Streets of India: North & South
October 5th - 14th, 2026
Explore the soul of India through your lens on an adventurous 10-day street photography journey across three unique cities. From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, you’ll be immersed in vibrant scenes to capture truly intimate moments. With expert guidance, curated scenes, and all key logistics handled, you can focus entirely on elevating your craft while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of the streets.
Here’s what’s included:
Three cities in 10 days — A fast-paced, immersive experience
Unique shooting opportunities — A carefully curated selection of scenes and spaces
Key logistics covered — Hotels, drivers, and inter-city flights, all taken care of
Multiple instructors — Gain insights from diverse perspectives
Guest lectures — Learn from a variety of industry experts
Limited to 4-8 guests — A small group for personalized learning
Indulgent meal plan — Enjoy bold and unforgettable dining experiences
From the moment you land in India, you’ll be guided through a street photography adventure like no other. My fellow instructors and I will be there every step of the way to share our knowledge with you.
Key Details
Dates: October 5th - 14th, 2026
Arrival: Chennai, India
Departure City: Kolkata, India
Price: $8,000 per person
Deposit of 50% to be paid upon booking,
Remaining 50% to be paid 90 days prior to departure
Group Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 8
Experience: Open to any level of photographer
Difficulty Level: Medium
We will be embarking on at least 2 excursions per day
All excursions will be roughly at sea level
Lodging: All guests will be staying at 5-star hotels (except for one remote destination)
Occupancy: Pricing is based on single occupancy rooms
Terms & Conditions: Guest must review all terms and conditions prior to booking
About the Instructor
My name is Gajan Balan. I’m a photographer and director based in Toronto. My visuals are an exercise in world building that moves across portraiture, fashion, street, and documentary. My work has garnered multiple awards, publications, and galleries but my primary focus remains on highlighting humanistic stories from around the world. Namely those that draw inspiration from my culture and heritage. My goal is to develop compelling stories that can inspire the next generation of creatives.
I have been travelling across India for many years and it has fundamentally shifted my view of photography. But more than the imagery, I’ve come to value the human interactions with each expedition. This is what will I will be championing throughout the workshop. With the help of 2 other amazing instructors, I’ll look to bring you into a world of photography where you build a genuine connection with your subjects and grow outside of your comfort zone. The goal is to create striking moments while being able to speak to the experience at an authentic level.
Workshop Itinerary
Chennai
Chennai is where the journey begins, a city alive with rhythm, colour, and movement. From the historic lanes of Parry’s Corner to the chaos and charm of its bustling markets, every corner offers new textures and stories to capture.
Participants will experience the full spectrum of Chennai life while building confidence in both candid and composed photography. It’s the perfect foundation for the creative adventure ahead.
Jaipur
Jaipur is a city of color, culture, and contrast, where every frame tells a story. From the lively bazaars and architectural icons to the tranquil beauty of Jal Mahal at sunrise, it’s a place that challenges and inspires every photographer. Each experience is designed to deepen your creative instincts and strengthen your ability to tell powerful visual stories.
Between the quiet of Galta Ji Temple and the energy of the flower market, participants will explore how to balance chaos and calm while refining their craft in one of India’s most visually striking destinations.
Kolkata
Kolkata is where the rhythm of daily life meets the poetry of tradition. From the colonial quarters and riverside rituals to the flower and metal markets bursting with colour and sound, every moment offers a chance to capture the city’s soul. This is a place where history, culture, and human connection collide in unforgettable ways.
Through intimate street portraits, fast-paced markets, and quiet reflections by the Ganges, participants will explore the layers that make Kolkata one of India’s most visually rich cities. It’s the perfect conclusion to a journey built on storytelling, discovery, and creative growth.
Please note: a detailed itinerary with day-by-day breakdowns will be provided to guests who have paid their deposit.
Additional Details
Trip includes lodging at 5-star hotels for the entire duration of the workshop
Specific hotel details to be provided upon booking
Domestic air travel is covered during the workshop
All lunches, dinners, snacks, tea and soft beverages are covered during the workshop
We will aim to have a 3:1 guest to instructor ratio for intimate education in the field
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exclusions for this trip?
The following items are NOT covered for this workshop:
International flight tickets to and from Chennai
Travel & cancellation insurance
Visa and travel documents
Travel vaccinations
Any bonus days not mentioned in the itinerary above
Purchase of alcoholic beverages
Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, hotel service, souvenirs, etc.
What camera gear should I pack?
My advice is to pack as light as possible so that you enjoy the photography experience. Each guest that secures their seat will be part of a discovery call where we talk about best practices for packing. If you can avoid a checked luggage, I highly recommend it.
How much photography experience should I have?
This workshop will be adventure but that doesn’t mean you have to be a pro. Even if you’re just starting off, we’re here to make sure that you feel welcomed. The goal is to cater the experience to each attendee and make sure that you have a fulfilling experience while crafting your eye.
What documents will I require?
For most inviduals, you will require a tourist visa for India alongside your passport. We recommend visiting the Indian Travel Advisory site for your home country before flying.
What flights should I book?
Our team typically books with the Star Alliance network for travel as it allows for a better experience to and from India. However each traveller may have unique travel perks and amenities. We can work together to arrange the best plan for your trip.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions. We will be visiting some great restaurants and diners. These places cater to tourists while providing very exciting cuisine. Should you have any restrictions, we will do everything we can to accommodate.
Is this only for Leica photographers?
No. Though the instructors are all photographing with Leica equipment, this workshop is open to anyone. The camera does not define the photographer, it’s about how you see the world.
What if I have more questions?
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Gajan directly at info@gajanbalan.com.
India changed the trajectory of my photography career and though I can’t promise the same for you, what I can promise is that I’ll look to provide the best experience I can while we’re together. My goal is to bring you on an adventure that humanistic in nature. I want to impart you with the skills and knowledge so that you feel like you can navigate this country on your own even if you don’t speak the local language.
What sets this workshop apart from others is that this will be rooted in developing human connections throughout the photography experience. I want you to feel like you’re building a bond with the communities you visit. In doing so, I believe you’ll discover a level of photography that transcends your expectations.
Most importantly, look forward to the community we’ll be building within this workshop. Every guest is not only making a conscious decision to invest in their creative journey, but challenge themselves. Through that shared challenge, I believe we’ll develop a bond that supercedes photography. And personally, I can’t wait to share that with you.
Gajan Balan