Chiang Mai Elephant Portraits2025-06-15T19:13:03+07:00

PACKAGES OVERVIEW
Photos For A Lifetime

Many people who see my Chiang Mai elephant portraits wonder if they can also experience this. The answer is yes, no problem. Some are concerned about safety and care for the elephants. Please don’t worry if you have no experience with elephants. I will take the time to introduce you to the them and to explain the “dos” and “don’ts” of working with these amazing creatures. But, here is my best tip, right now; just fill your heart with love for them and relax. Elephants have a powerful sixth sense and will feel your emotion!

I absolutely love the elephants that I work with and know them personally. Their care and happiness is critically important to me. Whatever is going on, the elephants come first. I recommend you to live this truly amazing experience even if you are not booking a photo session.

I am a people person, so, don’t worry, I won’t bite! I will be very gentle with you and help you get the amazing photos that you are dreaming of. Direction is the key! I promise you that every one of my Chiang Mai elephant shoots will produce fabulous photos that you will cherish forever.

WE DONATE TO DAUGHTERS RISING

I am not only a lover of elephants but also, I love to support the indigenous children and women. We stand fierce with our beautiful friends from Daughters Rising. They empower at-risk girls to end trafficking in their communities & break the cycle of inter-generational poverty. Chai Lai Orchid exists to provide training and employment for these girls and funding for Daughters Rising. Thanks to everyone booking photoshoots with me, I am able to donate THB15,000 each month!

WE DONATE TO
DAUGHTERS RISING

I am not only a lover of elephants but also, I love to support the indigenous children and women. We stand fierce with our beautiful friends from Daughters Rising. They empower at-risk girls to end trafficking in their communities & break the cycle of inter-generational poverty. Chai Lai Orchid exists to provide training and employment for these girls and funding for Daughters Rising. Thanks to everyone booking photoshoots with me, I am able to donate THB15,000 each month!

To Enjoy These Photoshoots You Do Not Need To Book Anything Else. Everything is Included.

Please note that all of these packages start at Chai Lai Orchid. Private air conditioned, round-trip transport from Chiang Mai city can be added for THB 1,500 per couple + 500 per person with the car capacity of 4 people.

ELEPHANT PHOTO LODGE “DAISY”

Price : THB 9, 950 INCLUDING 1 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION

Includes

  • 6 short videos (For social media)
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Wake up to the gentle presence of an elephant, accompanied by a basket of treats for her enjoyment.
  • Experience the magic of feeding her from your bed, the charming wooden bathtub, the scenic balcony, or the special treetop platform!
  • James will take shots and phone videos of you walking with the elephants.
  • A few portraits with her in the immediate vicinity of the room.

Your stay includes a delectable breakfast and ‘THE DAISY’ Morning Call Photography session with James (approx. 20 minutes)

ELEPHANT FULL DAY

Price: THB 25,000

Includes

  • Unlimited short videos (For social media).
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Experience the ‘Traditional Grass Hut’: Meet a gentle elephant mama and her playful 5-year-old companion.
  • Visit the beautiful Mae Sapok waterfall.
  • Return to Chai Lai and capture precious moments with an adorable baby elephant.
  • Capture the most beautiful locations with a majestic elephant.
  • Jungle and walking shots.
  • Stunning photos in the river.
  • Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch prepared by local Karen guides (vegi options available)
  • Journey to the secret temple, Wat Kun Win, a remote and amazing hand-carved wooden temple, far from tourist crowds.

Every moment will be filled with wonder and magic. Get ready for an adventure like no other! (approx. 6 hours)

ELEPHANT HALF DAY

Price: THB 16,500

Includes

  • Multiple short videos (For social media).
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Exclusive in-room photo opportunities available for staying guests at Chai Lai Orchid.
  • Photoshoot in the rustic grass hut, with a gentle elephant mama and her playful 5-year-old. Always incredible!
  • Jungle and walking shots.
  • Capture the most beautiful shots with a majestic elephant in the river.
  • Journey to Mae Sapok waterfall. An exceptionally beautiful location for stunning, natural portraits.

Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and sharing exclusive moments with them in the jungle and river. Once-in-a-lifetime adventure in northern Thailand! (approx. 3 hours)

ELEPHANT MORNING GOLD

Price: THB 12,500

Includes

  • Multiple short videos (For social media).
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Shots around your room (Guests at Chai Lai Orchid) or the ‘Grass Hut’.
  • Indulge in playful escapades with the adorable baby elephant, captured as unforgettable photo memories.
  • Jungle and walking shots.
  • Conclude the adventure at our scenic river location.

Each shot presents a stunning memory of the special bond formed with these incredible creatures. (approx. 2 hours)

ELEPHANT AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Price: THB 12,500

Includes

  • Multiple short videos (For social media).
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Shots at the ‘Grass Hut’.
  • Indulge in playful escapades with the adorable baby elephant, captured as unforgettable photo memories.
  • Jungle and walking shots.
  • Conclude the adventure at our scenic river location.

Each shot presents a stunning memory of the special bond formed with these incredible creatures. (approx. 2 hours)

ELEPHANT 60 MINUTES

Price: THB 11,000

Includes

  • Multiple short videos (For social media).
  • Endless stunning photos with my signature style.

What we do

  • Any 2 locations from rooms (for Chai Lai guests), the ‘Grass Hut’, jungle walking shots, and the river.
  • Indulge in playful escapades with the adorable baby elephant.

Experience the ethical connection fostered with these majestic creatures. Get set for fun with me and my friendly tribe! I’m a master at making you feel comfortable and capturing stunning snaps. Expect nothing less than magic! (approx. 1 hour)

ELEPHANT RIVER & RIVERBANK

Price: THB 7,500

Includes

  • 2 short videos (For social media)
  • Large selection of stunning photos edited in my signature style.

What we do

  • Before entering the river, James will capture amazing portraits of you and the elephant on the river bank.
  • At least 1 beautifully cinematic iPhone video of you walking on the river path with her.
  • Once in the river there will be all the favorite elephant photos with multiple different backgrounds.
  • Plus at least 1 additional iPhone video

Elephant Grass Hut and Portraits

Price: THB 7,000

Includes

  • 2 short videos (For social media)
  • Large selection of stunning photos edited in my signature style.

What we do

  • Feed the whole elephant family outside the hut.
  • Fabulous fun portraits as you struggle to keep the elephants fed!
  • Portraits with the elephants outside the hut. These are more serene as you won’t be feeding them there.

ELEPHANT WALK & PORTRAITS

Price: THB 6,000

Includes

  • 2 short videos (For social media)
  • Large selection of stunning photos edited in my signature style.

What we do

  • Walk in step with the gentle giant and get amazing portraits up close and personal with your elephant model.

ELEPHANT MORNING CALL

Price: THB 5,000 – Chai Lai Guests only

Includes

  • 1 short video (For social media).
  • Stunning photos with my unique style.

What we do

  • Wake up to the majestic presence of an elephant as she joins you for breakfast in your bungalow.

FAQs

How can I book the photoshoot?2023-09-27T18:40:31+07:00

To book any shoot contact me by email [email protected]

Please use English for your communication with the bookings.

Can I have the RAW images?2024-11-07T00:42:22+07:00

I am sorry, as an artist I am protective of my imagery and brand that is built around my look as well as my artistic composition and quality. If you want RAWS you need to make this clear when making your booking enquiry and I will consider each request upon its merits / circumstance.

Are there any extra costs?2023-09-27T18:31:32+07:00

My packages are fully inclusive of my costs and the elephant hire for the duration of the shoot. You do not need to pay for anything else unless you decide to buy food or drink. No hidden costs.

How can I pay?2023-09-27T18:34:45+07:00

I can accept Thai Cash on the day or, pre-payment by bank transfer.

Have I to pay a deposit before the final payment?2023-09-27T18:41:30+07:00

No need to pay a deposit. Payment is in Thai Cash on the day we meet.

How many people does the price cover?2023-09-27T18:36:55+07:00

All prices cover a single, a couple, a family unit of parents and kids, or 2 friends.

For larger groups please contact me direct for a quote.

For guests not staying at Chai Lai, is transport included?2023-09-27T18:32:37+07:00

No but, you can add private air conditioned transport from and back to the city for THB1,500 . This is paid direct to the driver. The car can take up to 4 people.

If you require transport for more than 4, a minivan can be arranged for THB2,500 and this is for up to 12 people.

Is Chai Lai Orchid ethical?2023-09-27T18:39:24+07:00

Yes! The truth is, I was never going to photograph elephants because I was worried about their treatment but, because Chai Lai are so amazing, I agreed to shoot the first job way back in 2015. Now, more than 1M photos later, I can tell you, I don’t believe there is any better!

Should I tip the elephant handler?2023-09-27T18:38:07+07:00

Yes! The elephant handler is incredibly skilled and without him, we would not be able to get the photos you want. I always tip the handler at the end of the shoot but, it means a lot when the guest also tips him.

Can I change clothes during the shoot?2023-09-27T18:35:42+07:00

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend more than 2 changes as it will steal the time of your shoot.

Can I do a special photo shooting if what I want is not in the packages?2023-09-27T18:42:33+07:00

Perhaps you have a specific idea you would like to experiment with, I love shooting new ideas. Once we have talked about your needs, I will send you a quotation.

Do you offer video service at the same time as the photo shooting?2023-09-27T18:44:06+07:00

Yes, see below

  • 1 videographer half-day 10,000 4-5 hours
  • 1 videographer full day 17,000 8-10 hours
  • 2 videographers half-day 14,000
  • 2 videographers full day 22,000

TO BOOK ANY SHOOT CONTACT ME BY EMAIL [email protected]
Please use English for your communication with the bookings.

Be aware that unless you specifically inform me otherwise I may use some of the photos to demonstrate my work on this website and on the web.

TO BOOK ANY SHOOT CONTACT ME BY EMAIL [email protected]

Please use English for your communication with the bookings.

Be aware that unless you specifically inform me otherwise I may use some of the photos to demonstrate my work on this website and on the web.

Spread the love, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top