Intensive On Field Guidance With Special Focus On Big Cat Photography
Post Safari Photo Review Sessions
Brand Neutral Mentorship
Gir - Photography Workshop Safari [20 Seats]Offer
Tadoba - Premium Workshop Safari [SOLD OUT]
Pench - Premium Workshop Safari [7 Seats]Offer
The Last Wild Pride on Earth - Gir Asiatic Lion Photography Safari with Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu
A mentor-led wildlife photography safari at Gir National Park with Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu and his team of experts - 5 guided safaris, cultural immersion, post-safari reviews, and all-inclusive stay. Limited to 20 participants only.
Discounted
✅ Booking Open
Wildlife Photography Mentor Led Safari WorkshopGirAsiatic Lion
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What's Included
Workshop Brochure & Safari Itinerary
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About This Package
December - Gir.png7.15 MBThe Last Wild Pride on Earth - Gir Asiatic Lion Photography Safari with Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu
Join Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu and his handpicked team of 4 expert mentors for an Asiatic lion photography safari at Gir National Park - 5 guided safaris, a dedicated mentor in every jeep, cultural immersion, and daily reviews in a power-packed 3N/4D format. Open to all levels and all camera ecosystems. Limited to 20 participants.
Some wildlife photography programs put you in a jeep and wish you luck. This one puts a dedicated expert mentor right beside you - in every jeep, on every safari, for every sighting.
The WBN x Dr. Chirag Bhalu Gir Asiatic Lion Photography Safari is the first program of its kind - a 5-mentor, 5-jeep field experience at Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, the only place on Earth where the Asiatic lion still roams wild. This is not a tiger reserve. This is not a park you've seen on every other photography platform. This is the last stand of a species - and most photographers who visit leave with a sighting and a snapshot. This program exists to change that.
Under the leadership of Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu, his team of mentors rotates across five jeeps over the course of the program - so every group of four learns from every mentor. Real-time guidance on camera settings, wildlife behaviour, composition, and field techniques. No missed shots, no waiting for support, and five different perspectives by the end.
Beyond the safaris, this program builds in what most photography tours ignore - a Siddi Dhamal cultural dance evening with a dedicated photoshoot session, night jungle tracking, and structured photo review sessions each evening to close the loop between what you shot and how to make it better.
This is not a tour with a photographer. It is a field education program with five of them.
Limited to 20 participants. 5 jeeps. 5 mentors. First come, first served.
About The Chief Mentor - Dr. Chirag Bhalu
Dr. Chirag Bhalu is a wildlife photographer, conservationist, and practising Maxillofacial Prosthodontist based in Rajkot. With two decades of field experience across nearly every major sanctuary in India, his expertise runs deepest in the Gir ecosystem - the forest he knows best. His work has been featured in INW Awards, Asian Photography Magazine, and IDA Magazine. He shoots across multiple camera systems and brings gear-agnostic, technically deep mentorship to the field. A conservation advocate first, photographer second - that mindset shapes how his entire team approaches the wild.
Purushottam Diwakar - Senior Photojournalist at India Today. Trained to read moments before they happen, frame stories under pressure, and find the image no one else saw. His editorial eye translates directly into how he teaches participants to see, compose, and shoot with intent.
Sourabh Joshi - Field photographer and technical specialist with hands-on experience across India's wildlife landscapes. A trusted name in the wildlife photography community - steady, reliable, and sharp in the field.
Virendra Singh - Photographer with 10+ years of experience specializing in wildlife, street, portrait, fashion, and creative photography. Passionate about visual storytelling and capturing compelling images through a unique perspective. Recognized for strong technical expertise and a practical teaching style, he has mentored and inspired aspiring photographers through workshops and hands-on learning experiences.
Sunil Sharma - Photographer and cinematographer with extensive experience in wildlife, fashion, wedding, street, and content-creation photography. Known for blending creative vision with deep technical knowledge of camera systems, lenses, lighting, and field workflows. Experienced in conducting workshops and mentoring aspiring photographers through practical, hands-on learning.
Why Gir?
Gir is the only place on the planet where the Asiatic lion still roams wild. 1,412 sq km of dry deciduous forest, open grassland, and rocky hills. 600+ Asiatic lions, leopards, sambar, crocodiles, hyenas - and over 300 bird species including flamingos and painted storks at Kamleshwar Dam. No other park in India offers this subject. No other photography program can.
Why December?
December is peak season in full swing. Six weeks into the open season - wildlife is settled, active, and moving freely through their full range. Prime time for consistent lion sightings. Migratory birds arrive at Kamleshwar Dam - flamingos, painted storks, and raptors alongside Gir's resident 300+ bird species. Clear winter skies with soft, warm light. No harsh contrasts, clean backgrounds, and golden hours that last.
What This Program Covers
5-Mentor Rotation Across 5 Jeeps
Unlike conventional tours with all photographers sharing one mentor, this program assigns a dedicated expert to every group of four. Under the leadership of Chief Mentor Dr. Chirag Bhalu, his team rotates across five jeeps over the course of the program - so every group learns from every mentor. Real-time guidance on camera settings, wildlife behaviour, composition, and field techniques - no missed shots, no waiting for support, and five different perspectives by the end.
Special Focus: Asiatic Lion Photography
Every safari is designed around the photographic challenges specific to lion encounters - reading pride dynamics, anticipating movement, positioning for the right angle, managing open grassland and waterhole light, and making the split-second technical decisions that result in a frame worth keeping. Gir's lion density and open terrain make this possible in ways no other reserve can.
Photo Review & Individual Attention
After each day's safaris, the mentor team conducts a structured review session. Your images are evaluated on composition, light, timing, and post-processing potential. This is where the field learning is consolidated - where you understand not just what happened, but why a frame works and how to replicate it intentionally.
Post-Processing Guidance
Sessions cover RAW editing workflow, colour and mood, contrast management, and what separates a print-worthy image from a forgettable one. You leave with both better images and a repeatable editing process.
Cultural Immersion
A Siddi Dhamal dance performance with a dedicated photoshoot session - a rare cultural photography opportunity unique to the Gir region. Night jungle tracking. Bonfire evenings. Kathiawadi regional cuisine. Every hour between safaris has a story.
Program Completion Certificate
Every participant receives an official Wild By Nature Global certificate of completion on the final day of the program - recognising participation in a professional, multi-mentor field photography program at Gir.
Important Information
Guest name, date of birth, and government-issued photo ID are required for safari permit booking. These must be submitted at least 10 days before the program start date.
A WhatsApp group will be created for all confirmed participants 30 days before the program. Pre-program preparation material, gear guidance, and Gir briefings will be shared through this group.
No loud music or noise permitted as per forest department regulations.
Safari zone allocations are managed by the Gujarat Forest Department and may change without prior notice due to regulatory, legal, or administrative reasons. WBN has no control over zone assignments.
Physical fitness: Safaris involve early morning departures and extended time in open jeeps. Participants should be in reasonable physical health.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival & Orientation Pickup from Rajkot in comfortable vehicles. Check-in at Bhavesh Farm, Sasan Gir. First meet with the mentor team - orientation session covering Gir's zones, lion behaviour, and safari strategy. The journey begins before the jeep moves.
Day 2 - Into The Wild Morning Safari 1: 06:45-09:45. Packed breakfast in the field. Rest and lunch. Evening Safari 2: 15:00-18:00. Cultural evening - Siddi Dhamal dance performance with dedicated photoshoot session.
Day 3 - Deeper Morning Safari 3: 06:45-09:45. Rest and lunch. Evening Safari 4: 15:00-18:00. Night tracking experience followed by photo review and discussion session with mentors - narrative, mood, and how to turn a sighting into a story.
Day 4 - Last Light Final Morning Safari 5: 06:45-09:45. Breakfast. Checkout. Drop to Rajkot airport or station. End of program.
Morning Safaris: 06:45-09:45 · Evening Safaris: 15:00-18:00 Zones allocated by Gujarat Forest Department across 14 routes. Dedicated guide in each jeep.
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Accommodation
Bhavesh Farm, Sasan Gir
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Inclusions
3 nights accommodation at Bhavesh Farm, Sasan Gir (twin sharing)
5 safaris - morning and evening format, zones allocated by Forest Department
On-field mentorship by a 5-mentor expert team rotating across all jeeps
Daily photo review and post-processing sessions
Dedicated guide in each jeep
Cultural evening - Siddi Dhamal dance performance & photoshoot
Night jungle track & night tracking experience
All meals - packed breakfasts during morning safaris, lunch and dinner at Bhavesh Farm
All safari permits and camera fees
Vehicle transfers - Rajkot to Rajkot
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Exclusions
Flights or train travel to/from Rajkot
Personal expenses
Camera equipment and accessories
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Tadoba Big Cat Safari - A Mentor-Led Photography Program with Rajharsha Narayanswamy
Join wildlife photographer & mentor Rajharsha Naranswamy for an exclusive big cat photography safari at Tadoba- 5 guided safaris, on-field mentorship & daily reviews in a power-packed 3N/4D format. Open to all camera ecosystems. Limited seats.
Discounted
❌ Booking Closed
Wildlife Phtography Mentor Led Safari Tadoba India
Some wildlife photography programs put you in a jeep and wish you luck. This one puts India's leading wildlife photographer right beside you - for every safari, every sighting, and every frame.
The WBN x Rajharsha Narayanswamy Big Cat Photography Program is a small-batch, mentor-led field experience at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve - one of India's highest-density tiger habitats. Designed exclusively for serious wildlife photography enthusiasts, this program is built around one principle: that the most transformative learning happens in the field, in the moment, with an expert who can see exactly what you're doing and why it's working or why it isn't.
Rajharsha Narayanswamy, Fujifilm X-Ambassador and founder of Camera Shutter Up, will be with you on every safari. There are no classrooms. No presentations. Just live safari conditions, real animal behaviour, and hands-on guidance as it unfolds - followed by structured photo review sessions each evening to close the loop between what you shot and how to make it better.
This is not a tour with a photographer. It is mentorship in the truest sense of the word.
Only 1 Seat Left. Once full, registration closes.
About Your Mentor - Rajharsha Narayanswamy
Rajharsha Narayanswamy is one of India's most respected wildlife photographers and a Fujifilm X-Ambassador - a distinction held by very few photographers in the country. He is the founder of Camera Shutter Up, one of India's fastest-growing wildlife photography travel platforms, and has been featured on Discovery and National Geographic for his work.
With a proven track record of on-field photography programs and mentorship tours, Rajharsha brings a rare combination of technical precision, field intuition, and teaching clarity. His understanding of animal behaviour - particularly big cats - and his ability to translate that knowledge into better frames for his participants is what sets him apart.
He has also collaborated extensively with Fujifilm India, whose equipment will be available as part of this program's technical partnership.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is among India's most productive tiger destinations - known for its consistently high sighting frequency, open dry deciduous terrain, and exceptional photographic visibility. Unlike denser forests, Tadoba's landscape gives you clean sightlines, unobstructed backgrounds, and the kind of dramatic light that separates a good photograph from a great one.
Early June is one of the best windows of the entire year to photograph here - and one of the last before the monsoon closes core zones on July 1st.
Why the timing is critical:
Peak summer heat concentrates wildlife at waterholes - predictable locations, repeated drama, extended sighting windows
Core zones remain open - including Moharli, Tadoba's most productive tiger zone
Low sun angle creates golden, low-contrast light ideal for wildlife photography
Deciduous trees have shed leaves - open sightlines and clean, uncluttered backgrounds
Zones covered: Moharli Core Zone · Agarzari Buffer · Devara Buffer Safari
Split: 3 Core Zone safaris + 2 Buffer Zone safaris
What This Program Covers
On-Field Mentorship by Rajharsha Narayanswamy Rajharsha rides in the jeep with participants on every single safari. This is not supervision - it is active, real-time mentorship. He will guide you on camera settings, light decisions, composition choices, and timing as each situation unfolds in front of you. You will not be figuring it out after the fact.
Special Focus: Big Cat Photography Every safari is designed around the photographic challenges specific to big cat encounters - reading animal behaviour before the action happens, positioning for the right angle, managing high-contrast jungle light, and making the technical split-second decisions that result in a frame worth keeping. Tadoba's tiger density makes this possible in ways few other reserves can.
Photo Review & Individual Attention After each day's safaris, Rajharsha conducts a structured review session. Your images are evaluated on composition, light, timing, and post-processing potential. This is where the field learning is consolidated - where you understand not just what happened, but why a frame works and how to replicate it intentionally.
Post-Processing Guidance Sessions cover RAW editing workflow, colour and mood, contrast management, and what separates a print-worthy image from a forgettable one. You leave with both better images and a repeatable editing process.
Expert Naturalist on Every Safari Our resident naturalist with over a decade of experience in Tadoba, accompanies every safari. His deep knowledge of the reserve's zones, animal movement patterns, and individual tigers significantly increases sighting quality and duration. He is also the author of an upcoming book on Tadoba.
Program Completion Certificate is awarded to every participant. They will receive an official Wild By Nature Global certificate of completion on the final day of the program. The certificate recognises your participation in a professional, mentor-led field photography program under Rajharsha Narayanswamy - a meaningful addition to your photography journey and portfolio.
Important Information
Guest name, date of birth, and government-issued photo ID are required for safari permit booking. These must be submitted at least 10 days before the program start date.
A WhatsApp group will be created for all confirmed participants 30 days before the program. Pre-program preparation material, gear guidance, and Tadoba briefings will be shared through this group.
No loud music or noise permitted as per forest department regulations.
Safaris are subject to forest department rules, zone availability, and weather conditions. Zone allocations may be adjusted based on sighting intelligence and permit availability.
Physical fitness: Safaris involve early morning departures and extended time in open jeeps. Participants should be in reasonable physical health.
Check-in: 12:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Pickup from Nagpur in an air-conditioned Innova. Check-in at Irai Safari Retreat. Orientation session with Mentor Rajharsha - covering the program structure, safari strategy, and what to expect from Tadoba's zones in June. Meet resident naturalist Mr. Pate for an evening briefing on animal behaviour and sighting patterns. Dinner at resort.
Day 2 - 2 Safaris/Day Morning Safari 1. Packed breakfast during safari. Return, rest, and lunch. Afternoon Safari 2. Evening photo review and post-processing session with Rajharsha - 60 to 90 minutes. Dinner at resort.
Day 3 - 2 Safaris/Day Morning Safari 3. Packed breakfast during safari. Return, breakfast at resort, and rest. Afternoon Safari 4. Evening photo review session with focus on colour, mood, and individual image feedback. Dinner at resort.
Day 4 - Safari & Departure Morning Safari 5. Return, breakfast. Check-out formalities. Drop to Nagpur airport or railway station in an air-conditioned Innova. End of program.
Note: 3 Safaris in Core + 2 Safaris in Buffer.
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Accommodation
Irai Safari Retreat
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Inclusions
3 nights accommodation at Irai Safari Retreat (twin sharing)
5 safaris - 3 core zone + 2 buffer zone (morning + afternoon format)
On-field mentorship by Rajharsha Narayanswamy on every safari
Daily photo review and post-processing sessions
Expert naturalist with more than a decade of experience
All meals - packed breakfasts during morning safaris, lunch and dinner at resort
Innova transfers - Nagpur to Nagpur, air-conditioned
All safari permits and camera fees
Access to Fujifilm India equipment
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Exclusions
Flights or train travel to/from Nagpur
Personal expenses like soft drinks, hard drinks, etc
Camera equipment and accessories
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
The Forest Behind The Jungle Book – Pench Storytelling Workshop with Saptarshi Bhattacharya
A mentor-led wildlife photography & storytelling workshop at Pench National Park with Saptarshi Bhattacharya - 5 guided safaris, post-safari reviews, and all-inclusive stay. Limited to 7 participants only.
Discounted
✅ Booking Open
Wildlife Photography Mentor Led Safari Pench
Some wildlife photography programs put you in a jeep and wish you luck. This one puts a mentor who knows Pench more intimately than most people ever will - right beside you, for every safari, every sighting, and every frame.
The WBN x Saptarshi Bhattacharya Pench Storytelling Workshop is a small-batch, mentor-led field experience at Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve - the forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. But the real story here is wilder and far richer than the legend. Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian gaur, sloth bear, jackals, and over 285 bird species including the elusive Indian Pitta. No single subject. No missed opportunities.
Designed for photographers at any level, this program is built around one principle: that the most meaningful learning happens in the field, in the moment, with an expert who can see exactly what you're doing and help you find the narrative unfolding in front of you.
Mentor Saptarshi Bhattacharya will be with you on every safari - guiding you on composition, light, animal behaviour, and storytelling as each situation unfolds, followed by structured photo review sessions each evening to close the loop between what you shot and what the forest was actually saying.
This is not a tour with a photographer. It is storytelling mentorship in the truest sense of the word.
Strictly limited to 7 participants for an intimate, unhurried forest experience.
About The Mentor
👤 Meet Your Mentor – Saptarshi Bhattacharya
Saptarshi Bhattacharya is a Mumbai-based wildlife photographer who has been shooting India's forests since 2011. A senior HR professional by day, he is in a jungle at least once a month - every month. His lens has followed mammals, birds, and reptiles across Ranthambore, Kaziranga, Tadoba, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Pench.
Of all the forests he has photographed, Pench is one he knows intimately. He has participated in the machan census at Kolitmara - a non-tourism zone that most photographers never get access to, and understands this forest the way most people never will.
His approach has never been about technical perfection. It has always been about storytelling - teaching photographers to slow down, read the forest, and find the narrative unfolding in front of them. He also walks the talk on conservation: designing an annual wildlife calendar with 100% of proceeds going to animal welfare NGOs, and actively supporting local guides and drivers across India's parks.
He doesn't just photograph the forest. He advocates for it. And that ethos runs through everything he will bring to this program.
Pench is the forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book - but the real story is wilder, more layered, and far richer than the legend. Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian gaur, sloth bear, jackals, and over 285 bird species including the elusive Indian Pitta. No single subject. No missed opportunities.
Why October?
October is Day 1 of Pench's year. The park reopens after monsoon closure - fresh, lush, and fully alive. Animals are active and moving. Post-monsoon light filters through damp teak foliage creating warm, dramatic atmosphere. Cooler mornings. Clear skies. The whole canvas at its best.
🌿 What You Can See in the Jungles of Pench
Tigers · Leopards · Indian Gaur · Spotted Deer · Wild Dogs · Sloth Bear · Jackals · Peacocks · 285+ Bird Species including the Indian Pitta
📋 Quick Info
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days Dates: October 1–4, 2026 Location: Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Basecamp: Mahua Vann, Pench
Group Size: Limited to 7 participants
Booking Closes: August 31, 2026
All costs are GST inclusive. Single occupancy pricing available - contact us for details. Booking closes on the stated dates even if all seats are not filled, to ensure core zone safari permits.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation Pickup from Nagpur in comfortable vehicles. Check-in at Mahua Vann. First meet with Saptarshi - orientation session covering Pench's zones, forest behaviour, and safari strategy. The journey begins before the jeep moves.
Day 2 – Into The Wild Morning safari: 06:00–11:00. Packed breakfast in the field. Afternoon safari: 15:00–18:00. Evening: post-safari image review and jungle storytelling session with Saptarshi - composition, light, and what the forest was saying.
Day 3 – Deeper Morning safari: 06:00–11:00. Afternoon safari: 15:00–18:00. Evening: photo review session focused on narrative and mood - how to turn a sighting into a story. Conservation conversation with Saptarshi.
Day 4 – Last Light Final morning safari: 06:00–11:00. Breakfast. Check-out. Drop to Nagpur airport or station. End of program.
