Where Past Meets Present - Varanasi Photography Workshop

Join me for a Varanasi photography workshop in February 2025. As fog takes over Ganga river to create a serene atmosphere around Varanasi’s numerous ghats, you will get exposed to various photography styles including street photography. You will be guided to develop a personal project, and learn in a discussion-based on-the field practical setup.

Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges river, Varanasi beckons with an ancient mystique that transcends the ages. Also known as Kashi, Banaras, and the spiritual capital of India, this city of ghats and temples is a living testament to centuries of devotion and cultural richness.

Varanasi is a place where time seems to stand still, where every sunrise brings a new chapter in the eternal dance of life and death. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters, seeking spiritual purification, while the aroma of incense and the sound of temple bells permeate the air.

Organised by Parvez Shaikh. Contact: +91 9099 810 817 / Instagram: @parvezish

About Varanasi Photography Workshop

The photography workshop focuses greatly on observation, composition, narrative, and storytelling. You will be tasked to face challenges that will test your patience and comfort, and help you overcome hesitance while photographing in public. There will be discussions on ethics, dos and don’ts, street photography, documentary photography, and the power of photography among other things. We won’t waste time talking about equipment and post processing. We discuss photography itself.

The sacred Ganga (Ganges) river and the numerous ghats will be our primary backdrop. Additionally, we will explore Varanasi through those narrow lanes, religious sites and markets, and indulge in street food.

Participants will be assigned a project/theme on which they will have to work through the workshop. At the end of the workshop, you present your work and feedback will be provided on it. Each participant is unique and I will focus on them individually to cultivate their unique perspective. There will be a chance for one-on-one discussions.

Overview

• Duration: 4 nights/3 days
• Small group: Up to 7 participants only
• Photography styles: street photography, documentary-style photography, culture, travel photography, portraits, photo story
• No hired models/sadhus to pose for us: Designed to keep us curious and encourage genuine interactions
• Focus on discussion-based on-the-field practical learning along with some theory
• A personal project/theme is assigned to each participant
• One-on-one time given to each participant
• We don’t talk about “equipment.” We focus on “photography” instead
• Designed to foster the spirit of travelling, photographing, and exploring together

Who should join

• If you are starting out in photography and know basic operations of your camera
• If you identify as amateur/advance amateur, serious photography hobbyist/enthusiast, or semi-professional
• You are a design, visual arts, or cultural studies student who aims to use photography as a medium to expand their scope of studies
• If you are unsure about the direction to take in photography and want to explore
• You want to focus less on “gears” and seriously learn the art of photography
• It’s ideal if you have some prior experience with unposed, unscripted photography like street photography or documentary photography, but it’s not required
• You can join even if you do not do photography but want to explore Varansi together with a group of travellers

What’s included in the fee

• Workshop fees
• 4 nights accommodation (Check-in: 3rd February 2p.m., Checkout: 7th February, 2025 10a.m.) – Twin sharing room or dormitory, per your selection at the time of booking. Preference will be given to keep same gender participants in the same room, subject to registrations received. Single supplement available on request for additional charges
• Constructive feedback on photographs
• Basic post processing
• One-on-one time to address personal queries
• Discussions on ethics, do’s and don’ts, religious and cultural understanding
• Tips on organising and backing up photographs
• Up to two weeks of personal support (online) post workshop regarding your questions and image review
• 5% discount (only on tuition fee) in the workshops conducted during the next 365 days
• Inclusion in a invite-only online community where we continue to get exposed to photography and photographers

What’s not included in the fee

• Your travel costs to and from Varanasi
• Insurance
• Medical expenses
• Accommodation
• Meals drinks bottled water
• Our transport around Varanasi and other places we travel will be shared equally among all of us
• Entry fees/camera fees if any
• Tips/gratuities to drivers porters servers helpers etc.
• Any other personal expense

What’s not included in the fee

• Your travel costs to and from Varanasi
• Your visa and travel costs to India
• Insurance
• Medical expenses
• Meals, drinks, bottled water
• Our transport/other expense within Varanasi will be shared equally among all of us
• Entry fees/camera fees, if any
• Tips/gratuities to drivers, porters, servers, helpers etc.
• Any other personal expense

Total cost:

• Double sharing: INR 30,000
• Dormitory: INR 25,000
• Without accommodation: INR 15,000

Deposit:

• Double sharing: INR 15,000
• Dormitory: INR 12,500
• Without accommodation: INR 15,000

Remaining amount:

• Double sharing: INR 15,000
• Dormitory: INR 12,500
• Without accommodation: Not applicable

Host or Publisher Parvez Shaikh