Next Photo Tour of India dates: November 6 – 20, 2018
This photo tour of India takes the photographer from bustling Delhi, straight to the heart of North India. Locations including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan, land of Rajputs and Maharajas, an epic photo adventure to fairytale palaces, magnificent forts, and of course the dizzying Pushkar Camel Fair.
Do you love to travel and also want to learn to take better photos? Maybe you've taken a photography class or two, but want something different, something more interactive, in a cool location. How about putting it all together in this customized photo tour of India, with two photography leaders as your tour hosts and photography coaches.
Photo Tour of India: From Delhi to Pushkar over 15-days
- Where: India
- When: November 6 – 20 , 2018
- Length: 15 Days
- Who: You and 12 other fabulous people. Spouses and non-photography types (the price is the same for them) are more than welcome to join us in India as well.
- What: A 15-day (14 nights) photo tour catering to photographing in the best light of the day, in the field practice in a fun small group setting, and a flexible schedule to allow us to decide how long we stay at each location!
- Why: Learn to take better photos, immerse in some local culture, and have a whole lot of fun in India!
How much is this photo tour?
This tour is specially designed for both adventure and comfort. We stay at mostly 4-star accommodations and have included most of your meals. Little incidentals like water daily, small change (which you'll need for tips and for visiting the toilet), and snacks on the bus have all been taken care of for you for a smooth easy experience.
***The minimum number of people required to run the tour is seven.***
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 – 13 People Nice group size with a maximum of 13 people |
$5295 USD |
| Small Group Supplement With less than 10 people (7 – 9), a small group fee will apply |
+$500 USD |
Maximum group size: 13
This is less than many other India photo tours which include 15 or more people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours!
This lower number of guests allows for a smaller, more intimate group in order to give you the best experience. This means you will have more time with the tour leaders, and a really nice group size for wandering through the streets in India.
Two Tour Leaders, Darlene Hildebrandt & Daniel Korzeniewski
Remaining Spots: SOLD OUT
Join the waiting list below to get notified early and grab a spot.
“I felt you were always available to help, inform and teach. One of the greatest things you did for me was to give me a big hug when I first arrived. That made me feel so welcomed and just what I needed after a long difficult trip. During the tour, I learned so much about photography. I feel it was an intense (in a good way) two week all day class. Absolutely loved it! Can't wait to do another.”
Carol Tompkins – Morocco Tour
The Best Light
This adventure is designed to guide you to the most stunning locations, chase light, and interact with locals in their natural environment. Few regions on earth offer such cultural and diverse opportunities for documentary and travel photography. Come join us as this is an once-in-a-lifetime journey. We’ll embark on a quest not only to capture the essence of this magnificent place and people, but to forge new like-minded friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Best Locations
This is NOT the kind of tour that goes to your typical tourist locations. Where others might go in, we go around. Where others have their map, we wander and get lost on purpose. This is a custom designed travel tour, by a photographer, for photography enthusiasts. Be prepared to visit one of the world's largest camel fairs in Pushkar. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction.
Less Rushed
We get to fully explore each location, which allows you to discover all the hidden gems and meet people on a deeper level. It will be a full two weeks of activities, but you won't feel rushed or pressured. If you want to opt out of an activity to hang out at the hotel, get a massage or go shopping on your own, you will be able to do just that.
Our adventure will commence in hectic Delhi, a captivating city dotted with dusty bazaars, Mughal-era architecture, massive fortifications, incredible temples and its vibrant people. It’s a city where magic and mystery can be found at the turn of every corner.
From Delhi, we’ll continue on to explore India’s crown jewel, Rajasthan, which is truly the Land of the Kings. Pride and tradition is the best ways to describe the Rajasthani, a place full of heritage built by this medieval society where each palace and fort seem like they are straight out of a Bollywood movie set. We’ll hit all of the most important places – Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan is a festival of colors and tradition almost impossible to ignore; incredible warm people dressed in red turbans, the contrasting green and yellow saris and the lure of one of the most picturesque festivities completes an amazing journey into the past.
“I would say “GO!!” You'll have fantastic memories for a lifetime, and pictures to show for it, too. You will see remarkable sights; meet interesting, like-minded people; have ample opportunity to learn from Darlene; experience a completely different culture; and ride camels and ATV's in the Sahara desert! You will have a fabulous experience!”
Beth Jones
Every first full moon in November, the holy city of Pushkar, India transform itself. Thousands of people travel to the banks of Pushkar Lake where the Camel Fair takes place.
This is Asia’s largest camel and livestock fair. Men buy and sell their camels, horses, sheep and goats, while the colorful stalls full of bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics attract the women. Camel races, music, and competitions of all sorts are just a few of the abundance of activities worth mentioning.
This is a tentative schedule, may not be exactly as shown here:
- Day 1 November 6th – Delhi (D)
- Namaste – Welcome to India. You'll be greeted at the airport and then transferred to our hotel where you'll meet the other guests, meet your tour leader(s) and have your first Indian dinner meal.
Haveli Dharmpura – Delhi (4 Star)
- Day 2 – Delhi (B,L,D)
- Early morning visit to Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride, walk in Chandni Chowk and visit to a spice market. Then a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Shikh temple and a chance to photograph the India Gate. After our evening meal, enjoy Diwali festivity from the rooftop of the hotel or take a walk in old town.
Haveli Dharmpura – Delhi (4-star)
- Day 3 – Delhi / Manvar via Jodhpur (B, D)
- After a short in-country flight from Delhi to Jodhpur, we drive to our desert camp and resort at Manvar by 4×4 Jeep. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset and then dinner with cultural program in the camp.
Manvar Desert Camp (4 Star)
- Day 4 – Manvar / Jaisalmer (B, L, D)
- After breakfast at camp, enjoy a jeep safari through the desert dunes and visit a desert village. After driving back to Manvar Resort for lunch, we continue on to Jaisalmer where we check in to our hotel and then visit the local market and walk the narrow lanes after dinner.
Fort Rajwada (4 Star)
- Day 5 – Jaisalmer (B, L, D)
- After a morning visit to the Jaisalmer fort, a local market and exploring the narrow lanes we visit Patwon Ki Haveli & Nathmal Ki Haveli. Then we spend the afternoon visiting Khaba fort, a ruined citadel. Then an evening drive to Sam sand dunes for another camel ride at sunset.
Fort Rajwada (4 Star)
- Day 6 – Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (B, L, D)
- A 6 hour drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur allows us to enjoy the diverse countryside of India. After a rooftop dinner at our hotel, we'll spend the evening wandering the market and visiting the clock tower.
Ranbanka Palace / Pal Haveli (4 Star)
- Day 7 – Jodhpur (B)
- We spend the morning visiting Jaswant Thada for an early morning shoot and then Mehrangarh Fort for more. Then, we walk down from the fort to the Blue City for a stroll around the alleyways. The afternoon is yours to explore.
Ranbanka Palace / Pal Haveli (4 Star)
- Day 8 – Jodhpur / Udaipur (B)
- After breakfast we drive 300 kilometers to Udaipur where we check into our hotel before walking around the Ghats and visiting a Jagdish temple. In the evening, we shoot blue hour from the hotel rooftop or other stunning location.
Jagat Niwas Palace / Udai Kothi (4 star)
- Day 9 – Udaipur (B, D)
- After a sunrise shoot from the hotel rooftop and breakfast at our hotel, we'll visit the City Palace. Then, a boat ride on Lake Pichhola to visit the Lake Garden Palace on Jag Mandir Island. Absolutely not to be missed.
Jagat Niwas Palace / Udai Kothi (4 star)
- Day 10 – Udaipur / Pushkar (B, L, D)
- After a day driving to Pushkar, we'll check in and then arrange for a camel ride around the Pushkar camel fair. We'll also visit Pushkar Lake and Brahma temple.
Pushkar Palace (4 star)
- Day 11 – Pushkar (B, L, D)
- Up early to photography the camel herders with their camels at the pushkar camel fair. Activities will be determined on the day, due to the camel fair schedule
Pushkar Palace (4 Star)
- Day 12 – Pushkar (B, L, D)
- Another day at the Pushkar camel fair and activities planned based on the fair schedule. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be the same as the previous day, all at the Pushkar Palace hotel.
Pushkar Palace (4 star)
- Day 13 – Pushkar / Jaipur (B, L, D)
- After breakfast, we start our journey to Jaipur where we'll visit Fort Nahargarh and watch the sunset before a blue hour shoot of the Water Palace Jai Mahal.
Mandawa Haveli (4 star)
- Day 14 – Jaipur (B, L, D)
- We're up before the sun for a morning golden hour shoot of the Wind Palace Hawa Mahal before breakfast. Then get ready for a ride on an elephant at the Amber Fort, followed by an excursion to Abhaneri to visit Chand Baori stepwell, built by Kind Chanda during the Chauhan Dynasty. The design and structure of the stepwell was intended to conserve as much water as possible. The bottom of the well is 5-6 degrees cooler than at the top and it was used as a filming location for Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Dark Knight Rises. A sight not to be missed.
We have our last dinner meal together on this evening, share our fondest memories of the tour and just enjoy our evening.
- Day 15 November 20th – Jaipur / Delhi / Home (B)
- We make our way back to Delhi where we are transferred to the airport for our flight home. You can certainly choose to stay for a time in India on your own if you've made other arrangements. There are no accommodations booked for this day, so if you're staying on in India, you'll have to make sure you've got a place to stay ahead of time.
“I have been on three of Darlene's photography tours.
They are full of adventure, learning opportunities, and fun!
Darlene creates situations that allow you to be creative with your photography
and gives you advice on trying new techniques, all in beautiful settings.”
Ann Nickerson
Your Photo Tour Leaders:
Daniel Korzeniewski
One of your tour leaders for the 2018 edition of this India photo tour is Daniel Korzeniewski. Daniel is a Miami-based travel photographer whose work has appeared in several publications. He contributes to various stock photography outlets and often leads photo travel tours.
Daniel contributes articles about travel photography here on Digital Photo Mentor and is the photo leader for this photo tour of India, our Morocco photo tour, and also Peru and Myanmar.
Darlene Hildebrandt
Your second tour leader for this India photo tour is Darlene. Darlene is the creator of Digital Photo Mentor, a photography teacher, tour leader, traveler, and a cat owner.
She has over 30 years of experience as a professional photographer, has been teaching photography since 2011 and has lead over 8 tours and 20 workshops.
Darlene is a Fuji user, but speaks almost all other photography languages. Whatever your skill level and experience, she can help you unlock the next level and take better photos .
Cost of Photo Tour of India
The pricing will be a little different than for our past tours. Based on feedback from other tours we have decided to reduce the maximum number of participants to 13! This means you will have more time with the tour leaders, and a really nice group size for wandering through the narrow streets of India.
The minimum number of people required to run the tour is seven.
Register Here
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 – 13 People Nice group size with a maximum of 13 people |
$5295 USD |
| Small Group Supplement With less than 10 people (7 – 9), a small group fee will apply |
+$500 USD |
Maximum group size: 13
This is less than many other India photo tours which include 15 or more people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours!
This lower number of guests allows for a smaller, more intimate group in order to give you the best experience. This means you will have more time with the tour leaders, and a really nice group size for wandering through the streets in India.
Two Tour Leaders, Darlene Hildebrandt & Daniel Korzeniewski
Remaining Spots: SOLD OUT
Join the waiting list above to get notified early and grab a spot.
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same sex if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for single room is an additional $1500
The price of the tour includes:
- Airport pickup and return (airport transfers) on the start and end dates as indicated. If you arrive early or stay later you will be responsible for your own airport transportation. We can arrange it for you if you wish at an extra cost.
- 14 nights hotel accommodations.
- Meals – 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners (includes non-alcoholic beverages and tips).
- Air-conditioned transportation – included driver, fuel, and insurance.
- Professional English speaking guide, licensed for tourism.
- Activities including: Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Tuk tuk ride, Camel rides, Jeep safari, board ride, Elephant ride (subject to availability), Camel cart ride in Pushkar.
- Entrance fees to any historical sites, museums and paid locations.
- Photography lessons and image reviews in a group setting (as time permits).
- Photography tutoring and help as needed, you just have to ask.
- Portage tips for bags.
- Bottled water daily.
- Domestic airfare in economy class from Delhi/Jodphpur as per the itinerary.
The price DOES NOT include:
- Your flight or other travel to India.
- Tips for your guide, driver, and tour leader.
- Lunch on your free days.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Personal spending.
- Optional activities like spa treatments.
Flights to India: We travel to India through Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, so book your flights to Delhi. We have arranged transportation to our lodging in Delhi for you if you arrive on the tour start date of Tuesday November 6, 2018 . We just need your flight arrival information to get you picked up at the airport.
Flights home from India: The tour ends and we depart from Delhi so make your travel arrangements accordingly. Airport transfer is included if you fly out on the last day of the tour, Tuesday November 20th .
“Beyond pleased with the photo tour! Every day was a pleasant surprise and I really didn't want to know the agenda! We explored places that I would never have found on my own. I have met some absolute wonderful photography friends and I would like to have another gathering of our group!”
Sharon Zurbrigg
FAQs
What is the physical fitness level needed for this tour?
There are many stairs and hills and some of our accommodations do not have elevators. If you are in good health and fitness level you will be fine. But this tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues.
What if I don't have a roommate but don't want to pay the extra for a single?
If you request to share a room and we cannot match you with a roommate you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. We do our best to pair everyone up but due to gender mismatches, we may not always have equal numbers of males or females. You can certainly bring a friend along to share.
What skill level do I have to be in photography?
We encourage all skill levels to join us on this tour. It is not about what you know it's about doing photography together, enjoying the adventure, and learning a few things along the way. Whatever your level you can get some tips from the tour leader. You don't even have to be a photographer, but can come along and appreciate the relaxed pace of this tour.
What about the food in India?
A lot of people love Indian food and we try to eat a local places to try new things and enjoy it as part of the culture. But we also a understand that this type of food is not for everybody.
If you do not like trying new things, you dislike curry and Indian food in general, or you cannot eat food with a lot of spices (not just hot/spicy but spices in general like pepper, cumin, coriander, etc.) – there may not be a lot of choices available for you in India.
We eat in local restaurants and sometimes in our hotel, and while they always try to accommodate a western palette, there are usually only very few options. For example, you may end up eating a lot of pasta, plain rice, and plain naan bread at every meal.
So if you are not willing or able to adapt to trying new things – we would suggest either you either accept this fact and bring along your own food supplements to handle your nutritional needs, or this may not be the tour for you.
What if I want to buy some things like a carpet, textiles, silver, etc.?
This is first and foremost a photography tour and time for shopping has not been planned into our schedule.
If you wish to do those things on your free time that is up to you to organize and handle. We will NOT be stopping as a group at tourist places where you can buy such things.
If you wish to do a lot of shopping, you may wish to extend your time in India after the tour concludes.
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 – 13 People Nice group size with a maximum of 13 people |
$5295 USD |
| Small Group Supplement With less than 10 people (7 – 9), a small group fee will apply |
+$500 USD |
Maximum group size: 13
This is less than many other India photo tours which include 15 or more people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours!
This lower number of guests allows for a smaller, more intimate group in order to give you the best experience. This means you will have more time with the tour leaders, and a really nice group size for wandering through the streets in India.
Remaining Spots: SOLD OUT
Join the waiting list above to get notified early and grab a spot.
Register Here
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same sex if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for single room is an additional $1500
Our Photo Tours & Workshops
Click here for our complete list of photo tours of Central America, Africa, Asia and South America, and if you'd like more hands on, photography education, you'll love one of our workshops, held in Western Canada, Eastern Canada, Mexico and soon Asia.