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Varanasi Photography Tour: Capturing Holy City's Culture & Traditions
5.0
19 Ratings
Varanasi
Join our Varanasi Photography Tour and capture the rich culture and traditions of the holy city. Work with experienced photographers and explore unique subjects like Sadhus, Naga babas, wrestling schools, flower bazaars, and cremation ghats.
Join our Varanasi Photography Tour and capture the rich culture and traditions of the holy city. Work with experienced photographers and explore unique subjects like Sadhus, Naga babas, wrestling schools, flower bazaars, and cremation ghats.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Dashashwamedh Ghat - 8-hour photography day (timing to be discussed)
On the tour, you will have opportunity to see and photograph: - striking images of holy men & saddhus
- the glorious sunrise
-
activities on ghats including pilgrims immersing themselves in the holy river, cremation of bodies, rural fishing villages, and wrestling schools.
These…
-
Dashashwamedh Ghat - 8-hour photography day (timing to be discussed)
On the tour, you will have opportunity to see and photograph: - striking images of holy men & saddhus
- the glorious sunrise
-
activities on ghats including pilgrims immersing themselves in the holy river, cremation of bodies, rural fishing villages, and wrestling schools.
These opportunities are made possible by “photographic fixing” for professional and non-professional photographers, videographers and cultural adventurers.
PLEASE NOTE: It is possible and advisable to book more than 3 hours * An all-day tour is highly-recommended for most visitors.
What's Included
- Guided tours covering the current, historic, and cultural facets of the Holy City.
- Photographic assistance for both professional and amateur photographers.
- Guided tours covering the current, historic, and cultural facets of the Holy City.
- Photographic assistance for both professional and amateur photographers.
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fees paid to models when requested.
- Boat rental and boat driver service
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fees paid to models when requested.
- Boat rental and boat driver service
Additional Information
For over a decade, I have partnered with celebrated photographers, documentary creators, and Fujifilm workshops, orchestrating incredible imagery from across India. My area of expertise lies in the intricate, tumultuous and undeniably enchanting City of Lights, Varanasi - India’s most sacred city. My connections with the local populace enables me to…
For over a decade, I have partnered with celebrated photographers, documentary creators, and Fujifilm workshops, orchestrating incredible imagery from across India. My area of expertise lies in the intricate, tumultuous and undeniably enchanting City of Lights, Varanasi - India’s most sacred city. My connections with the local populace enables me to create nearly any conceivable opportunity for film teams, photographers, documentary creators, television networks and reporters. Among the most popular requests are genuine Sadhus and Aghori (holy men known for consuming deceased human remains), Naga Baba (holy men who reside without attire), Varanasi Wrestling academies, shooting at the flower Bazaar, the historic laundry district (Dhobi Ghat), and naturally, the Manikarna Burning Ghat (cremation site).
I offer flexibility and can cater to the exacting, specific needs of a professional or furnish more laid-back setups for photography enthusiasts, serving more in the capacity of a tour guide.
Location
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat Road
Please let me know your hotel and mobile phone number so we can meet there. I will meet you, but you will pay for daily transportation.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
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Karl_m
May 28, 2024
The best fixer for sadhu photography! - Manoj was the best! He did a fantastic job of helping us with great shots of the sadhus. He had great ideas for photos and framing. I’m an amateur photographer and he was awesome about providing tips for mobile photography. I’m happy with the shots I got that day. Would recommend to anyone wanting to take some memorable photos in Varanasi. Ten out of ten would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Z7383aifionah
Apr 6, 2024
Improve your images with guidance from an actual portrait photographer - I booked this photography day at the end of my stay in Varanasi. I had already been on a guided tour in the town listening to stories about temples, goddesses and history. Now I wanted spend a day out with a photographer, exploring and viewing Varanasi life from a completely different perspective. And I was so pleased I made that decision. I have come back with many images that are far better than I could have taken alone without the professional guidance.
Manoj met me at my hotel early and took me to various locations in the town where we began photographing street scenes. Being his friendly chirpy self, he spoke to many individuals along the way, inviting them to become part of our collection of pictures. Manoj provided guidance around settings and light, framing, space, crowding, colour, what to leave in and out of an image, talked about distractions in images, and generally building confidence to ask someone if you can take their picture.
It was a fabulous day and I highly recommend Manoj if you are looking for someone who will patiently teach you how to take better photographs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teddymoca
Dec 5, 2023
The Best - Manoj is simply the best. I discovered him in a product booklet and decided to contact him when I started planning my trip to India. We chatted a few times and I made my decision to have him as my photography guide in Varanasi. I made the right choice, my wife and I instantly bonded with him. His knowledge of the area and expertise as a photographer exceeded my expectations. His suggestions were spot on, from the experience of the sunrise on Ganges to having a Sadu and Blue Boy on the boat was outstanding. Even the little details of the color of the boat to compliment our models was a brilliant move. Anyone wanting a world class and priceless experience when visiting Varanasi, Manoj is your guy. Thank you my friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A6161d
Nov 26, 2023
Best Photography Guide - My husband, a photographer, had arranged with Manoj to accompany us while in Varanasi for our first trip there. It was quite an amazing experience with Manoj who is very knowledgeable about ALL aspects of the local culture of the city.
He arranged with a boatman who took us on the River Ganges and also
Organized for a blue boy and a Sadhu who treated us to delightful poses both on the boat and ghat. We also visited a delightful little village where we photographed villagers harvesting their vegetables.
He was an outstanding , patient teacher offering his expert advice on improving my photography . It was my first time taking such close and personal shots of unknown people.
I need to mention that Manoj, although having worked with many well-known international photographers, remains very humble.
He is an expert in the field and offers tailor-made photography tours, not only in Varanasi but in other cities in India, upon request.
Our time spent with him was invaluable .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z2285lcsteveh
Nov 18, 2023
Portrait photography -
I had the pleasure of working with Manoj for two days recently in Varanasi.
We focused on street portraits. It was a remarkable experience. Manoj is a talented and experienced photographer. He has a wonderful teaching style. He has the ability to show multiple different ways to create powerful images, but he also encouraged us to follow our own creative vision.
His knowledge of the people and culture of Varanasi, allowed us to have extraordinary and unique opportunities to create powerful and intimate portraits.
This is an experience not to be missed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seedyg855
Nov 11, 2023
A 5 out of 5 Photo Experience - I highly recommend Manoj for a photo fixer/guide. He made excellent photos happen for me. He arranged amazing moments for me to capture in the best light. He responded to my desire to photograph Saddhus, people who live a spiritual life renouncing worldly possessions. Not only did he hire two Saddhus, he had them in a boat on the Ganges at sunrise. I learned to make amazing portraits. He enabled me to shoot people I found interesting as we cama upon them. He offered a wide variety of choices to photograph. During my time with him, I photographed a Saddhu with a camel, a blue boy, young men wrestling in dirt and how they trained, spiritual Hindu ceremonies in sunrise hours, as he instructed me on best capturing these moments. I always hire a photo guide when I travel. He however calls himself a "fixer" because he arranges the people, the settings, the events, and lighting that best represent Varanasi. I came away with beautiful images I'm proud of from this incredible city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
248garc_ag
Nov 3, 2023
Best fixer Varanasi - I have been with Manoj for two days, it was incredible!
Manoj is a person who takes great care of his work, is responsible and adapts at all times to what you are focused on.
really very happy with the result of these two days.
thank you!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour46289825893
Oct 10, 2023
Fantastic photo-weekend in Varanasi - If you are serious about your photography, I wouldn't use anybody BUT Manoj, he just doesn't make life easier for you to get around Varanasi and hit the major photography spots, but he also contributes with his ideas, creativity and desire to make YOUR photos great. I spent a weekend with him and he adapted to what I wanted to shoot, but also contributed his ideas for great photos; he also facilitated lots of things, from a knowledgeable driver that hustled us around Varanasi and look after all my gear like it was his, to broker relationship with locals to make them at ease for picture taken. For sure I would call him again for his ideas not only in Varanasi but other cities as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom-warbie
Jun 11, 2023
Excellent photo fixer - Manoj is amazing. A professional photography fixer. Highly organized. Knows Varanasi like the back of hi hand. Understands subjects and light. All the right access contacts.
Highly recommend for those interested in producing high quality images or videos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janpetra-netherlands
Dec 5, 2022
Great fixer and guide. - Manoj is the best fixer and guide you can have. He aranged two photoshoots with holy man in Varanasi in one day. It was a great experience. Very energetic and professional fixer. Helps with everything you need to get done.
Review provided by Tripadvisor