If Monks Had Wings

This months Photo Zine is all about Bhutan, Buddhism and Butterflies. Coming across some old photos from my travels in the Himalayas over a decade ago has put me in a nostalgic mood. Every year I head for Nepal or Bhutan, and often both, and every year I try to pack a different lens or camera so I can see the Himalayas in a new way. It's never the same journey twice.

One year I packed a macro lens as my special treat, and found myself wanting to spend more time with the butterflies than with the festivals.

There's a wonderful little world down there, and a macro lens is the key to opening a doorway and stepping into it. I love the way a lens can make magic happen like this. I love that the elegant details of scaly wings and hairy eyeballs are brought into focus, and all those magnificent details are revealed. You can see some of my favourite moments with the butterflies in the May Edition of my photo zine.

Camera Not IncludedThe Photography Zine by Ewen Bell. Monthly editions exploring my photographic journeys and inspiration. Available to print or view online.Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell

Over the past year I've also been working on a documentary project with some monks in Nepal, and have gained an entirely new appreciation for the idea that "all things are impermanent". My work with monks and butterflies in Nepal remind me that our time on this planet is relatively fleeting, but also full of transformation. We start off like helpless grubs, little sacks that are very good at munching. But eventually we take flight, flitting from flower to flower and hopefully bringing a little colour to every moment.

With that in mind I also posted a video this month that talks about life as a freelance photographer, and what matters most to keep your motivation moving forward. I have been struggling for motivation in recent months, but thanks to the kindness of one monk and some other friends I feel I have worked out a path forward that will be rewarding and inspiring for me. I guess you'll get a chance to see more of that in my zine and YouTube releases over the coming months!

Upcoming Tours

We do have places open for Bhutan and Nepal in November. The Aurora Residency is full up for January but we have opened bookings for the following winter, in January 2028. Drop me a line if you think you might like to know more about one of the tours or workshops, or we can arrange a quick video chat.

Photography ToursYou won’t find a better photography experience: Unmatched knowledge of the locations and local support, hand crafted adventures that run only once every one or two years, our experience teaching the art of photography and a commitment to smaller group sizes. Over a decade of commitment and dedication has led to this short list of bespoke and wonderful photographic tours and workshops.Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell

New On YouTube this Month

Photography with Ewen BellOn the road with my camera for 20 years, searching for the beauty of our planet and mentoring the art of photography.YouTube