Kolkata Durga Puja and Beyond – A Photography Workshop – October 2024

Join me on a six days Durga Puja photography workshop in Kolkata/Calcutta in October 2024. Learn from my experience in a discussion-based, on-the-field practical atmosphere, get exposed to various photography styles, be guided to develop your personal project, and witness what it is like to work in a fast-paced environment as a photographer.

Kolkata and Durga Puja

Nestled along the banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was formerly known, emerges as a city of contradictions and harmonies, where the echoes of history resonate alongside the rhythms of modernity. Once the capital of British India, its colonial architecture stands proud amidst a bustling maze of bazaars and vibrant neighbourhoods. The iconic Howrah Bridge stretches like a steel artery across the river, connecting the vibrant chaos of the city with its serene outskirts.

In the heart of Kolkata, the arrival of autumn heralds more than just a change in seasons—it sets the stage for the grand spectacle of Durga Puja. Streets once bustling with daily life transform into a mesmerising labyrinth of temporary structures, each adorned with colourful lights and intricate decorations. Pandals, or elaborately crafted tents, become the focal points where communities gather to pay homage to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine strength and compassion.

As the beats of dhak drums echo through narrow alleys, the city pulses with fervour. Locals clad in traditional attire mingle with visitors from far and wide, all drawn to witness the artistic marvels that adorn the idols of the goddess and her entourage. From the opulent idols adorned with jewels to the vibrant dances and melodious hymns that fill the air, every aspect of Durga Puja in Kolkata is a testament to creativity and devotion. It’s a time when the city’s cultural heritage shines brightest, where spirituality and celebration blend seamlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who partake in this annual extravaganza.

About the Workshop

The photography workshop takes place over six days in Kolkata. Photography lessons will greatly focus on composition, perspective, storytelling, and narrative. You will also be guided for setting up your camera for fast-paced environment, working your way in crowded places, the art of patience, overcoming hesitance and asking permission, night photography, ethics, and dos and don’ts.

Participants will be assigned a theme/topic on which they will have to work through the workshop. At the end of the workshop, you will have to present your work and feedback will be provided on it.

The workshop is also designed to give us opportunity to explore Kolkata together like a group of travellers. We will go on walks around different parts of the city including old Kolkata, bustling markets, and peaceful ghats.

Unlike a planned tour where the organisers have figured everything out for you, this workshop offers a flexible and less expensive way for participants to be able to attend and plan their stay as they wish.

Think of this as a no-frills workshop. The fees only cover the tuition. Whether you stay in a hostel or a five-star accommodation, explore street food or indulge in fine-dining – it’s your choice. Whatever your budget is and however you want to spend it, it’s up to you. Although I do recommend we stay together in a hostel/home-stay so that the spirit of travelling together continues even when we head to sleep every night.

At the end of the workshop, you should come out confident as a photographer. You should learn the importance of narrative and will want focus on more storytelling. Through the experience you should be willing to accept challenges and learn how to manage yourself in a busy and difficult scenario. You should be able to get some direction in which you want to move further with your photography.

And of course, you will take home beautiful memories we make during our time together.

Workshop Overview

• Duration: 6 days
• Itinerary, subject to change: Visit Kumortuli where idols are made, visit Durga Puja pandals and rajbari, walk around markets, ghats, old Kolkata, Kalighat and Kali temple, theory, discussions, and review sessions in-between.
• Photography styles: Documentary-style, street photography, portraits, culture, festival, photo story
• Focus on discussion-based on-the-field practical learning along with some theory
• We don’t talk about “equipment.” We focus on “photography” instead
• A project/theme is assigned participants
• One-on-one time given to each participant
• Guidance for a photo story/essay
• Review of photographs
• Basic post-processing
• Designed to foster the spirit of travelling, photographing, and exploring together
• Group size: Minimum – 3, maximum 7 participants

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 Kolkata and Durga Puja with a group of travellers

What’s included in the fee

• Workshop fees
• Review and feedback on photographs
• One-on-one time to address personal queries
• Guidance for a photo story/essay
• Basic post processing
• Up to two weeks of personal support (online) post workshop regarding your questions and image review
• Invitation to join 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 Kolkata
• Insurance
• Medical expenses
• Accommodation
• Meals, drinks, bottled water
• Our transport around Kolkata and other places we travel together 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 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 if that’s all you have
• Extra batteries and SD cards or film rolls if shooting analogue
• A desire to learn seriously
• A spirit of community
• A refillable bottle of water
• Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
• Plastic bags to cover your equipment
• 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

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
• You are expected to know the basic operations of your camera/lens. At the minimum, you should know how to change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and switch between RAW and JPEG, turn on/off inbuilt flash
• You are responsible for making your travel plans including your travel to and from Kolkata, accommodation, and meals. Suggestions for accommodation option may be provided on request so that we can all stay within close proximity
• 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 if that’s the 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
• Insist on booking refundable tickets and buy trip-cancellation insurance

Payment, cancellation, and refund policy

• You can book your spot with non-refundable deposit. Remaining payment to be completed at later time. You will be contacted for the same at least 45 days prior to the workshop date
• You can choose to pay full amount instead and save on the fee
• If you cancel, the following amount will be deducted from the amount paid (excluding deposit, if any)
  • 25% deduction if cancelled before 1st August
  • 50% deduction if cancelled between 1st and 31st August
  • No refund if you cancel after 1st September
  • Full refund if the organiser(s) cancel the workshop