Protected by the ramparts of undisturbed snow-capped Himalayas, home only to gods and spirits, Bhutan has preserved its ancestral customs, architecture, cuisine, rites, and strong relationship to nature. It has its own crazy creatures, thunder dragons, and flying gurus. It is also one of the few places in the world where your photography adventures are truly unscripted and uninterrupted.
As an explorer and visual storyteller, Matt Dutile uses his camera to craft a compelling narrative based on genuine connections. Bhutan gives him access to less visited sights and delights to create distinctive art. As he wanders further off the unbeaten track, he attracts curiosity and hospitality into unique spaces for a warming cup of butter tea.
“I make these unbelievable connections everywhere I go. It just comes with the territory here,” says Matt. “One time in Trashigang’s Merak village in the far east of Bhutan, I was invited in for tea by a group of Brokpa women, who were interested in what I was doing. I took some polaroid photographs. I like to give photographs as well as take them as it opens the door to making genuine connections with people. It gives a richer, rounder feel to any story you’re creating because it adds a deeper, visceral dimension to the photograph. They look at you with their whole soul.”
These beautiful windows into the people he meets last beyond the visit, drawing Matt back to the Kingdom time and again. Each season brings its own energy and focus.
“Winter months offer clear skies to capture those dramatic, full vistas looking out to the Himalayas from spots like the Dochula pass,” says Matt. “The snowy mountain passes offer a diversity of photos but there is practically no rain and most of the valleys are not as cold as you might imagine. You might get crystal frost on the ground before the sun rises, which is so spectacular. Punakha remains temperate and if you expand your trip down to the eco-tourism destinations in southern Bhutan, it is still sub-tropical. A lot of the bird species are very active there. Each season is really rewarding in its own way.”
Bhutan’s vibrant festivals, or “tshechus”, are also unique and always outstanding, offering a feast for the senses and opportunity to immerse in time-honored traditions. Often held in the courtyard of a monastery or temple, these tend to be attended by the whole district. Unlike their Asian or Caribbean counterparts, however, you might be the only one with a camera to witness the pageantry. Jambay Tshechu in Jakar, Bumthang, celebrates the establishment of one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a powerful ogress.
“I captured moments at Jambay Tshechu that I will never forget. I think I was the only tourist there. The dancers were happy to see me and pose for portraits after the celebration. There was another time at Changmey Tshechu near Rangjung, where we were seated as the guests of honor and allowed to see behind the scenes with some of the masked dancers. There is an intimacy that comes through in the photos.”
Over the past 15 years, Matt has honed his storytelling, with Bhutan providing many rich chapters through the lens of its people. He will be back again to host a series of photo workshops to dive deeper into the Kingdom and aspects of life that have been lost in the western world.
From lama blessings to authentic homestay cuisine and wildlife encounters, Bhutan offers abundant opportunities to create rewarding photos. With each discovery, you might just discover something new about yourself.
Follow Matt on Instagram @mattdutile
Photo assets provided by Matt Dutile
