India Insights - Young Photographer

This morning, you’ll make a very early start for your train journey to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal! Alternating with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, the city’s past is inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. Today it is best known as the home of the Taj Mahal but also boasts a fort, a Friday Mosque and the royal tombs on the opposite bank of the river.

You’ll explore the Taj Mahal, the masterpiece which shelters the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with a profusion of semi-precious stones which form stylised flowers and bowers. Words fail to do it justice; only by visiting it can you appreciate its exquisite beauty. Further along the banks of the river Yamuna, you visit Agra Fort. It was from here that the Moghul Empire was ruled and you spend some time exploring the nooks and crannies within. The afternoon is left free for you to wander at leisure, or relax. Hotel – 1 night (Swimming Pool – may be closed in winter) (B)

Explore the photographic opportunities in and around the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.

Photo challenge 1 - Photograph the Taj Mahal at sunset (for those who would like to) with plenty of one-to-one support and guidance. Learn about aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, focal lengths, composition, light and more.

Evening - Get together and review the day’s images, charge batteries, back up images. Advice will be given to help you improve so you can practise throughout the week.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India - 'Jungle Book' brought to life! A wonderful blend of historical ruins and wildlife, it is the habitat of Bengal tiger, nilgai, sambar and chital (types of antelope), sloth bear and jungle cat, plus crocodile in the lake. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with high hopes of getting at least one sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon for the best chance of animal sightings. Leopards have been spotted on the periphery of the park, and jackal and hyena can also be glimpsed, so there’s plenty to watch out for! (BLD)

NB. During the hot summer months, Ranthambore National Park is closed. Therefore during July and August we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife is resident here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.

Explore the photographic opportunities in Ranthambore National Park.

Photo challenge 3 - Learn more about aperture, focal lengths, composition, depth of field, light and more with plenty of one-to-one support and guidance. Advice on how to anticipate the subjects movement before taking the picture and advanced shooting camera modes.

Evening - Get together and review the day’s images, charge batteries, back up images.

During your stay in Jaipur you visit the City Palace, once the home of the Maharaja. You’ll also see the famous Palace of the Winds; here royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens) which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway.

This afternoon, you’ll continue your onward journey back to the capital. The journey should take around 5 hours, arriving back in Delhi in the evening. Hotel – 1 night (B)

Explore the photographic opportunities of and around the City Palace and famous Palace of the Winds.

Photo challenge 5 - Your chance to have fun with all the different photographic techniques you've learnt so far, including close up and detail shots, shape, space, colour, patterns and textures. Professional tips on copyright and online presentation of images.

Evening - Final get together to review the images you have taken over the course of the week and discuss which images you like, dislike and the reasons for both.