Indonesia Photo Workshops was founded in 2015 by Phillip and Engelina Bartlett, with the vision to offer photographers original, expertly guided experiences to capture Indonesia’s unique 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 exploration of Indonesia began in 1992, the same year he met Engelina and her family. Engelina, a descendant of the Royal Kingdom of Surakarta in Central Java, had a background in education and counseling. Her creative insight and cultural knowledge have been instrumental in shaping the unique character of our workshops.
Since day one, we have been committed to crafting professionally structured itineraries that go far beyond standard tours. Each itinerary is built from the ground up, field-tested and precisely timed to meet the creative and logistical needs of photographers. Whether you're photographing endangered wildlife in Sumatra, documenting village life in Java, or venturing deep into remote eastern regions, our workshops are designed to give you the time, freedom, and guidance needed to create a compelling portfolio. Many of our participants return year after year, a reflection of both their lasting connection with Indonesia and the diverse range of photography experiences which we offer.
Being based in Indonesia has enabled us to cultivate strong, trusted relationships throughout the archipelago. We take particular pride in our team of expert jungle guides, whose knowledge and dedication are essential to photographing elusive wildlife in often demanding environments, from the dense rainforests of Sumatra to the untouched corners of West Papua. Our long-standing partnerships with reputable accommodation and transport providers further ensure a seamless and high-quality experience for every guest.
In addition to our most popular workshops, we are continually developing new itineraries for photographers seeking to explore even deeper into Indonesia’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
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 8–16 participants, our workshops are strictly limited to 4–6 photographers.
- 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.