WOJTEK STARK
GREAT RANN OF KUTCH TOUR
The “Great Rann of Kutch” Tour has been extremely well thought though with great attention to every aspect of the trip given in order to ensure that your experience is well balanced and providing you the most unforgettable experience to India you can acquire under such teaching. Due to the intimate nature of the teaching provided for each individual on the “Great Rann of Kutch” Tour, space availablity is limited to 8 persons per excursion. This number is the most which can be facilitated while still delivering the best experience for everyone who participates. During the workshop and tours Wojtek offers an unique teaching concept, optimally adapted to each individual’s desire and needs. Focuses of during the tour will be on post processing using Adobe Lightroom, instruction on street photography fundamentals and techniques, advice for proper equipment amongst many other tips and insights. The predominant focus will be on coaching the less spoke of aspects of photography and more understated yet vital techniques along with assistance in enhancing each individual’s personal photography characteristics and uniqueness. The photo workshop and all other educational or guided activities will be held and conducted in the english language.
Studios
INDIA
DEEP
experience
Description
All images in the slide show has been done in January and May 2018 by Wojtek Stark while his visits of the Great Rann of Kutch.
The “Great Rann of Kutch” is a salt marsh located in the Thar desert in the state of Gujarat. It is reported to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The diverse ethic groups of the Rabari, Ahir, Sindhi, Banni, Mutwa, Ari and Soof people are living in an absolutely surreal landscape of a completely natural habitat. Their clothing, body decorations and all of their traditions are individual to their cultures and embedded into their daily environment and way of living. Being amongst all of these unique communities and tribes is always such a surreal experience like that out of a movie or in time gone by. The Great Rann of Kutch tour is a rare opportunity to lean more about the diverse tribal cultures found in this region, all the while fulfilling any photographer’s wish: capture extraordinary experiences in professionally made images that often look straight out of a travel photography magazine. Imagine watching nomad camel herders work and travel across the salt desert. There is truly so much to experience in Great Rann of Kutch tour, you will create memorable moments that will last your lifetime, this is guaranteed.
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The structure of our tour will be very unique and exclusive from other comparable offers currently available on the internet. The Great Rann of Kutch Tour is an exclusive invitation to witness and experience first hand the distinctive traditions of of the tribal culture located in a beautifully surreal environment. This quality experience infused with the best instructional services of Wojtek Stark and the carefree laidback environment with in luxurious facilities will be sure to give you a trip of a lifetime.
Summary:
Day 1: Flight Mumbai - Bhuj, hotel check in Bhachau, photo walk in Bhachau (2 - 3 hours)
Day 2: Photowalk in Rapar or Bhachau (2 - 3 hours), photo workshop part I (4 hours)
Day 3: Village tour part I with photo walks (8 - 9 hours)
Day 4: Village tour part II (4 hours), photo workshop part II (4 hours)
Day 5: Ride to Bhuj, Village tour part III (6-7 hours), full moon excursion in the salt desert
Day 6: Photo walk in Bhuj (3-4 hours), a half hour individual portfolio review, a festive dinner
Day 7: Ride to Bhuj Airport, flight to Mumbai international airport, end of the tour
Beginner
Professional
Semi Pro
Advanced
7 places,
7 Days,
6 Nights
Please note: the hotel’s conference room offers optimal conditions for a processing workshop lecture with a projector and fast WiFi connection. During this lecture it is highly recommended that you have along with you a tablet or laptop with Adobe Lightroom 6.1 or above installed. This version or higher of adobe Lightroom is best for comfortably exercising the post processing and retouching techniques. If you are not able to possess either a tablet or laptop with Adobe Lightroom installed during this time then the projector will be an available to learn by through watching, however, a personal device with the ability for hands-on learning is always most optimal.
Required equipment:
Recommended equipment:
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DSLR or DSLM camera body, lenses
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Tripod
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Notebook with Adobe Lightroom
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Standby memory cards and batteries
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External hard drive as storage
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Grey filter - long time exposure
Detailed description:
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The official place of our initial meeting as a group will be the “Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport” in Mumbai. You will be met at Terminal 2, departures in front of entrance ‘C’ in the early morning between 5 and 6 AM. The exact time of meeting will be provided via email after all flight bookings and information is confirmed by the respective airlines. It is highly recommended to arrive in India one or two days in advance of your tour for appropriate assimilation. Especially for those who have never traveled through India before, as much as it is a beautiful and spectacular experience to behold it can also be overwhelming if never experienced before and we wish for you to receive the opportunity to assimilate into the mindset and culture before beginning your excursion with Wojtek Stark on this tour. It will also be beneficial for you as it will allow you your own personal time to take in the unique experiences before focusing your attention to further honing your photographic skills. Should you book a connecting flight before arrival into Mumbai and should this flight for any reason be missed than a refund will not be available. Please take careful consideration to times of departure and arrival to ensure that you will arrive on time and you get the most out of your experience! A private insurance plan is strictly recommended in case of any flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, etc.
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Day 1. Meeting in Mumbai, flight from Mumbai to Bhuj, car ride to Bhachau. We will conduct a short tour introduction into the workshop with a welcoming dinner held at our first base camp, the Hotel Shiv International. The workshop will begin with two group photo walks approximately 2-3 hours in length each. The walks will be conducted in the city center of Bhachau or Rapar, we can discuss the most desired location as a group once we meet. The first group photo walk will take place in the afternoon and the second in the morning of the next day. Both Bhachau and Rapar are prime locations for practicing street photography! Overnight: Hotel Shiv International in Bhachau.
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Day 2. After the group’s morning photo walk, in either Rapar or Bhachau, Wojtek Stark will introduce every interested member of the group to his personal post processing methodology and techniques. He will lecture on the basics of composition, dynamic range, light, shadow and colors in a 4 hour workshop during the afternoon. Overnight: Hotel Shiv International in Bhachau.
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PLEASE NOTE (opens an info box)
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Day 3. An excursion by car of 8-9 hours duration to 4 tribal villages around the Great Rann of Kutch accompanied by a tourist guide. Including highlights like: a visit to nomadic camel herders in the salt desert, traditional manufacturers of all kinds, tribal communities and much more. Overnight: Hotel Shiv International in Bhachau.
Day 4. An excursion by car of 4 hours duration to 2 tribal villages near Bhachau accompanied by a tour guide. In the afternoon: second part of the post processing workshop of 4 hours duration with a main focus on retouching of a personal image using Adobe Lightroom. Overnight: Hotel Shiv International in Bhachau.
Day 5. A ride to Bhuj. An excursion by car of 6-7 hours duration to 2 tribal villages around the Great Rann of Kutch accompanied by a tourist guide. Including highlights like: traditional manufacturers of all kinds, tribal communities and much more. Overnight: Hotel in Bhuj.
Day 6. A photo walk of 3-4 hours duration in Bhuj. After having lunch an individual portfolio review of a half hour with Wojtek Stark. A festive dinner and group talk session in planned for the evening, bringing our tour to a warm, enjoyable end. Overnight: Hotel in Bhuj.
Day 7. A ride to Bhuj airport, flight from Bhuj to Mumbai, end of tour in the afternoon. The exact time of arrival in Mumbai will be sent to you via email once the flight information is confirmed by the airline.
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BEST PRICE !
WORK
SHOP
GREAT RANN
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OF KUTCH TOUR
SPECIAL OFFER
Starting at 2790,- € the total base price includes the following:
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- 2 domestic economy class flights: 1. Mumbai - Bhuj, 2. Bhuj - Mumbai.
- Air conditioned transportation as stated in the description, fuel cost, driver and insurance.
- 3 meals each day with assorted non-alcoholic beverages.
- The declared facility costs and taxes in a 2 bed deluxe room and deluxe tent.
- A certified English speaking guide during all excursions.
- One day of hands-on training in post processing fundamentals and special techniques group
lessons divided into two parts.
- One hour personal portfolio review.
​- Individual photography advisory during the tour and personal support provided by
appointment and time availability.
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Not included in this package are costs and charges which would come as personal needs such as: personal photography equipment, all flights not listed in the total tour cost, necessary visa for entry and exit, train fare, any rides or flights before or after the tour, privately initiated car rides during the tour, medical expenses, additional hotel services such as, mini bar, spa, laundry, alcoholic drinks, any tips to service staff, etc.
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Additional offer:
The Deluxe A/C swiss tent at the Rann Ustav festival is generally provided as a two bed option. The Super Deluxe room of Shiv International hotel is also intended to host two guests in one room. Both hotels provide first-class western standard facilities and service. Single person rooms are available during the entirety of the tour for an additional cost of 580€ added to an existent booking for the Great Rann of Kutch Tour. To book this additional service please proceed with "Additional offers" on our Book online page.
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A minimum of 4 adult participans is required to guarantee this departure. A non-refundable deposit of 400,- € per person is required to secure one place and it is included in the total price. Full payment is required. In case you would like to proceed with a part payment reservation ammount only, please contact us over email. At present we accept PayPal, credit cards, Sofortüberweisung and direct bank transfer (IBAN/SWIFT) over email. For the last mentioned method please contact us over email or use our contact form below. Travel insurance is strictly recommended for travelling with Wojtek Stark Studios.
Please carefully read all terms and conditions below before booking your tour. Note: there will be no refund of the reservation deposit (400,- €) available once the booking has been made.
By accessing and using this service, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. In addition, when using these particular services, you shall be subject to any posted guidelines or rules applicable to such services. Any participation in this service will constitute acceptance of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.
Great Rann of Kutch Tour
07. - 13. October 2019
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7
of 7 places available!
Great Rann of Kutch Tour
14. - 20. October 2019
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7
of 7 places available!
Terms and conditions to the Great Rann of Kutch Tour
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Wojtek Stark Studios UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is registered in Germany under the number: HRB 29345. All workshops and/or tours you book with us are organised and sold subject to the following conditions:
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​Booking and Payment
Registrations are allocated and guaranteed only upon receipt of full payment. At present we don't provide a part reservation reservation in advance. A non-refundable deposit of 400 € is included in the total price at the time of booking.
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Additional offers to workshops or tours are always declared and can not be booked without an existing booking and can not be cancelled once confirmed.
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​Cancellation
You may cancel at any time although you will only receive part of the fee depending on how close to the workshop you cancel. No refunds will be given for withdrawal after the photo workshop begins.
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- More than 90 days you will be refunded 100% minus any non-refundable deposits.
- More than 60 days you will be refunded 50% minus any non-refundable deposits.
- Less than 60 days you will be refunded 0%.
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Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to alter or cancel any workshop at any time. For reasons including, but not limited to, too few participants, adverse weather, instructor illness, logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances, which may make operation of the workshop inadvisable. If any workshop has to be cancelled prior to the start date of the trip all fees are refunded in full or you may choose to use the money for another date or workshop. If for some reason the workshop needs to be cancelled part way through the trip there are no refunds.
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​Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to cancel any photo workshop with inadequate enrolment 14 days beforehand. In the event that a workshop has to be cancelled due to inadequate enrolment, all fees and deposits paid are refunded in full or transferred to another photo workshop.
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​Wojtek Stark Studios is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred by workshop members as a consequence of any cancellation, such as costs expended in preparing for the trip including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, equipment, lost income, or any other trip-related losses or expenses.
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​Workshop Fees
The workshop cost includes the tuition fee, on-workshop transport, accommodation and services mentioned in the detailed descreption of the workshop/tour like guides, boat rides. All other expenses are the responsibility of the participants. Not included are any airfares, airport taxes, pre and post workshop accommodation or items of a personal nature. Price also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft, medical or hospitalization expenses (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items).
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Insurance
You must have travel insurance, including coverage for personal health, emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical expenses, and trip cancellation, which would reimburse you for non-refundable airfare and trip cancellation fees. Wojtek Stark cannot accept liability for insurance costs, loss of deposits, airline cancellations or delays or penalties incurred by the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets or other expenses incurred by participants in preparing for this workshop. Wojtek Stark cannot accept liability for any insurance costs if a workshop is cancelled.
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​​Client Responsibility
You must be in good health upon arrival to a photographic workshop. You must have a level of fitness commensurate with your chosen workshop and you are responsible for bringing the appropriate equipment.
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Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any member of any trip should such person's actions impede the operation of the trip or the rights or welfare or enjoyment of other members of the trip, and it is agreed that no refunds will be given in such circumstances.
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It is a fundamental booking condition that you accept the hazards involved with outdoor travel and photography. You must acknowledge that delays and alterations and their results, such as inconvenience and discomfort, are possible where unforeseen circumstances arise. In the event of medical emergency and/or repatriation from a workshop by whatever means, the responsibility of such costs will be borne by the client. It is therefore essential that adequate cover is in place. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy at the same time as booking.
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Every participant voluntarily assumes all risks and will hold Wojtek Stark Studios, any co-leader or assistants, harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, claims, debts, and demands which arise in connection with the workshop. The terms hereof shall serve as a release and assumption of risk for your heirs, administrators, and executors, and for all members of my family, including any minors accompanying you.
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​Limitation of Liability
Payment of your booking fee represents your acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined anywhere on our website.
Wojtek Stark Studios aims to provide every participant with a safe, educational and enjoyable experience during the workshops. As there is always certain risks and dangers associated with photography, the outdoors and travel, Wojtek Stark Studios accepts no responsibility or liability for injury, death, illness, accident, losses or additional expenses associated with workshop participation. Nor does Wojtek Stark Studios accept responsibility for damage to equipment, property or digital data loss. Every participant must assess their own suitability, in terms of fitness and stamina, for the workshop that they join. Medical, equipment and travel insurance is your own responsibility. You must notify us of any medical condition that we should know about. We assume no liability regarding provision of medical care. All information is completely confidential.
​Wojtek Stark Studios shall have no liability for any damages, losses, or expenses of whatever cause or nature, including those resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, weather, quarantines, strikes, civil disturbance, theft or criminal activity of any kind, government regulations, etc., over which we have no control.
​Wojtek Stark Studios shall have no responsibility for additional expenses due to unforeseen delays caused by weather, theft or criminal activity of any kind, political disputes, acts of terrorism, strikes, sickness, failure of flights or other transportation to arrive or depart on time, and other causes beyond our control. Wojtek Stark Studios is not responsible for additional accommodation not specified in the workshop itineraries which may be required en route, prior to or following a trip, caused by airline scheduling or schedule changes, or by individual clients' travel arrangements or by other factors. Wojtek Stark Studios cannot assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or personal property.
​In no event shall Wojtek Stark Studios have any liability for incidental or consequential damages, however characterized.
Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to substitute hotels, venues and facilities, and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. The right is also reserved to cancel any photo workshop prior to departure upon the refund of all payments received.
​Wojtek Stark Studios is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip (i.e. non-refundable advance-purchase air tickets, equipment, etc.)
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Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to take photographic or video records of any workshop, and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.
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​​Changes
All workshop schedules and plans are tentative and made in the interest of exciting photographic opportunities. Wojtek Stark Studios reserves the right to change, at our exclusive discretion, schedules, plans and itineraries, depending on weather, health or safety considerations, or any other factors related or not related to the photographic opportunities, as we see them fit into the workshop.
​While significant efforts will be made to provide the workshop in a truthful manner, all participants acknowledge that landscapes photography is subject to many variables including but not limited to environmental conditions that cannot be guaranteed.​
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​Agreement
​By submitting the booking form and/or registering for a workshop you are agreeing to all the terms and conditions listed above. The person who submits the booking form does so on behalf of all the individuals included on it, so that all are bound by the booking terms and conditions.
After a suceeded booking you will recieve a confirmation email within the possibility to get useful informations connected to the individual organizational agenda around your Grand Rann of Kutch photo tour like visa or flight booking tips from your base destination or any another kind by appointment.
​In case you have any enqueries or questions to this offer have not been mentioned before please write us an email to:
phototravel@wojtekstark.com or write us using our contact form just below.
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