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Australian Travel Photographer of the Year Launches New Photo Tours to Thailand
Award-winning travel journalist and photographer Ewen Bell has expanded his range of exclusive photo tours with a new adventure in Thailand. Scheduled for January 2008, this tour will be the first of an annual journey through the Kingdom of Siam, traveling with a maximum group size of eight.

Anyone who has dreamt of learning how travel photographers capture their evocative images can now enjoy an adventure travel experience in Thailand that will take you up close to the people and culture that make such powerful images possible.

Guests on the Thailand photo tour will be taken into the remote hill tribes of northern Thailand, visit ancient capitals, and relax on the reefs off Thailand's southern islands. Highlights of the itinerary include the temples of Chiang Mai, traditional floating markets in Bangkok, rural hill tribe villages, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, and the stunning beaches of Krabi. This is a comfortable but adventurous introduction to Thailand, perfect for the photographer and non-photographer alike.

Ewen Bell provides the photographic education, inspiration, and advice, while experienced tour operator Grasshopper Adventures handles the logistics and language to ensure an enjoyable travel experience. Grasshopper Adventures is based in Bangkok, and operates a select range of photographic adventures to China, Borneo, India and Thailand as well as bicycling trips throughout Asia. Ewen Bell is a regular visitor to Thailand on his way to assignments in Asia, and is so fond of the country he even chose to get married there.

"We chose Thailand for our next photographic destination because the people are so friendly to the camera, the temples are stunningly beautiful, and the colors of the hill tribes are rich and earthy. Thailand is really my second home; it's my favorite place in the world to enjoy being a traveler."

The 12-day tour costs $2600, and includes all local transport, accommodation and many meals. The next tour will take place between January 21 - Feb 1, 2008, beginning in Bangkok.

As an added incentive for prospective travelers, Ewen was recognized earlier this month as Australia's Travel Photographer of the Year. The award was judged by Australia's peak body for travel journalists, the ASTW (Australian Society of Travel Writers).

Photographic instruction starts from day one and aims to redefine the way each participant looks and thinks about photography. It is a chance to be immersed in a unique “hands-on” photographic workshop that offers not only technical expertise, but also an incredible opportunity to practice what you are learning as you go. Each shoot is followed by a discussion and sharing of results and experiences. The workshops are presented as themes that cover topics such as capturing intimacy and expression, using available light for dramatic effect, capturing a sense of motion and shooting for context.

“Ewen Bell is a real photographer's photographer,” quoted a guest on a recent photo workshop in China. “Even though all of the members of the trip had different levels of photographic skill, Ewen endeavored to help everybody. He certainly helped me to tailor my photography to China and helped me to come home with some fabulous shots. I have new respect for my wide angle lenses now that I have learned from Ewen. Ewen was able to take us to the perfect locales in each area to find the best shots. I think Ewen even helped with the weather and the light!!"

Responsible tourism is also a main focus of this trip. Through keeping the group size very small, using local guides, visiting out-of-the-way communities, and utilizing local transportation, the goal is to have a positive impact on the places visited.

Ewen Bell and Grasshopper Adventures will also continue to run their other popular photo workshops and charity photography exhibitions across Asia. Upcoming sessions for 2007 and 2008 include:

China November 4 – 17
Tasmania December 2 – 15
Rajasthan, India February 3 – 16
Tasmania March 2 – 15
Borneo June 16 - Jun 27
China September 14 – 27
China November 2 - 15

About Photographer Ewen Bell:
Ewen Bell has been a commercial photographer since 1990 and has experience in many aspects of photography including scientific, commercial, travel, and personal work. Ewen's photography has been published in publications such as Vacations & Travel, GetLost Magazine, Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph, Melbourne’s Herald-Sun, and brochures including GAP Adventures, STA Travel and Intrepid Travel. Ewen has also donated his time and photographic skills to charitable projects including Habitat for Humanity in Sri Lanka and the Australian Classic Yachting Association. For more information, visit www.ewenbell.com.

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