Photography Workshops · Kolkata & India
Start with Kolkata — the city I know best and have called home for over a decade. Then, if you are ready, take that same eye across the rest of India.
Most popular · Kolkata
Private · 1-on-1 · Kolkata · Available year-round
The most direct way to grow as a photographer — just you, me, and the streets I know better than anywhere else.
We spend 3.5 hours shooting together each morning and evening with real-time feedback on every decision. By the end of each day we review your work together and plan the next session.
What we work on
Every session is different, but these are the core things I help every photographer develop — regardless of skill level.
01
Reading the street
Learning to observe before raising the camera — light, movement, energy, and what is about to happen next.
02
Anticipating moments
The difference between reacting and anticipating. How to be in the right place before the moment arrives.
03
Approaching people
How to connect with strangers naturally and photograph them with respect, dignity, and genuine access.
04
Your own rhythm
Not my style — yours. Finding and developing your own photographic instinct, not recreating mine.
What clients say
"Shivam is nothing short of brilliant when it came to assisting me around Kolkata. He knows the area very well and got us..."
Jake Thomas
@jakethomasphotography
"Shivam has an amazing knowledge of Kolkata and what a photographer is uniquely looking for. I trust him as my go-to guid..."
Paul Somers
@paulsomersphotography
"I had the pleasure to work with Shivam for a week during a project in Kolkata. He was able to get me into places I could..."
Lorenz Lazzati
@lorenz.lazzati
"Shivam is nothing short of brilliant when it came to assisting me around Kolkata. He knows the area very well and got us into spots we never would have found alone."
Jake Thomas
@jakethomasphotography
"Shivam has an amazing knowledge of Kolkata and what a photographer is uniquely looking for. I trust him as my go-to guide across India."
Paul Somers
@paulsomersphotography
Group workshops · India 2026
Ready to take your photography beyond Kolkata? My group workshops take you into some of India most extraordinary destinations — capped at 6 participants.
A 9-day expedition through two of India most photogenic cities.
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and the extraordinary chaos of the Pushkar Camel Fair.
High altitude photography in one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.
The most photographically extraordinary festival in Northeast India.
Seven days through the most colourful state in India.
The world capital of street photography for five extraordinary days.
Fast, dense, and full of energy — always in motion.
Five days at the most photographically intense city on earth.
What past participants say
"This was an exceptionally well-organised trip — comfortable accommodation, delicious food, and a brilliant itinerary packed with inspiring locations. What made it truly special was Shivam's joy, passion, and pride in sharing his country. I came home with unforgettable memories and photographs I am really proud of."
Lynn
U.K. · Kolkata–Varanasi Workshop
"I cannot recommend Shivam highly enough as our local tour leader in India. He was friendly, easy to chat to about life in India and the places we were visiting. He became an important part of our group whilst maintaining his position as teacher and organiser."
Nicola Elliott
U.K. · Kolkata–Varanasi Workshop
"I was with Shivam for 12 days and got some of the best photos of my life. He knew perfect locations with lots of activity to work with — in addition, he provided advice on both taking photos and editing. The logistics were flawless. He is a wonderful human being and I know we are friends for life."
Bill
USA · Delhi & Jodhpur
"Seeing India through Shivam's perspective has filled me with inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion. If you ever need assistance in India, please reach out to him — you will not be disappointed. He's the best person to travel with."
Monaris
U.S.A. · Delhi · Varanasi · Rajasthan · Kumbh · Kolkata
Common questions
Get in touch and tell me what you want to photograph, when you are travelling, and where you are as a photographer.
