Photography Workshops · Kolkata & India

Learn to shoot
India the way it
deserves.

Start with Kolkata — the city I know best and have called home for over a decade. Then, if you are ready, take that same eye across the rest of India.

Shivam Pandey teaching photography on the streets
Workshop moment Kolkata
Kolkata · In the field
Image review session
Image review session
Varanasi workshop
Varanasi · Group Workshop

Most popular · Kolkata

Private · 1-on-1 · Kolkata · Available year-round

Private 1-on-1 Workshop
in Kolkata

The most direct way to grow as a photographer — just you, me, and the streets I know better than anywhere else.

We spend 3.5 hours shooting together each morning and evening with real-time feedback on every decision. By the end of each day we review your work together and plan the next session.

3.5h Per session
2x daily Daily walks
All levels Skill levels
2+ days Starting from
Enquire about private workshop
Private 1-on-1 Workshop

What we work on

More than technique.
A way of seeing.

Every session is different, but these are the core things I help every photographer develop — regardless of skill level.

01

Reading the street

Learning to observe before raising the camera — light, movement, energy, and what is about to happen next.

02

Anticipating moments

The difference between reacting and anticipating. How to be in the right place before the moment arrives.

03

Approaching people

How to connect with strangers naturally and photograph them with respect, dignity, and genuine access.

04

Your own rhythm

Not my style — yours. Finding and developing your own photographic instinct, not recreating mine.

Kumartuli
.
Flower Market
.
Wrestlers Howrah
.

What clients say

Hear it from the photographers themselves.

Murray Sye

""He opened doors I'd have walked right past — a side of the city tourists never get to see. Through the lens, I kept fin..."

Murray Sye

Canada

Andrew Hong Teoh

""Tremendous. If you're coming to India to shoot, contact Shivam and his team — I felt completely safe and I'm already pl..."

Andrew Hong Teoh

Singapore

Tom Pitts

"Exceptional Photography guide and Mentor. Shivam knows exactly where the light falls and how to help you connect with th..."

Tom Pitts

United Kingdom

Group workshops · India 2026

Small groups. Big experiences.

Ready to take your photography beyond Kolkata? My group workshops take you into some of India most extraordinary destinations — capped at 6 participants.

Ladakh Photography Workshop, Sept. 2026
Group · Max 4 10th September to 21st September 2026 1 spots left

Ladakh Photography Workshop, Sept. 2026

This expedition is designed to offer an immersive experience through rugged mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, remote villages, and high-altitude lakes that define this extraordinary region.

1-on-1 field tuition & real-time feedback with Shivam Pandey
Shoot Pangong & Tso Moriri lakes, ancient monasteries & remote villages
Photograph the nomadic Changpa tribe and Balti culture in Turtuk
Daily photo reviews & portfolio critique sessions
Small group — max 4 photographers, all skill levels welcome
All-inclusive: accommodations, meals, transportation, guiding & more
Golden Triangle and Pushkar Camel Fair, Nov. 2026
Group · Max 4 11th November – 21st November 2026 3 spots left

Golden Triangle and Pushkar Camel Fair, Nov. 2026

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and the extraordinary chaos of the Pushkar Camel Fair.

1-on-1 field tuition & mentorship with Shivam Pandey (Leica Ambassador of India)
Shoot the Taj Mahal at sunrise, plus Delhi, Agra & Jaipur's iconic landmarks
2 full days at the legendary Pushkar Camel Fair — portraits, rituals & livestock trade
Group image reviews & editing discussions throughout the journey
Small group — min 3, max 5 photographers, all skill levels welcome
All-inclusive: accommodations, meals, transportation, guiding & more
Ladakh Photography Expedition 2027
Group · Max 4 1st August to 11th August 2027 2 spots left

Ladakh Photography Expedition 2027

Monasteries, mountain passes, traditional villages, and the Milky Way over Tso Moriri. Ladakh in summer is a photographer's paradise — vast, minimal, and deeply still.

1-on-1 field tuition & mentorship with Shivam Pandey
Shoot Tso Moriri Lake, ancient monasteries & Nubra Valley's sand dunes
Document the nomadic Changpa tribe & remote Aryan villages (Dha-Hanu)
Daily photo reviews, editing & storytelling sessions
Small group — max 4 photographers, all skill levels welcome
All-inclusive: accommodations, meals, transportation, guiding & more
Online Mentorship — Street Photography
Group · 1:1 Just you for full attention on your work. To be decided on enquiry.

Online Mentorship — Street Photography

Monthly mentorship sessions with real-time feedback on your photography.

In-depth portfolio review & critique
Editing and post-processing guidance
Guidance to develop your own style
Flexible sessions in your timezone
Assignments to sharpen your eye

What past participants say

In their own words.

"This was an exceptionally well-organised trip — comfortable accommodation, delicious food, and a brilliant itinerary packed with inspiring locations. What made it truly special was Shivam's joy, passion, and pride in sharing his country. I came home with unforgettable memories and photographs I am really proud of."

Lynn

U.K. · Kolkata–Varanasi Workshop

"I cannot recommend Shivam highly enough as our local tour leader in India. He was friendly, easy to chat to about life in India and the places we were visiting. He became an important part of our group whilst maintaining his position as teacher and organiser."

Nicola Elliott

U.K. · Kolkata–Varanasi Workshop

"I was with Shivam for 12 days and got some of the best photos of my life. He knew perfect locations with lots of activity to work with — in addition, he provided advice on both taking photos and editing. The logistics were flawless. He is a wonderful human being and I know we are friends for life."

Bill

USA · Delhi & Jodhpur

"Seeing India through Shivam's perspective has filled me with inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion. If you ever need assistance in India, please reach out to him — you will not be disappointed. He's the best person to travel with."

Monaris

U.S.A. · Delhi · Varanasi · Rajasthan · Kumbh · Kolkata

Common questions

Before you book.

Do I need photography experience to join?+
Not at all. Both private and group workshops welcome all skill levels. A mixed group makes the experience richer.
What camera should I bring?+
Any camera works — what matters is how you see. Once booked I will share a gear checklist tailored to your level.
How physical is the workshop?+
Most workshops are rated easy to moderate. We walk 3-4 hours per session at a relaxed, observation-focused pace.
What is the group size for group workshops?+
Maximum 5-6 participants depending on the workshop. Small groups mean genuine individual attention on the street.
Do I need a visa for India?+
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online. Before any trip you will receive a full briefing document with guidance.
Can I cancel if my plans change?+
A deposit secures your place with clear terms around cancellations. Get in touch and I am happy to walk you through the policy.

Start in Kolkata.
Go wherever India takes you.

Get in touch and tell me what you want to photograph, when you are travelling, and where you are as a photographer.

Enquire with Shivam See photo tours instead
Kolkata, West Bengal, India — available year-round
+91 8240668648 kolkataphototours@gmail.com Instagram