Kathmandu Photo Tour cum Workshop – Diwali/Tihar – 2024

Join me in October – November 2024 for a photo tour cum workshop in Kathmandu during Diwali. The extensive six days workshop focuses on discussion-based practical and on-the-field learning including some theory. Explore and photograph the essence of Kathmandu as the city goes about celebrating one of its biggest festivals.

About Kathmandu Photo Tour Cum Workshop

With the exception of 2022, I have visited Nepal every year since 2017. With people so warm and welcoming, Nepal is that one country where I always felt at home, where I spent my formative years of photography, a place that always called me back. For the last two years I have contemplated the idea of introducing people to this magical country and finally I am ready to do so.

My first photography workshop in Nepal takes place in the capital city of Kathmandu. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Kathmandu pulses with a timeless rhythm, where ancient temples whisper numerous tales and bustling streets overflow with vibrant colours. Known as the city of temples, Kathmandu weaves together threads of spiritual serenity and frenetic energy, creating a mosaic of experiences that enchant every visitor.

We will also visit neighbouring towns Bhaktapur and Patan/Lalitpur. Temples, stupas, Durbar squares, and markets will be our usual hangout places as people come together to perform various rituals and celebrate Diwali – known as Tihar in Nepal.

Each participant is unique and I will focus on them individually to cultivate their unique perspective. There will be a chance for each participants to have one-on-one discussions. From day one itself, you will be tasked to face challenges that will test your patience and comfort, and help you overcome hesitance while photographing in public.

We won’t waste time talking about equipment and post processing, we discuss photography itself. Discussions will range between the culture of Nepal, photography ethics, dos and don’ts, street and documentary photography, photobooks, other photographers, and the power of photography among other things. There will be brief theory sessions, although we will spend most time being out photographing.

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.

Workshop Overview

• Duration: 6 days
• Photography styles: Street photography, documentary-style photography, travel photography, culture, portraits, photo story
• Group size: 7 participants
• Indoor discussion and review time between photography sessions
• Focus on discussion-based on-the-field practical learning along with some theory
• One-on-one time given to each participant
• A personal project/theme is assigned to each participant
• We don’t waste time talking about “equipment.” We focus on “photography” instead
• Designed to foster the spirit of travelling, photographing, and exploring together

Basic itinerary

Note: Detailed itinerary will be shared with registered participants

Day 0: 29th October

• Check-in at hotel
• Meet and greet plus briefing in the evening
• An early night to allow rest

Day 1 to 5: 30th October to 3rd November

• Kathmandu – various temples, stupas, and monasteries including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhu, Durbar square, Thamel and other bazaars
• Visit Lalitpur/Patan – Includes Durbar Square, ancient Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar Buddhist monastery, Shree Bagalamukhi temple, Dhaugal Bazaar etc.
• Visit Bhaktapur – Includes Durbar Square, pottery square, the five-tiered Nyatapola temple, 55 Window Palace, Dattatraya temple. Try local Newari speciality called juju dhau (thick, custard-like yoghurt)

Day 6: 4th November

• Checkout from the hotel

What’s included in the fee

• Workshop fees
• 6 nights accommodation in a minimum 3-star hotel and breakfast on twin/double sharing basis. Please contact me if you prefer a separate room for yourself. Full room price appicable in this case
• Transport to Bhaktapur, Patan, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath
• Regular discussions during/between sessions
• Constructive feedback on photographs
• Basic post processing
• Guidance for a photo story/essay
• One-on-one time to address personal queries
• Up to two weeks of personal support (online) post workshop regarding your questions and image review
• A minimum of 5% discount in the workshops conducted during the next one year
• Inclusion in a member-only online community where you continue to get exposed to photography and photographers

What’s not included in the fee

• Your travel costs to and from Kathmandu
• Visa fees (Visa not required for Indian nationals)
• Airport transfer to/from accommodation
• Insurance
• Medical expenses
• Meals not mentioned above, drinks, bottled water
• Entry fees/camera fees, if any
• Tips/gratuities to drivers, porters, servers, helpers etc.
• Any other personal expense

Who should join

• The workshop is open to everyone who knows the basic operations of their camera
• Suitable for beginners who are starting out in photography
• If you identify as amateur/advance amateur, 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 Kathmandu together with a group of travellers

What to bring

• A digital camera. If you carry film camera, feedback will be given online at a later time only
• A wide angle prime lens like 27mm or 35mm recommended but bring kit lens like 18-55mm if that’s all you have
• Extra batteries and SD cards or film rolls if shooting analogue
• A laptop with card reader and a program like Lightroom or Capture One. You should know how to use the editor, especially in case it’s not Lightroom/Capture One
• A desire to learn seriously
• A spirit of community and harmony
• A refillable bottle of water
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Plastic bags to cover your equipment

Important things to keep in mind

• You should to be physically fit and be ready to walk long distance
• You are responsible for the safety of your equipment and everything else you are carrying
• Rooms will be shared between two participants of same gender on first come first serve basis. If a participant is not comfortable sharing the room, they can opt for a room for themselves by paying the full price of the room
• You are expected to know the basic operations of your camera/lens. At the very least, you should know how to change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, switching between RAW and JPEG, turn on/off inbuilt flash, turning off image preview, and turning off beeps etc. sounds
• This is not a guided tour and there will be no paid models to pose for pictures
• Meeting place and time may change before the commencement of the workshop. Participants will be updated accordingly in that case
• The organiser(s) reserve the right to cancel the event if the number of minimum participants is not met. An option to continue the workshop is offered to registered participant(s) with additional fees applicable
• The organiser(s) reserve the right to drop unruly participants from the workshop keeping everyone else’s safety in mind, without a refund
• Insist on booking refundable tickets and buy trip-cancellation insurance
• The organiser(s) are not liable for financial/other losses in case of change of plans or cancellations

Cancellations and refunds

If you cancel, the following amount will be deducted from the amount paid (excluding deposit, if any)

• 25% deduction if cancelled before 13th August
• 50% deduction if cancelled between 13th August and 12th September
• No refund if you cancel after 12th September
• Full refund if the organiser cancels the workshop