MATHERAN
Macro Photography Workshop
19th Aug - 21st Aug (3D/2N)
Matheran- literally meaning 'overhead forests' is the smallest hill station in the country. However, the scenic splendor of Matheran is one of a kind. If there is something in abundance that this stunning hill station possesses, it is the enchanting views and amazing locations to view them.
Learn to take creative nature photographs like never before!
Highlights
This 3 days/2 nights workshop is designed with a focus on the creative aspects of Macro photography. Macro photography is not only about having a macro lens and taking close-up photographs of everything you come across. Most of the brilliant closeup pictures are the ultimate output of your photography equipment and not something which can be called your own creation.
In this workshop, I'll teach you the thought process I always have when I go out in nature and take creative pictures. Understand the kind of preparation which is needed to be able to consistently create some fresh perspectives of nature. I will share all my photography learnings from the past 16+ years.
So, don't miss your opportunity and join me in India's one of the macro photography heaven!
Pictures from Matheran's Jungle
How to reach by Air
The nearest airports to Matheran are Mumbai (100 kilometers) and Pune (120 kilometers). You can hire a bus or taxi to Matheran from these airports. But since Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, all petrol and diesel vehicles are stopped 2.5 kilometers away from the city. You will have to cover this last stretch on horseback or if you’re fit enough, on foot.
How to reach by Rail
The closest railhead to Matheran is in Neral (21 kilometers). Many local trains on the Mumbai-Karjat route also stop at Neral. From Neral Station you will have to go to Matheran by road, which is a 30-minute journey.
How to reach by Road
There are multiple buses available for Neral. Also you can take a cab from Mumbai or Pune to the Dasturi point which has a parking lot. From Dasturi point Matheran City is a 20-25 mins walk.
Itinerary
19th Aug- 21st Aug 2023
DAY 1
Arrival at Hotel around 1 pm. Check-in.
Briefing about the workshop by your skipper.
Evening we go for our first photo walk.
Around 8-8.30 pm, we are back to the hotel for Dinner.
Post dinner at 10 pm, our second photo walk will start for one & half hours.
Back to the hotel and we retire for the night.
DAY 2
Early wake up. Go for a morning photo walk to one of the photo points hoping to see some amazing birds like White-Rumped Shama, and melodious Whistling thrush also we may come across Maharashtra's state animal Malabar giant squirrel, a variety of butterflies, and other macro subjects. etc.
After a walk back to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up. We will take some rest till Lunch time. Lunch at 1.30 pm. Post lunch we will go for a walk in different areas till late evening.
In the evening back to the hotel for high tea.
A session on photography by Pratik Pradhan.
Dinner at 8-8.30 pm.
9.30 pm we will be doing our second-night photography session mainly searching for Night frogs, Bamboo pit vipers, Wolf snakes, Deccan Banded geckos, Rock geckos, etc.
At 11 pm we are back to the hotel.
Some discussion on overall photography experience.
Photo review session by Pratik.
we retire for the night after a hectic but fruitful day.
DAY 3
7 am morning session for experimenting with your learning.
We will be focusing on how to create unique images in the daytime. Shooting macro perspectives in the daytime. How to use background ambiance to create a moody image.
9-9.30 am back to the hotel for breakfast. Pack your bags. Check out.
The trip ends here :)
Workshop fees-10,000/- Rs. for 2N/3D
(With Early Bird Discount-9,500/- Rs. if booked before 30th June 2023)
Workshop fees-13,500/- Rs. for 3N/4D
(for participants who wish to extend their stay for one extra night.)
Inclusions
1) Accommodation for 2 nights and 3 days on a twin-sharing basis.
2) Alll meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) during your stay.
3) Photography workshop charges.
Exclusions
1) Travel cost of reaching Matheran.
2) Guide Tips, Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry, etc.
3) Any kind of Insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
4) Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary.
5) Anything not mentioned in Inclusions.
Payment Terms:
Full amount to be paid 45 days prior to the workshop starting date.
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50% of the Tour fee if cancelled prior to 30 days before departure.
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100% of the Tour fee between 10 days before departure. (NO REFUND)
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In case the workshop is cancelled from our end due to some unfortunate reason you will get a 100% refund.
(Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.)
Checklist of Matheran's Rich Biodiversity
Note: This workshop is not species oriented and we will mainly be focusing on Photography techniques. Although, you can check the list below to know what are all the surprises hidden in the jungles of Coorg.
Frogs species
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Bombay Bush Frog
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Bombay Night frogs (Nyctibatrachus humayuni)
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Skittering frog
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Common tree frog
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Narrow-mouthed frog
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Indian Tree frog (Polypedates)
Snakes/lizards species
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Bamboo pit viper/ Green pit viper
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Beddome's Cat Snake
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Common Wolf Snake
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Green Vine Snake
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Slender coral snake
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Green keelback
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Common krait
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Travancore wolf snake
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Deccan Banded gecko
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Rock gecko
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Roux's forest lizard
After all, it's mother nature :) we can't guarantee to show you any of these. We just make sure we have the best possible guides for you from all the respective locations.
Things to Carry
Camera+ Flash+ Diffuser
Macro Lens or any other lens which is available
Tripod
Leech socks if possible
Rain gear
Warm clothing
Umbrella
Hand torch normal
Gumboots
sports shoes
Personal medical kit
ID proofs
Who can attend this workshop?
This workshop is for any nature lover who wishes to spend time observing & learning the tiny elements in nature and understanding biodiversity. Even if you don’t own a camera you still can join a group of like-minded people and enjoy nature at its best.