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 a destination with your camera is one thing; producing a satisfying portfolio of powerful images from your visit is quite another. The well-known adage that local experience is invaluable highlights the importance of choosing a workshop led by someone who actually lives and actively photographs in the regions you wish to explore. Phillip Bartlett is a full-time photographer and long-term resident of Indonesia, fluent in Bahasa Indonesia. With many years of experience living and photographing across the archipelago, Phillip brings a deep, personal understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and environmental diversity to every workshop he leads. His fluency in the language and strong local relationships allow him to connect photographers with exceptional wildlife encounters and unique cultural experiences, making the journey as memorable and inspiring as the photography.
Small Groups That Are Actually Small
Photography is generally considered a solitary pursuit—one that thrives on space, time, and focus. That’s why choosing a workshop with a truly small group size isn’t just a preference—it’s a strategic decision that can dramatically elevate your results in the field. While many photo tour operators consider "small groups" to be anywhere from 8 to 16 participants, our groups are purposely limited to just 4 to 6 photographers. This ensures that every guest enjoys significantly more room to work, less competition for prime vantage points, and far greater flexibility when responding to dynamic wildlife behavior or changing light.
Also, with fewer participants, you will benefit from more direct engagement with Phillip; one-to-one mentoring, tailored instruction, and on-point feedback that speaks directly to your goals for the workshop. 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 typical tours in Indonesia that follow well-worn paths and predictable itineraries, our workshops are designed to offer photographers truly unique photographic experiences. We are known for leading workshops in areas where you will not find tripod holes from the last group—locations which are remote, wild, and undiscovered. Notably, we are the first, and currently the only, to lead photo workshops focused on the Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Elephant. It is experiences like these that give adventurous photographers rare and realistic opportunities to capture images few others have.
Ethical Photography
We believe powerful images should never come at the expense of people, wildlife, or the environment. Our workshops are based on a strong ethic of responsible photography—respecting local communities, minimizing our environmental impact, and maintaining a safe, non-intrusive distance from wildlife at all times.
Government Licensed and Approved
Indonesia Photo Workshops is licensed by the Indonesian government and operates according to regulatory standards and requirements.