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.
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 Kings Lodges 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.
• Packed breakfast at the centre point, along with the local snacks available there
• 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 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.
• Packed breakfast at the centre point, along with the local snacks available there
• 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
• We take a break from the safari for the afternoon and continue with our photography learning.
• Afternoon photography session – We review the images shot from the previous 3 safaris, look at the challenges faced and make corrections to make the best use of the next 3 safaris. We also review the work given for assignment.
• Later in the evening we meet for a presentation on advanced post processing.
• Dinner and lights off.

Day 4:

• Wakeup call at 4am and we leave at 4:45am for the safari.
• Packed breakfast at the centre point, along with the local snacks available there
• Return from safari, rest for 1hr before we meet for hands on photography sessions
• Classroom session – This will be an open free format session to interact with the participants and clear any of the pending doubts along with image review.
• Lunch and afternoon safari.
• Later in the evening we meet for a healthy photography competition among the participants
• Tonight will be the gala day of some tribal dance and bush dinner.

Day 5:

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

Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh

The lodge is set in a forested estate of 32 acres over looking sal forested hills on both sides. Bandhavgarh was established in 1968 as a National Park, and is spread over an area of 448 sq. kms. This national park was declared as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in the year 1993. It is predominantly covered with vegetation like SAL, SALI, DHOBIN and has vast stretches of grasslands spread over 32 hills, the region though smaller than other wildlife parks has one of the highest density of tigers in the world.

Workshop Cost:
INR 55,000/- (plus 5% GST) – For Double Occupancy
INR 65,000/- (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 Kings Lodge 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.
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.