Roar and Trumpet at Corbett

Counted among India’s finest forests, Corbett keeps you enthralled from the get go as you thread your way along the pebbled jeep tracks with the Ramganga prancing alongside. The crisp mountain air and the forest scents lull you into a calm while the possibility of wild encounters keeps you nimble. Elephant herds saunter without a care in the world – a throwback to the times before deadlines and traffic jams got the better of us.

Tiger sightings are a real possibility here, given Corbett’s impressive tiger numbers. Keep your shooting gear handy to capture the stealthy predator, the towering pachyderm and the splendid landscapes that adorn this jewel among jungles. Sudhir’s inputs on the basics of camera settings in any light condition or situation will come in handy. These lessons continue throughout the workshop – be it at the resort or in the field.

Why do this photography learning tour with SSP?

On field guidance from Sudhir during the field outing to help you get the best images.
On field review of images and feedback.
We have chosen Dhikala, the core area inside Corbett for our accommodation. If you have not stayed at Dhikala, you have not seen Corbett.
We choose the best season to maximise the photography opportunities.
Whatsapp group of the participants will be formed 1 month prior to the workshop dates so that your learning starts much in advance and you are well prepared for the tour.

Who should attend this tour?

Quite simply, this tour is for anyone who wants to be an awesome wildlife photographer.
You can be a rank beginner or have some experience wielding the camera, either way, SSP’s photography learning tour is bound to enhance your skill and knowledge.
This is the ideal tour if you are looking to move to next level in wildlife photography, as we always plan Corbett to make the best use of the opportunities available. April is an awesome time to be at Dhikala, Corbett.

What can you expect from this tour?

Practical on-field learning from Sudhir.
Understand the various challenges of wildlife/bird photography and learn how to arrive at the correct camera setting for a particular situation.
Understanding the advanced focusing features of different AF area modes, AF cases (in Canon) and learning when to use what.
Pre-visualising your images in the field and how to arrive at the camera setting for that.
Discussions back in the camp as well to ensure all doubts are cleared for your next field session.>/li>
At the end of this tour, gain enough practice and confidence to put your camera to optimal use – with respect to basic and certain advanced camera settings.
Move away from taking images to making images.

Beyond Learning

Photography is fun, no doubt. And with a bunch of hardcore photographers, it’s bound to be a riot. We always look forward to bonding as a group and forging an association that lasts long after the workshop has ended.Our photography tour at the most happening wildlife destination will give you a feel of the wilderness, with practical guidance on how to shoot in the wild.

AIRPORT/RAILHEAD

You can fly into Delhi and travel by road or train to Ramnagar. get in touch with us and we can help you with the bookings.

IDEAL FLIGHT TIMINGS

Train from Delhi to reach Ramnagar before 6:00 am on day 1 of workshop. Late evening train from Ramnagar to Delhi on last day of workshop.

LAST MILE

The tour begins and ends at Ramnagar with arrangements for pickup/drop.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

2 camera bodies. 1 full frame and the other crop sensor is recommended. For wide angle shots, you will need a 16-35mm and 70-200mm range lens. Then you an have the 100-400 or the 200-500/150-600 zoom lens and finally you can get the 500/600/800mm biggies. You will need every single lens in Corbett as the opportunities are huge.

DURATION / STAY

3 nights/4 days at Dhikala Forest Lodge

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT

Check-in: 12 noon (day 1 of workshop) and Check-out: 12 noon (last day of workshop)

SAFARI

Total of 8 safaris - Timing: AM: 6:00 to 11:00 and then PM: 2:30 to 6:30

WEATHER/TEMPERATURE

Max temp: 40°C and Min temp: 27°C

KEY SPECIES

Tiger, Elephants, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Barking Deer, Common bird species

THINGS TO CARRY

The recommended Camera gear, Binoculars, Hat, Sunglasses, Essential medicines

Here’s a complete overview of what happens in the SSP Corbett Photography learning tour.

1.Photography learning through indoor / outdoor sessions:

Sudhir will have interactive classroom photography sessions followed by hands on outdoor sessions to help the participants have a practical approach to the learning. These sessions help you pick up the basics and advanced concepts of photography and you can start applying them in the field.

2.Photography learning in the field during the safari:

Once you have understood the concepts in the indoor/outdoor classroom sessions, it’s time to implement them practically in the field. During the safari Sudhir will guide you with the camera settings and composition based on the challenges in the field. He will also give you few assignments to help you understand the concept of pre-visualization.

3.Fun Times:

While we are extremely serious about our photography, we never play down the importance of some good old-fashioned fun and some great food. So, what do we celebrate? Good times, great food, awesome friends. And of course, photography!!

The teaching and learning will not stop after the workshop. In fact this is just the starting point. You will be part of the SSP community on the SSP website where your learning and interactions with fellow photographers continues.

Before the Workshop
We will ask you for:
– some basic information about your equipment
– your photos/portfolio
– your expectations from the workshop
– Whatsapp group of the participants will be formed 1 month prior to the workshop dates so that your learning starts much in advance and you are well prepared for the tour.
Communicating your expectations beforehand will ensure that Sudhir addresses them during individual interactions with you.
During the Workshop
– Sudhir will demonstrate the best way to approach and shoot the subjects and give deeper insights on their behavioural aspects.
– He will introduce the advanced custom function settings of your camera. A firm understanding of these settings will be your first step toward shooting like a pro.
– In the park, he will continually guide you based on the field conditions and subjects.
– Knowledge sharing and image review will continue through the evenings as Sudhir interacts with you with focused inputs to reinforce the day’s learning.
– You will have assignments to complete, giving you ample scope to assimilate and apply all that you have learnt.
After the Workshop
Your pursuit of photography knowledge doesn’t end with the workshop. The SSP Community is your gateway to continued learning and interaction, apart from being the ideal platform to showcase your best images. In addition to image review and critique by Sudhir and his team, you also gain the perfect peer group interaction to grow as a photographer. Theme-based assignments, healthy discussions, candid feedback, equipment reviews and resale are the other great perks of being part of this community.
*The below topics will be covered and the participants will learn how to apply these concepts in wildlife photography.
Fundamental and Advanced Concepts of Photography:
– Manual and advanced autofocus (focusing points, autofocus lock, single or continuous focus, Focusing Sensors, AF cases, Advanced AF settings of camera)
– Manual exposure (ISO, shutter speed, Aperture)- We will use theory of reciprocity to arrive at the combination.
– Metering modes (evaluative, matrix, spot metering) – Practically understand when to use what metering.
– Motion (freezing, blurring and panning) – Creative area of photography
– Understanding exposure – the 18% concept
– Composition (framing) – Create story telling images.
– Elements of design (seeing v/s looking)
– Pre-visualization
– Completing the story
Post-Processing:
During the course of the workshop, you will be taken through the advanced concepts of image processing and the following topics will be covered:
– Working with RAW files
– Levels, curves, contrast, saturation adjustments (All through layers and masking)
– Image sharpening, cloning, dodge and burn
– Noise reduction.
– Saving for web/ printing
During the Field Outing:
During the field outing, your mentor Sudhir Shivaram will help you make memorable images. Inputs provided on the field will enable you make the most of the opportunity.
The teaching and learning will not stop after the workshop. In fact this is just the starting point. You will be part of the SSP community of the SSP website where your learning and interactions with fellow photographers continues.

Day 1
Pickup from Ramnagar railway station and a short drive to Corbett Machan Resort to freshen up and for morning tea.

Thereafter head to Dhikala via Dhangarhi gate

There are a couple of options for breakfast, and we can decide at the time based on everyone’s opinion

Drive to Dhikala in a 4×4 vehicle through the pristine forest. This is the first safari of the workshop.

Reach Dhikala forest lodge at around 11 am. Following a short rest and lunch, head for the afternoon safari into the lush green forest in search of photography subjects .

Return to the lodge post safari and exchange stories along with interactive learning sessions by Sudhir.
Day 2-3
Wake-up call at 5:00 am

Morning safari as per the park timings. We generally check the sightings and decide to come back to the lodge for a quick breakfast or finish the safari and have breakfast at around 10am. We keep the options open.

Lunch is at 1 pm at the lodge, after which is the afternoon safari.

Return to the lodge for hot tea/coffee with light snacks.

Continued learning with Sudhir while you compare safari notes.

Retire following dinner

Day 4
Wake-up call and safari as usual.

Return post safari and check out of rooms.

Following lunch, leave the lodge and make way through the Dhikala zone back to Ramnagar

This drive will also serve as the last safari of the workshop, as the route is particularly rich in wildlife subjects and shooting opportunities

Reach Ramnagar and head back to respective destinations

Accommodation: Dhikala Forest Lodge

The forest department-run Dhikala Forest Lodge is located deep within the Corbett National Park, amid spectacular environs. This simple set-up with basic yet comfortable facilities gives a true feel of the wilderness. The rustic ambiance, the jungle backdrop, the faraway hills, the staple but flavoursome food all make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Workshop Cost:
Rs. 42,500/- per person on double occupancy (Indian nationals) (plus 5% GST)
Rs. 55,500/- per person on double occupancy (foreign nationals) (plus 5% GST)
Inclusions:
– Pickup and drop from and to Ramnagar railway station
– Stay and all meals at Dhikala Forest Lodge RH for 3 nights and 4 days; includes breakfast on day 1 and lunch / dinner(at Ramnagar) on last day.
– National park entry, camera fees, mandatory guide fees etc.
– Safari with 4 persons per vehicle
Exclusions:
– Laundry and any other personal expenses not mentioned under inclusions.
*All costs are ex-Ramnagar. Transportation will be arranged at an added (actual) cost.
**Any other expenses outside of the above will have to be borne by the participants.

Terms and Cancellation Policy:
INR 35,000 is non refundable once the payment is done.
75% of the remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the workshop start dates.
No refund if cancellation is done between 0-45 days of the event.

Payment Terms:
Full amount to be paid 60 days prior to the workshop starting date.

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

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