Our photo tour spends several night in Bagan, giving us the opportunity to visit several locations for sunrise and sunset photos. On our second sunset visit, the group decided to forgo the usual “sunset from atop the temple” and focus rather, on the sheep and cow herders. Below you’ll find the previous night’s shot from the temple top, with horse carts along the dusty road. It’s nice to be able to capture such totally different images from the same location. While the temple top was host to most visitors, we were able to capture some great shots down on the ground, where the back-lit dust kicked up by the sheep and cows made things more interesting.


During the day, we took several stops to photograph local crafts, including a lacquer ware factory. The following three images were done using my 17-35 f 2.8. I wanted to capture the color of the liquid in an almost “abstract” sense, then to put the artwork into context with the artisan’s hands, and finally, even wider, in the context of the factory itself. Capturing details as well as the context in which they exist is one of the concepts and techniques that we learn and practice throughout the trip.


In both the above photo (shot with 17-35mm F 2.8) as well as the image below (shot with 70-200mm F2.8) I’m trying to capture strong subject matter as well as  the “context” in which it exists, thus demonstrating that this technique is possible with both wide angle and telephoto lenses. All of our tour participants practice this, as I remind them “show me a strong subject, but give me a little bit of “eye candy” as an added element to make your photo more interesting”.


Our trip to Mt. Popa always includes shots of the ubiquitous monkeys that frolic on the steps of the temple. We also stop at a local market and a traditional village.

8 Responses to “Myanmar Photo Tour: Bagan’s Goat Herders, Lacquer Factory & Mt. Popa” Subscribe

  1. Pawan March 2, 2012 at 8:14 am #

    never been to Bagan, but I can feel it though you photos 🙂

  2. Karl Grobl March 2, 2012 at 8:16 am #

    Thanks Pawan!
    I hope we get the chance to meet and shoot together some day.
    All the best,
    Karl

  3. Katy Buell March 4, 2012 at 3:40 pm #

    Oh boy – the one of the temple with the carts is a painting. You got the zen on that one. I thought you didn’t \do\ landscapes 😉

  4. Karl Grobl March 5, 2012 at 2:33 am #

    Thanks Katy, I appreciate the comment. And, you’re right, I don’t generally do landscapes, but every once and a while I get one handed to me on a silver platter and all I have to do is point the camera and click the shutter 🙂

  5. Kat Miner March 5, 2012 at 11:19 pm #

    Really love the shot of the sheepherders with the palace in the background and the one from the palace with the horse carts. Wonderful mood. Myanmar looks like an amazing place! Glad the trip was a success.

  6. carolyn boline March 6, 2012 at 10:56 pm #

    The first photo captured me……such artistry.

  7. Carrie March 11, 2012 at 5:48 am #

    Hi, honey,

    I LOVED THE FIRST PHOTO as I do 99.9% of your photos, but that is not a herd of cattle or sheep! You silly goose! It’s a herd of my favorite little goats!

    We love and miss you!
    Me & Punky

  8. nina March 15, 2012 at 11:51 pm #

    wow, karl!
    what beautiful photos! i agree with katy and kat……….
    can’t wait to come along next year, whenever that turns out to be……

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