India Workshop 2025
Kolkata & Varanasi
November 1st - 8th 2025
1 space available
Travel through the heart of North India, visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, for a photography workshop built around colour, chaos and character. You’ll shoot everything from narrow alleyways and spice-filled bazaars to the Taj Mahal at sunrise and the spiritual hub of Varanasi. Expect focused guidance, on-location critiques, and local knowledge to help you create meaningful, story-driven images throughout the trip.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
We start the journey photographing India Gate at sunrise, capturing joggers, soft morning mist, and silhouettes against the monument.
Later, we explore the streets and spice markets of Old Delhi, photographing rickshaws, chai stalls, and light filtering through the haze of Khari Baoli.
In the afternoon, we visit Safdarjung’s Tomb, a lesser-known Mughal monument with peaceful gardens, soft light, and beautiful symmetry - an ideal setting for portraits, layers, and architectural compositions without the crowds.
Day 2: Kolkata
An early start takes us to Kolkata’s traditional wrestling pits (akhara culture), where we’ll capture wrestlers training in an atmospheric setting.
In the afternoon, we meet for our first photo review session, analyzing our best shots so far and refining our approach for the rest of the trip.
Later, we visit Koley Market, one of Kolkata’s busiest wholesale markets, where porters rush between stalls stacked high with fresh produce.
We continue to Sealdah Train Station, capturing the energy of one of India’s major railway hubs—perfect for motion, light, and street photography.
Day 3: Kolkata
Sunrise at the Flower Market, one of India’s largest and most vibrant, where thousands of marigolds and roses are traded daily. The market sits beneath the towering Howrah Bridge, an iconic location for capturing Kolkata’s morning light.
After a break, we meet for an editing workshop, where we’ll work through color grading, refining compositions, and storytelling techniques.
In the afternoon, we jump into our Yellow Taxi Ride Session, where each participant takes a classic yellow cab on a pre-planned route through the city, capturing Kolkata’s energy from a moving perspective.
Day 4: Travel Day
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Varanasi, leaving behind Kolkata’s urban energy and preparing for an entirely different photographic experience.
After checking in, we meet for a photo review session, reflecting on our Kolkata images, discussing key takeaways, and preparing for the shift in approach needed for Varanasi’s slower, more immersive storytelling.
In the late afternoon, we head out for an evening boat ride on the Ganges, capturing the ancient ghats at sunset.
As night falls, we photograph the burning ghats (optional), focusing on low-light storytelling and the ethereal glow of funeral pyres from a respectful distance.
Day 5: Varanasi
We start the day with a sunrise walk along the ghats, capturing the morning rituals of pilgrims bathing, sadhus meditating, and boats gliding through the mist.
After breakfast, we explore Varanasi’s hidden alleyways, documenting street life, sacred cows, and the layered textures of the old city.
In the afternoon, we set up a portrait session with local sadhus and priests, learning how to approach and capture compelling cultural portraits.
Day 6: Varanasi
Sunrise on the Ganges by boat, photographing the city as it awakens—priests offering prayers, devotees performing rituals, and early morning rowers cutting through the mist.
We then head to a wrestling pit in Varanasi, documenting another take on this centuries-old tradition with new lighting and compositional challenges.
In the afternoon, we visit a brick factory on the outskirts of Varanasi, capturing the labor-intensive process and the striking earthy tones of the environment.
Later, we meet for our second editing workshop, refining our images with advanced color grading and composition techniques.
Day 7: Varanasi
Sunrise on the river with sadhus, capturing these holy men on boats against the morning glow of the Ganges.
We then cross to the other side of the river, a quieter, less-visited stretch of land where herders, bathers, and farmers go about their daily routines—offering a different perspective of Varanasi.
After a midday break, we regroup for our final photo review session, discussing our strongest images from the trip.
As night falls, we experience and photograph the Ganga Evening Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing display of fire, chanting, and devotion that takes place along the main ghats.
We close the trip with a farewell dinner, celebrating an incredible week of photography.
Day 8: Travel Day
We fly back to Kolkata together on the morning flight, and you are free to continue your travels in India or fly back home.
If you’d prefer, you have the option to stay in Varanasi and book your onward travel from there.
Pricing
Total price: $5,250 USD
Payable today: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 10 x monthly installments
Number of participants: 8
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
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8 nights of accommodation (starting Oct 31st) in carefully selected 3* & 5* hotels, with single occupancy.
Return domestic flight between Kolkata and Varanasi included.
All on-ground transportation, including a private mini-bus for city travel.
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
A dedicated local guide and fixer for the entire journey.
Airport pick up and drop off.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
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International flights to and from India
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, additional drinks, or activities outside the itinerary)
Who is this workshop for?
This photography trip is limited to just 10 participants, allowing me to give each of you my full attention and help you get the most out of the experience. The small group size means I can work closely with everyone - whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your craft, or already shooting professionally. It’s a chance to learn, create, and grow in a supportive environment while photographing one of the most extraordinary countries on earth.
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Laptop for editing sessions
Tripod
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself!
Visa Information
Most travelers will need a tourist visa to enter India. Many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online before arrival.
If you're unsure about your visa requirements, please check the official guidelines or reach out—we’re happy to assist.
For more information on visas, [click here].
“Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!”
Hey, I’m Jord
I'm a full-time travel and street photographer from the UK and have spent the last nine years exploring Asia with my camera.
India has been a huge source of inspiration for me, from its chaotic yet mesmerizing streets to its deeply rooted traditions. After countless visits, I keep coming back as there’s always something new to capture.
This time, I’m teaming up with my good friend Shivam (@shivam_photofarm) to take you on an unforgettable journey through the Golden Triangle and Varanasi, four of India’s most photogenic and culturally rich destinations. From sunrise on the Ganges to the vibrant streets of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, we’ll guide you through the art of street and cultural photography in a way that’s immersive, insightful and creatively challenging.
I can’t wait to share this experience with you!