BANDHAVGARH BECKONS

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.

Wildlife Photography Learning:

As a part of the workshop, the 4 important pillars of photography – Subject Knowledge, Fundamental concepts of photography, Shooting Techniques / Understanding your equipment and Post processing will be covered.

The below topics from the advanced fundamentals of photography will be covered and you will learn how to apply these concepts in Wildlife photography.

– Importance of Subject Knowledge and understanding natural history
– The key to getting right colours – Use of White Balance
– In-depth understanding of Manual exposure (ISO, shutter speeds, Aperture)
– Understanding exposure – the 18% grey concept
– Diving deep into Metering modes (evaluative / matrix / Multi, spot metering)
– Exploring the AF points (both DSLR and Mirrorless)
– Exploring the advanced AF points for subject tracking
– Understanding the advanced menu options for auto focusing (for both DSLR and Mirrorless)
– Depth of field

– Motion (freezing, blurring and panning)
– When to use what: Aperture priority, shutter priority or Manual
– Shooting techniques
– Accessories in wildlife photography

Topics of Composition (framing):
– Understanding light
– Rule of 1/3
– Vertical vs Horizontal
– Angle of shooting
– Avoiding Distractions
– Getting complementary foreground/background
– Catchlight and head turn

Creative Photography:
– Backlit / rim lighting image creation
– Capturing Behaviour
– Extreme Close-up
– Eye Level
– High / Low key images
– Foreground OOF Images
– Portraits vs Habitat
– Using Reflections
– Complementary background
– Signature Shots
– Story Telling

Post-Processing:
During the course of the workshop, you will be taken through the fundamentals of image processing and the following topics will be covered (Processing using Lightroom and ACR / Photoshop will be covered):

– Fundamentals of colour management.
– Lightroom essentials: The Library and Develop modules of LR
– Importing and metadata of images into LR
– Key wording
– Filtering images
– RAW processing workflow covering advanced tools of LR
– Exporting images

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 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 The Bandhav Vilas based on your travel schedule.
• In the evening, meet and greet.
• 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 4am and we leave at 4:45am for the safari.
• We carry packed breakfast and have it in the field
• Return from safari, 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 / metering 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 Bandhavgarh.
• Dinner and lights off.

Day 3:

• Wakeup call at 4am and we leave at 4:45am for the safari.
• We carry packed breakfast and have it in the field
• Return from safari, 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 on advanced concepts of post processing using Lightroom.
• Dinner and lights off.

Day 4:

• Wakeup call at 4am and we leave at 4:45am for the safari.
• We carry packed breakfast and have it in the field
• Return from safari and relax.
• Time to shortlist your best 2 images shot from the workshop, process the images and submit it to Sudhir.
• Lunch and afternoon safari.
• Photography Session : A healthy photography competition, where each of you will be taught the process of judging images and each of you will be part of the jury to judge the images submitted and declare the winners.
• Dinner and lights off.

Day 5:

• Early morning safari as usual, we return and then leave for our destination.

Bandhav Vilas

Nestled among the picturesque Vindhya Hills & the natural beauty of the wilds, Bandhav Vilas is the luxury jungle resort on the edge of the Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. The perfect base from which to explore the territory of the majestic tiger. The resort setting is picturesque with a dramatic watercourse and sun kissed private sit outs & decks. Charming luxury Villas, contemporary interiors with traditional touches, luxurious bathrooms and private open to sky courtyard are in perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.

Workshop Cost:
INR 88,000/- (plus 5% GST) – For Double Occupancy
INR 98,000/- (plus 5% GST) – For Single Occupancy
Inclusions:
– All costs are ex-Bandhavgarh. However, at an added cost, we can arrange for transportation.
– Accommodation and all meals for 4 Nights / 5 Days stay at The Bandhav Vilas Resort.
– 7 safaris (4 participants per vehicle), forest entry fee/camera fee/guide charges.
*Any other expenses outside of the above will have to be borne by the participants.

Terms and Cancellation Policy:
INR 35,000 is non refundable once the payment is done.
Additional INR 25,000 is not refundable once the safari permits are 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.