India November 2019 by Better Moments

INDIA From iconic Taj Mahal to Rajasthan’s Camel Fair

9 days of adventure with expert

Arne Hodali� c

Photography with passion Photography may be my first passion, but traveling is a close second. I spent decades exploring the globe with my camera and out of this passion, Better Moments was born in 2011. Since then, I have worked with the world’s most renowned photographers to offer high-end workshops and expeditions for photo enthusiasts worldwide. On our workshops, everyone is welcome. No matter if you have recently discovered your passion for photography or if you are an emerging pro – our workshops cater to everyone’s needs and our experts are all experienced teachers that will adapt to your personal skill level. Our mission is to help you to take your photography to the next level, refine your own style and sharpen your technical skills. Additionally, we want to inspire each other, create lasting memories and enjoy the best moments in life. Better Moment’s exclusive workshops in landscape, travel and wildlife photography take place in unique locations around the world. From the Himalaya region to Africa’s deserts, from Scandinavia’s fjords to Australia’s Outback – we like to travel off the beaten track and work with local agencies as we are always striving to leave only footprints behind. I am looking forward to meeting you on one of our adventures, Christian Nørgaard

Our guests love to travel with us – which is why we are lucky enough to welcome them again and again.

Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson

4,9

4.9/5 RATING FROM OUR GUESTS ON FACEBOOK (11/2020)

LET’S GET SOCIAL For inspiring experiences, real-time updates, the latest trends or casual conversation, explore our social networks for all things travel.

Text editor: Laura Graf Cover photo by Arne Hodalic All images and text in this catalog are under International Copyright Legislation. However, Better Moment’s guests and potential customers may download the catalog for private use, but not for any commercial use. Any violation of the International Copyright Legislation will be reported to the International Court of Justice of International Copyright Legislation

BETTERMOMENTS.COM You can view our current photography workshops on the Better Moments website, where you will find all dates and details – and can reserve a spot for your dream trip.

NEWSLETTER Stay up-to-date with our workshops, experts, and special offers: sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter – and receive Christian Nørgaard’s guide to street photography for free.

" I think that Better Moments’ workshops are some of the best organized, most educational and most inspirational group workshops I have ever worked on. So I would encourage you to join us. Come along and have a great time, learn, be inspired and take great pictures." Steve McCurry

Our passionate experts We are proud to work with some of the best photographers in the industry who are experts in their field and have years of experience in guiding and teaching photography workshops.

Steve McCurry National Geographic, World Press Photo first place

Michael Nichols Wildlife journalist, National Geographic editor

James Nachtwey World Press Photo Award winner and TIME Magazine photographer

Sisse Brimberg National Geographic photographer

James Whitlow Delano Award-winning visual storyteller & Pulitzer Center grantee

Hamid Sardar-Afkhami Writer, photographer, award-winning filmmaker

Lars van de Goor Hasselblad Master Landscape photographer

Marco Di Lauro World Press Photo Award

Peter Eastway AIPP Grand Master of Photography, Publisher Better Photography Magazine

Steve Bloom National Geographic photographer

Tom D. Jones Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art photographer

Andreas H. Bitesnich Award-winning fine art photographer

Arne Hodali� c National Geographic photographer & photo editor

Laurent Baheux Award-winning wildlife photographer

What our guests say about us “It was a marvelous workshop with a lot of opportunities for great pictures. Obviously, the highlight was the night in Riisitunturi National Park watching the Northern Lights. It was the whole atmosphere having a rustic dinner in the hikers hut after shooting the sunset and waiting for the Northern Light which is staying in my memories.” Bernd Beykirch, Germany “I found out that one of my favourite photographers, Lars van de Goor, was doing a workshop in the Netherlands so I signed up for the workshop and was introduced to Christian, the founder of the company, and I knew immediately that this would be a great workshop just by talking to him and seeing how incredibly well organized and precise everything was planned out. The hotels were first class, the food was phenomenal, which is important, and more importantly, each day was very well planned out and it has been a really great experience.” Aubra Franklin, USA

“Everybody has something to offer to the group, so we learn from each other, we share things, we have workshops in the evenings where we talk about what went well, what went wrong… and we see a lot of different styles, a lot of different techniques. And that is the good thing about this trip, it is really all about photography!” Peter Dorr, The Netherlands.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Wonders of Northern India and Rajasthan This amazing photography workshop offers you a unique opportunity to explore some of northern India and Rajasthan’s most spectacular places and visit Pushkar’s famous camel fair. Be assured that this will be a special photo journey that you will never forget. We begin our photographic journey at the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the new 7 wonders of the world, but we will also see it from a different angle, crossing the Jamuna river at early dawn. On our way to Jaipur, the legendary capital of Rajasthan, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri – the “City of Victory”. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only about 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama

Masjid built in the 17th century. The mosque and its surrounding shrines are one of the finest examples of the Mughal architecture. In Jaipur we will visit some of its cultural pearls – Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the stepwell of Panna Mian Ki Baori, and we will ride elephants to a nearby Amer fort. Pushkar is a beautiful and important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus, as it has the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country and one of only a few in the world. Pushkar lake is considered sacred; it has 52 ghats and pilgrims can be spotted there, performing various rituals to pay their respect to their local deities and other Hindu gods. Hindus visit Pushkar year-round to take a dip in the redemptory waters of the lake, but there is one particular day when bathing here is believed to relieve devotees of all their sins. This is the time of Kartik Purnima (12th November) when Pushkar hosts thousands of celebrating devotees, following prescribed bathing rituals on the lakeside and worshipping gods in Brahma Temple. This religious festival is also the time of the famous Pushkar Mela (also called Camel Fair). Hordes of herders from all over Rajasthan gather to parade, race and trade more than

40,000 animals. The sights of camel races, moustache competition, camel trading and other fascinating events is a life-time photo opportunity. The picturesque town of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century and was inhabited by rich merchant families. Mandawa’s havelis are one of the lesser known Indian tourist sites. Havelis are beautifully decorated ancient palaces, some completely intact, some in ruins and some still inhabited by the locals. Visiting them is like a time-machine journey and offers thousands of fantastic opportunities for keen photographers. This more classical tour of Northern India and Rajasthan – spiced with the legendary Camel Fair – is a unique opportunity to take images you have only dreamed of.

India

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

India highlights Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Arne Hodali�c, during your India expedition. ■ HIGHLIGHTS □ Learn how to approach the

unique challenges of travel and street photography.

□ How to capture images of

people in their natural environment and how to approach locations and subjects

□ Spectacular photos of Taj

Mahal from two different viewpoints

□ Feeling the very special

■ ON LOCATION □ Instruction and training in

the best photography techniques, including personal hints and advice.

□ Composition and focus on

lines, golden section, perspective, foreground, background and middle ground.

□ How to work in different lighting conditions.

□ Portrait photography tech-

niques: depth of field, composition, selecting the best possible available light

□ The secrets behind travel and street photography.

□ Night/early morning street photography

□ Private hands-on lessons

that will help you take your photography skills to the next level.

□ How to approach local people in a natural way.

■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and constructive critique/feedback of the images taken during the day

□ Visual storytelling:

Learn from Arne Hodali� c– the National Geographic Photo Editor-in-Chief

□ As a professor of photo

journalism at two universities, Arne Hodali�c has extensive knowledge which he will share during evening lectures with projections, showing photos of India taken by different, worldknown photographers that will inspire you to see the country from a different angle

□ P hotoshop courses on request:

The basics of digital darkroom and workflow How to get maximum out of your RAW files Effective conversion to black & white using NIK Software

atmosphere of the colourful and vibrant Camel Fair of Pushkar. photos by National Geographic photo editor, which enables a quick improvement on the terrain in a very short time. PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

□ Review of the participants'

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Arne Hodali�c: Catch and release

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Nikon Ambassador Arne Hodali�c is the photo editor of National Geographic Magazine Slovenia. Originally studying biology in Ljubljana, his first trip to India in 1989 changed his professional career when his photos were published in a prestigious Swiss magazine, Animan. Since then he has travelled the world on photo-assignments. He is also a passionate adventurer and cave diver, participating in numerous sailing, mountaineering and caving expeditions. In 2008 he received an honorary doctorate at the University of Ljubljana, becoming a lecturer in photography and photojournalism. His photos and photo stories have appeared in books, exhibitions and many of the world’s most prestigious magazines, among others National Geographic Magazine, Life (USA), Time, Figaro Magazine, GEO, Paris Match, Marie Claire, Die Zeit, Cosmopolitan and Stern.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Itinerary DAY 0

■ ARRIVAL IN NEW DELHI We recommend to arrive one day early to get over your jetlag and adjusted to the local climate. If you wish, Better Moments can help you to book a hotel room.

DAY 1

■ NEW DELHI - WELCOME

DINNER AND INTRODUCTION If you have arrived one day early, you can use the day to explore New Delhi with your camera. Although the city itself may not be India’s most beautiful, its narrow alleyways, bustling markets, colors, and people are a street photographer’s delight. Tonight, we will all have dinner together and Arne Hodalic will introduce the workshop and present “His India” – his beloved country. In 1988, he visited India for the first time and he has been going back to work on photo assignments ever since. Because of his extensive experience and knowledge of the place, he will be the perfect guide to all the “India newcomers”.

DAY 2

■ AGRA AND MAGNIFICENT

TAJ MAHAL After breakfast, we will travel to Agra, where we will visit Agra’s famous Red Fort. The historical fort was built in the 16th century and served as the main residence of the emperors. We will focus our photography on the fabled splendors of the Mughal imperial age – keep your eyes peeled for the decorative elements made of white marble, gold and precious stones. The evening is reserved for an interior visit of the spectacular Taj Mahal complex. The white marble mausoleum was built by Mughal

emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will try to capture both traditional views and unusual angles of one of the most visited Indian monuments. We will have dinner at the hotel and then share the photos taken during the day. Arne will give advice on how to improve your images.

DAY 3

■

FATEHPUR SIKRI - THE CITY OF VICTORY Very early in the morning, we will cross Jamuna River to take photos of Taj Mahal from a different angle and in a very special, soft morning light. Back at the hotel we will have breakfast and then travel to Fatehpur Sikri – the “City of Victory”. Here we will visit the extremely photogenic Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Fatehpur Sikri is proof that India is not just about Hinduism: we will have the chance to take unique photos of one of the most sacred Islamic shrines – the tomb of Salim Chishti, where devotees ask for the blessings of the saint and seek fulfillment of their wishes. After visiting Fathepur Sikri, we will continue to Jaipur. Dinner at the hotel and image review by Arne Hodalic.

DAY 4

■ JAIPUR - STREET PHO-

TOGRAPHY HEAVEN Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The enthralling city bursts with color and chaos and provide plenty of photo opportunities. We will walk through the busy streets and vibrant marketplaces and

practice our street photography and portrait skills under the guidance of Arne. We will visit the eight-story stepwell of Panna Mian Ki Baori that was used for water harvesting and now is a charming photo subject. We will also stop by the famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, which was built in 1799 as part of the women’s section of the enormous City Palace to allow the ladies of the royal court to watch the life on the streets. It bursts 953 windows covered with delicate latticework that provide a unique photo subject. In the afternoon we will ride elephants to the nearby Amer Fort. The bright yellow colored fort contrasts with Maotha Lake and surrounding thick forests and allows for memorable photos. After dinner, Arne will review the photos taken during the day and give a presentation about street and travel photography.

DAY 5

■ FROM JAIPUR'S PALACE OF

THE WINDS TO LAKE PUSHKAR Rise and shine! Early in the morning we will go back to Hawa Mahal – Palace of the Winds – to take photos from Wind View Café’s balcony on the opposite side of the street. The balcony offers royal views as the soft morning light falls upon the palace. Afterwards, we will visit Hawa Mahal from the inside. The mahal’s interior has been described as “having rooms of different coloured marbles, relieved by inlaid panels or gilding; while fountains adorn the centre of the courtyard” – so have your camera ready! From Jaipur we will travel to the ancient city of Pushkar, a spiritual pilgrimage destination for Hindus boasting 400 temples and 52

ghats. We will go for an evening stroll around the famous Pushkar lake, the sacred lake of Lord Brahma. Each year, thousands of pilgrims are drawn to the lake to gain spiritual distinction and attain salvation by taking a dip in its holy waters. On the way, we will stop in one of the traditional clay brick production sites to take photos of the hard manual work that is performed in such a factory. Tonight, we will have dinner at the hotel. Afterwards, photo review by Arne who will also share photos he has taken during our trip so far.

DAY 8

THE BEAUTIFUL HAVELIS After the breakfast, we will drive from Pushkar to Mandawa. Mandawa is a fantastic photo opportunity as there is a lot to take pictures of – people, frescoes, wandering cows, busy markets, the fort and especially traditional havelis, which are townhouses or mansions with historical and architectural significance, often beautifully decorated by artists. We will visit some of the havelis and explore those ancient palaces from inside.

CITY WAKING UP We will spend the morning exploring more of Mandawa and putting Arne’s advice on street photography to use.

■ MANDAWA - BE SMITTEN BY

DAY 6

■ PUSHKAR - RITUAL BATH-

After dinner and our daily photo review, Arne will give a presentation about his life as National Geographic photo editor.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

ERS AND 40,000 CAMELS Today, we will take photos of the morning rituals of Kartika Purnima at the lake. On the day of the full moon in the month of Kartika, Hindus believe to be relifed of their sins by bathing in the lake’s holy waters. An exciting event to photograph and a great opportunity to practice your travel and portrait photography skills. In another part of town the famous Pushkars’ Camel Fair is helt – hordes of herders from all over Rajasthan gather in Pushkar to parade, race and trade more than forty thousand animals. The fair is also known for its moustache competitions – be prepared to be stunned and remember to have your camera ready. After this exciting day, we will go back to the hotel for dinner and Arne will critic the photos taken during the day.

PRICE & BOOKING

DAY 7

■ MANDAWA - WATCH THE

In the afternoon, we will drive from Mandawa to New Delhi, where we will have a farewell dinner and Arne will review and critic the photos taken during the day. DAY 9

■ NEW DELHI - TIME TO SAY

GOODBYE After breakfast, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight and assistance with the boarding formalities.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Quick guide We wish you to travel with the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible. ■

GETTING THERE Indira Gandhi International Airport, situated 16km to the southwest of Delhi, is the main gateway for the city’s domestic and international civilian air traffic.

■ VISA Visitors to India must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or a country whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival, or an e-Visa online. An application for e-Visa must be made at least four calendar days in advance of the date of arrival and can be made as early as 120 days in advance. The visa is valid for 60 calendar days from the date of arrival.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

■ WEATHER November is characterized by a lot of sunshine as well as little rain and humidity. The weather is pleasant and there is warm, brilliant sunshine during the day. Average temperature in November 28 °C, with a high of 30 °C (day) and a low of 26 °C (night).

■ LANGUAGE India has no national language. Hindi, with the largest number of speakers, is the official language of the government. English is used extensively in business and administration and has the status of a “subsidiary official language”; it is important in education, especially as a medium of higher education.

■ CURRENCY Indian rupee (INR)

■ HEALTH Check with your doctor which vaccinations or medications are recommended for this destination. Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course, as some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together.

■ QUICK GUIDE India can be a challenging destination, especially for first-time visitors, due to poverty being omnipresent and bureaucracy quite irritating. A ‘go with the flow’ attitude is advisable if you want to enjoy the Indian ride. With India boasting dramatic terrain, beautiful wildlife, a wide array of flavorful dishes, and even more sacred rituals and festivities, be assured you won’t get bored.

PRICE & BOOKING

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Equipment ■

CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.

□ B ring you own laptop computer

and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod Lenses,If you are working with a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images

□ □ □

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □

changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

Whether this is your first trip or your ”hundredth” workshop with us, it’s always helpful to have a rundown of what items you may want to pack so you have a travel checklist. Bookmark this packing list, because you’ll want to refer back to it to make sure you’ve thought of everything you might want to pack.

PHOTO BY ARNE HODALIC�

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH PASSION

BETTER MOMENTS APS Tokkekøbvej 15 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 E-mail: info@better-moments.com

STAY IN TOUCH

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH