars are still visible today and for many years to come.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Gate of Bayon
Temple, Siem Reap Cambodia

Please spare a moment for those unlucky ones among us, be it in Cambodia or elsewhere in the world. Lets not forget them, may our thoughts be with them not only during Christmas but all year around. Thank You!

© Gunther Deichmann - a stark reminder...
the scars of War! Phnom Penh, Cambodia

As you know I have just returned from Cambodia a few days ago in time to spend Christmas with my family. Arnold my Web Guru and myself left Siem Reap on the 18th of December by Car for Phnom Penh where we spend a few days roaming around.

Sadly we had to leave the good company of the Heritage Suites Hotel behind, already missing Didier, Vorana and Jam plus the super friendly staff, but I will return soon. Siem Reap has become almost my second home now, plus there is still so much to more explore and to discover.

© Gunther Deichmann - last light on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

© Gunther Deichmann - the fisherman on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

A lot of changes have taken place in Phnom Penh since my first visit in 1992 and again in 2005, I have been spending more time these past few years in the Siem Reap area.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunday afternoon at the Mekong River
in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Phnom Penh brought back memories from the past especially when we had dinner at the FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) my hangout from the earlier days.
A must on any ones list if you visit Phnom Penh, great food, cold Beer and a cool atmosphere, this time around they had a great Gallery of Photos from my famous Rock stars on the walls; Garry Moore, Chrissie Hynde's from the Pretenders, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Pat Garrett from Midnight Oil, Rolling Stones and just about everybody else from the good old days… plus a cool Blues/Jazz Band was playing on our first evening in Phnom Penh.

But you also find walls covered with Photos from the Vietnam War and the horrific reign of the Pol Pot Regime, some disturbing images but it is the reality from the past or even now in the streets of Phnom Penh where you see people with out their limbs.

Been connected is important these days, good Internet connections are all over Phnom Penh like in Side walk Café’s and Restaurants. Getting around is also not a problem you find Tuk Tuk’s and Motorbikes on every street corner.
If you don’t have any accommodation booked, then you should check out a very cool guesthouse called the “Eye of the Mekong House” at 30 street 110 - run by a very charming Frenchman called Nikolas. Great place with spacious rooms, good Coffee, very affordable and right in town just a stone throw away from the Mekong River.

The new Nikon D300s proved to be fantastic in every aspect during my last trip but I need more time for the Video…lot more details on that one later.

© Gunther Deichmann - A Christmas Tree???
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Let me finish today with the word “patience” there has been some whining and complaining re. Aperture 2 updates been to slow and some Photographers are thinking switching to Lightroom…
New Camera models have been popping up non-stop in 2009; now we blame Apple and other for not keeping up… sad! What ever happen to patience? From my past experience when Apple has done something they did it real well and not using some Beta version like Adobe with Lightroom. Would you buy or work with a Beta Version of a Camera? As a serious Photographer I don’t like to test things, I like them to work…don’t forget who came out first with the almost perfect Digital Photography workflow…Aperture was way ahead and made things possible which had been very difficult before and could only achieved with Photoshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Color Steel...Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Patience…all real GOOD things take Time and I am sure Apple will come up with something soon enough…they have always done so in the past, maybe a bit slower but for sure it will be awesome and no need for Beta testing.
Now I have to get this Blog out... move my Magic Mouse and get back to my red wine and Midnight Oil plus the Kids are waiting. Cheers!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a GREAT 2010!
GD

The spirit of light in Cambodia…

Yes, all good things come to an end sometimes…but not for long, I shall return very soon to this ancient land with its Temples hidden deep in the Jungle.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA & light Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

I wish all my readers, family members and friends a fantastic Christmas season and might the New Year bring what you have been wishing for. As for me, I am leaving tomorrow Siem Reap for Phnom Penh and after a few days back to Manila just in time to spend Christmas with my family.

© Gunther Deichmann - corridors & natural light
Cambodia Angkor Wat Dec. 2009

This trip has been very strenuous but ever so rewarding, met new friends…
a musician composer from Las Vegas (we had a great chat about my music and Garage Band), a Doctor, an Eye specialist and his wife from London and some others. PS. according to him my Eye sight is still Ok... hmmm and since his wife is also a Medical Doctor my Blood Pressure is fine too...must be the good wine at the Heritage Suite Hotel.

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddha Bless Cambodia Dec. 2009

Our stay at the Heritage Suite Hotel (Arnold my Web Guru and myself) was as great than ever, with the superb company of the Management and staff, in particular the GM Varona and Jam from Marketing, not to mention the ever so entertaining Didier from the Heritage Adventures. Thanks to you all...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...your hospitality has been outstanding!
I announce some very interesting news soon regards to the Heritage Adventures and the Heritage Suites Hotel once we’re back in Manila.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

My gratitude to Nikon Singapore once again for providing me with an excellent replacement Nikon D300s Camera for my damaged D2X.
I have not finished testing it completely…but I am more than happy so far with it, considering it received some real punishment during this trip.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

Can you imaging how happy I was when Apple announced a few Days ago the RAW file update for Aperture 2, which of course included the Nikon D300s just in time for my test drive in Cambodia. All photos on this Blog have been edited using Aperture 2 and almost no corrections have been applied.

© Gunther Deichmann - novice Monk at Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

Sorry I have to keep this Blog post brief today, need to pack my things yet and I rather let the images speak…a lot more photos will follow but due to some pending publications I can’t share them at this time.
I am wishing every body a great Holiday Season…take good care and be good.
From Siem Reap in Cambodia…Buddha Bless!
GD

Straight out of the Box & into the
Jungle of Cambodia...

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

Well not quiet out of the Box but almost… I picked up the Nikon D300s and the new 50mm 1.4 G Lens in Singapore. The D300s is the replacement unit for my water damaged D2x…remember the Rice Paddy incident in September…thanks to Nikon Singapore for providing me an excellent deal and rescuing my totally water drenched 180 2.8 mm lens. They did a great job, my special thanks to Jonathan from the Service Center at Nikon Singapore.
I only had little time to go through the Manual but since I am a Nikon user from way back it was fairly easy to work my way through the D300s.

© Gunther Deichmann - Red Bananas, Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

The first time I used the Camera was at Phnom Kulen shooting some rare red Bananas, yes you have heard right, RED Bananas, supposedly only found in the Jungles of Phnom Kulen.
It was here that I used also the new 50mm f:1.4 G lens for the first time, I am truly impressed with excellent image quality even at f:1.4 wide open with superb color rendition.

© Gunther Deichmann - Butterflies at Phnom Kulen Waterfall,
Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

An hour or so later I set the D300s up for some Video footage at the Phnom Kulen
Waterfall, easy operation but before I post the results I have to do some editing first of the clips, sorry not enough time at the moment.
After the red Bananas I shot some Butterflies at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall and then we went deeper into Jungle to a very special Cave only using the D300s with a mix of Lenses... fighting darkness, water dripping from the ceiling and Bat shit.
A lot more from this very special place later, yes I know my suspense again…but all good things take time!
I have another super early start tomorrow, so I finish now with my first verdict that the D300s is an outstanding Camera and with the 50mm f: 1.4 G Lens just awesome. All images have ben processed using Aperture 2 with almost no adjustments.
Thanks to Didier from Heritage Adventures for providing all the transportation and logistics.

Just one more from this afternoon at Angkor Wat...

© Gunther Deichmann - an afternoon at Angkor Wat
Nikon D300s with 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

But now its time to go to bed, G, night... until very soon.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann

I keep today’s Blog brief, as a matter of fact it is just to say hi from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap my quarters for the next ten days.
A lot of exciting things are planned; test driving the Nikon D300s and exploring some remote places in the Jungle. Finishing what I missed on my last trip plus there is some additional work to be done for the Heritage Adventures and Heritage Suite Hotel.
Busy and exciting days ahead, plus my Webmaster is flying in today to help on a project but more on that later.

Oh before I forget, the Wi-Fi connections is just out of this world at the Heritage, excellent reception in all rooms now or you can relax at the poolside for some early morning surfing and listening to the native birds tweeting.
OK., that’s it for this morning, a lot more in the coming days, you just have to stay tuned or subscribe to my RSS feed.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - magic Cambodia!

Once in Siem Reap I fill you in with more details…oh no, not my suspense again.

At the same time I am test-driving the recently released Nikon D300s not only for the images but also for its Video capabilities, which should be very interesting.

However I do give the Ox Cart a miss this time, don’t like to loose another Camera, you might remember from one of my previous Blog post when I lost my Nikon D2x in the rice paddy.
The last month of the year is taken care off now; another very exciting trip is in the middle of January 2010 until the end of the month. Then on February 24 our Photo Workshop in Rajasthan India starts... until March 4. After our Photo Workshop in India I have another very big and exciting surprise but that one has to wait too… yes I know, my suspense again, sorry about that.
Don’t worry I let the cat out of the bag soon enough, you just have to stay tuned. I know, a lot of riddles today!

© Gunther Deichmann - Reflections on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Going through the equipment check now and have to pack my bags by Friday, from the 8th of December I try to update my Blog at least every two days from the Heritage Suite Hotel direct from Siem Reap, and of course the latest news from the Heritage Adventures as well.
In between all of this I have some Aperture 2, iLife and iWork Seminars and Workshops at the Power Mac Center in Manila, for sure a very busy but exciting start for 2010.
GD

Heritage Suite Hotel


http://www.heritage-adventures.com

Creating real reflections... without Photoshop.

It is nice sometimes when you go back in Time, looking at images you created without a Digital Camera and the use of Photoshop, remembering the good old days...

Creating reflection, distortions and other simple effects is easy these days, a few clicks and you’re done in Photoshop, flipping an image and vola you have a great reflection.
As for me... I create these images without the help of Photoshop!

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1992

The other day I went through my archives and came across one of those images, taken in Phnom Penh in 1992, Pol Pot was still hiding somewhere in the Jungle near Phnom Kulen near Siem Reap. Memories starting to flash in front of my eyes...the "Wild West" days of Cambodia...bad memories carved into the faces of Cambodians... the Killing Fields still fresh in their mind... a time I will never forget.

I arrived in Phnom Penh the same time as the United Nations covering a major story on the Mekong River for Animan Magazine in Switzerland. One afternoon while walking the streets of Phnom Penh I noticed this nice reflection on this car roof parked right in front of me. I rested the camera carefully on the car roof trying not to scratch the paint and took the image above. Using an FM 2 Nikon with a 15 mm lens and Kodachrome 25.

What is interesting... 18 years later... I still create my reflections the same way without the use of Photoshop, except I am using a Digital Camera now.

Taken in 1992 the image above is a good example, but so are the ones from 2009, see below Photos from Cambodia and India. None of them have been treated in Photoshop, using Aperture 2 only for cropping and the basic Raw file adjustments.

© Gunther Deichmann - abstract reflections at the Taj Mahal India 2009

I have also updated my PhotoShelter Gallery on India with some new edits and have added a NEW Gallery from my recent trip to Cambodia. LINKS to the updated Galleries in PhotoShelter: New Cambodia 2009 & updated India..added some additional Photos

© Gunther Deichmann - Bayon Temple area,
the Bridge, Cambodia 2009

There is also one more Gallery from Cambodia but this one is password protect due to a pending article, don’t worry I open this one in due time, I guess it is my suspense again.

© Minding the Goats, Thar Desert Rajasthan India 2009

Please Note:
We only have two (2) more vacancies for our GD PhotoWorkshop in India, March/Feb. 2010, hurry and book now before you miss out on this incredible trip to India.
GD

Visions in the making…

http://www.deichmann-photo.com/

Changing ones website, content etc… a never-ending story. Above the new Intro Page

I decided the other day to change the intro page on my main web gallery…for how long I don’t know, lets see. We made also some changes to the Home page with new images. Not that much has changed, but I felt it needed a little freshening up…. hope you like it.

Now to Bantey Ampoeu, a remote Khmer temple hidden in the Jungle and a great example of natures power if left alone. Fantastic vegetation… trees have grown and covering this hidden marvel and one feels like Indiana Jones.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu

Converting some of those Indiana Jones like images into Black &
White looks very cool too, a feeling of going back in time with the help
of Aperture 2 & the Monochrome Mixer.

Bantey Ampoeu is certainly off the tourist track and during the Monsoon can be reached only by Ox Cart… a one and half hour journey through Rice Fields and Jungle. This is my favorite time of the year to check out those hidden places.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - on the way to Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - "passing traffic..."

Difficult to get there in the rainy season but the colors and vegetation in the late afternoon make it a very rewarding journey, as long you don’t mind the Leeches and getting into "Muddy Waters".

Thanks to Didier from the Heritage Adventures who took me to Bantey Ampoeu during the worst…but for me the best time of the year.
GD

http://www.heritage-adventures.com


Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap

Wake up early in the morning...


© Gunther Deichmann - early morning
on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

A short QT fun movie created with FotoMagico from our last Photo Workshop in Cambodia;
Behind the scene... Giggles... and a little fun with Aperture 2, GarageBand, FotoMagico and final export using Quick Time. The Title...Wake up early in the Morning... came about that all our excursions started around 4 to 5 AM everyday and the Giggles where part of our daily routine... just a fun and great group. The Soundtrack was entirely produced in GarageBand and since we had so much fun I just couldn't help myself in getting this one out...of course I had to add some Giggles...
Now listen to the "Giggle Band" & Wake up early in the Morning just click the LINK below. Plus all the info on FotoMagico below too.

http://www.deichmann-photo.com/page8/page8.html

© Gunther Deichmann - having a bath? Early morning,
the water Village on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

I have mention FotoMagico a few times in my previous Blog post's, but the latest FotoMagico 3 Version 3.0.8 is so cool and for those of you who are not familiar with it I can highly recommend it.
I also introduced it to my students recently in Cambodia and they fell in love with it.
An excellent software easy to use with superb quality, you have all the settings you ever going to need for producing high end slide shows/presentations (including HDTV) or export it to the web.
You can add sound, text plus some cool transitions at your finger tips, great integration on the Mac with access to your
Media Browser for Aperture, iPhoto, iTunes etc. for more info go to:
http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/overview/
GD

Present on: Options upon opening FotoMagico


The interface, easy and simple to use


Share... plenty to choose from

"Light is photography, photography is light."
...a magic moment in Cambodia!



© Gunther Deichmann - the magic of natural light,
Cambodia 2009

To finish the month of October, I decided today to share this Photograph with you . The Image above is from my last trip to Cambodia...remember I mention in one of my previous posts that I keep you in suspense, well here is one of them, others will follow... and more suspense again.
No more words needed now...enjoy natures gift to us... called light!

"Eyes-like light, without it we can't see." GD

© Gunther Deichmann – Novice Buddhist Monk exploring
Angkor Wat, Cambodia 2009

To view the special prepred Gallery click on the Image above or this LINK
or go to the menu bar above Small Taste of the Latest - Cambodia.

Please Note: More images will also be available shortly in my PhotoShelter Archives with a NEW Gallery.

A "Small Taste of the Latest from Cambodia"... I arrived in Siem Reap a few days earlier prior the start of our GD PhotoWorkshop, checking things out and getting ready for the arrival of my students. Today I like to share with you some images from these few days before and the ones I managed to sneak in during our Workshop...when I had the chance.
Thanks to Aperture 2 my editing (the only software) is just about done but now I have to start the painful job in uploading high res. files to my agency archives in Europe.
I also stayed a few extra days after the workshop to work on a particular project, but those Images I can’t post yet due to a variety of reasons...
OK. here we go again my suspense is killing everybody...

Everybody had left by now with the exception of Jamie, who had decided to hang around, exploring some amazing places. I have been sworn to secrecy for the time being, but don't worry you get to see them soon enough.
(Ha, ha Jamie too)
I hope you enjoy these latest images from Cambodia, which for me is one of the most exciting places to visit in Asia.

Once we have everything in place I defiantly share with you some rare and amazing images, but for now…the ones from today have to do.


Don't forget we are taking bookings now for our India Photo Workshop in early March 2010, and have only limited space available. (Total Number of participants is only eight)

For insights on India please check my PhotoShelter Galleries so you can get a little “Taste of India.”

GD

In between...when I had the time.


© Gunther Deichmann - "just a leaf"
Ta Prohm, Cambodia Sept.2009

The past few days I have been busy with editing and compiling an article, hence the reason for being so quiet, plus I have to admit that I have a slight hangover from last night.
Luis Harder invited me over to his place, giving him a hand to set up his additional screen and sorting out a few minor things in Aperture 2.
Of course good old Luis had prepared a great meal, fantastic food and some good red wine, actually the wine was so good that I ended up indulging myself more then it was good for me today, anyway we had a great evening talking shop. Thanks Luis for a cool evening.

A few days ago our "Cowgirl" Jamie send me this fantastic testimonial from our Photo Workshop, after reading it I had watery eyes, thank you so much Jamie not only for what you wrote but also for your kindness and great friendship.
For the testimonials go to GD PhotoWorkshop or click this LINK.

Now a GD Photo Workshop announcement; the bookings for our Indian Photo Workshop are open, this one we have to start early with our bookings the exact dates and Itinerary will be finalized shortly but it is in early March 2010. Due to popular demand we have only 4 more vacancies, the total number of participants is NOT exceeding eight students.

© Gunther Deichmann - "The Window"
Bayon Temple Cambodia Sept.2009

The Photos today are taken "in between" our lessons at Ta Prohm & BayonTemple when I was wondering around finding some interesting subject matters for the group to shoot. My editing is almost complete and I am uploading my images shortly into my PhotoShelter archives, once done I advise you and you can check out the NEW Gallery on Cambodia.
If you have not done so, check out the photos The Students work just click this LINK and the fun images Behind the Scene or go above to the Menu bar.
GD

HANDS ON IN CAMBODIA SEPT. 2009

In the field & the workflow after the shoot
with MacBook Pro's using Aperture 2.

Check out these cool images & click this LINK or go to The Students work on the top bar, you can also click on the image above.
I hope you're going to enjoy them as much as I have.


The Photographs by: Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet, Joerg Schueler, Luis Martin Harder, Hubert Weber and Richard Cawthra. They selected six images of their choice I didn’t chose or performed any editing. It was my pleasure to guide this cool group through Photography in the field and then using Aperture 2 for the workflow after the shoot. Plus the Journey to some of the amazing places in Cambodia during our GD Photo Workshop "Angkor Wat & beyond... thank you all for being such a warm and happy group, you have been fantastic! Hope to see you in India next year!
GD

Below is my personal thanks to all those people who
made this Photo Workshop a successful one.

I have also uploaded some of the first testimonials, you can read them
at GD Photo Workshops top bar or click the image above or this LINK.

Thank’s to Jamie from Jakarta, Indonesia, Joerg from Shanghai, China, Luis from Manila, Philippines, Richard from HongKong and Hubert also from Manila, Philippines for their participation in my PhotoWorkshop, Angkor Wat & beyond…you have been a fantastic Group, thank you very much for your kind words and friendship, miss you all.
A very special thanks goes out to Didier from Heritage Adventures for the additional insights. (even Didier became for a few days one of my students)
I am also grateful to the Management and staff from the Heritage Suite Hotel who made all of this possible with their smile and hard work, you made our stay just so fantastic, thank you from the bottom of my heart. A very, special mention goes to my good friend and long time Guide Savuth who was beside us all the time not only carrying some equipment but digging out the bogged 4X4 wheel drive at Mt. Kulen too, thanks my friend.
GD

Original file prior using the Monochchrome Mixer in Aperture 2


© Gunther Deichmann - "Muddy Waters" reflection in a muddy water
paddle outside the Ta Prohm Temple, original above changed into a
Black & White image using the Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2.

Built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, it is at Ta Prohm, where some of the original vegetation has been left un-cleared by archaeologists.

Visiting Cambodia in the off season can be a challenge but it is also very rewarding, amazing shades of greens are found all over the temples and in the country side. Fantastic opportunities for Photographers who search for something different, it is for sure my favorite time to visit these amazing places in the worst time of the year. There are few Tourists around and the landscape is ever changing into amazing colors. But be prepared and take good precaution, it can get very wet and uncomfortable during this time of the year.

And just one more...Green with envy!


© Gunther Deichmann - "when there is water there is also new life!"
A seedling... a new tree. In the Jungle of Mt. Kulen, Cambodia '09

In my next Blog post when the Internet connections have improved... remember we still have Typhoon PARMA hanging around, I post a New Gallery with six images from each participant from the Photo Workshop in Cambodia, it is there preferred choice from the trip, so please stay tuned. They all did a great Job!
In the meantime why dont you check out the images from Behind the scene...just click this LINK.
GD

Behind the Scene from Cambodia...

Photos of everybody by everybody from our recent GD PhotoWorkshop
in Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Wet season at Preah Khan,
Angkor Wat Cambodia 2009

It has been an incredible week, just back from Cambodia and right into the floods and sadness of Manila, not to mention the World News from Palau on the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary. I have uploaded the behind the scene Photos from our recent Journey and Cambodian PhotoWorkshop adventure on this Blog. The best of six images from the participants will be uploaded also shortly but today it is behind the scenes, the funny part of our Photo Workshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunrise at Mt. Kulen,
Cambodia 2009

View the gallery and click this LINK or choose Behind the Scene GDPWS Cambodia 2009. Once open click on the thumb nails to view larger images

Many thanks to all my students, you have been an incredible Group, listening, learning but you also made me laugh non stop. Thank you all very much for your attitude and friendship. It has been a great trip and hopefully I see some of you in India next year, details be announce soon on this Blog. March/April are the tentative month.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Nun at Preah Khan,
Angkor Siem Reap Cambodia Sept.'09

"I hope she is praying for good weather."
Please take a few moments and think about those people who
are stranded and their homes are underwater or lost.

It is raining Cat and Dogs in Manila, the worst I have seen in a very long time, then yesterday Palau in the Limelight with an extraordinary achievement declaring at the UN in New York the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary, a little update on Snow Leopard, Aperture 2.1.4 & slowly drifting back to my recent Photo Workshop in Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Novice Monk at the Monastery near
Angkor Wat, nice Weather and a smiling face. Cambodia Sept. 2009

Wow what a mix today… a Kaleidoscope of recent events.
But then it is raining or should I say pouring non-stop, nobody dares to go outside into the flooded streets of Manila including myself. A friend of mine tried to visit me today, but no way... he couldn’t get out of his Hotel...

Manila is flooded, period! The only way to commute today is by Boat !

I just made it home last night…& now we lost power too...nice to have a Mac BookPro with a fully charged Battery and what better way to recap the past few days in a few sentences on today’s Blog, the only question is when do I get this post uploaded, your guess is as good then mine...

© Gunther Deichmann - this Butterfly landed right in front of me,
getting salt from the stones inside Preah Khan,
Siem Reap, Cambodia Sept. 2009

Lets start with Snow Leopard and the things I discovered during my recent trip to Cambodia.
Encountered a small problem in Aperture 2.1.4 whereas the Original images took time to appear after they had been modified, the version showed up but the Original Raw file took some time to show.
That small problem has now gone away after I upgraded to the latest Version of Snow Leopard 10.6.1 upon my return from Cambodia.
Everything else worked just flawless and I encountered no other glitches with SL and Aperture 2.1.4 dealing with over 3000 plus images on location. ,

I also notice that there is no more Software update via the Desktop, (Download Only) now you have to go direct into the system, which is fine, but if you have a slow connection or get interrupted that could cause a problem. Why Apple has removed this I don’t know, maybe it is a Copyright/Piracy issue, who knows!

Otherwise I am extremely happy with Snow Leopard, fast and efficient a great operating system and definitely worth every cent, as a matter of fact, great value for US$ 29.95. BTW the battery life on my new MacBook Pro is just awesome. Some of my students in Cambodia also used for the first time SL and encountered no problems either.

© Gunther Deichmann - reflections of the Sure Prot Angkor Thom Ruins
at Sunset,directly opposite the Elephant Terraces,
Siem Reap, Cambodia Sept. 2009

Back from Cambodia only a couple of days, I had already a session at the Power Mac Center on iWork ’09 with Keynote and Pages.

__________________________________________________________

Then the NEWS came in from Palau, the first World Shark Sanctuary declared by the President of Palau at the United Nations in New York last Friday. This small Island Nation in the Pacific has shown the rest of the world how to stop the killing of our Sharks, congratulations again to Palau and I am proud to be associated with the Shark Sanctuary in Palau.
http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

Contact the Palau Shark Sanctuary:
http://www.sharksanctuary.com/contact-us.html
email : sharksanctuary@gmail.com
Tel:      + 680-488-1062
Cell:    +  680-775-1062
Palau is GMT + 9 hours / same time zone as Japan.

For more Images on Palau please visit my Photo Shelter Galleries & follow the LINKS below:

1.General:  http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/Palau-Micronesia-Tribal-Aerial-Waterfall-Animals-Landscape-People-Islands-Tourism-Jellyfish/G0000C.NjlJIRAik/

2. Aerials: http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/1-Palau-Micronesia-Aerials-Jan-2008-largest-collection-of-aerial-Photography-on-Palau/G00000jBlBEacoyY/

3. Aerials 2: http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/2-Palau-Micronesia-Aerials-2nd-Gallery-largest-collection-of-Aerials-on-Palau/G0000EnEkvDHJjo8/

__________________________________________________________

Now back to Cambodia, my sincere thanks to all participants from my last Photo Workshop “Angkor Wat & beyond…” you have been a great group and made my job so much easier, thanks again to you all, I will remember the friendship we shared and for sure the non-stop giggles, thanks to you all I had a great time too.

To the staff and management from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap our appreciations for an outstanding job & their incredible hospitality during our stay. Thank you all!

A very special mention and thanks goes to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventures for showing us some additional places rarely visited by others. A real adventure... on foot, by 4x4 wheel drive and Ox Cart, thanks a lot Didier.

I have been asked already for more images on Cambodia, please have a little patience I am going to upload the students Gallery asap. But one thing for sure, I was impressed with their images and dedication to Photography, they did an outstanding job not only in the field but after the shoot too using Aperture 2 for the workflow.
More images from the students and myself very soon...so please stay tuned.
GD

The last two days in Cambodia...
I will remember them for sure.


Drying the gear...did it help? Not really!

My last day in Cambodia was less eventful than the day before when my Camera bag dropped into the Rice Paddy from the Ox Cart, one Camera body and one lens has to go for a major repair Job to Nikon in Singapore. (I am glad I always bring a back up... second Camera boddy and lens)Today my last day...a little less exciting, we only got bogged with our 4X4 Wheel drive in black mud....ha, ha a slight reminder of my good old Australian Days in the outback. Jamie is lending a hand and whipping up the text from the past two days, see below. Now I have to do some packing, get some rest and take my dirty mud coverd laundry back to Manila.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - push.........

A very special thank you again to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventure who really went out of his way to show us some places where "almost" no man had gone before. As a matter of fact the minefields in this area had only been cleared last year, some very special images will follow once I am back in Manila. Of course Aperture 2 made it possible again to go through 3000 plus images very quickly and efficiently.
As for me...I will definitely return to this truly amazing place, discovering more places "where almost no man has gone before." GD

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - the Ox Cart adventure...

Here is Jamie's story...
Going wireless in the jungle isn’t such a bad idea. The last two searches I hastily punched into my Blackberry were “How to remove leeches”, and “Images of undetonated explosive devices, aka mines”. All told, the former is a slightly complicated task of examining and gently dislodging, while the latter come in a selection of shapes and sizes. The ones featured in the Siem Reap Mine museum were of the communist grey colored, circular variety. What do leeches and mines have in common? Upon encountering either, do not Freak Out. Easier said than done.
The photo workshop was over and we were taking a short break from the hectic week. Ever brimming with wild ideas, Didier had planned an easy afternoon trip out to explore a temple in the woods.
After an hour’s drive on bumpy roads in the 4x4, we arrived at a hut. Five pairs of eyes stared back at us as we climbed out into the afternoon sun and Didier launched into a conversation in Khmer with a local. In a few minutes our next ride appeared.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - hey...you just lost your bag...

Travelling by ox cart is not entirely an uncomfortable experience, but by the time you arrive at your supposed destination, you would’ve probably had your wits bounced out of you. Not to mention the possibility of having your camera bag floating in a rice paddy. We were too busy keeping balance, pointing DSLRs at the farmers and getting our perfect shots. No one took any notice of the weathered local on the opposite ox cart frantically waving his stick, pointing towards some obscure spot behind us and yelling in Khmer. By the time we turned and noticed a big black object sinking in muddy waters, it was a little too late. Nonetheless, Didier dashed the 100m and waded back with the dripping pack. It was GD’s camera bag fully loaded. There was nothing to be done but to check the damage later.
After the temple we headed to a camera repair shop. One of the lenses was flooded and stubbornly refused to let out the water. “No can do” said the shopkeeper. Unfazed, Didier suddenly had a better idea and he started to shake the lens in all directions. While Didier was attempting to salvage the drowning lens, GD had found new distraction. A robed monk was sitting at the computer screen in the shop, and GD was trying to get a shot of him sat paradoxically under a flat screen TV with a Jackie Chan movie flashing above him. Didier got as much water as he could out of the lens, GD got his shot of the monk, and we headed back to the fort.
On the way back in the jeep, I plugged in another online search: “How not to freak out”.
Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet :)

Heritage Adventure

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - Angkor Wat color converted into
B&W using the Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2.

Looking down at my soiled boots and algae stained shorts, I gingerly brushed the sand out of my greasy limp ponytail. “Well I think I’m perfectly unsanitary enough, thank you very much,” I threw back bemusedly at him before laying down upon the 14th Century laterite stones of the incredible Preah Khan temple in Siem Reap. I was trying for yet another shot at my elusive subject, which happened to be an enormous silk cotton tree growing on the top of a 900 yr old temple in serious disrepair, and dirt was the last thing on my mind. Hanging around GD gives one oodles of ideas, and most of them leave you craving for a bath at the end of the day.

Indeed GD had promised an intense 6 day, 5 night photography course in Cambodia, but he sure hadn’t warned us that learning was going to be so much fun. Our outdoor photography classroom included stunning ancient temple ruins, polychromatic floating villages, lush tropical jungles, waterfalls, caves, local food huts, bar counters, and last but not least the infamous ‘round table’ where all of us eagerly gathered for our highly animated photo editing sessions on Aperture 2.

The group was utterly fantastic, relaxed and mutually supportive throughout. In fact, we hovered along a fine line between taking serious photographs and turning each other into hilarious nutty fruitcakes. We simply laughed as much as we learned. And believe me, we were rolling in the aisles.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - Angkor Wat APSARA Dancer at
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia.

What amazed me most was that in less than a week in the field with GD, my photographic vision had changed dramatically. Comparing the shots I had taken from the first day to the fifth, I could see a significant difference in my subject composition, understanding of calculated exposure and improved editing skills. “The goal is that by the end of the week, you’re going to look at things differently,” GD promised at the outset.

And whether that left us mud caked or not, he was right.
Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet :)

We are proud to be associated with the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap

A Photographic Journey through
the Cambodian Jungle.


© Gunther Deichmann - an "Elephant" in the Jungle of Phnom Kulen

We left the Heritage Suite Hotel at 4:30 AM yesterday…the last day of our Photo Workshop for Kulen to the river of a thousand Lingas and the Kulen Waterfall.

Hard at work...trying to get the right angle and catching the light.

My trusted Guide over many years, Savuth taking a break

But the highlight of the day was a very special trip in the afternoon deep into the Jungle to a seldom visited place that can only be reached by 4X4 wheel drive and then another hour on foot.
A lot more images from this destination will follow in the coming weeks…believe me this place is absolutely amazing.
I am still catching up with some sleep, long hours everyday the past week, but fun and very rewarding for all in the Group.

A long but very rewarding walk...

© Gunther Deichmann - Mt. Kulen Waterfall...

Just one more...

Now, where did he come from? A new Student?
Luis Harder and an unexpected fan, at the River of the thousand Lingas.

As mentioned above some amazing images will follow later, but today I like to share with you Photos from the Participants in action during this trip in the Jungle.
GD

Special thanks again to Didier from Heritage
Adventures for making this trip possiable.


www.heritage-adventures.com

www.heritage-adventures.com

Due to some difficulties the past few days with our internet connection and early morning hour Photography trips I keep this Blog brief and rather let the images do the talking...

Aperture 2 & MacBook's Pro at the
Heritage Suite Hotel, Siem Reap
The Workflow after the shoot!

We are into our fourth day and I am extremely impressed with the Images from my students, as a matter of fact they have really outdone themselves, not only in the field but everybody has reached a very good level and expertise on Aperture 2...the workflow after the shoot.
Special thanks to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventure who is organizing some very special trips for us and of course the Management from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap, who has provided us with and excellent service throughout the week.

Above images: On the Tonle Sap Cambodia

I the next couple of weeks I be reporting in more details from the whole trip and put up a special Gallery with images from all the Participants...today is only a small appetizer from this morning.

© Joerg Schueler, life on the Tonle Sap


© Hubert Weber, reflections the Tonle Sap


© Luis Martin Harder, the Tonle Sap


© Richard Cawthra,
Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Tomorrow is another 4:30 AM start, so I sign off now, but a lot more from Cambodia and our Photo Workshop soon.
GD

Great Weather...good Company
& amazing images.

© Gunther Deichmann - my first shot at the Monastery near the Hotel
last Friday 11th of September

Sorry for the long silence but I did have some problems with the connection the past few days. With a bit of luck it will get better in the next few days.
My students took some amazing Photographs since the start of the workshop two days ago, a very cool selection will follow shortly.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Group working with available
light at Preah Khan Temple

A great bunch and amazingly all using MacBooks Pro's with Aperture 2 loaded except for on using Lightroom on his Mac.
Tomorrow we start at 4:45 for our sunrise session, but this time not at Angkor Wat, I keep you in suspense again, the Heritage Suite Hotel Management has organized are real cool trip. Hence the reason I have to keep it very brief now, need some sleep and a good rest.

More in the next few days...
G, night from Siem Reap Cambodia,
GD

September is approaching fast and so is our Photo Workshop,
Angkor Wat & beyond… Siem Reap Cambodia.


Above: I love the integration on the Mac, pure speed and
efficiency, creating artwork with ease using Pages in iWork ‘09

In a few days I switch gears and getting ready for another exciting trip with students discovering the beauty in this remarkable place with its ancient history and culture.
Once in Cambodia I try my very best to update my Blog and Twitter every 48 hours from our Base at The Heritage Suite Hotel with stories and images from the day’s events, including the best Photograph from each day taken by one of the students.

Packing the gear and final preparation are on my agenda in the next few days, I know my Students getting excited, as for me no explanation is needed… I just love Cambodia where you can always discover something new and exciting.

© Gunther Deichmann - the way of life in the province, transporting a block
Ice on a small Motorbike, from the provicial Town to the Village.
South of Siem Reap Cambodia

I have lined up a few more interesting posts for the next few days before I start my articles on Cambodia in earnest.
GD

“Light is Photography,
Photography is Light.” GD

It’s raining cat and dogs for the past few days, there is still Color around us, but you have to bring your Camera along. The shot below, taken from the Car Window on the way to a meeting while stuck in a traffic Jam in Manila.

© Gunther Deichmann - Yakal Street Makati 100 yards from
Santis & Cave Werdenberg
a great stop for some light meals and superb Wine.

The image above and other NEW images from the past few days already residing in my PhotoShelter Gallery/Archives. (New Manila, Aug. ‘09, including some interesting once from inside a Church)

__________________________

Now from the Philippines to Cambodia; my GDPhotoWorkshop in September ’09 “Angkor Wat & Beyond” Siem Reap, Cambodia is fast approaching, we’re ready to go in September and bookings are closed now. Just a few images below from one of my earlier trips to Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA traditional Khmer Dancer, Bayon


© Gunther Deichmann - Lingas in the river bed, Phnom Kulen is the holiest
mountain in Cambodia & the river of 1000 Lingas, a powerful sacred site
for Cambodians, even today.

However, I make a major announcement very shortly regarding all my future PhotoWorkshops including more to Cambodia, (this year) but also into Laos and other Exotic destinations in Asia, plus preparations are made for India in 2010.

© Gunther Deichmann - Women Priest at
Bayon Temple Angkor Wat area, Cambodia

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Monk, Siem Reap Cambodia

Please stay tuned for more information very, soon.
GD

The Colors of Rajasthan India continuos...


© Gunther Deichmann - “I been watched”
Jodhpur Rajasthan India , April 2009

Since my return from Bangkok and the TDEX show I have been working on my project from India, but a lot more work has to be done, I post some more details during the month of June. To view some selected images from India click this LINK or go to http://www.deichmann-photo.com/india.html

By end of next week you find also the final details on our upcoming GD Photo-Workshop on my
GD Photo-Workshop Site, already booked participants however will receive an email within the next few days with all the information.
We are almost fully booked, so if you’re interested please contact me ASAP, final closing date for bookings will be June 22, 2009.
As mention previously in my Blog, this GD PhotoWorkshop will go beyond Angkor Wat and for the first time we have included the Tonle Sap Lake and some other interesting places seldom visit by Tourists.
“6 nights and 7 days from the 13th until the 19th of September”
Please subscribe to my Blog & stay tuned for the final details shortly...
GD

This workshop will include the Tonle Sap Lake and the Water Village, furthermore we be exploring some ancient Temples/Ruins seldom visited by others except you.
Of course we still visit and shoot at Angkor Wat during Sunrise and Sunset, plus a lot more during this trip.
As you know I am always good for a surprise or two...
Total lengths of the Workshop is from Sunday (exact date to be announced in May) to Saturday (7 nights in a luxury Boutique Hotel) Photography in the field, the workflow and critic after the shoot - class room sessions at the Hotel...but don’t worry we spend more time in the field and get the shot right in the first place.

More details; what to bring, cost per per person, etc., will be available in May, but participants can travel from their Home destination to Siem Reap in Cambodia direct, upon arrival we have made all the necessary arrangements for your transport to the Hotel.
You can contact me @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php
GD

“Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & beyond.”

This is only the initial announcement, all other details will be posted upon my return from India towards the end of May.
If you’re interested you can contact me and reserve your space without any obligation for the time being, final bookings have to be made by latest August 15, 2009. With only 8 to 12 max participants I recommend you make your bookings early, just click this LINK: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php
GD

© Gunther Deichmann, Phnom Kolen Temple,
Cambodia Sept. 2007

© Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia, Sept. 2007
Darling,where is the Casino???
You sure we are at the right place?
Check out the design on the Guys shirt,
playing Cards,
No explanation needed for the girl,
you all know, I love red and contrast.

© Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia 2007
Selected images by GD

Cambodia bid to protect treasures

By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Siem Reap
Statues with no heads in Angkor Wat
Looting is evident even at protected Angkor Wat Cambodia has invited international law enforcement agencies to help protect the country's ancient temples.
US homeland security and FBI agents are among those who may be advising the new national heritage police force. They are hoping to put an end to the rampant looting that has seen many monuments stripped of their statues. Peace has not been kind to many of Cambodia's ancient monuments. As decades of conflict ended in the 1990s, looting accelerated dramatically. The local authorities and the United Nations' cultural organisation, Unesco, moved quickly to protect the world-famous Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples.
But more remote sites were left to their fate.

Stolen-to-order
US agents and local officers have been meeting in Siem Reap to discuss ways of protecting what is left. US special agent Ann Hurst said their experience of dealing with stolen artefacts from Iraq will be crucial.
"We can provide training in how to prevent these types of violations. There were stolen paintings and stolen coins being taken out of Iraq and smuggled in to the US," she said.
"What we did in those cases was prosecute the people who smuggled the goods in - and the people who accepted the goods in the US." Many Cambodian items have been stolen to order for private collectors.
Others have turned up at international auction houses, so expertise in intercepting illicit shipments is badly needed. Technical assistance in detection and policing will also bolster the thinly-stretched and poorly-funded local forces.
For Cambodia, stopping the looting is partly a matter of pride - the towers of Angkor adorn the national flag - but as tourism grows, so does the economic importance of preserving ancient treasures.

© Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia 2007

As mention in my earlier blog, all the participants have been so great and kind with their comments on my recent workshop in Cambodia, thank you again so much,
I said before you have been a "Great Bunch". Buddha bless you all!

Hi Mr. GD,
Welcome back! Just wanted to say I had the best time in Cambodia. Loved the different sights, sounds, culture, people and food! As the youngest (assuming?) and greenest one among the "great bunch", I have to say I probably learned the most from you and even some of the guys (Kuya Luis was really great with encouraging me). This experience has taught me not to be content on just waiting for the moment but going out and looking for it. Be proud in knowing that you have touched my life by inspiring me through your wisdom.
Thank you,
Jasmin


Hey Gunther,
Good to know you're back.
Haven't thanked you enough for our Cambodia experience as well the friendship you have extended.
Would have loved to stay and extra day to shoot Tonle Sap, well, maybe next time.
Hope to shoot with you again and perhaps a couple of beers in Malate/Penguin.

Later,
Bebet


Dear Gunther,
Welcome back!  I heard from Francis that everyone had a great time with the workshop.  Congratulations. =)

Best Regards,
Lawrence

© Gunther Deichmann
"Shooting in the Rain" - Boy and Pumpkin after the workshop.
No my Nikon didn't get flooded, but I did!

I just arrived back from the Photo Workshop in Cambodia, I am sad, I just love that Country, incredible culture and history, but most of all real nice people.
Please see below some of the testimonials I have received from some of the workshop participants, again thanks to all who participated, you all did great.
GD.

HI Gunther,
 
Thanks a lot friend. You’re not only a great photographer and artist but a real cool companion, friend and mentor. You made our trip to Cambodia very memorable and our experience worth more than sharing to our families and friend. Although I have the tendency to shift to my own world when we hit the road for our photo shoots – I always have in my mind the images in your book and the lessons and insights you have unselfishly shared to us in the class. Having said that, my experience at the Cambodia GDPhotoWorkshop has vastly influenced and enriched my knowledge in photography. Thanks a lot Mr. Gunther Deichmann – you’re the man.
 
Best regards,
Luis Harder
WINGS TECHNOLOGIES ENTERPRISES



Hey Gunther!!!
 How're you doing? Me, I've been showing off my pictures in Cambodia (untouched) and of course they like what they've seen (i mean my wife and kids - hehehe).
 Aren't you back yet. Hope we can get together again. I really learned a lot from our experience and I thank you and Jun for inviting me.
 See you!
 Jojo Ochoa


Hi Gunther,
I can't begin to tell you what an amazing time I had in Cambodia with you & the amazing people we did the course with, History was in the making I think. We have taken some amazing photo's you have taught me so many things I need to look for. Your eye for seeing incredible things which one would not normally see. Not only these things are special to me but you have inspired me even more, plus my friendship to you has grown even more, for this my friend I thank you for the bottom of my heart .
Cambodia itself ! wow I was in awe not stop the wonder the history the amazing temples this feeling I had in side of me was magical, behind every stone was was story to be told ! around every corner, one could not wait to see what was there to be photographed. I know now that my life has changed & I have to be a Photographer more than anything & you taught me light * color is the key.
As for my new friends please could you pass on this mail to the wonderful people that accepted me as a fellow photographer, you were all very special to me & am excited about new adventures together.
All in all I'm complete & extremely happy with everything the monks were wonderful for the icing on the cake & the hotel everyone was fantastic, last but bby no means the least our trusty guide, which I could never pronounce his name, thanks so much.
Mark Cox
Photographer & Adventurer.

Hi GD,
Congratulations for a very successful workshop. I really learned a lot. My only wish is I can go back again. The group is very happy. Very minor suggestions. We all got back without a hitch.

Regards,
Jun Miranda
President
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging
and Co organizer of the GD Photo Workshop

I am writing this blog from Cambodia, the group has left and I stayed behind for a few extra days, I have provided a direct link to my Aperture Web Gallery of images behind the scene. Images of the participants in action, our Hotel and rooms plus a Buddhist blessing right at the Hotel for the whole group on our last day.
I have to say this group or I call them just a great bunch, have been real cool and some of them booking for Tibet already, we are also planning some more Workshops in Cambodia and of course stay at the Heritage Suite Hotel, again my special thanks to the management in particular to Sylvie and Fabrice for arranging a real Buddhist blessing on our last day.
Many thanks to all and see you soon again for some great Photography, Aperture of course made my life easy during the editing and going direct to the Web Gallery without any problems.Stay tuned for updates on the GDPhotoWorkshop site, soon with a Gallery and winning images.
For more images from this last workshop please go to my Aperture Gallery,
just click here.


© Gunther Deichmann, after the Workshop,
the things you see on the road

WOW !!! Direct from the Heritage Hotel in Siam Reap the very first Blog from the GDPhotoWorkShop.
This is only a quick one just to let everybody know, we had a great time and some of the images from the participants turned out just fantastic, my personal thanks to all who attended this workshop in Siam Reap, Cambodia. You all did a great Job, I am proud for having such great talents around me. Well done.
More details will follow once I finished with all the editing and find more time.
This has been a tough one for all, including myself, everyday 5am until 10pm in the evening. Classroom sessions at lunch and in the evening.
Our very first winner for this event is Luis Harder, he hit it right on, the assignment or subject was to come up with an image which had nothing to do with temples, he took the shot below near the Heritage Hotel. Real great well done Luis!
He is now the proud owner of the Apple Aperture Software, sponsored by the Power Mac Center in Makati. I update and inform everybody regarding the whole event, please let me catch my breath first. There are so many stories to tell and some great images to show from the last few days, and once I am back we have our special galley up soon on the GDPhotoWorkShop web site. Also very soon more details from our sponsors and major prizes later.
Many thanks to Apple Singapore for all the other goodies.
A very special thanks to the management and staff from the Heritage Hotel, a real surprise will follow in my next blog, so please stay tuned or subscribe.


The workshop group at Bayon temple, our last day

Our Classroom at the Heritage Hotel

© Luis Harder, our first winning shot

APERTURE Designed for professional photographers.
http://www.apple.com/aperture
A quick time saving tip for Our Aperture Users who will join me on our photo workshop to Cambodia.
You dont have to wait until we get there, not at all, take a few minutes and set up your Aperture Library now, before the Journey begins.
You all know we are going to Cambodia; just create a project now with the name Cambodia and create some Albums within, e.g.. landscapes, temples, people, traditional, personal etc., etc. and when you ready for importing each day you are all set to go. Another quick tip is to prepare some presets e.g.. your name with Copyright, Country; e.g.. Cambodia, location like Angkor Wat, Siam Reap, Monks, Temples etc.,etc. this want take long at all, just a few minutes before the trip, you can also prepare some common keywords the same way, you be amazed how much time you save later and have more time after the shoot for a relaxing beer or two. For those who are not familiar with these set ups dont worry I be there to guide you trough it, ok only one beer for you.
GD
The GDPhotoWorkShop is supported and sponsored by the following:

Apple Singapore,The Power Mac Center, Makati, Manila, Heritage Suites Hotel, Siam Reap, Cambodia, Sam's Tours Palau, Micronesia and the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance
For other photo workshops in Bali, Indonesia, Palau, Micronesia and Tibet please go to the events Calendar at:
http://gdphotoworkshop.com

© Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia, 2006

© Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia, 2007
Our Workshop to Cambodia, Angkor Wat is now very near, we are off on the 7th of September, fully booked and we are ready to go for some very exciting photography and exploring the great world heritage sites in and around Siam Reap. For those who could not make it, dont worry we are already scheduling another one for Cambodia soon, just keep checking the GDPhotoWorkshop website and under the Calendar you find all the up coming events. The next workshop is going to be in Bali, Indonesia in November, all the details for this one will be on our site shortly. If I have a good connection I be sending out blogs from the Heritage Hotel in Siam Reap our base during the workshop, for more info on the Heritage Hotel please go to: http://www.heritage.com.kh


© Gunther Deichmann, Tibet 2006
By the way I am getting a lot of interest for the workshop next year in Tibet, (July/August 2008), make sure you contact us soon, since this one has only a limited number of participants (10 max), preparations and bookings have to be made early for this one. Again, for more information and details check our website, stay tuned or subscribe to our blog for the latest NEWS and up dates. For Images on Cambodia, Bali, Palau, Micronesia and Tibet please go to:
deichmann-photo.com
Palau, Micronesia is scheduled for April 2008, with a Marine Biologist and underwater photography in one of the best dive destinations in the world.
Our host in Palau Micronesia is Sam's Tours the premier Dive Center in Palau, for more info please go to: http://www.samstours.com
Thank You,
GD

A travel and after the shoot PhotoWorkshop with Gunther Deichmann, Angkor Wat in Siam Reap,Cambodia. This used to be the largest city in the world around the 12th century, visit with Gunther these ancient monuments and learn how to create better images and re- discover the ancient Culture of Cambodia.

After the shoot you'll experience the sheer Raw power of Aperture. Shoot as many images you like on any given day and mange them afterwards with Aperture, dont worry to much it is not that complicated, Gunther is around and guide you through the whole process. Dont have Aperture? That is ok., Gunther has many years of experience how to deal with images in Photoshop.
For more information and how to book, please go to GDPhotoWorkshop.com
Hurry this workshop is filling up fast!
Visit Gunther's website @ : www.deichmann-photo.com

CAMBODIA
A Photo Safari/Course on Travel Photography

The Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI), in cooperation with GDPHOTOWORKSHOP, invites you to a photo safari/travel photography workshop on one of the most popular destinations in Asia: Cambodia. To be conducted from September 7-11, 2007, this workshop is opened to all serious amateur and professional photographers who want to explore Cambodia’s Angkor Wat while learning the complexity of travel photography.

This four-day workshop will focus on Angkor Wat of Cambodia. While it will cover the place, its people and culture, the course will also be a learning experience from one of the best travel photographers—Gunther Deichmann. He will cover all aspects of shoot: solving technical problems, working with the locals, gaining access to certain places, the digital workflow, etc. He will also discuss what makes a successful travel photography. In addition, he will also lecture on post-production workflow and techniques using Apple Aperture. Aside being a well-respected travel photographer, he is also an Apple Certified Instructor in Aperture.

The workshop will be preceeded by a cocktail at PCCI, two weeks before departure, to brief the participants and to give them the opportunity to know one another.  The evenings of the workshop will be spent in sharing, critiquing of the day’s shoots and planning of the next. 

At the end of the course, each participant will receive a Certificate of Completion from both PCCI and GDPHOTOWORKSHOP and a copy of Gunther’s book, Journey Through Colour and Time. Their photos will also be exhibited in the Participant’s Gallery in the GDPHOTOWORKSHOP website. Exhibited photos will automatically be entered in the Cambodia Photo Contest to be displayed at the PCCI Gallery. Winning photos will win major prizes like free trip (including accommodation) to Cambodia for two. 

The total package price is US$1,650 (or peso equivalent) which includes airfare transportation from Manila-Siam Reap-Manila; 4 night-/5 day-accommodation at the 5-star Heritage Suites Hotel, breakfast, ground transportation and guides; Angkor Wat Heritage site permit fee and visa fee for Camboida; lectures at the Heritage Suite Hotel conference room; and a signed copy of Gunther Deichmann’s book Journey Through Colour and Time. For details, please visit www.gdphotoworkshop.com.
 
Gunther Deichmann is one of Austral-Asia’s most accomplished travel photographers. Of German birth and a paleontologist by vocation, Deichmann settled in Australia when we was 21 years old where he got exposed to the beauty of the country. This led him to his current preoccupation, photography. His photographic opus appeared in different magazines such as the cover of Time Magazine (USA), Bulletin (Australia), Der Spiegel (Germany), Bunte (cover), National Magazine (South Africa), National Geographic, New York Times (USA), Sued Deutsche Zeitung (Germany), Grand Reportage (France), VSD (France), GEO (France), Terre Savage (France), and Figaro (France), and  in other major book productions such as The Racing Game, National Geographic, Time-Life, Reader’s Digest, BBC (London). He recently published his own book entitled Journey Through Colour and Time— a 30-year collection of photographs on Austrialia, Europe, Asia, and Micronesia. For more information on this multi-talented and multi-awarded photographer, visit www.deichmann-photo.com.

Call now PCCI at 892528 or send us an email at mgm@pcci.com.pcci. Limited to only twelve participants.  

Podcast. Only 6MB this one was created entirely with Aperture, Keynote, Quick Time and using GarageBand for the sound.
Enjoy this small clip and get a glimpse of Angkor Wat, Siam Reap Cambodia.
You can download the high quality QT file below:

Podcast link

For more images on Cambodia please go to my web pages @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com

GD PhotoWorkshop @ http://www.gdphotoworkshop.com

Photos © Gunther Deichmann, Cambodia 2007