A documentary-focused workshop exploring observation, editing, and photographic storytelling within the unique cultural landscape of Dharamsala and the Tibetan exile community.

Not a photo tour. This workshop is designed as a small, focused working environment for photographers who want to move beyond individual images and begin developing more sustained and meaningful work. Rather than moving quickly from location to location, we will work within Dharamsala and McLeodganj over time — photographing, editing, discussing, and refining our approach as the workshop progresses. The emphasis is not on collecting photographs, but on learning how to observe more carefully, edit more critically, and build a coherent body of work within a culturally layered environment. With a maximum of six participants, the workshop is intentionally small, allowing for sustained individual attention, daily critique, and deeper discussion.

The Workshop Environment:

Located in the Indian Himalayas, Dharamsala and McLeodganj provide a visually and culturally complex setting shaped by Tibetan exile culture, monastic life, migration, religion, landscape, and everyday human interaction. Over the course of the workshop, participants will work within this environment slowly and deliberately — returning to locations, refining ideas, and developing a more thoughtful visual approach. This is not a workshop built around spectacle or itinerary-driven photography.

It is designed around:

• sustained observation
• visual storytelling
• editing and sequencing
• photographic discipline
• working within a place over time

What You Will Do:

Throughout the workshop, participants will:

• Photograph daily within Dharamsala and McLeodganj
• Work independently and within the group
• Participate in daily critique and editing sessions
• Refine visual direction and sequencing
• Develop a focused body of work over multiple days
• Discuss visual storytelling, structure, and photographic intention
• Work within culturally sensitive environments respectfully and thoughtfully

The workshop includes a dedicated session at the Norbulingka Institute, offering the opportunity to work within one of the most important centers for Tibetan art and cultural preservation in India.

What You Will Produce:

By the end of the workshop, participants will aim to produce:

• A coherent photographic sequence or small body of work
• Stronger editing and sequencing skills
• Greater clarity around visual direction and intent
• A more disciplined and observational approach to photographing within complex environments

The emphasis is not on volume of images, but on coherence, depth, and refinement.

Who This Workshop Is For:

This workshop is intended for photographers who:

• Already photograph regularly
• Want to move beyond isolated images
• Are interested in visual storytelling and longer-form work
• Are open to critique and discussion
• Want to strengthen editing and sequencing skills
• Prefer thoughtful, slower photographic engagement over itinerary-driven travel photography

Participants range from committed enthusiasts to experienced photographers and professionals.

Who This Workshop Is Not For:

This workshop is probably not suitable for:

• Complete beginners
• Participants primarily seeking a sightseeing experience
• Photographers looking for fast-paced location coverage
• Those uncomfortable with critique-based learning environments

Instructors:

David Bathgate

David Bathgate is a documentary and fine art photographer whose work focuses on visual storytelling, long-form projects, and the relationship between observation and meaning within photography. In addition to his photographic practice, he is the founder of The Compelling Image, an educational platform dedicated to helping photographers develop more coherent and thoughtful photographic work.

Ashwini Bhatia

Ashwini Bhatia is an Associated Press (AP) photojournalist and writer based in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, where he has lived for over two decades. Originally from Delhi, he trained as an automotive engineer before transitioning into photography and journalism. Over the years, he has become one of the primary visual documentarians of the Tibetan community in exile.bHis long-term experience within the region provides participants with important cultural and contextual insight throughout the workshop.

Workshop Structure:

Day 0 — Arrival in Amritsar

Participants will spend the first evening in carefully selected accommodation in Amritsar before traveling to McLeodganj the following day.

Day 1 — Transfer to McLeodganj

Private group transfer from Amritsar to McLeodganj and settling into carefully selected accommodation before an evening welcome dinner and workshop introduction

Days 2–7 — Field Work, Editing, and Critique

Daily photographic work within Dharamsala and McLeodganj.

Participants photograph independently and in small groups, followed by editing sessions, critique, sequencing discussions, and individual guidance.

The workshop includes a dedicated session at the Norbulingka Institute.

Final Day — Presentation and Departure Preparation

Participants refine and present a final sequence or body of work developed during the workshop.

Group discussion and closing session.

The workshop fee includes:

• Accommodation (shared basis)
• Ground transportation during the workshop
• Airport pickup in Amritsar
• Transfer between Amritsar and McLeodganj
• Daily instruction and critique
• Workshop coordination and logistical support

Single-room accommodation available for an additional supplement.

What Is Not Included:

• International airfare
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol and personal expenses

Workshop Fee:

$ 5900 USD

Deposit:

$1,500 USD

Single Room Supplement:

$600 USD

Application:

• The workshop is limited to six participants.
• To maintain a focused and engaged working environment, places are offered through a short application process.
• This is not about exclusivity.
• It is simply to ensure that participants are aligned in intent, approach, and expectations.

A short application helps ensure the workshop is a good fit for everyone involved.

Final Note:

• This workshop is built around the belief that meaningful photography develops through time, attention, observation, and reflection.
• Participants will not leave with a portfolio of disconnected travel images.
• The goal is to leave with something more coherent:
• A clearer photographic direction, a stronger editorial eye, and a deeper understanding of how to work within a place over time.

Travel Information:

Participants should plan to arrive at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar.

Detailed travel guidance and recommended flight routing will be provided upon acceptance.

Questions:

For workshop questions or inquiries, please contact:

support@thecompellingimage.com

David BathgateRead Profile

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