Kolkata & Varanasi
November 1st - 8th 2025
3 spaces available
India Photography Workshop
Join Jord for a week-long photography workshop through Varanasi and Kolkata - two of India’s most culturally rich cities. From sunrise rituals on the ghats to the vibrant chaos of Kolkata’s streets, you’ll capture powerful storytelling moments while refining your street and cultural photography skills. With expert guidance, hands-on editing, and exclusive access, this immersive trip is designed to elevate your creative vision. Shivam (@shivam_photofarm) will also be joining us to share his local knowledge and creative insights.
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself!
Pricing
Total price: $5,250 USD
Payable today: $750 to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 6 x $750 monthly installments
Number of participants: 8
The Itinerary
Day 1: Kolkata
We start the morning at Maidan Park, where Kolkata wakes up—cricketers practicing, grazing horses, and golden light casting long shadows over the open fields.
From there, we head to a street walk through Kolkata’s bustling neighborhoods, capturing the city coming to life as markets open and chai vendors serve their first cups of the day.
Next, we explore the metal market, a maze of workshops and foundries where sparks fly as craftsmen shape iron and steel.
After breakfast and a break, we head to Kumartuli, the city’s famed idol-makers’ district, where artisans sculpt intricate deities for upcoming festivals.
In the afternoon, we dive into Kolkata’s paper and textile neighborhoods, capturing the textures, colors, and details of traditional craftsmanship.
Day 2: Kolkata
An early start takes us to Kolkata’s traditional wrestling pits (akhara culture), where we’ll capture wrestlers training in an atmospheric setting.
In the afternoon, we meet for our first photo review session, analyzing our best shots so far and refining our approach for the rest of the trip.
Later, we visit Koley Market, one of Kolkata’s busiest wholesale markets, where porters rush between stalls stacked high with fresh produce.
We continue to Sealdah Train Station, capturing the energy of one of India’s major railway hubs—perfect for motion, light, and street photography.
Day 3: Kolkata
Sunrise at the Flower Market, one of India’s largest and most vibrant, where thousands of marigolds and roses are traded daily. The market sits beneath the towering Howrah Bridge, an iconic location for capturing Kolkata’s morning light.
After a break, we meet for an editing workshop, where we’ll work through color grading, refining compositions, and storytelling techniques.
In the afternoon, we jump into our Yellow Taxi Ride Session, where each participant takes a classic yellow cab on a pre-planned route through the city, capturing Kolkata’s energy from a moving perspective.
Day 4: Travel Day
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Varanasi, leaving behind Kolkata’s urban energy and preparing for an entirely different photographic experience.
After checking in, we meet for a photo review session, reflecting on our Kolkata images, discussing key takeaways, and preparing for the shift in approach needed for Varanasi’s slower, more immersive storytelling.
In the late afternoon, we head out for an evening boat ride on the Ganges, capturing the ancient ghats at sunset.
As night falls, we photograph the burning ghats (optional), focusing on low-light storytelling and the ethereal glow of funeral pyres from a respectful distance.
Day 5: Varanasi
We start the day with a sunrise walk along the ghats, capturing the morning rituals of pilgrims bathing, sadhus meditating, and boats gliding through the mist.
After breakfast, we explore Varanasi’s hidden alleyways, documenting street life, sacred cows, and the layered textures of the old city.
In the afternoon, we set up a portrait session with local sadhus and priests, learning how to approach and capture compelling cultural portraits.
Day 6: Varanasi
Sunrise on the Ganges by boat, photographing the city as it awakens—priests offering prayers, devotees performing rituals, and early morning rowers cutting through the mist.
We then head to a wrestling pit in Varanasi, documenting another take on this centuries-old tradition with new lighting and compositional challenges.
In the afternoon, we visit a brick factory on the outskirts of Varanasi, capturing the labor-intensive process and the striking earthy tones of the environment.
Later, we meet for our second editing workshop, refining our images with advanced color grading and composition techniques.
Day 7: Varanasi
Sunrise on the river with sadhus, capturing these holy men on boats against the morning glow of the Ganges.
We then cross to the other side of the river, a quieter, less-visited stretch of land where herders, bathers, and farmers go about their daily routines—offering a different perspective of Varanasi.
After a midday break, we regroup for our final photo review session, discussing our strongest images from the trip.
As night falls, we experience and photograph the Ganga Evening Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing display of fire, chanting, and devotion that takes place along the main ghats.
We close the trip with a farewell dinner, celebrating an incredible week of photography.
Day 8: Travel Day
We fly back to Kolkata together on the morning flight, and you are free to continue your travels in India or fly back home.
If you’d prefer, you have the option to stay in Varanasi and book your onward travel from there.
““To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!””
What’s included?
8 nights of accommodation (starting Oct 31st) in carefully selected 3* & 5* hotels, with single occupancy.
Return domestic flight between Kolkata and Varanasi included.
All on-ground transportation, including a private mini-bus for city travel.
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
A dedicated local guide and fixer for the entire journey.
Airport pick up and drop off.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
What’s not included?
International flights to and from India
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, additional drinks, or activities outside the itinerary)
Psst... Beginners welcome!
My photography trips are limited to just 8 participants to ensure I can give each of you my full attention and help you make the most of the experience. This intimate setting allows me to work closely with every participant, regardless of skill level. If you're a beginner, this workshop offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn in the field, develop your skills, and grow in a supportive and personalized environment.
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Laptop for editing sessions
Tripod
Visa Information
Most travelers will need a tourist visa to enter India. Many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online before arrival.
If you're unsure about your visa requirements, please check the official guidelines or reach out—we’re happy to assist.
For more information on visas, [click here].
““Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!””
Hey, I’m Jord
I'm a full-time travel and street photographer from the UK and have spent the last nine years exploring Asia with my camera.
India has been a huge source of inspiration for me, from its chaotic yet mesmerizing streets to its deeply rooted traditions. After countless visits, I keep coming back as there’s always something new to capture.
This time, I’m teaming up with my good friend Shivam (@shivam_photofarm) to take you on an unforgettable journey through Varanasi and Kolkata - two of India’s most photogenic cities. From the timeless rituals along the Ganges to the bustling alleys of Kolkata, we’ll guide you through the art of street and cultural photography in a way that’s immersive, insightful, and creatively challenging.
I can’t wait to share this experience with you!