Streets of India: North & South

September 20th - 29th

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 8-10 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: September 20th - 29th, 2025

• Arrival: Chennai, India

• Departure City: Kolkata, India

• Price: $10,000 per person

  • Deposit of 50% to be paid upon booking,

  • Remaining 50% to be paid 90 days prior to departure

• Group Size: Minimum 8, Maximum 10

• 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 during the trip

• Occupancy: Pricing is based on single occupancy rooms

• Terms & Conditions: Review all terms and conditions prior to booking

About the Instructor

As you already know, 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.

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

• We will have no less than three drivers to shuttle us between excursions

• All lunches, dinners, snacks, tea and soft beverages are covered during the workshop

• We will host at least 5 lectures and multiple image review sessions from Gajan Balan and his team

• 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.

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.