Photo Shoots
1 day
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$150
per adult
Cambodia Photo Tours by Michael Klinkhamer
Cambodia Photo Tours by Michael Klinkhamer
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
To make your photography travel tour plans in amazing Cambodia a reality and an unforgettable experience. Our well known private Phnom Penh Photo tours are open again from November 25th, 2024. Bookings are possible for 1/2 day, full days and evening photo walks. Phnom Penh night photo walks after sunset. Also: Longer custom tailored Cambodia 5-7 days or even 12 days of photography safari tours around Cambodia are open for bookings now.
Tours and Tickets by Cambodia Photo Tours by Michael Klinkhamer
Historical Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$175
per adult
Historical Tours
1 day
Free cancellation
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from
$400
per adult
Street Art Tour
3 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$65
per adult
Photo Shoots
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$60
per adult
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
88 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Stephen W
Hong Kong, China100 contributions
I did the Night Photo Tour on Sunday night and the Afternoon tour the next day.
It was a great experience. First of all it was a one to one tour, actually a walking photo workshop. We went to a Wat (temple) with no tourist and photographed the monks and locals interacting. I got a great shot of young men playing football in front of a large statute of Buddha. Then down side streets and onto the waterfront for tripod shooting. All along Michael is checking my camera settings, checking my images and asking what story am I trying to tell. Then he gives helpful feedback and advice and suggested what to change to make my story. I got some lovely images of the Royal Palace at night that also captured the traffic and people out at night.. we then went to the Independence Monument for stunning shots, ending up at the Sky Bar roof top for city scape. We also chatted a lot and exchanged life stories which was great.
Next day was also fantastic, in particular crossing the river to a poor neighbourhood that was basically a small shanty town. People and kids were so friendly. No way could I find this place myself or interact without Michael’s guidance. Michael and Rotary has previously covered medical expenses for a child needing eye surgery from the same village. Then we finished at a teaching Wat for the Golden Hour where Michael was patient to show me how to capture a sunburst with out over exposing the image. We got a Tuk Tuk back to the ferry which we shared with a monk who was on his way to Chinese lessons. Finally back on the riverfront over a cold drink we reviewed the day and talked about what it means to be a professional photographer in the digital world. Michael shared many insights on Phnom Penh too. I would strongly recommend Michael for photo tours or walking photos workshops. He also has great stories to tell.
It was a great experience. First of all it was a one to one tour, actually a walking photo workshop. We went to a Wat (temple) with no tourist and photographed the monks and locals interacting. I got a great shot of young men playing football in front of a large statute of Buddha. Then down side streets and onto the waterfront for tripod shooting. All along Michael is checking my camera settings, checking my images and asking what story am I trying to tell. Then he gives helpful feedback and advice and suggested what to change to make my story. I got some lovely images of the Royal Palace at night that also captured the traffic and people out at night.. we then went to the Independence Monument for stunning shots, ending up at the Sky Bar roof top for city scape. We also chatted a lot and exchanged life stories which was great.
Next day was also fantastic, in particular crossing the river to a poor neighbourhood that was basically a small shanty town. People and kids were so friendly. No way could I find this place myself or interact without Michael’s guidance. Michael and Rotary has previously covered medical expenses for a child needing eye surgery from the same village. Then we finished at a teaching Wat for the Golden Hour where Michael was patient to show me how to capture a sunburst with out over exposing the image. We got a Tuk Tuk back to the ferry which we shared with a monk who was on his way to Chinese lessons. Finally back on the riverfront over a cold drink we reviewed the day and talked about what it means to be a professional photographer in the digital world. Michael shared many insights on Phnom Penh too. I would strongly recommend Michael for photo tours or walking photos workshops. He also has great stories to tell.
Written March 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canadatravel92
Calgary, Canada28 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
My dad and I did the half day on the weekend. It was excellent! We learnt more about using the camera, and then went to some really interesting places that we never would have found otherwise. We sat with monks, went to a lotus field, took a ferry ride, and saw the way that many people are living. It was great to get out of the tourist area. Would definitely recommend.
Written April 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goldilocks1955
Vancouver, Canada41 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Two years ago I took the group tour and I was so impressed I took a personal tour yesterday. Michael is a great guy and was patient showing me all the myriad of functions on my complicated camera as we toured through the nooks and crannies of Phnom Penh. There is no way I would have found these fascinating markets and neighbourhoods on my own. I have been on hundreds of day tours and I have no hesitation recommending Michaels tours!!!! You won’t regret this well priced excursion
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayCasper
Cardiff, UK7 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
I met Michael in a nice restaurant not far form where I was staying. There was 3 of us in the group. He spent some time explaining different functions on the camera. After we had finished discussing the cameras we got in a tuktuk and went to take some photos.
We arrived in a very interesting square, locals were all about doing their usual thing. Unfortunately it was here that I did not enjoy one bit. First we were looking inside a building where there were a few people either meditating or relaxing. The 4 of us were stood in the door way watching these people and discussing how to take a good picture of them. This made me feel very uncomfortable. I tried to stay out of the door way and take photos of the outside. Next we walked down a side walk, Michael stopped us in front of a group of monks playing a board game. Again we were stood in a group watching them, pointing and the other two in the group were taking photos of them. After a number of photos one of the monks walked up to the others in the group and waved his arms saying 'no photo' 'no photo'. Michael then called the monk grumpy and we walked to the next street. The next street looked like family homes with children walking around the street. It was here that I said I was leaving. I didn't know where I was but I wasn't staying for anymore.
I had read excellent reviews about the photo course which is why I booked. I know how to use my camera, what I wanted to learn was how to interact with the people you are photographing, how to photograph in a non invasive and non exploiting way. I thought that as this course has been going on for some time surely there would be some sort of rapport with the locals here. There was a total lack of respect and it really bothered me.
From reading previous reviews most people will not feel uncomfortable with this method of taking photos. However if you're anything like me then this is just to make you fully aware of what it entails.
This is an honest account of my experience however I am fully expecting a tirade from Michael in reply to this review.
We arrived in a very interesting square, locals were all about doing their usual thing. Unfortunately it was here that I did not enjoy one bit. First we were looking inside a building where there were a few people either meditating or relaxing. The 4 of us were stood in the door way watching these people and discussing how to take a good picture of them. This made me feel very uncomfortable. I tried to stay out of the door way and take photos of the outside. Next we walked down a side walk, Michael stopped us in front of a group of monks playing a board game. Again we were stood in a group watching them, pointing and the other two in the group were taking photos of them. After a number of photos one of the monks walked up to the others in the group and waved his arms saying 'no photo' 'no photo'. Michael then called the monk grumpy and we walked to the next street. The next street looked like family homes with children walking around the street. It was here that I said I was leaving. I didn't know where I was but I wasn't staying for anymore.
I had read excellent reviews about the photo course which is why I booked. I know how to use my camera, what I wanted to learn was how to interact with the people you are photographing, how to photograph in a non invasive and non exploiting way. I thought that as this course has been going on for some time surely there would be some sort of rapport with the locals here. There was a total lack of respect and it really bothered me.
From reading previous reviews most people will not feel uncomfortable with this method of taking photos. However if you're anything like me then this is just to make you fully aware of what it entails.
This is an honest account of my experience however I am fully expecting a tirade from Michael in reply to this review.
Written July 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your detailed review. It's actually really useful to explain how this photography workshop works and what it is for and what it is not for.
Allow me to respond to what really happened, and just some honest in your face advice.
Next time you do a class workshop or tour, try to stay at least until the end and follow through the full class or teaching. Be positive and prepared to do your best.
You have spend now more time on writing your review than you actually did spend with me during our phototour of Phnom Penh.
First of all, it's my job to show photographers a unique perspective and hidden locations of Phnom Penh that no tourbook or tourist guide will show.
This phototour is a reality workshop in Cambodia, not of Disneyland.
This way people get the opportunity to do do pictures of the locations and people i have met over the years here. I am also not a social worker. I am there to guide you and give assistance on how to do a picture when asked and to provide a save and fun phototour.
To be honest you did not DO our phototour at all, because you gave up on the first hurdle at that beautiful old temple after walking literally 100 meters and now blame others, me and the other two ladies from Singapore for your disconnection with the reality of street/travel photography.
This first location temple was just a beginning, that obviously did not suit you, but we did so much more that afternoon that you would have loved, but you have to be UP for it and willing to try.
If you would have looked around and did pictures of that old cracked temple really without negative assumptions you would have noticed how cool that place really was, but instead your focus was on the behaviour of others and your own escape, back to the backpacker hostel to complain..
You just walked away within 10 minutes without any notice or without paying any respect to me or say what was the matter to me and the other people.
One short glance at my pictures on Instagram or here on tripadvisor will show that we work with the utmost respect and joy with the local people we meet here and photograph with most of the time.
That is exactly how we work, with respect and compassion and that is how I get those intimate images and positive reviews on Tripadvisor and many people that do multiple days with me, and come back again here in Cambodia to explore with me.
We only just got started with you and the ladies from Singapore and were warming up and yes, observing locations, watching people, and getting into our "photographers mode" and filter the moods and see what we could find.
Sure, good street photography and portraits in the city is not that easy, and perhaps not for everyone or something for you at all.
That way of doing pictures takes years of experience and practice and does not come easy for everyone but is also a lot of fun.
Tell yourself, you're a photographer and what you do is positive and harmless and that you are really involved and have a story to tell with your images and stop whining about the reality of life and people that behave differently.
Again good photography is not easy, I am learning and practicing this every day.
It makes you feel awkward at times, but that is how it works...and it is also cool to be lost and out of your comfort zone sometimes.
But you did not even last 10 minutes....that was your solution. The other two friendly hip mature ladies from Singapore were super ambitious and really went for it full lenght and enjoyed it until 5.45pm, when we ended at a sunset location.
I wished you stayed on and expressed your troubled thoughts to me on the spot, right there, and I would have told you, relax, stay on, go your own way a bit, look for your own options, and observe that until you find what you personally like to shoot and do keep trying, don't give up that easy.
All the best, and if you are still in Cambodia, you're welcome to try again for those two hours you booked (free) and learn-practice how to feel comfortable with yourself and your camera.
Save travels!
Thanks Michael
Written July 25, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnRonMor
Limerick, Ireland22 contributions
We had looked forward to learning more photo tips from a professional. Hiwever when he turned up we listened as he spoke about his work at length, fine but really we wanted to start the tour not listen to a speech for an hour.
We explained that we had both done photography courses and wanted to learn some more, not your basics. Would have been a much better experience if he listened to what we wanted rather than stick to his script regardless. Some of the photo techniques proposed were questionable so while beginners may enjoy this new photo experience experienced photographers shoukd just take the ferry to the opposite riverbank and walk around.
We explained that we had both done photography courses and wanted to learn some more, not your basics. Would have been a much better experience if he listened to what we wanted rather than stick to his script regardless. Some of the photo techniques proposed were questionable so while beginners may enjoy this new photo experience experienced photographers shoukd just take the ferry to the opposite riverbank and walk around.
Written October 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Over the last year and a half I received raving reviews about the photo tour, but in reality hundreds of praises from people that are not on Tripadvisor.
This time, for the first time your judgement review on Tripadvisor is negative. I take all comments very serious and will try to improve where I can. So, thanks for your effort to write a review. In your case I don't think you do justice to the wonderful afternoon we spend. I believe that every participant brings in his or her own expectations, willingness, and positive mind set to learn and to be excited about what Cambodia has to offer visually. I am here with my photo tour to give people direct access to places, hidden location and surprising experiences to take great pictures.
Some people on the photo tour fully engage and make the photo tour their best experience on their trip, and book again and again. Some people perhaps are less involved and believe it is normal for them to photograph and play with local monks, get invited to have tea during a prayer ceremony, make pictures in a lotus flower field and meet some lively local kids at a remote beautiful natural location. I have the pictures here, where you are having a great time with some local monks.. but perhaps this has become just normal practice for you. Some travelers I meet, like you both, whom have been on the road for many months at the time and become travel saturated and lose their excitement and can't enjoy anymore what's in front of them.
Even though you did a photo course before, I gave you a lot of useful tips and informations about your camera, how I shoot and engage with locals, and also what you might like to do with your pictures, like editing and printing. Perhaps loading them up to Picasa is as far as you want to go, but since you were not really interested in my involvement I must have been mistaken for trying to teach that important part of photography. To be a professional photographer is a mind set, to do a photo tour in Cambodia your personal way to make things happen and enjoy the most of you camera. All I do is help and facilitate to make your afternoon enjoyable. I think we accomplished that factor 5. I am sorry if it was not good enough for you.
I truly hope the many pictures you shot with me at the pagoda of the monks, the buddhist ceremony and sipping tea with the locals, the landscape with the lotus flowers and the children turned out great. Perhaps in due time you will look back at those images and will realise how spectacular and unique it really all was.
your sincerely, Michael Klinkhamer
Written October 24, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rick E
Dallas, TX51 contributions
Jun 2019
Maybe this would have been better for beginners or for tourist who are uncomfortable in foreign countries. I thought it was very basic. I find that it is nice to have a local guide to make the most of limited time, but Michael was very expensive by Cambodian standards. He was a helpful city guide, but I photography tips were geared for beginners.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Rick,
Thanks for your review. its good to hear that you enjoyed our guiding.
I am sorry to hear that you did not receive the technical tips geared towards your level. It's always valuable to us to hear that we need to keep alert and work harder to impress demanding photographers like yourself.
As far as I remember you made it clear to me that you were an advanced photographer and didn't need any guidance or pro-level tips. At least you didn't ask for any. We always ask if we can or need to help you with any questions or tips and hints, always! This time I also did give you an insight into how I work in street photography.
Personally I don't like to force myself and my knowledge upon anybody. I remember you told me you knew everything and you had the pro camera. Looking forward to seeing your results!
A photo tour is very much what you make it and if you don't communicate your need for technical or artistic information.
I never like to force it upon you. Especially during a night tour while the golden light is fading and were out shotting. It can be such a personal experience.
Next time please speak up when you are looking for more technical or artistic input, we are here to help and make your experience worth your while.
$70 USD is reasonable cheap for international standards for a private 4 hour night photography tour including all transportation.
I hope you got some good images anyway.
Looking forward to seeing those on our photo collection or share some pictures on Instagram.
You can follow us back on Instagram for daily updates of Cambodia Photo Tours.
Thanks!
Michael
Written September 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Schlamer
Gold Coast, Australia66 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
My daughter and I did a half day tour with MK and loved every second of it. We met at the FCC hotel where he sat down with my daughter (a novice with an entry level camera) and explained what all the settings do and was very patient with her. He is a very friendly man and we felt very comfortable and relaxed with him immediately. He then took us on a walking tour of the back alleys of Phnom Penh that you’d never know were there to see how the locals live. The Khmer are so beautiful and enjoyed us taking their photos and we got some fantastic shots. MK will go at your pace, stop for a water and rest if needed and is a very relaxed man. We got some of our favourite photos of our holiday. Highly recommend!
Written September 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herbergje
Kratie, Cambodia3 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Michael has a great ability to coach you to take the pictures that matter.
He shares his decades of experience in a very practical and generous way.
Before we actually took pictures he explained the functions of the camera, the basic choices we were going to face and the essence of street photography.
I took a half-day trip and we did not waist any of the available time. Michael took me straight to the heart of the slums of Phnom Penh. An amazing experience. He knows all the local people and treats them with the utmost respect.
This gave me the opportunity to feel welcome and safe. I have taken pictures that on my own would never have been possible.
Afterwards he took the time to look at my pictures and gave me honest, specific and fantastic feedback. My confidence has been given a enormous boost and my desire to show the world through my lens is more vibrant than ever.
Thanks Michael.... See you again!
He shares his decades of experience in a very practical and generous way.
Before we actually took pictures he explained the functions of the camera, the basic choices we were going to face and the essence of street photography.
I took a half-day trip and we did not waist any of the available time. Michael took me straight to the heart of the slums of Phnom Penh. An amazing experience. He knows all the local people and treats them with the utmost respect.
This gave me the opportunity to feel welcome and safe. I have taken pictures that on my own would never have been possible.
Afterwards he took the time to look at my pictures and gave me honest, specific and fantastic feedback. My confidence has been given a enormous boost and my desire to show the world through my lens is more vibrant than ever.
Thanks Michael.... See you again!
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veejay
Tweed Heads, Australia1,736 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
We chose to do a full day photography tour with Michael. We met early at a coffee shop under the FCC. This gave us a chance to get to know each other and for Michael to work out where we were at with our photography skills as well as hone in on what we wanted to get out of our day.
Although we are reasonably competent photographers, Michael gave us some hints and tips before we headed out. These tips were invaluable and had us working in a way that was different for us. We enjoyed the challenge as we are always willing to learn and try something different.
Michael knows exactly where to go to see the people of Phnom Phenh in their daily lives. No time wasted wandering aimlessly. And if you think it might be time wasting to sit while he eats, think again - you will be perfectly placed to sit and people watch with camera at the ready as your images come to you! Side streets, alleyways, small local markets and monasteries, Michael knows them. Rain did not deter us as when the rain came, Michael had options up his sleeve so we could continue.
I was pleasantly surprised at just how many images I managed to get in just one day.
Although we are reasonably competent photographers, Michael gave us some hints and tips before we headed out. These tips were invaluable and had us working in a way that was different for us. We enjoyed the challenge as we are always willing to learn and try something different.
Michael knows exactly where to go to see the people of Phnom Phenh in their daily lives. No time wasted wandering aimlessly. And if you think it might be time wasting to sit while he eats, think again - you will be perfectly placed to sit and people watch with camera at the ready as your images come to you! Side streets, alleyways, small local markets and monasteries, Michael knows them. Rain did not deter us as when the rain came, Michael had options up his sleeve so we could continue.
I was pleasantly surprised at just how many images I managed to get in just one day.
Written August 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your honest review. This is exactly how we work here since 2013. We had a very nice and productive day, you forget to mention the Cambodian dance class we visited. This is fairly new incorporated, and is perfect for when it rains. After 45 minutes of shooting this Apsara dance class we went on and luckily it was dry again.
The success of a phototour is very much, if not only, determined by the participants and by your enthusiasm and willingness to see, and be open to try and be positive and above all enjoy. And that you were! Together with your friend Michele.
I have followed your images on instagram and you did made some amazing pictures. Thanks, hope to see you again some day.
PS. I was hit recently by a fake/hate review from a competitor or someone trying to destroy my business. Also hacked on my website. This is reported to Tripadvisor and I hope they can do something about it. This feels very frustrating, since we offer a nice day in Phnom Penh and try to make people happy in the process of making pictures in Cambodia.
Thanks again and all the best, Michael Klinkhamer.
Written August 14, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zardosa
Nelson234 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Phnom Penh is a fascinating city from the vibrancy of daily life to the seductiveness of the night time. Michael's photo tours will take you into the life of the common Cambodian. Whether it be a relaxed walk from the meet up place at the FCC or a short Tuk Tuk ride, Michael will take you to his more special locations and neighborhoods, the bustle of the city with its dilapidated pagodas, to the simpler and more relaxed areas by the river. The clutter of everyday life will challenge you as a photographer so you will need to find order and balance in your photographs.
Written June 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michael,
Would love to book a half day tour with you for my husband. We will be in PP on Saturday 3rd to 5th of September. looking to enquire about your availability and cost.
love your work. thank you Sharon McGinn
Written June 23, 2018
Dear Sharon, thanks for your message. September 3th or 5th are available for 1/2 day phototour in Phnom for you and your husband. Best would be to send me an email for pricing and further information. Send to: info@cambodiaphototours.asia
Looking forward to hear back from you via e-mails.
yours truly, Michael
Written June 23, 2018
Hello Michael,
We would like to book the tour in the afternoon, two persons.
We leave tomorrow, could you give an estmate about costs and availability?
Best regards,
Edwin & Loraine
Written February 13, 2018
Would anyone be able to suggest a camera store in Phnom Penh with good range of gear and reasonably priced? thanks!
Written July 7, 2015
yes, there are fairly good photogear shops in PP.
cameras are sold for very compatative prices,sometimes it saves hundreds of dollars on the Panasonic, fuji, Nikon, Canon equip. As well as a good store for light and studio gear.
Best, MK~
Written July 7, 2015
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