Join a winter journey through the layered streets of Kolkata with Shivam Pandey for Travel with Leica: Life and Light in Kolkata. Designed for photographers seeking intimacy, observation, and storytelling, this 5D4N workshop explores the city’s quiet mornings, fading colonial textures, bustling markets, tramlines, and human moments shaped by winter light.
Shooting alongside Shivam and his Leica M11 approach to street photography, participants will learn to slow down, anticipate emotion, and photograph with intent. More than a photo tour, this is an immersive experience into rhythm, culture, and the poetry of everyday life.
Dates:
26 – 29 September 2026 (4 Days, 3 Nights)
No. of Participants:
Minimum of 5 confirmed guests
Itinerary
Six different photography excursions across a variety of locations in Kolkata, combined with daily image review and editing sessions designed to refine storytelling, composition, and personal visual style.
Day 1 - 2 December
- Arrival in Kolkata before 11pm
- Airport transfer to hotel
- Check in at The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel
Day 2 - 3 December
- 6am - 9.30am - Old Kolkata and Flower market
- 9.30am - 1.30pm - Breakfast and break
- 1.30pm - 5.30pm - Kumartuli (Potter’s lane)
Day 3 - 4 December
- 6am - 9.30am - Maidan Grounds, Howrah Bridge
- 9.30am - 10.30am - Breakfast
- 11am - 12.30pm - Editing and Review with Shivam
- 1.30pm - 5.30pm - Koley Market and Koley Vegetable Market
Day 4 - 5 December
- 6am - 9.30am - Akhara (traditional wrestling) along the banks of Hooghly River
- 9.30am to 10.30am - Breakfast
- 11am - 12.30pm - Editing and Review with Shivam
- 2.30pm to 5.30pm - Local train in Kolkata, followed by ferry journey across Hooghly River
Day 5 - 6 December
- Breakfast
- Checkout
Key Activities
- Exclusive photography session with traditional Indian wrestlers at a local Akhara.
- Documentary photography session aboard Kolkata’s iconic local trains and ferries.
- Guided photowalk through vibrant local markets and the historic colonial streets of Kolkata.
- Morning photowalk at the Maidan Grounds, capturing everyday life, sports culture, and atmospheric street scenes.
What's Included:
- Accommodation with Breakfast:
- Single occupancy accommodation per guest for 4 nights in a 5-star hotel in central Kolkata. (Check-in - 30th November, 2026 & Check out - 4th December, 2026).
- Hotel Name - The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel (5-star)
- Individual Airport pickup and drop for all guests on arrival and departure at Kolkata Airport.
- Full-day availability of a Mini Bus (Urbania Traveller) for touring around Locations.
- Local Train ticket and Ferry tickets.
- Gratuities for the shooting session wrestlers.
- Occasional gratuities on the streets for group photos as and when required.
- Water & snacks incurred during the workshop.
- Shivam Pandey - Photography and workshop instructor
Costs Not Included:
- Lunch and Dinner
- Early check-in at the hotel (prior to 13:00 hours on 30th November).
- Indian SIM Card.
- International flights to India and return.
- Entry Visa to India
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
- Incidental tips (baksheesh) paid to our drivers, hotel staff, guide etc.
- Any beverages beyond those provided during included meals and activities.
- Personal expenses, eg, laundry, medication, snacks.
- Any additional transport outside of expedition routes.
Travel Information
KL to Kolkata - AirAsia AK65 (8.45pm - 10.20pm), AK64 (11.05pm - 5.35AM)
KL to Kolkata (layover in Changi Airport) - Singapore Airlines SQ8583/SQ516 (6.15pm-10.25pm), SQ517/SQ104 (11.40pm-8.15am)
SG to Kolkata - Singapore Airlines SQ516 (8.40pm-10.25pm), SQ517 (11.40pm-6.15am)
Things to note:
- We will conduct a workshop briefing prior to the tour to answer questions and confirm all important details with participants.
- Participants are required to bring their own cameras — all camera systems and experience levels are welcome.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and extended time outdoors. During November and December, Kolkata experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging between 15°C and 22 °C.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPads or laptops for image review, editing sessions, and group discussions.
- We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of participants is not met. In such an event, all payments made towards the workshop will be fully refunded.
- Hotel accommodations are based on single occupancy rooms with a king-size bed, including daily buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
- This experience is proudly presented in collaboration with Leica Akademie Malaysia.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change, and while we hope you can join us, the following cancellation policy applies:
By/Before 31 July 2026 : You’ll receive a 50% refund.
After 1 Aug 2026: Unfortunately, no refunds can be offered.
If we must cancel the event: You will receive a full refund.
About the instructor:
Shivam Pandey is an Indian street, travel, and documentary photographer based in Kolkata. For over a decade, he has travelled extensively across India, creating long-term photographic work that explores everyday life, culture, movement, and human connection through an observational approach to storytelling.
For the last eight years, his photographic journey has evolved closely alongside his relationship with Leica cameras. Beginning with the Leica Q, Shivam developed a deeper understanding of simplicity, timing, and visual discipline. The fixed 28mm lens encouraged a more instinctive and immersive way of working, allowing him to focus entirely on the moment unfolding in front of him.
As his photographic language evolved, the Leica Q2 became an important part of his process, accompanying him through cities, festivals, and countless encounters across India. Today, he works primarily with the Leica M11-P, whose rangefinder experience has introduced a slower and more intentional approach to photographing the world around him.
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