INDIA: BIRDS OF THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS...

  • DATE:  November 12 – 24, 2010 (11 Days / 11 Nights)
  • MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 8 Participants (Minimum of 2)
  • FROM: Mumbai, India
  • WORKSHOP LEADERS: David Hemmings & Clement Francis

AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE

India is a vast country with diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, deserts, grasslands, deciduous and evergreen forests, and a long coastline. This wide variety of habitats is home to approximately 1400 species of birds. Apart from the resident species a huge number of migratory birds arrive in the country every year during the winter from as far as Siberia and Europe.

In short, it is a paradise for birds. Apart from the spectacular avian life, this country is home to one of the world's richest array of wildlife, probably even comparable to the great African bush. Tigers, Elephants, Panthers, Rhinos, Asiatic Lions, Snow Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and the list goes on. It just takes a visit to one of the many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that lie scattered all over the country, to be amidst these magnificent animals of the wild.
 You just have to be there!

PHOTO ITINERARY

On this photo adventure we will focus on the following opportunities:

Eagles & Vultures: India is home to numerous species of Eagles and Vultures. Here are some of the species we will be looking for and shooting. Pallas Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Egyptian Vultures, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Spot Bellied Eagle Owls.

Hawks, Falcons, Kites, Harriers, Kestrels and Buzzards: There are a wide variety of these species in Western India, here a some of these species that we can expect to see and photograph. Long Tailed and Grey Back Shrikes, Common Kestrel, Red Collared Falconet, Black Shouldered Kites, Brahiminy Kites, Montagues Harrier and White Eyed Buzzards.

Owls and Nightjars: We can also hope to see and photograph Spotted Owlets, Jungle Owlets, Indian Nightjars, Tawny Fish Owls and Srilanka Frogmouths.

Flycatchers, Dippers, Lapwings, Woodpeckers, Sunbirds, Kingfishers, etc.: The list goes on and on as far as species we will encounter. Here are more examples of what we can expect to see and photograph on this amazing workshop. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Green Backed Tit, Green-tailed Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Black Throated Sunbird, Crested Kingfisher, Himalayan Swiftlet, Siberian Rubythroat and Great Slaty Woodpeckers.

Digital Workshops:  During the evenings for those who wish to participate, we will have image review sessions and talk about techniques and what we can expect to see the next day.  In these post processing workshops participants will have ample opportunities to improve skills in Adobe Photoshop.  Guided by David and Glenn, participants can learn how to take their images from straight out-of-the-camera RAW images to stunning final works of art (ready for printing or websites).
On the last evening, we will give out prizes for the top 3 images of the workshop!

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On this photo adventure participants will focus on the following learning objectives:

  • Proper use of light, both ambient and flash
  • How to read light and make the proper exposure setting for each situation
  • When to and when not to use a tripod
  • How to take exciting flight and action images
  • How to take advantage of the best backgrounds to improve an image

 WHY TRAVEL WITH NATURES PHOTO ADVENTURES?

  • We have 2 professional photographer workshop leaders for more personalized attention – groups can be split into two separate destinations within a workshop and have personalized instruction and guidance.
  • David and Glenn are 2 of the world’s top photographers in bird portrait and flight photography.
  • Our workshops are suited to photographers of ALL levels.  We do everything we can to make sure that each participant gets the absolute most out of the nature photography workshop.
  • We utilize local guides with years of experience in their home areas.
  • We have more experience.  We have been to the places we will take you – not for a week or two – but for months!!  We know where to get the best possible images and can show you how to achieve them. 
  • We are environmentally and socially aware.  When we visit communities around the world we give something back to these places and the people who live there.  We also offer guests the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint made during the trip.
  • At the end of each of our workshops we hold a final nights “banquet” where we share images, stories and give away prizes for best images, most improved, and other categories.

LOGISTICS

This workshop/tour is limited to 8 participants to ensure the best photographic opportunities and instruction possible.

Price:

  • The cost of this photo workshop is U.S. $4,999 / person.
  • Payment can be made through paypal below or by check or money order.
  • Accommodations are designed to be two persons per room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be an additional charge of $700.00
  • We offer a non-photographer discount for nature lovers, spouses or guests: 10%
  • Once we have received your deposit we will send you a confirmation invoice and registration package.

Prices include:

  • All expert photo instruction
  • Any Local guides and drivers with vehicles.
  • All entrance fees to natural areas visited
  • All accommodations, based on double occupancy
  • All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips
  • Land transportation during workshop
  • Airport transfers to and from hotels
  • Bottled water for the duration of the workshop

PAY IN $USD

Pay in $USD Funds

PAY IN $CAD

Please Note: All Canadian residents must pay 5% GST (Included in price below)

Pay in CAD Funds

Price does not include:

  • International airfare to place of tour origin
  • Any additional nights accommodation outside of the tour dates
  • Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
  • Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

Suggested Equipment:

It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:

  • A digital SLR and a lens of 300mm or greater.
  • A tripod is recommended
  • A wide angle lens
  • A flash

Payment Terms:

A $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on this tour.  The balance of the payment is due before January 14, 2010.

Please see our complete booking and refund policy by clicking the link below.

HOW TO JOIN THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?

We like to keep our workshops small, so space is extremely limited. Once the workshop seats are full – that’s it…  If this exciting photo adventure sounds like fun to you, then now is the time to register.

Click on the paypal link to reserve your place or send us an email to register by mail (via check or money order).

If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to:

Once you have signed up we will send you specific details re. What to bring and help you arrange any travel details that you need assistance with (e.g. flights, visas). As well we will send our booking and refund policies as well as our standard waiver form.

Please note:

  • Natures Photo Adventures strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance
  • All funds are quoted in US dollars and subject to exchange rate fluctuation and gas surcharge if we are billed additionally.
  • We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible.

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