Incredible India Photographic Tour - Jan 2014
Overview
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Photograph the colourful, cultural kaleidoscope of Rajasthan, India.
This photo tour is centred in Rajasthan, the desert state of India, famous for its stunning palaces, beautiful dancers, saturated colours, and ornately carved temples. Each location we visit has a wealth of photographic material, and the tour provides a truly exhilarating experience for you to capture many award-winning images almost every hour of every day. You will be ‘blown away’ by the richness of the photography.
Firstly stand in awe and then photograph the brilliance of palaces, forts, historically significant havelis, tribal villages, colourful houses, exotic people, street bazaars, vibrant marketplaces, majestic lake and desert scenes, thousands of wild cranes plus the wondrous and magnificent Taj Mahal.
The photographic emphasis is continually on finding fresh perspectives in Rajasthan’s famous cities: Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jodhpur, Jaipur and more. You will photograph these cities at almost the perfect time of year. But just as important and photographically rich are those hidden, hard-to-find aspects of Rajasthan’s special culture: its colourful people, small villages, small handicraft ‘factories’ and tiny traditional workshops where a more personal rather than touristic insight into the culture, unfolds before your lens.
This is pure camera heaven for photographers who want to return home with photographs and impressions that go deeper than a typical travel and photography holiday.
You may choose to fly into Delhi a day or two before the tour starts, to get acclimatised and do some independent sightseeing and shooting of Delhi’s many touristic attractions.
Highlights
- The small group tour is confined to a maximum of twelve photographers.
- You will receive continuous assistance with your photography from two professional photographers to ensure you return home with of an astounding collection of truly iconic images.
- Photograph Delhi which has some of the most exciting street photography opportunities on the planet. You are about to enter and photograph situations you’d normally never even dream of entering. Driving into Old Delhi leaves most visitors amazed: the seething, crazy mass of humanity shopping, bartering, bantering, pavement-hawking, walking and buzzing about on jam-packed streets, dancing in and out of nose-to-tail traffic will have you initially speechless.
- Photograph Udaipur city known as “City of Lakes or “Venice of the East”. This is a thriving Rajasthani city of half a million souls.
- Ranakpur’s cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, is an unrivalled feat of structural design. you will hardly believe it was built in 1460. The colour of the marble, the interplay of light and shadow, and the occasional flutter of a lady’s vividly-hued sari or man’s turban make for the interesting photography.
- Jodhpur, the Pink City with its chaotic, intoxicating bazaars and the stunning Amber fort is where you will find the intricately adorned palaces, richly carved facades and latticed windows present endless photo opportunities. Jodhpur will take your breath away.
- Explore the Ghantaghar (Clock Tower) area, Jodhpur’s busiest and largest marketplace and the Brahmapuri area of Jodhpur and its endless rows of houses all painted blue – magical photography awaits you here.
- Capture amazing slices of Jodhpuri life, and the contrasts — rich crimsons, hot oranges, spicy terracottas, tawny yellows, impossibly contrasty whites — set against blue-daubed walls will present you with the kind of shooting most photographers only dream of.
- Manvar is where our tented campsite in the desert offers a rare sanctuary of pristine beauty, tranquillity and peace, in one of the most densely populated places on Earth yet you will still enjoy a dinner, under star-lit skies, at an inviting campfire, complete with music and typical village style dances – all rich photography indeed.
- Khimsar – the home of the demoiselle cranes. Around 15,000 cranes gather here, making this is one of the most spectacular crane sedges in the world and one of the best bird photography spots you will ever visit.
- Jaipur – photograph the grounds and structures of the Amber Fort and its striking Hall of Mirrors.
- Jantar Mantar – where, as you will wander through the local street bazaar you will you experience a kaleidoscope of photo opportunities.
- Be taken into photographic situations buried deep in a buzzing mass of humanity and energy, into dark spice-laden lanes and corridors, past sweating warehousemen struggling with impossible loads, through texture-rich alleys, to places that most tourists never see, never mind photograph.
- Photograph the largest gateway in the world followed by a sunset photo shoot of the Taj Mahal from across the river.
- Taj Mahal – little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which for many photographers is the sole reason for their visit to India.
- Gentle, constructive critiques of your images as you capture them.
- A farewell dinner in Delhi (time permitting) before we depart for the international flights home.
Tour Leaders
Gavriel Jecan is one of the most experienced photography guides in this part of Asia. He has photographed professionally and worked with Art Wolfe for over twenty years and is resident in Thailand. The exclusive access to the locations offered on this tour is possible principally because of the wealth of local knowledge Gavriel has garnished from many previous tours of India, from tours he has co-led with Art Wolfe and from his own private tours. To read more on Gavriel, click: Gavriel Jecan. All of the images on this webpage were captured by Gavriel and are shown here with his kind permission.
Denis Glennon AO is an Australian/Irish hobby photographer who continually travel the world seeking unique locations and capturing iconic images. He created Iconic Images International and nothing pleases him more than introducing photographers to those same locations and seeing the delight in their eyes when they witness and photograph a subject that clearly touches their soul. If you would like to read a little more about Denis, click on: Denis Glennon AO.
We will introduce you to extraordinary photographic opportunities that ordinary tourists cannot access and give you friendly, helpful critiques on some of the images you capture on the tour.
Itinerary
The tour officially commences in Delhi, India, with an introductory session followed by an afternoon shoot on Tuesday 14 January 2014 and officially finishes in Delhi with an evening transfer to Delhi International Airport, on Saturday 25 January 2014.
A summary of the itinerary is:
- 13 Jan or earlier: Depart home city for Delhi, India
- 14 Jan: Arrive Delhi International Airport and stay at The Claridges Hotel – 2 nights. Introductions and overview of the anticipated photography; timing of introductory session targeted for lunch time and to accommodate arrival of tour participants. Late afternoon shoot of Delhi city life.
- 15 Jan: Delhi – early morning, afternoon and late evening photo shoots
- 16 Jan: Transfer to the airport to board flight for Udaipur. Upon arrival, transfer to The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Place – 2 nights.
- 17 Jan: Early morning, afternoon and evening photo shoots.
- 18 Jan: Udaipur-Ranakpur-Rohet transfer by road. Stay at Fort Chnwa Luni Hotel – 2 nights. Afternoon and evening photo shoots.
- 19 Jan: Early morning, afternoon and evening photo shoots.
- 20 Jan: Rohet-Manvar transfer by road. Overnight at Manvar Desert Camp. Morning, afternoon, evening and night photo shoots.
- 21 Jan: Manvar-Khichan-Khimsar transfer by road. Stay at Khimsar Fort Hotel – 1 night. Photograph demoiselle cranes and other areas.
- 22 Jan: Khimsar-Jaipur transfer by road. Stay Naraian Niwas Palace Hotel – 2 nights. Enroute and evening photo shoots.
- 23 Jan: Early morning, afternoon and evening photo shoots.
- 24 Jan: Jaipur-Fatehpur Sikri transfer by road. Stay at ITC Mughal Luxury Collection, Agra – 1 night. Enroute and evening shoots.
- 25 Jan: Agra – Delhi – International Airport. Early morning road transfer to The Radisson Blue Plaza Hotel, Agra. Day room only. Photo Taj Mahal and farewell dinner before drop off at Delhi International Airport to connect with international flights home.
For a more comprehensive itinerary and other information on the tour please the DOWNLOAD ITINERARY button in the sidebar and follow the instructions.
Varanasi Extension
This is an optional three day extension to Varanasi and its iconic photography.
The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims engaged in devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is one of the most impressive and photographed sights in the world. For all photographers visiting India, Varanasi is a must see destination.
Varanasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations; the joy of the experience and the iconic images come from watching and capturing the spectacle of life and death – on the river and in the eyes of the people who come to the Ganges – as well as in meandering through the endless alleys of the old city, trying to fathom the ways of a very ancient and mature culture.
Over 60,000 people come down to the waters edge every day to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges.
Summary details of the itinerary are as follows:
- 25 Jan: Delhi – those participating in the extension remain in-house and overnight at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel.
- 26 Jan: Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Stay at Gateway Hotel on the Ganges – 2 nights. Photograph Varanasi in afternoon and evening.
- 27 Jan: Varanasi. Early morning drive to Dashaswamedh and sunrise photography from boat on Ganges. Afternoon and evening shoot at Sarnath.
- 28 Jan: Varanasi. Morning shoot in narrow lanes and by lanes of Varanasi. Afternoon transfer to airport for return flight to Delhi. Dinner at Eaton Airport Hotel prior to international departures.
The cost of the extension per person, twin share, inclusive of return Delhi/Varanasi flights, payable on registration, is US$1435.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making payment).
A single supplement of US$315.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making payment) applies, if specifically requested.
To download a PDF containing details of the itinerary for the extension, what is/is not included and a sample of the photos you can anticipate to capture in Varanasi, click: Varanasi Extension Details
If You Require More Details
To discuss any aspect of international flights, visa requirements or travel insurance for the photo tour please contact the Australian booking agent:
Harvey World Travel – East Perth,
Shop 1/113 Royal Street,
East Perth,
Western Australia 6004
Telephone:+61 (0)8 9221 9977
Fax:+61 (0)8 92215577
eastperth@harveyworld.com.au
and request to speak to Mr Nick Missikos.
Note, a visa is required by all foreigners entering India. The appropriate visa for this photo tour is a “Tourist” visa which can be obtained from the Indian consulate or embassy in your home country.
To discuss anything about photography during the tour, please contact Denis Glennon, on +61 (0)428 923 103. Alternatively drop an email to denis@denisglennon.com or to jgavriel@gmail.com
If this photo safari is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding the information to a friend who may like to know about it.
To Register
Click the “REGISTRATION FORM” button on the sidebar and follow the instructions.
Costs, Terms of Payment & How To Register
COST
Iconic Images is obligated to pay the costs of the photo safari in US dollars.
The cost is US$6,570.00, or the equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment, per person, twin share.
If you require un-shared accommodation a single supplement of US$1,140.00, or the equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment, applies. Please note you must indicate your preference for unshared accommodation on the Registration Form.
TERMS OF PAYMENT
1. A non-refundable deposit of US$1,000.00, together with a completed Registration Form.
2. A final payment of the remaining US$5,570.00, on or before Friday 4th October 2013.
HOW TO REGISTER
To register please click the REGISTRATION FORM button in the sidebar, download the PDF, complete the form and follow the instructions.
Pre-departure Information & Checklists
To assist you prepare for this photo tour I have compiled a downloadable and printable PDF. It contains helpful information on:
- Travelling with and looking after photographic equipment in India.
- Downloading and backing-up images every day.
- Power supply in India for charging batteries, laptop, mobile phone, etc.
- Etiquette when photographing in India and consideration for fellow photographers.
- Keeping healthy in India.
- Money Matters in India.
- Immigration and Customs at Delhi International Airport, India.
- Arrangements to meet you on arrival at Delhi International Airport.
- Travel documents, personal items & clothing checklist
- Personal medical items checklist.
- Camera equipment checklist – this is a comprehensive list and you should not be overwhelmed.
- Your Tour Leaders/Assistants
- Guide to paying gratuities on this photo tour.
- Denis’ choice of lenses and other camera equipment for this photo your.
The information in this PDF will help you with selecting and packing your camera equipment and other essential items for the tour.
A copy of this PDF will be forwarded to all registered participants, approximately thirty days before the commencement of the photo tour.
QUERIES & CONTACTS
If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the photo safari, please contact the booking agent, Harvey World Travel – East Perth, on +61 (o)8 9221 9977 and request to speak to Mr Nick Missikos. Alternatively you can email Nick at eastperth@harveyworld.com.au
If you would like to discuss any photographic aspect of the tour, please telephone Denis Glennon on 0418 923 103 or send an email to denis@denisglennon.com
If this photography tour is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding this link to a friend who may like to know about it. Thank you sincerely.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Download the PDF containing full details on payment terms and registration, the itinerary, what is/is not included, cancellation policy and fees, compulsory travel insurance, health considerations, responsibility, liability, and packing camera gear for travel.
Download: Incredible India - 2014: Detailed Itinerary & Important Information (Printable PDF)
REGISTRATION FORM
To reserve a place, download, complete and return the form to Our World Travel.
Download: REGISTRATION FORM (PrintablePDF)
AFFILIATIONS
Iconic Images is the exclusive representative/agent for C4 Photo Safaris, South Africa, in Australia & New Zealand.
C4 Photo Safaris provides the on-ground logistics for Iconic Images' photo safaris/tours in Africa and is a SATSA member. The SATSA logo signifies that C4 Photo Safaris offers services that are of the highest quality and the company is deemed to be a credible and reliable provider of services to the tourism industry in South Africa. These services are independently audited on an annual basis. SATSA members are bonded, providing a financial guarantee of deposits held against the involuntary liquidation of a SATSA member.
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