Meet Our Team

Established in 2015 by Phillip and Engelina, Indonesia Photo Workshops was born from their shared passion to offer adventurous photographers an authentic and unforgettable experience in Indonesia. Phillip, a professional nature and wildlife photographer, workshop instructor, and expedition leader, began his exploration of Indonesia in 1992, the same year he first met Engelina and her family. Engelina, a descendant of the Royal Kingdom of Surakarta in Central Java with a background in teaching and counseling, brought her creative expertise and invaluable insights to the development of the workshop programs.

Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, Phillip has a deep understanding of its diverse cultures. His ability to communicate fluently has enabled him to establish a wide network of relationships across the archipelago, ranging from remote Papuan hill-tribes to the President's personal security detail — a tale in itself.

With over two decades dedicated to photography, Phillip generously shares his wealth of knowledge and love for Indonesia with photographers from around the world. His commitment to providing exceptional experiences has also led to partnerships with respected international photo workshop providers.

Phillip and Engelina's original vision remains unchanged: to expose photographers to the real Indonesia — a land where warmth and hospitality define its people, wildlife intrigues with its unique allure, and mythical landscapes captivate even the most seasoned traveler.

Since beginning as a wildlife and birding guide in 2008 Abdul continues to set the benchmark for guides in Kalimantan. His encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and fauna is complemented by his enthusiastic, cheerful nature. Exceptional guest experience is always Abdul's priority, and his ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds makes him a delight to explore Kalimantan with.

Abdul is a passionate conservationist, actively involved in reforestation projects and awareness programs to protect the fragile ecosystems where orangutan and other wildlife make their home.

Zaid co-leads our deep-forest expeditions in South Sumatra. His in-depth knowledge of animal behavior and their habits, and ability to accurately understand jungle signals puts Zaid in a class of his own.

A passionate photographer himself, Zaid understands the needs of photographers and what it takes to successfully capture images in challenging conditions. His patient and calm demeanour in the field makes it easy for guests to relax and concentrate on their photography.

Zaid is committed to the conservation of the jungles and leads a community-based group who actively patrol the forests in their areas in their free time, looking to discourage bird hunters, poachers, and encroachers, and clean up any trash that they may come across. To relax he enjoys bird photography in the areas surrounding his village.

Saparudin is based in a remote North Sumatran village which borders the wildlife-rich Gunung Leuser National Park. He has always had a keen passion for nature, and animals seem drawn to him in return. At 15 years old Saparudin began working in the jungle and after completing a rigorous apprenticeship has been a professional jungle guide for the past 12 years. His deep understanding of the natural environment and innate talent for locating orangutans, and other wildlife, creates productive opportunities for guests to capture images which would normally be missed.

Over the years Saparudin has trained a close-knit team of skilled jungle guides who share common values of conservation, a dedication to keeping the jungle wild and untouched, and putting the welfare of the wildlife above profit. He also assists NGO's and conservation groups, mostly with the tracking and observing of orangutans.

Saparudin's jungle acumen is complemented by his cheerful, friendly nature and guests always quickly warm to him.

From a young age Dawa was fascinated by the exquisite birdlife found in the rainforests surrounding his village and eventually saw his dream of becoming a full-time bird guide come to fruition. Through many diligent years of fieldwork observing and studying the habits of the fantastic birds found in West Papua Dawa has established himself as a world-class birding guide and is professionally qualified as a Government-certified Ecotourism Guide. His observation skills are so well honed that it is rare for a bird, no matter how small or well-camouflaged, to escape his attention. In addition to guiding in different locations, Dawa has built well-positioned Bird of Paradise hides deep within a natural rainforest that his family owns and protects.

Andris graduated with a Diploma in Tourism in 2007 and became a freelance guide. Over the past 16 years ago he has established an extensive local network in East Java and is well-respected among his peers. His vast knowledge, excellent English and gracious manner has made him a favourite with our guests.

Andris specializes in exploring the hidden regions of East Java, which offer unique photo opportunities and are usually only known to the locals.