I have just returned from Phillip Bartlett’s South Island of New Zealand Winter Tour, and it was... read more
I have just returned from Phillip Bartlett’s South Island of New Zealand Winter Tour, and it was... read more
Phillip leads amazing trips. We spent 12 days touring the South Island and saw many of the iconic... read more
The South Island of New Zealand contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and being led around by someone so experienced in the terrain as well as reading the weather (I swear that Phillip works as a part-time meteorologist) gives you the best possible opportunities to capture amazing photographs. Phillip tailors his teaching style to your abilities and he has helped me a lot to refine the way I compose an image on the field. Being able to discuss and share ideas with a professional photographer throughout the workshop was invaluable - I now have a better sense of the overall aesthetic and style that I would like to put across in my work.
This is definitely not one of those run-of-the-mill photo tours - expect to be immersed in surroundings far-flung from the beaten track, devoid of large coach buses filled with tourists. There was a day that we spent in a valley around Te-Anau and except for the passing farmers, we had the entire place to ourselves to experience and photograph.
However, going off the beaten track doesn't mean it has to be uncomfortable. Phillip has curated a list of accommodations that are comfortable, clean and spacious. There is always good food along the way and he knows where the best coffee and hot chocolate can be had.
This was my first trip with Phillip and certainly not my last. I hope to join him for other adventures in the near future.
Thank you Patrick, I very much enjoyed your company as we explored the South Island. Looking forward to your next visit!
The best international trips that we have taken. Phillip led us on two weeks of some of the great locations in Indonesia. Nights sailing on the Sunda Sea, sunrise at Padar, visits with the Komodo Dragons and the Orangutans of Kalimantan.
This was our second trip with Phillip and he exceeded our expectations both times.
Many thanks Dale, I look forward to seeing you in NZ soon for the winter workshop.
I just returned from a wonderful photo trip to Indonesia with professional photographer Phillip Bartlett. This was my second time in Indonesia and third overall trip with Phillip Bartlett. Like every time before, everything was planned with meticulous detail. The accommodations was equivalent to four and five star hotels in the States and the food was exceptionally delicious. After arriving in Bali, we flew to the Komodo National Park where we sailed around these beautiful islands in a luxury sailboat with private state rooms, each having their own private shower facilities. Phillip made sure we had professional guides accompany us at each site, to get the best possible photos of the amazing Komodo Dragons. We then flew to Borneo, where we boarded these luxurious Riverboats into the narrow rivers of the Tanjung Puting National Park, where we photographed the amazing Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys from the decks of our boats while sipping delicious fresh coconut water. We ended our trip in the beautiful city of Malang, where we toured the unique bird market and photographed the most amazing sunrise image of Mount Bromo. As always. Phillip worked hard behind the scenes to make sure all the domestic airline trips, hotel accommodations and transportation services ran smoothly. Again this was my third trip with Phillip and definitely won't be my last.
Thank you so much Dr Larry. It is always very enjoyable sharing adventures with you. See you in New Zealand again very soon!
The beauty of New Zealand’s South Island treasures revealed, renown and hidden. New Zealand guide was professional, insightful, helpful and friendly. Accommodations were top notch!
In April I joined several other keen photographers and toured the South Island with Phillip Bartlett and Cam his very able right hand man. The trip was very comfortable, 4 people travelling in each four wheel drive vehicle. We visited some very special locations and Phillip was a very attentive coach sharing his time with each of us as we required. I have done this trip before with others and I can say the trip with Phillip was extraordinary and delivered excellent value regardless of skill level. I agree with all the comments made by jaysilvey.
I recently returned from a photography trip to the southern island of New Zealand with my family, lead by professional photographer Phillip Bartlett, and the trip was a fantastic experience with incredible views using the best light whenever possible.
Phillip was always there to answer any questions with his professional experience, and was extremely nice and funny throughout the trip. With stops for views of Mt. Cook, a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain for a sunrise shoot over Lake Wanaka, a boat cruise through a part of Fiordland National Park, these are just a few of the views Phillip showed that were stunning.
The lodging we stayed at was excellent, with clean and comfortable rooms, delicious local food with lots of great coffee, and very comfortable transportation to the various locations.
If you want to photograph the beauty of New Zealand with a professional in a fun group, you've found the right place.