Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop
with National Geographic photographer John Stanmeyer
Bali, Indonesia ~ 10 August through 18 August 2023
Our workshop in Bali is full
Please consider joining me in Tbilisi, Georgia, this Fall. Pre-register on the Workshop homepage.
Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop with John Stanmeyer
Bali, Indonesia
10 August through 18 August 2023
This August, we return to my former home of Bali, Indonesia, for our fifth in a series of storytelling workshops on the Island of The Spirits. This unique time is when the ancestor spirits leave the island to return to their heavens above in Bali, called Kuningan, a most sacred period of the Balinese calendar.
No more than ten photographers will join me, creating and living together on a journey into the depths of feeling and seeing. How to find yourself, your purpose. Give to passions through research and meditation on stories we want to create, from the first drop of thought, the manifestation of a completed essay, the editing, and the creation of long and short-form narratives. In its core essence, the expression of the world around us, within us.
The ever-present "I do not know" that I create all stories I do for National Geographic magazine through internal wonderment. I want to bring you into this realm of connecting to the vastness of I Do Not Know, so you can become a more expressive visual storyteller — when we decide we know something, so too closes the wonderment of being fascinated by everything.
Bali, as in so many places on our earth, is a most beautiful place to be in awe and wonder of the I do not know.
Gunung Batur, Bali
Communal
We will live together at the Bona Villa, a 12-bedroom villa with private gardens, a pool, and cooking facilities. Centrally located in the village of Gianyar, we become immersed in sessions together throughout our nine days when not out creating your stories. My dear friend and former assistant, Wayan Tilik, has arranged a special discounted rate of 550,000 Rupiah per night (about USD 37 per night as of today’s exchange rate), making this gathering in Bali the most affordable accommodation for all attending.
Creating
Each photographer is expected to arrive in Bali no later than the morning of 10th August. Even better if you come by the 9th to ease into the timezone change. On the morning of the 10th, we will gather to meet each photographer and be introduced to their fixer/translators to begin logistics planning for your stories. That late morning or early afternoon, you begin to create.
Photography editing, what I feel is Therapy Sessions, happens each day at the workshop venue. This is done individually and in groups, making it a fascinating learning experience for all when witnessing how each photographer's images evolve into a completed story throughout the workshop.
During our time together, I will present work on various nights of our gathering from more than 18 stories for National Geographic magazine. Sharing and discussing aspects of the photography business to help expand your career — do know career building is not solely a pragmatic process. These gatherings are also to expand our collective fascination with life and photography. My added role is helping to demystify what often muddles up too many who want to expand their work professionally or, in general, your passion for storytelling. What I mean by this…we often muddle ourselves into overthinking. Our workshop is also a cleansing, so you can clarify your purpose in this life. Whether you want to grow your career professionally or for personal growth, we cannot expand our photography until we expand ourselves.
On various days, surprise quests, local photographers based in Bali will visit, sharing their work and offering guidance on the richness of Balinese visual culture.
On the evening of 18th August, each photographer will project their completed work to all attending the workshop and invited guests on a large screen in the garden. Photographers will present and discuss the unique aspects of each story in the same manner as a completed story for National Geographic magazine is given upon completion to editors. This evening event is truly magical and unforgettable, with each photographer learning something new about their work and the work of their colleagues.
It is encouraged that all photographers consider staying longer in the country to continue nurturing what you've gathered during our time together. Wayan and I can help offer guidance and insight into places around Bali and other fascinating regions of Indonesia.
Costs
Workshop Fee — All workshops I host must be affordable and accessible. We only charge a workshop fee starting at $3000, offering early registration discounts of 15 percent and special discounts to the returning Workshop Family this year, offering a total discount of up to 20 percent.
To avoid hiring a workshop manager team, which increases costs, you pay in-Bali expenses directly, with no markups or hidden fees…packaged workshops always create unnecessary expenses.
Hotel — Again, my dearest friend and assistant, Wayan Tilak, has secured ten rooms at roughly USD 37 per night at Villa Bona.
Fixer/Translator and Ground Transport — For your Family member support (fixer/translator), their day rate is a very kind $55 per day. That includes transport on your motorbike or in their car. We ask that you sometimes help with benzine costs, which are lower in Indonesia than in most other areas today…benzine in Indonesia is government subsidized.
Food and Drink — Breakfast is included each morning…fresh fruit, eggs, toast, fresh juice, and Vegan options. We want each photographer to decide how and what they wish to eat for lunch and dinner each day. We will collect nominal funds for whatever meals we want to eat together at the workshop villa, likely around $3-5 each—per meal, having beautiful home-cooked Balinese cuisine. There are countless exceptional restaurants in Bali called Warungs, where you can have excellent food for $3-5 USD or even less. Of course, fancy places, too, if you desire. Both villas have their own kitchen and cooking staff, allowing us to collectively prepare meals for those not photographing during lunches or dinners. There is also delivery food service available too at very reasonable prices.
Air transport — Each photographer sorts air transport from wherever you live to Denpasar, Bali (DPS). Because it is high season in Bali, we recommend for those of you traveling from Europe, South, and North America, consider flying to Jakarta (CGK) and purchasing a separate flight from Jakarta to Denpasar (there are uncountable flights each for the 1.5-hour flight from CGK-DPS, with costs as low as $40 each way. Taking this simple, most pleasant route will help save $500-$1000 on airfare due to higher rates this time of year into Denpasar. We suggest using Kayak, Priceline, Expedia, or Google Travel to find the lowest possible flight costs. I am here to help however possible.
The best approach is to make my workshops affordable and accessible through complete transparency. Creating a simple flowing structure where you pay directly for, however, you want to travel or eat—for living and logistical support in the country, paying directly.
My workshops are about giving love…not tormenting your wallet.
Epilogue
I look forward to you joining me this August in a land and culture flowing with so much energy and enlightening each of us in the limitlessness of storytelling. The unfathomable presence in all of us rises into awareness when we go within to feel. Then see.
Sending much love and kindness,
John
Projecting final stories in the garden, Bali 2023.
Tyler Blodgett editing his story on ricefields of Bali, 2023.
Kelsey Schulz and Bahar Gül in editing trance, Bali 2023.
Nightly projections in the garden, Bali 2023.
Evening editing during the 2017 Bali Workshop. Photo by Anggara Mahendra
Breakfast together each morning during the 2017 Bali Workshop in Ubud.
Photographers presenting their completed stories in the garden, 2013 Bali Workshop.
Story projection during the 2005 at my home in Bali.
Workshop Options
To support all photographers and those of our Workshop Family, special discounts are available.
Registration
Please read all sections of this webpage before submitting your registration to join this workshop. We accept Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo for deposits to guarantee a space and final payment to attend each workshop. We kindly ask if you are using PayPal, please send workshop fees as “To a Friend” to avoid PayPal fees.
$2400
Early Registration - Returning Workshop Family Photographer
• 20% Discount for early registration
• Deposit and full payment received before 1 July 2023
• Returning Workshop Family Photographer
$2550
Late Registration - Returning Workshop Family Photographer
• 15% Discount
• Deposit and full payment received after 1 July 2023
• Returning Workshop Family Photographer
$2550
Early Registration - New Workshop Family Photographer
• 15% Discount for early registration
• Deposit and full payment received before 1 July 2023
• New Workshop Photographer
$3000
Late Registration - New Workshop Family Photographer
• No Discount
• Deposit and full payment received after 1 July 2022
• New Workshop Photographer
Registration
Registration
Each participant is required to fill out the registration form and submit to participate in the Bali, Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop with John Stanmeyer.
All participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19, with proof of vaccine card when arriving to the workshop venue. Anyone not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or not having proof of COVID-19 vaccination, will not be allowed to enter nor attend the workshop, even after fully paying the workshop fee.
FAQs
Is this workshop open to everyone?
This storytelling workshop is open to everyone at all levels of photography. If you are passionate, committed to expressing yourself through the visual arts, and willing to journey into the depths of long-form visual essays. Bali, however, is not a gathering about learning to use a camera.
I cannot afford, but I want to attend?
At least one scholarship for each workshop I host is offered to an Indonesian photographer. To submit for the scholarship, you must be a photographer from the Majority World or a US/EU resident, Australia, and parts of Asia who otherwise would not have access to such educational opportunities for economic reasons.
The photographers receiving scholarships must pay all expenses, such as travel to Denpasar, hotel room, food, ground transport, and fixer/translators. Visas and transportation must be done individually once receiving the scholarship.
Also, Indonesian-based photographers who receive a scholarship can stay in their own apartments, a friend's or family member's home rather than at the workshop venue hotel. We ask that you arrive each day to be with the Workshop Family. You will be treated equally, with the same love and support as all participating photographers.
How do I submit for the scholarship?
Fill out the form below and check "Bali Scholarship." Include a sample of your work—an Instagram URL or a website URL. Or a collection of 20 images and/or videos submitted via WeTransfer or DropBox. The recipient will receive full, equal access to the workshop here at my home, including housing, food, and drink, with the deepest love and support.
What about Covid concerns?
Out of kindness to others, we ask that each participant be fully vaccinated with any of the world's primary COVID-19 vaccines and bring the original proof of vaccination card. With Covid travel restrictions removed, there will be little concerns about Covid so long as everyone is fully vaccinated. By vaccinating against the easy spread of Covid-19, we can gather without masks at the workshop venue. Thank you for this humanizing understanding so we are all comfortable and safe. Please check before traveling to Indonesia if any Covid testing protocols have been enacted.
Are there any safety concerns?
Not really. Bali is very safe, day and night. Other than the everyday awareness of keeping connected to your cameras and your wallet in awareness while with your fixer/translator (or alone), it is almost unheard of for concerns related to armed robbery, rape, or killings. One thing to be aware of — Indonesian police take the use and possession of illegal drugs very seriously. I cannot stress enough to avoid using all drugs while in Bali or possibly spend many months, even years, in Kerobokan Prison. Otherwise, safety is hardly a concern in Bali and most of Indonesia.
How much will it cost?
Wanting to share the love, costs for this workshop range from $2400-$3000 with new discounts (see above). The workshop does not include your travels from wherever you live to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Nor ground transport to the workshop venue, hotel/lodging, food, translators/fixers, or personal expenses.
We have designed the workshop to be the least painful on your wallet for all expenses in Bali. The hotel rooms at the workshop venue will not cost more than $37 (as of today’s exchange rate on 1 June 2023). Fixers/translators support each photographer at a welcoming rate of $55 per day, which includes all transport, either as a passenger on a motorscooter (there is a lot of traffic on the narrow roads of Bali) or a car. We also ask that you please pay for your fixer/translators' meals throughout the workshop. Estimated costs for food and drink would range from $3-$5 per day unless you eat extravagantly. If or when needing a taxi, taxis are very inexpensive in Bali compared to Western Europe and the United States, with an average cost ranging from $2-$10 depending on your travel distance. Because photographers are arriving in Denpasar, Bali, from around the world, airfare costs are unknown. Because it is high season, direct flights to DPS are costly. I recommend arriving in Jakarta and taking inexpensive flights from CGK to DPS. Here are some estimated flight costs based on 1 June 2023:
From within the EU — $1500 r/t
From the United States — $1600 r/t
From the Middle East — $750-$850 r/t
From most major cities in Africa — $1000-$2000 r/t
From most of Asia, South East Asia, and Australia — $99-$650 r/t
There are 20-30 flights each day between Jakarta (CGK) and Bali (DPS), with the average cost being USD 90…this is why I recommend taking such a route to Bali, saving more than $1000 in airfare compared to flying from any of the above locations to DPS.
All costs you pay directly — meaning to the villa upon arrival to the workshop, direct to your fixer/translators, for your food, etc. We take no commissions, fees, or tips from anyone, helping keep costs as low as possible for you.
Workshop Hotel Venue
The main workshop venue will be Bona Villa, located in Gianyar.
Hotel rooms will cost roughly USD 37 per night for a private room with a private bath and shower. The costs will likely be less per person for those willing to share a room with another photographer.
Bona Villa has a full kitchen. Breakfast of fresh fruit, juices, eggs, toast, and Vegan breakfasts are included. For all other meals, you either take yourself to restaurants at a nominal cost or collectively gather funds and share group meals at the workshop venue hotel. Meals, on average, can range from as low as $2-$3 at local warungs, $5-$10 at popular foreign restaurants, and of course, even higher if you choose to eat at any of the many high-end restaurants on the island — it is up to you how much you want to spend on food and drink.
Can I stay at a nearby Airbnb?
The beauty of these gatherings is our dance together in the energy and power of sharing ideas and creating stories—long days and nights in editing therapy sessions. Coming and going to another place each day and night (sometimes multiple times per day) disrupts the energy for yourself and the others attending. Therefore, we will not support any photographer staying at an off-site hotel.
Only the Indonesian photographer receiving the scholarship to attend the workshop may you stay at a different location — we understand the cost of living concerns for those in the country, here to support you by any means possible.
Can I arrive early?
Of course, you can! You only need to sort your own housing and food needs until the workshop begins. There is the option of arriving at the workshop venue hotel early, and we will approach this once the workshop is full and start understanding everyone's planned arrival dates. If you do arrive early in Bali, I kindly ask that you do not request or expect Wayan Tilik nor me to be able to spend time with you. Two to three days before each workshop begins is a busy time to prepare for our event.
Can I stay longer?
Of course! However, after the workshop ends the following day, please organize and manage your plans independently for anyone wanting to stay longer in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia. Please note that tourist visa upon arrival allows for only a 30-day stay, with the option to extend an additional 30-days upon request to Indonesian immigration at the Denpasar airport.
What do I bring?
Your mind, spirit, and love of photography.
Also, bring your camera or cameras and lenses. Always consider working with minimal gear — it is not the camera that makes great images. It is you, the creator holding a tool.
A laptop — I am only familiar with using a Mac. PC's drive me batty! Please be aware that I will do my best not to whine as my round head-aches when placed into a square hole! If you use a PC, you will have to guide me on using it. Or even better, switch the tool all artists use for ease of creation — an Apple.
Bring enough SD and/or CF flash cards to have ample space for many images…some days, it is not unusual to create 500-1000 images because a situation is so visual.
We suggest you bring two 1TB external HDs to store in replication of your photography.
Please only use Adobe Lightroom for all editing of your photography. I will not have the time to learn other digital image management systems. Therefore, it is not a request; You must use Adobe Lightroom. Thank you kindly for your understanding and allowing the editing sessions we do daily, less painful!
Anything else do I need to know?
There are always more questions than answers. The answer shifts, expanding as each moment passes.
All you need is already within…the desire to be taken places you haven't been before.
Opening yourself to being lifted by each other in this communal gathering.
Giving to the limitless that resides within all of us.
I look forward to being with each of you this summer of storytelling on the Island of The Spirits…Bali.
John
Clothing and personal incidental
Because Bali is below the equator, August is considered spring on the island of the gods. Not extremely hot; it is always warm in Bali, only hot-feeling between November till March. While on a motorscooter, it can be cold due to the moment through the air. While in Bali, you will see locals on their motorscooters wearing leather jackets. This is to avoid chest colds because of the wind always coming upon you. Light pants or skirts and cool tops are recommended. Also, comfortable walking shoes (you will probably be doing a lot of walking) and maybe cozy sandals at the workshop hotel. Strangely, evenings can be cool, and it might be nice to bring a light jacket. And if you plan to go into the higher evaluations of Bali, which are volcanoes, it becomes quite cold at night. For personal incidentals, bring what is specific to and for your needs. All personal hygiene products, such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors, etc., can be purchased easily and often less expensive than in the US/EU within walking distance of our workshop. If you take specific prescription medications, do bring those. Leaving basic, often heavy items (shampoo bottles, soaps, etc.) at home and purchasing in Bali may help avoid excess luggage fees and lighten your load.
Where and what is Bali like?
Bali is one of more than 6000 inhabited islands in the Indonesian archipelago (17,508 islands make up all of Indonesia). Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia, settled by Hindus who came to the island from Java in the 1500s. The unique culture and spirituality of the Balinese have not changed in centuries.
While Bali has all modern amenities, much of the island remains in its beautiful natural form of thick forests, thousands of temples, and traditional Balinese homes. Because tourism drives the economy, Bali has also experienced the mass development of luxury villas and numerous 5-star hotels.
Our workshop will take place in the magical and mystical area of Guianyar. Our hotel workshop venue is in a local banjar (Indonesian for village). A short drive away, you will also find countless restaurants and businesses, and slightly further, you return again to nature and small villages.
My book, Island of The Spirits, is an homage to the Balinese and shows how uniquely magical and unexpected Bali is…there are stories everywhere.
Wayan and John help guide and craft your story idea weeks before you arrive.
Liability WAIVER
Limited Liability Waiver - Bali 2023
This workshop is solely organized and run by Shaker Dam LLC.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff nor any other participant does not assume liability nor responsibility for death, injury, or accident to any participant participating in the workshop in Bali, Indonesia, anywhere else in the Republic of Indonesia, or while traveling to/from the workshop venue from their home countries.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff, nor any other participant does not assume responsibility for a participant if they are arrested if their equipment is damaged, acts of robbery, kidnapping, loss of personal items, damages to other person’s property or other actions of neglect by the participant or negligence caused by someone else. As well as any pre-existing or none pre-existing health issues, including illness or death caused or related to COVID-19.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff, nor any other participant does not assume or cannot be held accountable for any cancellation of the workshop due to war, conflict, demonstrations, act or terrorism, social unrest, pandemics or acts of God.
NOTE: Many nationalities are offered free visas on arrival. Each foreign participant must have a valid passport and pay for their own visa into the Republic of Indonesia, procuring their permit at an overseas Indonesian Embassy or Consulate office before arrival. Check with the nearest Indonesian Embassy near you or the Consulate office for details, as each passport holder’s country has different visa rules.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, any assistant, manager, organizer, support staff, or any other participant does not assume nor are liable if the participant is refused entry into the Republic of Indonesia for any reason whatsoever.
Each participant must pay for their own air travel and/or land travel to and from Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, and any ground transportation during the workshop. Food, drink, housing, fixer/translators, ground transport, and airfare are not included with your workshop fee and will be paid directly to each relevant business or person.
A minimum of 7 participants is required to host the workshop. The workshop can be canceled if it does not have at least 7 participants, with refunds offered only for the workshop fee. All other refunds related to hotels, air transport, etc., are the responsibility of the registered photographer if the workshop is canceled due to falling below 7 participants.
No refunds will be given after July 11, 2023, unless the workshop minimum has not been met and the workshop is canceled.
In the event that the workshop does not reach a minimum number of participants before July 11, 2023, full refunds will be given. Refund will be minus all bank or PayPal transfer fees. However, travel and other incidental costs incurred by the participant will not be refunded.
If John Stanmeyer becomes ill or is injured during the workshop, he will do all he can to continue hosting the event. No refunds will be offered if John Stanmeyer becomes incapacitated or dies during the workshop.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, any assistant, manager, organizer, support staff, or any other participant will not be held accountable for any schedule/date changes.
It is recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance from a reputable source.
It is recommended that anyone requesting particular health vaccines receive those before traveling to the Republic of Indonesia.
We recommend each participant be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend this workshop, with proof of vaccination card.
Each participant and/or their spouse/partners must abide by the laws and rules of the Republic of Indonesia.