Your base will be the tranquil Basunti Resort, an intimate lakeside retreat that offers both inspiration and comfort. From here, guided excursions into Himachal Pradesh take you deep into vibrant village life, bustling markets, sacred temples, and the stunning mountain landscapes of the Himalayan foothills. This workshop is designed for passionate enthusiasts and emerging professionals who want to grow their skills and vision. With daily lessons, group critiques, and one-on-one mentorship, you’ll learn how to harness light, refine composition, and most importantly, tell stories with your images. David Bathgate’s decades of experience photographing for TIME, The New York Times, and National Geographic Online ensure you’ll receive world-class guidance in the field. By the end, you’ll return home with not only a compelling portfolio, but also a deeper way of seeing and creating.
12 Days of Photography, Storytelling, and Discovery in North India’s Himalayan Foothills
Step into the vibrant heart of North India with award-winning photojournalist David Bathgate. This immersive workshop invites you to go beyond being just a traveler and experience the region as a visual storyteller.From the serene, palm-fringed Basunti Resort on the shores of the Maharana Pratap Sagar lake to the winding mountain roads of Himachal Pradesh, you’ll learn to capture the spirit of place, people, and culture in a way that goes deeper than snapshots.
Hands-on Mentorship – Work directly with David Bathgate, whose career spans decades of international reportage for leading publications.
Stunning Locations – Photograph ancient temples, bustling markets, quiet village life, and the dramatic Himalayan foothills.
Resort Retreat – Enjoy a peaceful, fully catered stay at the intimate Basunti Resort, perfectly located for exploration and creativity.
Skill Building – Daily lessons and one-on-one feedback sessions tailored to your style and goals, from composition and light to storytelling and editing.
Beyond the Resort – Guided excursions into Himachal Pradesh that offer rich opportunities to build a compelling travel and cultural portfolio.
Whether you’re a passionate enthusiast or an aspiring professional, this workshop offers the rare chance to learn from an internationally published photographer while immersing yourself in one of India’s most captivating landscapes. You’ll return home not only with powerful images, but also with new confidence, a sharper creative eye, and stories you’ll carry forever.
Note: Group size (max 8–10 participants).
Spaces are limited for a personalized experience. Reserve your place today and capture the Himalayas in a way few ever will.
12 Days of Culture, Creativity & Visual Storytelling
with David Bathgate, Ph.D.
Join award-winning photographer and anthropologist David Bathgate for an unforgettable 12-day journey through Amritsar, McLeod Ganj, and the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh. From photographing sunrise at the Golden Temple, to walking prayer-flag-lined trails around the Dalai Lama’s residence, and immersing yourself in the serenity of Basunti Retreat, this workshop blends expert instruction, hands-on assignments, and cultural immersion. You’ll return with not only a portfolio of compelling images, but also new skills and deeper confidence in your photographic vision.
Settle into Mrs. Bhandari’s Guesthouse
Orientation & introductions with David Bathgate
Evening discussion on creative approaches to photographing people & place
Overnight: Mrs. Bhandari’s Guesthouse (B&B)
Sunrise shoot at the Golden Temple
Midday review & low-light photography briefing
Night photography at the temple, glowing with lanterns & devotion
Overnight: Mrs. Bhandari’s Guesthouse (B&B)
Included: Welcome Dinner
Scenic drive into the Himalayas, arriving McLeod Ganj
Explore town & temple complex on foot, greet locals with “Tashi Delek”
Evening cultural discussion & image review
Overnight: Bhagsu Hotel (B&B)
Hands-on photography assignment: “Capturing a Sense of Place”
Group critique & mentoring at Moonpeak Café
Evening review of assignment results
Overnight: Bhagsu Hotel (B&B)
Photograph Tibetan pilgrims & prayer wheels around Tsuglagkhang Temple
Afternoon project to challenge perspective & technique
Evening group dinner discussion
Overnight: Bhagsu Hotel (B&B)
Stop at Norbulingka Institute, photographing Tibetan arts & crafts
Arrive at Basunti Retreat on a tranquil Himalayan lake
Six days of photography, mentoring, and relaxation:
Village visits & environmental portraits
Canoeing, hikes & optional cultural day tours
Evening fireside reviews & home-cooked dinners
Overnight: Basunti Retreat (all meals included)
Final Basunti breakfast
Private transfer to Amritsar International Airport for onward flights
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized small-group experience.
BOOK NOW !
