Capture the Spirit of East Java Through Your Lens
Take your photography skills to the next level and learn how to communicate a mesmerizing visual story through the lens.
Open a magic window into a powerful world of imagery and creativity, while exploring East Javanese nature wonders.
“Our trip to East Java is meant to be more than just a simple photo technique learning tour. It will be an exploration of our own visual sensitivity, how our photography links to our own discoveries and growing awareness. It will be an opportunity for us to develop our ability to communicate visually what is important to us.”
Rio Helmi, Photographer, writer and facilitator of the retreat
Experience:
Immerse in the pristine nature of East Java
Explore sulphur mines, the impressive lake crater with its magical blue fire at Ijen Volcano
Learn the art of visual storytelling
Broaden your cultural horizons, while meeting the unique heritage of the East Javanese region
Take a closer look at the process happening at the coffee plantation
Develop empathy for those from different social and cultural backgrounds
Safari Adventures: meet wild deers, bantengs, and birds in their raw and wild natural environment while exploring the breathtaking savannah
Description
The late René Burri, who was one of Rio’s mentors, said: “Photography is not simply documentation. Even though it’s mechanical, you should use the camera for the expression of some kind of feeling – empathy, sympathy, love, hate or whatever it is. And if you don’t capture it at the moment, it doesn’t get stronger afterwards. While photographing, you have to employ your mind, your soul and your heart!”
That really stuck with Rio throughout the years.
Since travelling and photography have been an essential part of Rio’s life, this retreat is a unique opportunity to meet with him in person and to travel across East Java in the hunt for visual treasures.
Program
We have created a five-day and four-night photographic tour of Banyuwangi led by leading senior Indonesian photographer Rio Helmi, who over the years, has spent many a week exploring East Java on his motorbike. We will explore the art of visual storytelling and you will learn about different kinds of photography: landscape, wildlife, documentary, and general travel.
Rio will be mentoring participants and giving interesting talks about photography as well as doing portfolio assessments and giving tips on editing and workflow.
We will travel by land in a spacious, comfortable air-conditioned minibus from Bali to Banyuwangi regencyю. It’s about 3 hours to the ferry from Ubud and less than an hour to the hotel we will be staying at. We prioritize privacy and comfort, so the group will have a size of maximum 6 guests at a time.
Who will be leading the tour?
This photography retreat was born out of passion for travel and photography. Rio Helmi has been a leading expert for photojournalism in Indonesia and is a real Bali legend. Born to a Turkish mother and an Indonesian diplomat, he has been capturing images of Asia and writing since 1978.
His work can be seen in magazines, documentaries, and more than 20 large-format photographic books. Solo exhibitions of Rio’s still photography have been held in Bali, Jakarta, Madrid, Miyazaki, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Sydney, and his works are held in private collections around the world including in London, Rome, Boston, Washington, and Tokyo.
In the past, Rio focused on the interaction between indigenous peoples and their environment. During this photo retreat, he will be sharing his knowledge to inspire and teach the art of storytelling and how to capture the world through a lens.