Please note: The Tour begins on 11 January 2018 and ends on 14 January at the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK). Group transfers from Ahmedabad to LRK and back are NOT included in the Tour cost and will be arranged in shared cabs at actual cost.


•   DAY 1    11 January 2018, Thursday: Arrival, First Safari and Overnight in LRK
  
  Gathering at the Ahmedabad airport, we drive to LRK and check in by lunch. Shortly, the Tour Skipper will moderate a mutual introduction session and orient the group to what may be expected during the coming excursions.
  
  Later, we embark on our first safari on the great plains, seeking what beginner's luck may yield. We also spend time acquainting ourselves with the topography of the region and learn about bird behaviour to be better equipped to handle opportunities over the coming days.
  
  After hopefully a productive excursion, we return to the lodge and enjoy the Tour's first interactive session, we call ChaayaaChitra
  ChaayaaChitra: Photography Techniques, Tips, Tricks
  . This is a great opportunity to pick up the little nuances of photography that make a big difference, and we seek to make full use of it before treating ourselves to a scrumptious supper and retiring.
  
  
•   DAY 2    12 January, Friday: Morning and Afternoon Safaris and Overnight in LRK
  
  Making an early start, we venture into LRK looking for all the usual targets and seek to make portraits and habitat images of birds in glorious early morning sunlight. After hopefully a productive session, we return to camp and breakfast.
  
  After a brief repose, we meet for another interactive session we call ChitraTantra
  ChitraTantra: Photo Principles, Reviews, Critique
  , before lunching and setting out on an afternoon safari. Late afternoons are great for birding and we look for avian attractions as we snake around the tracks looking for opportunities to apply some of the concepts discussed during the session in the afternoon.
  
  Upon our return and tea, we meet for another session of ChitraTantra before dinner.
  
  
•   DAY 3    13 January, Saturday: Morning and Afternoon Safaris and Overnight in LRK
  
  We enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in LRK, following the same schedule as on the previous day, looking to make beautiful images of several species. In the evening we enjoy yet another interactive session called Charchaaloka
  Charchaaloka: Presentations, Lectures, Discussions
  , which is bound to keep you riveted, before hitting the sack.
  
  
•   DAY 4    14 January, Sunday: Checkout and Dispersal
  
  After one last morning ride in LRK, we breakfast, and check out after the customary group picture, with several memorable moments and gigabytes of images to cherish.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should participate in this Tour? Are there any eligibility criteria?
  
  Anybody interested in birds, wildlife and/or photography and is above the age of 18 (unless accompanied by an adult) can participate in this Tour. There are no eligibility criteria.
• I am a newbie in nature photography. Am I eligible?
  
  Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold's eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we suggest you be familiar with at least the basics. If you aren't, we recommend you join a Art and Science of Photography Workshop first.
• How many participants will share each vehicle on safaris on this Tour?
  
  Our Photo Tours are designed to provide you sufficient space for comfortable photography without being excessively taxing on your pocket, so you can expect a maximum of three other people (including the participants and the Skipper) apart from the driver, in your vehicle.
• How different are your Photo Tours from ordinary tours?
  
  Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven't experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.
• How sure are you about photographing wildlife on this Tour?
  
  Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tours and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we do not claim that sightings of specific species are guaranteed.
• What equipment do you suggest on this Tour?
  
  Considering the nature of the subjects and shooting conditions expected on this Tour, a lens with a focal length of at least 400mm is considered necessary, with longer focal lengths being welcome. A beanbag is strongly recommended to shoot both from inside the vehicle as well as outside.
• I do not have the requisite equipment. What do I do?
  
  If you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Click here to see what we offer. What's better, you enjoy a 10% discount on all equipment hired on our Photo Tours!