Not your typical tour
The traditional shops and markets (pasars) are the veins of the community. Food, tonics, hardware, and spices are not the only “goods”. In the pasars, the latest news and life updates are done face-to-face in real-time.
I thoroughly enjoy being in the pasar. Almost every village will have one. Even in the most touristy of markets, you will see Bali as if time stood still. But, you must get there early in the morning.
Experience Bali by being a part of it, even if it’s just for a little while.
Explore, learn, and interact
I like to call it ‘pasar-karma‘. Pasar-karma is when you sit down at a food stall (warung) for a kopi Bali and the person behind the counter offers you some fresh bananas, or when you ask one of the vendors what kind of canang (offerings) they are making and you get the biggest toothy grin along with your answer.
My approach is spontaneous. I go with the flow. I say hi, chat, try some kue Bali (Balinese cake), and take photos along the way. I always give options, hints, and help. But, I don’t prescribe how or what. No prior experience or fancy camera is needed. Learn the rules, then have fun creatively breaking them all.
Share and tell your story
Whether you take random snap shots or are on a photo essay mission you will end up with a priceless story to tell. I can help you with artist statements & pitches, photo selections & sequencing, and the next steps to get your work out there.
Donation-based
There is no fee for these tours. Any donation you wish to give is purely voluntary & deeply appreciated. See our Donation Partners page.
Mission statement for Bali Street Photographer
To see rather than look. To create rather than take. To explore rather than visit. To connect rather than separate.
About your guide
Hailing from NE Ohio in the US, Mark is a
freelance photographer and writer based in Bali, Indonesia. He contributes to news, wellness, travel, and photography agencies. Mark’s photography has been exhibited in Bali, Europe, and the US. Before morphing into a freelancer, Mark slung code and managed web teams for Fortune 500 companies.
Mark’s favourite meditations are a good book with a cappuccino, feeding stray cats and dogs, and wishing to be a rock star in his next life. He would be very disappointed if you were in Bali and didn’t meet him for a coffee.
Not all travelers are explorers. It takes a deeper sense of adventure and openness to experience what Bali has to offer beyond the beach and club scene. There is definitely more to Bali than meets the eye.
To whet you appetite, check-out Mark’s Inside Bali photo essay published on Inkifi.com.
New to street photography? Read What is Street Photography?
Are you ready to rock?
What people are saying about Bali Street Photographer
Mark has great ethics and is a wonderful host, smoothly manoeuvring people through the busy pathways of the Pasar market. Mark spent over 3 1/2 hours from 5am to 8.30 am and he does this to raise awareness and valuable donations for the wellbeing of Ubud’s less fortunate cats and dogs. It’s a great experience …
What a great addition to our trip to have the guidance of a considerate local with us on our first day! We’re grateful for the good fortune of starting our Ubud experience with you. Thanks for your insights and photographs. It’s a big part of our memory.
