Nepal Photography Trip2022-10-13T11:04:53+02:00

Nepal Photography Trip

Experience and photograph the land of the highest mountains on earth, gods and legends. There are probably only a few countries on earth that exert such a magical attraction and provide as many photo opportunities as this natural and culturally rich Hindu state. As a special treat, we will be in Kathmandu when the world’s most colorful cultural spectacle takes place – the Holi Festival.

March 4- 12, 2023

LOCATION

A truly mystical country

Nepal offers rich diversity in culture, nature, religion and architecture and thus countless breathtaking photo opportunities. The capital Kathmandu is an Eldorado for street, reportage, portrait and architectural photography. And the surrounding area lures with wild monkeys, awe-inspiring mountain panoramas, remote monasteries and villages that have fallen out of time. Our travel date offers a very special highlight – we will be there for the spectacular Holi Festival!

On top of all this comes the world-famous hospitality of the Nepalese, who like to present themselves as a little camera-shy. You have the opportunity to explore the country off the tourist track and to come home with memories and pictures for life.
The trip will be led by photo instructor and filmmaker Daniel von Rüdiger and his longtime Nepalese colleague and local guide Sunil Pokera. With this team, unique local insights and know-how about the country and people as well as professional tips and suggestions are guaranteed. The trip imparts photo theory on your own pictures, but also gives plenty of room to experiment and practice photo practice. We will select the best recordings while we are still on vacation and rework them for your desired use. So come right back with an impressive selection of images!

Discover Nepal through the viewfinder

Take your photography skills to the next level while getting to know a magical land. We will throw ourselves into the hustle and bustle of Katmandu – the paradise for street photography. We will visit temples and stupas and look for unusual architectural perspectives. We will freeze the color dust of the Holi festival in front of the temple backdrop in Katmandu in pictures and look into many smiling faces. We will capture the light over the Himalayas in landscape shots in the morning hour and get an insight into private Nepal away from tourist highlights. We visit a Nepalese school, watch carpet weavers at work and hike to a remote monastery.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

What is the program ?

Photographing is always a mutual give and take and so we also deal with the ethics of documentary photography. Photographing in foreign cultures is very exciting, but also requires sensitivity, which we will learn. Anyone who likes to shoot film clips is also invited to do so. We will also implement a joint analog photo project.

In the morning there are theoretical inputs especially for the day with interesting facts about photography but also about the country and its people. Soy evening we get together and discuss the photographic highlights of the day with the help of a projector and laptops. There will be enough time to deal with the selection, post-processing and compilation of series on site in order to professionalize these important steps as well. So much is promised, you will not only come back with extraordinary stories, but also with a well-chosen photographic work!

Trip Highlights

  • We plunge into the fray of Thamel
  • Dine delicious Nepalese dishes
  • Marvel at temples, shrines and remote monasteries
  • Experience the exuberance of the Holi festival
  • Visit different UNESCO heritage sites
  • Enjoy the view over Katmandú surrounded by temple monkeys
  • Watch the sun rise over the Himalayas
  • Get insights into private Nepal
  • Document the knotting of carpets
  • And so much more…
SEE THE FULL ITINERARY HERE

ACCOMODATION

Where do we stay?

We will be accommodated in hotels that are of a very high standard by Nepalese standards. All hotels offer us enough space to look at the photos and have a special charm. Single and double rooms are available everywhere. Please indicate if you would like to be accommodated as a couple.

Be accommodated in Katmandú en el Hotel ‘Nepal Pavillion Inn’ en Bhaktapur en ‘Peacock Guest House’ y en Nagarkot en el ‘Hotel Himalayan Villa’. This information is not guaranteed and may change due to reservation options.

The Swiss Photo Club strongly believes in a positive approach to teaching. Our tutors will encourage and support you in what you are doing right and offer you technical and creative input to improve your images and (further) create your own style.

This photo tour is perfect for everyone who wants to learn something new and deepen what they already know. The aim is to think outside the box and gain insights into the professional approach of a documentary photographer. Your tutor will be by your side at all times to help you photograph the amazing diversity of Nepal and give you tips and tricks so you are guaranteed to go home with amazing shots.

Due to the small group size, we can adapt the lessons to your needs. Whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or something in between, you’ll always learn new things.
Practice makes perfect and we’ll be out and about most of the time for photography. This means that most of the teaching takes place directly in the field. But we will also have inputs in the hotel to prepare ourselves perfectly for the photographic day. There is time to spend 1:1 with the tutor to address your challenges and step in if you need help. In the evenings there is an opportunity to view and discuss images on the projector. This exchange makes it possible to learn from each other in the group and to enjoy the new pictures together.

You can expect the following from the 9 days photographically:

  • Knowing the rules of composition but also consciously breaking them.
  • Understand the exposure and use it for your picture message.
  • Aperture, ISO, Exposure – Understand the connections between exposure theoretically and practically.
  • From the picture idea to the camera technology, which settings are most important to me and how can I internalize them.
  • Aperture and sharpness – not just what, but how much I want sharp.
  • Camera optics – which focal length do I choose for which situation?
  • Zoom – or fixed focal length – what is suitable for which project?
  • Capturing geometry – architectural photography is dealing with lines.
  • Conscious deceleration – long-term exposures and photography with a tripod.
  • Post-processing in the camera and RAW recordings – what influence do I have on saturation, color, white balance.
  • From an idea to an image – how do I convert my mental images into photographs?
  • Point of view – section – time – sharpness: internalize the basics of every composition!
  • Bright sun, flickering candles – adapt to the light conditions and experiment with the flash!
  • Night photography and lighting effects – more than just kitsch but creative freedom.
  • Combine different exposures – photos HDR.
  • Street photography – Get out into the action and trust chance!
  • Photographic rules are there to be broken – why it gets particularly exciting when we don’t strive for perfection!
  • Spoiled for choice – learning how to erase: Select the best pictures of the trip.
  • Constructive and honest comments
  • From still image to moving image – of course my camera can film! I also?
  • Recording in progress! Whether for a photo report or a short film clip – it is always interesting to listen and also to record conversations or noises.
  • Why always digital? One photo a day is the analogue group challenge!
  • From the sewing box of a documentary photographer: lots of advice on equipment and equipment in the field. How do I repuesto weight? How do I pack correctly? Which gadget has proven itself in practice?
  • Respect is everything: photographic ethics for documentary work in foreign cultures and dealing with people in front of the camera.
  • Creation of documentary series – from the idea to publication.
  • From a single image to a series of images: storytelling with images.
  • Post-processing and ready for publication – how to prepare my images for different uses.

What is included?

  • Daily photo workshops with theoretical and practical inputs
  • All-round photo support with tips and suggestions and always open to questions
  • Discussion of your own recordings with beamer, laptop and printouts
  • Photo equipment to experiment with
  • Macbook Pro con post processing of images
  • Round trip airport transfer
  • Own bus with driver
  • Drinks and snacks for trips and excursions
  • All hotel accommodation in single or double rooms
  • Breakfast in the hotels
  • Entrance fees and guided tours for selected sights
  • Fees for national parks
  • Three traditional Nepalese dinners together
  • All-round support by local guide (English speaking)
  • All-round support by photo lecturer (German-speaking)

NOT included:

  • Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Visas
  • All insurances (basic, travel, cancellation, return travel and accident insurance)
  • Unmentioned meals and drinks
  • Gratuities and Personal Expenses

Corona Virus:
We will continue to monitor the Corona situation in Nepal in order to then decide to what extent entry in March 2022 is possible and sensible. All travelers should be fully vaccinated. In addition, the following can be recommended but are not mandatory: tetanos, difteria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, rabies.

Flights:
The flights can be booked independently. There are good connections from Qatar Airlines de Zurich (ZRH) via Doah (DOH) to Katmandú (KTM). One night must be allowed for air travel (thus departure on
03/14 and return on 03/24/2022)

Dress:
Good shoes and ‘outdoor’ clothing are recommended. In addition, a rain jacket and warm clothing for cooler evenings. Especially for the Holi Festival, you should also pack clothes that can get dirty!

Technical:
If possible, take a laptop with you so that you can sort out and view pictures on the spot. There is also a Macbook available for the group. Electrical devices can be used for the type C sockets. Pack enough batteries as there is not 24-hour electricity in Katmandu.

Visas:
A visa is required for Nepal. This can be issued directly upon entry ‘VISA a la llegada’. However, it can also be applied for online before departure:
https://apply.nepalimmigration.gov.np/online

PHOTO LECTURER DANIEL VON RÜDIGER

You will be accompanied by a professional photographer and documentary filmmaker as well as a guide from the region. About the travel companions:

Photo lecturer Daniel von Rüdiger

dr Daniel von Rüdiger has taught photography at various art schools for many years and works worldwide as a documentary photographer and filmmaker. In particular, his work from Papua New Guinea has been exhibited internationally in galleries and museums such as the Museum der Kulturen in Basilea or the Rietberg Museum in Zurich. He made his cinema debut in 2020 with his travel documentary 972 BREAKDOWNS, which will also be shown in Swiss cinemas in 2021. He wrote his doctoral thesis on rhythm in image and work, for which he worked for several months in Nepal on a documentary basis.

Local guide and photographer Sunil Pokera

Sunil and Daniel met while working on a documentary for an orphanage in Nepal. They became friends and exchanged ideas about photography and film, but also about the country and its people. Sunil works as a photographer and for film productions in Katmandú. In addition, he always remained connected to country life and knows the contrast between old and new Nepal.

Trip dates: March 4- 12, 2023

Early bird price available until Oct 31st
or for the first 3 registrations
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FAQ’s

Which languages will the workshops take place?2018-12-16T22:20:54+01:00

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, the group conversations will be in English.

Our instructors are all at least bi-lingual, so we will probably be able to help you in your own language in private, in case of any questions. Please check before registration if you do not feel comfortable in English.

Cancellation policy for trips2019-12-16T15:27:48+01:00

If for some reason you can’t make it on the trip, please email us ASAP by simply sending an email to hello@swissphotoclub.com.

The following conditions apply to cancellations and booking changes for the trip:

Up to 90 Days: 20% of the price is held as cancellation

89 – 31 Days: 50% of the price is held as cancellation

30 – 0 Days: 100% of the price is held as cancellation

Tickets are not for resale.

Are there any requirements to join?2020-02-08T16:47:41+01:00

No. The application is open to everybody who have the passion for photography and learning. This trip is for beginners as well as for pros because we believe that we all have different talents and we can all learn from each other. Even though, a basic knowledge of photography is highly recommended.

What happens after my application?2020-02-08T16:49:03+01:00

Once we receive your payment, we will get back to you with a short survey or a call to get to know your preferences for language and accommodation. As the trip gets closer, we will keep in touch with you again to confirm the trip, introduce the instructors, update you on the progress and communicate the full program.

Shared room: Can I select who I will stay with?2020-02-08T16:59:03+01:00

For shared rooms, we strongly recommend that you book with somebody you already know and are comfortable to share the room with.

If you book a shared room alone, that means you accept to share your room with any other participant regardless of gender or age.

With individual booking of a shared room, your booking can only be confirmed if there is another individual shared room reservation with us. Otherwise, depending on the time and availability, you have the option to upgrade to a private room reservation.

Shared Room: Can I upgrade to private room later or at the trip?2019-08-29T15:18:29+02:00

If you decide to upgrade to private room, the conditions depend on the timing of your decision, pending of course on the availability.

Before the trip: Possible by paying the price difference at the time of your decision (e.g. if you bought an early bird ticket but decided to upgrade during normal prices, you pay the difference at normal prices).

After the trip has started: If you decide to upgrade during check-in, if there is room available, you will have to pay the price difference plus 20% of your original payment as penalty.

Will there be other people?2020-02-08T17:06:29+01:00

No. This trip will be organized by and for Swiss Photo Club only.

Questions regularly asked2020-02-08T17:07:53+01:00

Children:
Your children must be at least 16 years old to join.

Pets:
We want to offer the best conditions to all the participants. That’s the reason why the pets are unfortunately not accepted.

Allergies and/or food intolerances:
We take seriously your allergies/ intolerances. You should let us know about everything when we’ll contact you.

Additional photo equipment:
We have a partnership with great photography manufacturers. If you need to buy photo gear for your trip, do not hesitate to contact us and we will send you a quote (hello@swissphotoclub.com).

How about travel insurance?2018-08-27T14:13:11+02:00

There is no insurance included in the weekend photography trip. Please make sure you have health, travel and accident insurance coverage.

What happens in case of emergencies?2020-02-08T21:04:18+01:00

We will ask you to give us a way to get in touch with a contact person of your choice before the trip.
You and your beloved ones can contact all of us during our trip and our team back in Geneva and Zurich.
In case of any special allergies or medical treatments, we highly recommend to contact your doctor before applying for the trip.
Swiss Photo Club does not provide any insurance.

How can I pay?2020-02-08T21:05:30+01:00

You can either pay via:

  • Credit Card (fastest/prefered option),
  • Bank Transfer (bank details – purpose: name sept trip)
  • Invoice (send us an email with full name and billing address)
  • Cash at any post office

If you’d like to pay by bank transfer, you can make it either by e-banking or from any post office (takes one day to reach us):

E-Banking (1 day):

Account owner: Swiss Photo Club
Address: Rue Henri-Christiné 5, 1205 Geneva
IBAN: CH77 0483 5144 2006 1100 1
BIC / Swift: CRESCHZZ80A

Pay in Cash at Post Office (2 days)

To pay at any post office, you can use the red payment slip below:

What to bring?2020-02-08T21:08:37+01:00
  • Photography equipment for landscape and night photography (body, lenses, tripod, filters, strap, batteries, sd cards, flash, etc.)
  • Laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop for the editing session (optional)
  • Warm clothes according to weather conditions

You will get a recommended packing list with your welcome information

Nous avons déménagé ! Veuillez nous rendre visite à notre nouvelle adresse : swissphotoclub.com.
We have moved! Please visit us at our new address at swissphotoclub.com.
Nous avons déménagé ! Veuillez nous rendre visite à notre nouvelle adresse : swissphotoclub.com.
We have moved! Please visit us at our new address at swissphotoclub.com.
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