India: Varanasi and Kolkata Photography Workshop 2025
Workshop Dates:
9 November 2025 to 16 November 2025
(7 nights)
A Tale of Two Cities; one known as the birthplace of Hinduism, the second known as the birthplace of the British Empire. Both steeped in history, these two extraordinary cities feel like different sides of the same coin.
With winding back streets and dramatic ghats, together with chanting and incense, Varanasi can feel like another planet. It's perfect for street and portraits and there are stories to be found everywhere, particularly if you enjoy scratching a bit below the surface.
Kolkata is a modern metropolis that's largely off the tourist trail. It was always a town of merchants, and is no different now. As well as the markets, there is the heritage to explore and find stories in.
Price is £2800 per participant.
Read on for more details, including:
- Full itinerary
- About the workshops
- What is and is not included
- Orientation and map
- Testimonials
☆ Small-group photography workshops with personal guidance from an experienced pro ☆
The Itinerary
Varanasi
9 November 2025 - 12 November 2025
Pilgrims bathing in the holy river, together with Shiva-ite holy men ("sadhus"), are what Varanasi is known for and we will certainly see such people. There is far more a little below the surface and we will investigate the temples above the ghats, the workings of the holy river, and the produce and garland markets that supply the city's pilgrims.
Accommodation is a modern luxury hotel, selected for its central location
Kolkata
12 November 2025 - 16 November 2025
Four nights is not really enough in The City of Joy. We will have a busy time visiting 130 year old markets, visiting textile manufacturers and old colonial buildings covered in vines, cricket practice outside Eden Gardens, and the last remaining workshops for the fabled Calcutta yellow taxis. Kolkata is a city with incredible energy. It is one of those places good things happen, and everyone should visit at least once in their life.
Accommodation is a central luxury hotel with swimming pool
About my Workshops
The Focus
The focus of the workshop is to develop and enhance your photography skillset. Spending time in each location allows us to really explore and develop individual imagery and short projects. I am much more than just a guide!
The Tutorials
Tutorials throughout the workshop will teach either a practical technique, including Lightroom, or an approach to the subject matter at hand. All supported by imagery from ambitious and successful contemporary and past photographers.
The Shoots
Shooting is generally at dawn and dusk for the best light. Daytime is to recce our locations, tutorials, photo reviews, independent sightseeing, and.. resting! At locations, I will be at hand to discuss approaches to subject matter as well as provide technical assistance.
Your Goals
Email James directly to discuss how this experience can help develop your creative goals. Everyone gets personal attention throughout each workshop to maximise your photographic growth.
Orientation
The nearest international airport is Delhi (far left / West on the map), from where Varanasi is a short flight.
We will fly as a group to Kolkata on the 12th, and there are direct flights back to Delhi from Kolkata at the end of the trip.
Tour Details
Dates: 9 November 2025 to 16 November 2025.
Price: £2800 per participant.
Included:
- Accommodation (single occupancy - email for reduced double rates), including breakfast,
- All transport associated with the workshop, including the flight from Varanasi to Kolkata,
- All entrance fees associated with the workshop,
- All photographic tuition and support on shoots,
- Ebook of all tutorials,
- Optional pre and post workshop video calls to discuss objectives and results / editing.
Not included:
- International flights, airport taxes, and transport to Varanasi and from Kolkata,
- Travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is required for participation please,
- Camera insurance for your gear,
- India Tourist Visa,
- Tips.
Participants:
- Maximum six participants only,
- Moderate fitness required.
Experience and Gear:
- No previous photography experience is required, as I can cover teaching the basics of exposure to advanced technical and creative story telling,
- Most participants use mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but compacts, smart phones, film cameras, medium or large format, are all welcome,
- A laptop or tablet is useful although not essential for image review and Lightroom tutorials.
Add On:
- This trip is directly after my workshop in Rajasthan which ends on 7th November, and the two can be booked together for a discount.
About me
I'm a freelance photographer with 25 years experience in the industry. I've shot commercially in London and New York and made many stories for editorial clients in places like India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. I still work commercially from my base in London and exhibit globally. My most recent personal project is Nevi Wesh and my project Arabia won the Sony World Photo Portfolio Prize in 2023. I am now in my third year of running workshops around the world - please join me!
Onwards!
Pic: James with the current owner of an incredible Kolkata business that dates back to the 19th Century!
Testimonials
"It is the quality of the teaching that sets James apart from other photo tours. His well prepared tutorials on technique are illustrated by the work famous photographers to show how the ideas can work in practice. And he's always on hand during shoots too."
Ruth A 🇬🇧
"I’ve just booked on to my third workshop with James and can’t wait. He has a knack of finding the unusual and different even in well known places, and then showing you different ways to photograph it."
Jim C 🇬🇧
"My photographic 'voice' has really developed on James’s workshops. It’s so interesting learning about how a professional photographer would approach subject matter, whether to create a story, or one strong individual image."
Janene M 🇦🇺
"James’s meticulous planning, and genuine passion for photography elevated the entire journey. His personal guidance and insights helped me to not only improve my photography skills but also connect deeply with the places we visited."
Richard B 🇬🇧
☆ These testimonials are from existing clients who have completed at least two trips with James ☆
A Few Pictures from India Workshops 2024
Questions?
Email or use the form to set up a call directly with me.
See all workshops here
All mentioned accommodation is subject to availability. In the unlikely event it is not available, accommodation of a similar standard will be provided.