Indonesia Photo Workshops was founded in 2015 by Phillip and Engelina Bartlett (see their profiles in Meet Our Team) with a simple vision: to offer photographers authentic, expertly guided opportunities to capture Indonesia’s remarkable wildlife, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Originally from New Zealand, Phillip is a dedicated nature and wildlife photographer, workshop instructor, and expedition leader. His connection with Indonesia began in 1992, when he first met Engelina and her family. A descendant of the Royal Kingdom of Surakarta in Central Java, Engelina brought a background in education and counselling, along with a deep understanding of Indonesian culture. Her creative vision and cultural insight have played a defining role in shaping the philosophy and distinctive character of our workshops.
From the beginning, our aim has been to create photography experiences that go far beyond conventional tours. Every itinerary is developed from the ground up, extensively field-tested, and carefully timed to meet the creative and practical needs of photographers. Whether photographing endangered wildlife in Sumatra, documenting traditional village life in Java, or exploring the remote frontiers of eastern Indonesia, our workshops provide the time, access, and expert guidance needed to create a meaningful body of work. Many participants return year after year, reflecting both the enduring appeal of Indonesia and the remarkable diversity of experiences we offer.
Living and working in Indonesia has allowed us to develop strong, trusted relationships throughout the archipelago. We are fortunate to have an exceptional team of local guides, whose knowledge, experience, and dedication make it possible to photograph in some of Indonesia’s most challenging environments, from the dense rainforests of Sumatra to the remote wilderness of West Papua. Long-standing partnerships with carefully selected logistics providers further ensure that each workshop operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing participants to concentrate fully on their photography.
As a working photographer, Phillip continues to travel extensively throughout Indonesia, exploring new regions while regularly returning to familiar destinations as conditions and opportunities evolve. This ongoing fieldwork continually informs and refines our existing workshops while providing the foundation for new itineraries. Every experience is grounded in first-hand knowledge gained in the field, ensuring that our workshops remain current, authentic, and carefully tailored to the realities of photographing in Indonesia.
Why Photographers Choose Us
Local Advantage
Visiting Indonesia with a camera is one thing; capturing a portfolio of powerful, meaningful images is another. That’s why local experience matters. Our workshops are led by Phillip Bartlett, a full-time photographer and long-term resident of Indonesia, fluent in Bahasa Indonesia.
With years of experience living and photographing across the archipelago, Phillip brings unmatched knowledge of Indonesia’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural diversity to every workshop. His local expertise, connections, and language fluency allow photographers to access exceptional wildlife encounters and unique cultural experiences that make both the journey and your photography unforgettable.
Small Groups That Are Actually Small
Photography thrives in space, time, and focus. That’s why small group sizes aren’t just a preference, they’re a strategic advantage. While many “small group” photo tours host 10 - 16 participants, our workshop group sizes vary from 4 - 7 photographers, depending on the program.
- More freedom to find prime vantage points
- Less competition for wildlife and landscape shots
- Greater flexibility to adapt to changing light and animal behavior
- Direct one-on-one mentoring from Phillip
Whether you are looking to refine your photographic style, master technical challenges, or learn to anticipate animal behavior in the wild, you will have the time and support needed to grow as a photographer, without feeling rushed or overlooked.
Original Programs
Unlike most photo tours in Indonesia that follow familiar routes and predictable schedules, our workshops are meticulously designed to deliver exceptional photographic experiences of the highest calibre. We are known for leading small, carefully curated photo trips into remote and largely untouched regions - places that remain wild, unspoiled, and far removed from mass tourism.
We pioneered Indonesia's first dedicated photography workshops focused on the Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Elephant, and remain the only company to offer specialist programs centred on these iconic and critically endangered species. It is through experiences of this nature that adventurous photographers gain unparalleled opportunities to create images of extraordinary significance, images that stand apart, both artistically and in their rarity.
Ethical Photography
We believe that great photography should never come at the expense of people, wildlife, or the environment. Our workshops follow strict ethical standards:
- Respecting local communities and traditions
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Maintaining safe, non-intrusive distances from wildlife
This approach allows you to produce powerful, professional images while supporting conservation and responsible travel in Indonesia.
Government Licensed and Approved
Indonesia Photo Workshops is licensed by the Indonesian government and conducts its operations in lawful compliance with all relevant legislative, regulatory, and administrative requirements, ensuring responsible, authorised, and legally compliant activities throughout Indonesia.