Wildlife Photography Workshop – Bhadra

The Venue

The workshop will be conducted at River Tern Lodge (run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts) adjoining the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. The location of the lodge is magical – set on 2 islands surrounded by the forests of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve on one side and the waters of the Bhadra Reservoir on the other three sides.

The lodge gets its name from the thousands of River Terns that breed on an island in the reservoir every summer. During the months of April-June, thousands of River Terns flock to a small island in the middle of the reservoir to nest. The scene is one of frenetic activity, with birds flying all around fishing actively, competing for nesting space and mates and chasing away other birds and animals that try to encroach upon their territory. This gives you ample opportunities to hone your wildlife photography skills under the guidance of the Darter Photography Expert.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful forests in Karnataka. The semi-evergreen forest retains its lush green character throughout the year – even during the summer months. The forest is rich in biodiversity –not just the mighty mammals like Elephants, Tigers, Leopards and Gaur but many species of birds (like Malabar Pied Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagles, Malabar Trogons and many species of Kingfishers), reptiles (Bengal Monitor Lizards, snakes like Russell’s Viper and Spectacled Cobra) and insects (like butterflies, robberflies, cicadas, etc.) call this place their home.

Workshop Dates

The workshop is scheduled on April 10-12, 2020 (Friday to Sunday).

What you Learn?

The workshop is a balanced mix of indoor sessions and practical exposure on field. It helps you to observe the different forms of wildlife and appreciate them as much as to capture them in your cameras.

INDOOR SESSIONS

We believe that understanding wildlife is an important precursor to making great images. The indoor sessions in the workshop, therefore, focus on 2 aspects – Natural History and Photography.

• Natural History
  • Wildlife – The different forms around us
  • Different habitats and the life they support
  • Animal behavior
  • Practical aspects of wildlife-watching
• Photography
  • Quick look at the basics
  • Wildlife photography – Techniques and field tips
  • Ethics of Wildlife photography
  • Creative renditions of wildlife photography

The field sessions during the workshop offer opportunities to appreciate and photograph a wide variety of subjects.

• 2 Boat Safaris into Bhadra Reservoir – Bhadra Reservoir is home to thousands of River Terns that breed here every summer. By May, the River Terns would have arrived in thousands and started breeding.. Five species of Kingfishers are seen here, as are other birds like Cormorants, Brahminy Kites and Ospreys. Mammals like Spotted Deer, Elephants and Malabar Giant Squirrels are often seen on the edges of the forest by the water. The abundance of wildlife seen on a boat safari would help you understand wildlife-watching and practice wildlife photography with (usually) willing subjects.
• 2 Jeep Safaris into Bhadra Tiger Reserve – Bhadra Tiger Reserve is home to lush green forests throughout the year. Mammals encountered here include Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Grey Langurs and Malabar Giant Squirrels. We’ll explore this rich forest photographing not only the wildlife we encounter, but also the magnificence of nature’s theatre.
• Nature walk(s) around the River Tern Lodge – The islands on which River Tern Lodge is located are thickly forested, offering us a chance to see some beautiful birds and interesting life in the undergrowth. On this walk, we’ll look for the various forms of wildlife – big and small – around us and get practical exposure to field tips like relationship between wildlife and habitat, circle of comfort, quality of light and specialized techniques.

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is for

• Beginners as well as serious photographers with an interest in wildlife photography
• Nature enthusiasts who would like to get a better understanding about wildlife and wildlife-watching in the field

No prior expertise or experience in photography is necessary, as our photographers will be there to assist you at every level.

• Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
  • Yes, you can. This workshop is as much about understanding and appreciating wildlife as it is about photographing it. And River Tern Lodge at Bhadra is one of the most beautiful properties of Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
• I am not a keen photographer. But I enjoy watching wildlife. Can I still join?
  • Yes. The answer is exactly same as in the case of previous question. This workshop is as much about understanding and appreciating wildlife as it is about photographing it.

Workshop Cost

The cost of the workshop is Rs.28,950 per person.

The cost includes

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at River Tern Lodge
• Breakfast and two meals at River Tern Lodge
• Jeep and boat safaris into Bhadra Tiger Reserve/Bhadra Reservoir
• Workshop sessions on wildlife photography
•  On-field assistance, image reviews and critiques on all days

The cost does not include

• Travel to River Tern Lodge and back (We can assist you with car-pooling or hiring a cab for the journey.)
• Additional snacks or beverages ordered
• Anything else that is not part of the includes list above

Please contact us for single occupancy rates.

Please note that the itinerary mentioned in this page is subject to favourable weather. In case of bad weather, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the workshop or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions anytime during the workshop days.

Cancellation policy for the River Tern Tour of Bhadra is as follows:

– 20% of full tour fee is charged as cancellation fee for cancellation on or before February 17, 2020
– 50% of full tour fee is charged as cancellation fee for cancellation between February 18 and March 20, 2020
– 75% of full tour fee is is charged as cancellation fee for cancellation between March 21 and April 04, 2020
– No refunds for cancellation on or after April 05, 2020 or for no-show

Join this Workshop

To register for this workshop or for more details, please fill in the form at the Registration Details.

Alternatively, you could email us at photography@darter.in or call Shreeram (+91-9740083260). (Shreeram M V).

Photography Experts

Shreeram M V is a professional photographer, photography mentor and naturalist. What started off as a fascination for birds in a lake behind his house turned into a journey across the natural world. For this IIM Bangalore graduate, the passion for travel and wildlife enabled him to charter his own course outside the corporate world.

He has explored and photographed places across the world as diverse as the savannahs of Africa, the ice continent of Antarctica, the islands of New Zealand, the rainforests of the Western Ghats, the salt marshes of Kutch, the grasslands of Tal Chapar, the deciduous forests of South and Central India, the high-altitude plateau of Ladakh, the coasts of peninsular India, the forests of North-east India and the islands of Andaman. His approach to wildlife photography has evolved into telling stories about the place and its habitats, biodiversity and human interactions with nature.

He is a well-published and awarded photographer. His articles and photographs have been published in diverse print and digital magazines such as National Geographic Traveller, Sanctuary Asia, Saevus, Lonely Planet India, Terrascape, Nature inFocus and JLR Explore. As a naturalist, he has been associated with Jungle Lodges and Resorts and Karnataka Eco-tourism Development Board in training and certifying naturalists from across the state.

His approach to wildlife photography is to bring back photographs that tell stories – about the place and its habitats, the diversity of flora and fauna and human interactions with the wilderness. Composition and light are his favourite tools in crafting new perspectives of the natural world.

His personalized style of mentorship, where he works with each participant’s individual interests and strengths, has been much appreciated over the years. See some of his work at Shreeram M V Photography and instagram.

Testimonial

Carefully planned workshop and ideal for amateur wild life photographers.

his was a truly immersive photography experience. When we were not out photographing birds and animals, we were learning about various aspects of wildlife–almost a wildlife appreciation course that reminded us of the beauty of the natural world. Almost every photography tip and technique was illustrated using examples, both good and bad. And just being able to see Shreeram and Radha’s brilliant, brilliant photos with a more learned eye made us realise the possibilities that lay ahead of us. It’s sometimes difficult for experts to understand what amateurs and beginners are struggling with, but Shreeram and Radha were able to empathise with us and guide us both in the classroom and while out taking pictures. They were also informal, approachable, patient, and, might I add, great company! We also learnt a lot from other participants’ questions and approaches to photography. At the end of the nearly three days, we came away with more confidence in our abilities and a renewed enthusiasm for nature and wildlife. We’d also made many new friends.

It was simply fabulous!! Thanks to Shreeram and Radha for this great experience..