KABINI CATS

Here’s a complete overview of what happens in the SSP Kabini Photography learning tour.

1.Photography learning through indoor / outdoor sessions:

Sudhir will have interactive classroom photography sessions followed by hands on outdoor sessions to help the participants have a practical approach to the learning. These sessions help you pick up the basics and advanced concepts of photography and you can start applying them in the field.

2.Photography learning in the field during the safari:

Once you have understood the concepts in the indoor/outdoor classroom sessions, it’s time to implement them practically in the field. During the safari Sudhir will guide you with the camera settings and composition based on the challenges in the field. He will also give you few assignments to help you understand the concept of pre-visualization.

3.Fun Times:

While we are extremely serious about our photography, we never play down the importance of some good old-fashioned fun and some great food. Breakfast during the safaris is a great time to share, interact and know each other.

The teaching and learning will not stop after the workshop. In fact this is just the starting point. You will be part of the SSP community of the SSP website where your learning and interactions with fellow photographers continues.

Before the Workshop
We will ask you for:
– some basic information about your equipment
– your photos/portfolio
– your expectations from the workshop
– Whatsapp group of the participants will be formed 1 month prior to the workshop dates so that your learning starts much in advance and you are well prepared for the tour.
Communicating your expectations beforehand will ensure that Sudhir addresses them during individual interactions with you.
During the Workshop
– Sudhir will demonstrate the best way to approach and shoot the subjects and give deeper insights on their behavioural aspects.
– He will introduce the advanced custom function settings of your camera. A firm understanding of these settings will be your first step toward shooting like a pro.
– In the park, he will continually guide you based on the field conditions and subjects.
– Knowledge sharing and image review will continue through the evenings as Sudhir interacts with you with focused inputs to reinforce the day’s learning.
– You will have assignments to complete, giving you ample scope to assimilate and apply all that you have learnt.
After the Workshop
Your pursuit of photography knowledge doesn’t end with the workshop. The SSP Community is your gateway to continued learning and interaction, apart from being the ideal platform to showcase your best images. In addition to image review and critique by Sudhir and his team, you also gain the perfect peer group interaction to grow as a photographer. Theme-based assignments, healthy discussions, candid feedback, equipment reviews and resale are the other great perks of being part of this community.
*The below topics will be covered and the participants will learn how to apply these concepts in wildlife photography.
Fundamental and Advanced Concepts of Photography:
– Manual and advanced autofocus (focusing points, autofocus lock, single or continuous focus, Focusing Sensors, AF cases, Advanced AF settings of camera)
– Manual exposure (ISO, shutter speed, Aperture)- We will use theory of reciprocity to arrive at the combination.
– Metering modes (evaluative, matrix, spot metering) – Practically understand when to use what metering.
– Motion (freezing, blurring and panning) – Creative area of photography
– Understanding exposure – the 18% concept
– Composition (framing) – Create story telling images.
– Elements of design (seeing v/s looking)
– Pre-visualization
– Completing the story
Post-Processing:
During the course of the workshop, you will be taken through the advanced concepts of image processing and the following topics will be covered:
– Working with RAW files
– Levels, curves, contrast, saturation adjustments (All through layers and masking)
– Image sharpening, cloning, dodge and burn
– Noise reduction.
– Saving for web/ printing
During the Field Outing:
During the field outing, your mentor Sudhir Shivaram will help you make memorable images. Inputs provided on the field will enable you make the most of the opportunity.
The teaching and learning will not stop after the workshop. In fact this is just the starting point. You will be part of the SSP community of the SSP website where your learning and interactions with fellow photographers continues.

The actual day today itinerary may vary depending on the flow of the workshop. All updates will be regularly communicated at the venue via the Whatsapp group formed.

Day 1:

• Arrive and check in to Kabini Jungle Lodges and Resorts based on your travel schedule.
• Lunch by 1pm and we meet for a quick round of briefing, preparing for the afternoon safari.
• We leave for the afternoon safari and come back in the evening.
• Interact with your mentor Sudhir, as he primes you with some basic concepts of photography and also helps you understand about the expectations of the workshop. This will set you up for the ensuing safaris, where you will delve deeper into the core principles, tips, and tricks of photography.
• Dinner and lights off.
• Day 2:
• Wakeup call at 5:30am and we leave at around 6am for the safari.
• Return from safari, have breakfast, rest for 1hr before we meet for hands on photography sessions
• Hands on photography session – We will go through advanced concepts of exposure triangle parameters and see how it applies to wildlife photography
• Lunch / rest and afternoon safari. We return in the evening, 45 mins rest and we meet for the photography session.
• Photography session – We look at all the various aspects of composition and see how it applies to our subjects at Kabini.
• Dinner and lights off.
• Day 3:
• Wakeup call at 5:30am and we leave at 6am for the safari.
• Return from safari, have breakfast, rest for 1hr before we meet for hands on photography sessions
• Classroom session – We will go through advanced concepts of auto focusing and see how it applies to wildlife photography
• Lunch / rest and afternoon safari. We return in the evening, 45 mins rest and we meet for the photography session.
• Later in the evening we meet for a presentation on advanced post processing. We also review the work given for assignment.
• Dinner and lights off.
• Day 4:
• Wakeup call at 5:30am and we leave at 6am for the safari.
• Return from safari, have breakfast and leave for our destinations

Kabini River Lodge, Kabini

Named after the River Kabini, the River Kabini Lodge beckons with the promise of elephants, gaur, deer and a rumour of tiger. Located on the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) , this former hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore was rated as One of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts in the World by the British Tatler’s Travel Guide. A sprawling colonial estate in the heart of elephant country, the River Kabini Lodge echoes with the call of the wild.

Workshop Cost:
INR 47,500/- (plus 5% GST) – Per Person On Double Occupancy

Inclusions:
– All costs are ex-Kabini. However, at an added cost, we can arrange for transportation.
– Accommodation and all meals for 3 Nights / 4 Days stay at Kabini River Lodge from Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
– 6 safaris, forest entry fee, guide charges.

Exclusions:
– Transport from your destination to Kabini.
– Camera charges depending on the equipment you use, as charged by the forest department. This will be e-maild to registered participants.
– laundry charges.
– Tips of around INR 500 per person.
*Any other expenses outside of the above will have to be borne by the participants.

Terms and Cancellation Policy:
The 50% deposit is non refundable once the payment is done.
75% of the remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the workshop start dates.
No refund if cancellation is done between 0-45 days of the event.

Payment Terms:
Full amount to be paid 60 days prior to the workshop starting date.

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.