*This all-inclusive cost
is per person, on a double occupancy basis, based on 12 participants. For Single Supplement, add $500.
Note: Due to the weakness of the US Dollar against the Indian Rupee, the cost may increase or decrease slightly, and may need to be adjusted as we get nearer to departure date
The cost of the workshop-expedition
includes photo shoots, instruction and transfer services as per the itinerary,
accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Kashmir, and breakfast in Delhi),
government tariff, English-speaking escort(s),
driver(s) and vehicle(s), and includes a kitty (per person) of $50 for tips.
It does not include the airfare Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi, nor any entrance fees or to any performances, expenses of personal nature, visa fee, airport tax, laundry or any beverages.
The airfare for Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi is estimated at this time at $140. This tariff is subject to change depending on when it is booked. We can assist you to book your flight through our travel agent in Delhi, or you can book it directly.
The costs of international flights from the US (or elsewhere) to and from Delhi
are not included in the cost of the photo expedition, and must be arranged so that you
arrive in Delhi on July 27, 2008.
A deposit of $200 is required by no later than February 29, 2008 to secure a place on the Kashmir: Paradise On Earth
photo workshop-expedition. This down payment is not refundable if notice to withdraw is given
after April 26 2008. The balance of the cost is due by no later than
April 26, 2008.
Visa Information
Tourist visas (US passports) must be obtained before travel and are available from Indian consulates in your respective cities.
Important Notice
We reserve the right to cancel the workshop-expedition should we be unable to reach the minimum of
12 participants. In such a case, full refund of the deposit will be made.
A Note On Our Hotel Accommodations:
We shall be staying in typical Kashmiri houseboats in Srinagar, and in a small hotel in Delhi. All rooms will have private bathrooms.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
We assume no responsibility for accidents or injury to individuals participating in
the Kashmir: Paradise On Earth Photo Workshop-Expedition.
You will be requested to read, accept and sign
an agreement which releases us from any responsibility of liability in the event
of any of the situations mentioned below.
We also assume no responsibility if a traveler is refused entry into a country
for any reason. It is the traveler's sole responsibility to ensure all travel
documents are valid and effective. A passport, valid for six months after
the intended date of return is required in many cases for travel overseas.
Some countries may require visas for US or non-US citizens. Please check with
the corresponding consulates prior to leaving. This is the traveler's responsibility.
We cannot assume any liability whatsoever for injury, sickness, damage, death, loss, accident
or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence of or default of any
travel agent, hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, airline, or person rendering
any of the services included in Kashmir: Paradise On Earth Photo Workshop-Expedition,
or by act of God, act of war or terrorism. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any
damage, changes or delays due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes,
machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather or other causes
beyond my personal control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional
expense, omissions and schedule changes, forced stopovers, rerouting or acts
of any governments or authority. We reserve the right to decline or accept any
person as a member of this workshop-expedition or to cancel or alter its itinerary without notice.
It is also the responsibility of the traveler to keep informed on deposit and
payment date requirements. It is highly recommended that all individuals obtain
adequate travel insurance.
LOCATION:
The Kashmir: Paradise On Earth photo workshop-expedition is set in this beautiful mountainous area of India, set deep within the Himalayan mountains on its frontier with Pakistan, China and Tibet. The landscape is spectacular, with snow-capped mountains surrounding the Dal lake, on which houseboats are now floating hotels. The people of Kashmir are traders, artists and carpet-makers of great skill, creating intricate tapestry and fabrics.
The floating city of Srinagar is the workshop-expedition's base, from which we will set forth by small boats to photograph the scenery and the snow capped mountains. We will explore the markets, meet the people of Kashmir and journey to the nearby villages, vales and mountain passes.
Our initial days in Delhi will spent on its Islamic character, such as the Sufi centers of Qutb-Uddin and Nizzam Uddin, as well as the remnants of the Delhi Sultanate, such as the Juma Masjid.
OBJECTIVE:
This workshop-expedition's objective is to help serious photographers, with an interest in photojournalism and documentary photography, refine their skills, to work with experienced photographers on real reportage projects, to create multimedia, to collaborate, to make contact, to plan future projects, to develop new vision and to leave the workshop-expedition energized, with an increased commitment to photography, visual storytelling and to documenting Kashmir through their lens. During the 2 weeks of the workshop-expedition, we will be creating multimedia projects and help participants to control their story length, intent, pace, use of music and ambient sound, narration, field recordings and interviews. Our time spent in India will involve extensive fieldwork shooting stories in Delhi and Srinagar (and beyond), one on one portfolio reviews, nightly slideshows, panel discussions, and working dinners.
INSTRUCTORS/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Eric Beecroft and Tewfic El-Sawy are the leaders of the Kashmir: Paradise On Earth photo workshop-expedition. Both have extensive experience in leading workshops and photo expeditions to India, South East Asia and elsewhere.
Eric teaches photography, photojournalism/documentary photography, history, geopolitics and anthropology at the Walden School, a public charter school in Utah based on experiential learning and rigorous academics. He spends many months a year traveling, and has extensive outdoors experience in trekking and backpacking. He specializes in documentary work, photojournalism, and adventure/outdoors photography.
Tewfic is a freelance photographer who specializes in documenting endangered cultures and traditional life ways of Asia, Latin America and Africa. His images, articles and photo features have been published in various magazines and travel publications. He has been to India no less than 14 times in the past few years. He leads by invitation-only photography tours to India, the Himalayan Kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim, Indonesia as well as Indochina.
Alongside Eric and Tewfic will be guest photographers based in Srinagar and Delhi. Both guests photographers are established and experienced with considerable exposure to both areas, and will add their talents to this endeavor.
This photo workshop-expedition is for serious photographers of all levels who seek to build an inventory of remarkable imagery in an 'off the beaten path' geographical area....so come join us for an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Orientation: Old Delhi & Jami Masjid: Red Fort
Day 2: Old Delhi � Street Photography
Day 3: Nizam-ud-din�s Shrine & Chiragh-I-Delhi dargah
Day 4: Depart for Srinagar (Kashmir): Orientation
Day 5: Expedition to Hazratbal for market photography.
Day 6 - Shah Hamdam, Jami Masjid, Mukhdoom Sahibas Tomb
Day 7 - Hike to Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens
Day 8 - Full Day Excursion to Gulmarg
Day 9 - Full Day Excursion to Sonamarg �The Meadow of Gold�
Day 10 - Srinagar Street Photography
Day 11 - Srinagar Street Photography
Day 12 - Srinagar Street Photography
Day 13 - Srinagar to Delhi.
Day 14 - Delhi- Qutb Uddin Dargah shrine.
Day 15 - Departure
