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Standard: ₹27900
Single Supplement: ₹6500
Varanasi is synonymous with spirituality and Hinduism. Its photographers’ favorite and they throng Varanasi from all over the world to capture the essence of India’s religious beliefs, traditions and a life that gets weaved around the religious beliefs.
The Dev Deepavali is the festival of Kartik Poornima celebrated in Varanasi 15 days after Diwali. The steps of all the Ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Rajghat, are lit with more than a million earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of Ganga. During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and colored designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river.
Xploring Light now takes you on a mentored photography tour of this ancient city. Prepare for a photographic journey to the Ghats of Varanasi, where much of what Mark Twain described over a hundred years ago can still be witnessed unchanged. This photography tour has its focus set in solving the dilemma in photographing people on the streets, SEEING the UNSEEN and creating unique frames by going beyond the clichés of shooting Ghats in most mundane way.
The four-day mentored photography tour to Varanasi is designed to provide in depth knowledge and understanding of how to SEE the UNSEEN and create images that stand out from millions of mundane images clicked by thousands of DSLR owners. Tour calendar also includes photographing Dev Diwali Celebrations along the Ghats.
The itinerary includes the following activities under the expert guidance of your photography mentor.
Pre Tour Analysis:
Each registered participant will be requested to submit their landscape / portrait related images. Our panel will analyse each image to see how to guide each individual during the tour to help them enhance their skills. We will also provide individual feedback to their each submitted image and suggest improvement points.
During the Tour:
Based on the analytical data available with us post “Pre Tour Analysis” we will provide individualized attention to all and ensure they work on their weaknesses and enhance their skills. Evening Gup Shup sessions will be learning oriented and practical tips will be provided based on the mistakes committed by participants during the day.
We shall also have atleast one evening session dedicated to post processing workflow to help them become a complete photographer.
After the tour:
Each participant will be required to submit 3 of his or her best images from the tour. Each image will be analysed and constructive feedback will be provided. Best of the lot will make it to our website and blog; and will be aggressively promoted on FB.
Day 1, Nov. 6: Arrival at Varanasi Check In and relax. People checking in by noon will be guided after reaching there.
Arti Shoot – 7-8 pm Aarti. After Arti shoot the life on the Ghats.
Day 2, Nov. 7: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE GHATS OF VARANASI
Morning :
Shooting sunrise and ghat activities from the boat and back via streets.
Return to Hotel for Breakfast.
Evening:
Arti Shoot – 7-8 pm Aarti. After Arti shoot the life on the Ghats.
Returning to hotel after dinner followed by Gup-Shup Session & overnight stay
Day 3, Nov. 8: DEV DEEPAVALI DAY
Morning :
Walk on the ghat and back via streets.
Evening Dev Diwali :
Shooting the famous Dev Deepavali on various Ghats and returning to hotel after dinner followed by Gup-Shup Session & overnight stay
Day 4, Nov 9: EARLY MORNING ASSIGNMENT SHOOT.
After breakfast, winding up session where certificates will be distributed. Check out at 12 Noon and the tour comes to an end.
Your Tour Mentor be will planning ahead and working on the best possible options to give you opportunity of a lifetime.
Tour Ends
How different are tours and photo tours?
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday based on what is hot in that season with almost no inclination to offer you what you would want to see, Photo Tours are innovative ways to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. All of our photo tours are fun with a loads of learning and knowledge sharing. Moreover, since the group consists of photography enthusiasts only it makes your experience your experience more focused and fun filled.
What is the suggested equipment for this tour?
For candids a mid telephoto lens in the range of 70-200 or even 100-400 works best. Wide angle lenses like 10-22 or 16-35 are required to capture the beautiful ambience of the Ghats, Street Photography and cover the spectacle called Dev Deepavali. The entire city will be very crowded and it is advisable to take extreme care of your camera equipment.
What are the pre requisites for this tour?
The only pre-requisites are good health to be able to walk long distances on Ghats and an avid interest for Indian Culture and/or photography.
I am a rank beginner in photography / I only have a simple point and shoot camera. Can I be a part of this tour?
Oh yes very much! We always encourage every photography enthusiast whether an experienced photographer or not to attend such organized photo tours.
Feel free to be a part of this tour and get to take valuable tips home from our skilled team of experts and other participants as well.
How many participants are expected to share a Room?
All participants are accommodated in twin-sharing rooms. Single supplements are charged extra. Please enquire with us about your single supplement charges.
Standard: ₹27900
Single Supplement: ₹6500
