STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FROM MUMBAI AND BEYOND
Varanasi 2025 - Street Photography Workshop
17 - 19 Jan 2025 (10 participants max)
INTRODUCTION
We often think of street photography as a genre that focuses on capturing activities that happen in the outside world. While that may be true, it is only a partial truth. Street photography, at its core, encompasses much more than that: It is about finding the undercurrent of magic that overlays real life. It’s about finding little (or big) surprises (a moment of joy, a shaft of light, an interesting connection) that occur every day. It is also a way for us to know more about you: Street photography, when done with passion and authenticity, gives us a glimpse into the photographer’s world; what makes them tick, their character, their interests.
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It is the easiest and the hardest genre of photography. It is the easiest because all you have to do is wear your shoes, take your camera and get out of your house. The world around you is your canvas. It is also the hardest because you do not have control over a single element in the environment. In a fraction of a second, you need to press the shutter at the moment when all the elements in your frame are in the right place, while still telling us something about you and the outside world.
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This can feel daunting, especially in our Indian cities brimming with sensory triggers. This can lead to questions and doubts: What do you shoot? How do I approach this scene? Is there anything to see here?
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Over the course of 3 days (and half a day of theory), we mentors will endeavor to help you find your answers to these questions. Through a mix of mentored walks, free-flowing discussions, Q&A sessions, and an honest review session, we will guide you to be more observant. to understand better what catches your eye, to approach both complex and quieter scenes, and more than anything we will guide you to keep asking yourself “What else? What else can I see here? What else can I add (or subtract) to make my picture stronger?"
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Whether you are taking your first steps on the streets or are a more experienced photographer who would like to get an honest assessment of your current state, this workshop will have something to offer you.
Shot by Sreeranj
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE BACK
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You will learn how to capture the magic in the mundane of everyday life.
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You will learn how to approach a complex scene and create compelling images out of it.
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You will learn how to pay attention to the minutest details in your frame that can make or break an image.
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You will also learn how to channel your inner self to create images that have your voice.
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You will learn how to sequence a series of images to create bigger stories.
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You will get a clear and honest assessment of your strengths and areas of improvement through a detailed review session.
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You will connect with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion as you.
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You will take back memories of a fun weekend filled with laughter and fun
PREREQUISITE
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Laptop with photo-editing software.
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A good pair of shoes.
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Camera with preferably a small lens and extra batteries.
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Videoconferencing via Google Meet for the theory session.
Shot by Suresh
DETAILED PLANNING
Day 0 (date will be shared with the workshop participants) - 3h:
A few days before the workshop (date to be confirmed), we will host an introductory session on street photography.
This session will take place online (via GMeet) and will last 3 hours.
Day 1 (17/01/2025) – 7:00AM to 6:30PM
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7:00 – 7:30: Meetup and Introduction
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7:30 – 12:30: First Photo Walk under mentor’s guidance
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12:30 – 2:00: Lunch Break
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2:00 – 6:30: Second Photo Walk under mentors’ guidance
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Day 2 (18/01/2025) – 7:00AM to 6:00PM
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7:00 – 12:30: Third Photo Walk under mentors’ guidance
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12:30 – 2:00: Lunch Break
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2:00 – 6:30: Fourth Photo Walk under mentors’ guidance
​Day 3 (19/01/2025) – 7:00AM to 6:00PM
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7:00 – 12:30: Final Photo Walk under mentors’ guidance
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12:30 – 2:00: Lunch Break
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2:00 – 5:30: Review Session
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5:30 – 6:00: Q&A, Wrap-up
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Shot by Suresh
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
The workshop is limited to 10 people on a first come first serve basis.
This ensures that the mentors will be able to spend time with each student individually and provide adequate feedback during the walks.
The participant's seat will be confirmed as soon as the payment is made.
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Note: This workshop can be booked in tandem with the Kumbh Mela workshop that will take place between the 12th and 16th of January.
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PRICE
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INR 10000 (Indian residents)
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INR 17500 (Indian residents if booked with the Varanasi Workshop)
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USD 220 (International participants)
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USD 370 (International participants if booked with the Varanasi Workshop)
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What's included?
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Workshop charges
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A list of resources on street photography along with 7 e-books (worth 5000 INR)
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What's excluded?
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Travel to Varanasi
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Food
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Accommodation
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Any other private expenses
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PAYMENT
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For local residents:
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Google Pay: UPI ID: suresh.naganathan@okhdfcbank or sreeranj@oksbi
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For international participants only:
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Paypal: suresh.naganathan@gmail.com
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CANCELLATION POLICY
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Within 1 week from the payment day: 75% refund
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Within 2 weeks from the payment day: 50% refund
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More than 2 weeks after payment: no refund
Shot by Sreeranj