In A Holiday Frame

The workshops are modelled on a mentoring system,to help shutterbugs find a niche as image-makers. These workshops give insights on digital photography,landscape,street and people photography,usage of natural light,shooting portraits and digital photo management. “I love the mountains and felt a need of a workshop where photography was not taught as a skill,but as an extension of a hobby,in a travel setting,’’ says Gupta,who adds that the tours are planned to give every one a time to explore without a rigid schedule. The travellers are provided with accommodation,transport,meals,excursions and workshops,which are all taken care of in a budget that’s approximately between Rs 60,000 and Rs 90,000.

City-based journalist Sarabjit Pandher,48,is looking forward to get away to Sikkim this May. Pandher has been a part of photography tours to Leh-Ladakh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the last two years now and is addicted to the concept. Orgainsed by Mumbai-based Milestone Enterprise,which is known to be a pioneer in organising photography tours,Pandher describes photography as his passion,“It’s a holiday that takes you away from the usual. The camera will not take pictures for you,you have to guide it,’’ says Pandher,who likes the fact that these tours have people from all walks of life,with different perspectives,with a lot to learn. “With no TV and mobile,I can be away from the madness and use photography as a meditation,’’ he says.

Formed by Mohini Nakhwa,a decade back,a 34-year-old photographer from JJ School of Art,she describes Milestone as “a troupe of young,dynamic and innovative people trotting around,creating images with imagination.” She is proud to be a pioneer of photo tourism in India,and has designed training programmes and photography tours in the country. “We have a dedicated number of loyalists,and others keep coming and going,” says Nakhwa,who credits photographer and instructor Vinayak Pavaskar for inspiring her to begin Milestone. Her customised,fully inclusive photography tours (priced between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000) cover destinations across India,primarily Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. “If you have passion and love to explore new destinations,this is the place,”she says. Nakhwa’s planned the next tours to Sikkim,Ladakh,Bhutan and Kaziranga. In Chandigarh for a photography exhibition,she describes the photo tours and workshops as crisp,clear,cost-effective and engaging for participants.

Another unique travel company is Girls On The Go,which is set to beat the heat off at Kareri Lake in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh this May. The ten-day itinerary takes you through stunning landscapes of Kangra and involves artistic activities,including ice carving and sculpture. “Apart from trekking,mountain climbing et al,we have creative modules to pack in a punch,’’ says owner Piya Bose.