In Search of Light in India

Embark on a visual adventure with Jennifer Spelman and Michael Amici that lights up your spirit and your lens with the stunning scenery and sacred culture of Northern India. From palaces to local villages, through ancient cities to natural preserves, we move slowly and allow time for our ideas, experiences, and perfect light to align. We get to the heart of each of our destinations by meeting local people, enjoying a cup of chai, and wandering instead of rushing. We put aside notions of traditional travel photography and open ourselves to creating more mindful imagery as we immerse into sacred India.

New Delhi welcomes us for our first evening together as we gather to share dinner and photographic ideas for the journey. The next morning begins with a behind-the-scenes look at India’s largest Sikh temple with time to photograph the massive communal kitchen where volunteers prepare meals. Later, we delve into the pulsing and chaotic Chandi Chowk market to watch merchants haggle over old-world goods and spices. After a traditional lunch, we pay a visit to Connaught Place, a middle-class area of the city where ancient traditions mix with modern life. This area includes underground markets, local snack vendors, a beautiful park, old-covered sidewalks left over from the British era, and a combination of businessmen, hip university students, villagers selling their goods, and everything in between all coming together. As evening rolls around, we head to one of Delhi’s best restaurants for a group dinner.

We leave New Delhi on a short flight to picturesque Udaipur. Known as the “Lake City,” it is considered the most romantic city in India. For the next three mornings, we enjoy our breakfast overlooking the shimmering Lake Pichola and get lost in the fantastical City Palace built along its shores. Udaipur’s old city is a charming maze of timeless and winding narrow streets perfect for visual exploration. While in Udaipur, we take a special guided visit through the famous City Palace, one of the best preserved in the entire country. We then switch our focus and meet up with an important member of the royal family of Udaipur. Through him, we learn about the current situation of Rajasthan, the indigenous groups that live in nearby villages, and the efforts aimed at increasing the quality of life for those in need.

The next morning, we have a chance for street photography as the preparations for the incredible Diwali festival begin to transform the neighborhoods. Late afternoon into evening we head into the streets again to witness this massive Festival of Lights that is beyond ideal for photography, The entire city lights up with in-home celebrations, in temples, and on the streets as well. It is certainly an evening to remember!

The following morning a half day’s drive from Udaipur brings us to the laidback town of Bundi, where we find respite from India’s typical intensity. The population in Bundi is an interesting mix of Hindus, Muslims, and Jains all living peacefully together within a town of traditional pastel blue buildings. Few travelers have heard of Bundi, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Here we enjoy the slower pace of a smaller town and have to time edit and share images as well.

After three nights in Bundi, we take a short 2.5-hour drive to the remote village of Ranthambore. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel nestled in the serene countryside near Ranthambore National Park. We then visit an impressive local collective and interact with the talented men and women who create impeccable textiles. Making the most of this unique opportunity, we have the entire afternoon to spend at Dastkar observing their craftsmanship, sharing ideas, and making photographs that they can also use to promote their crafts to a wider audience.

The next morning, we visit Ranthambore National Park for a 2-hour tiger safari led by a professional guide and naturalist. Considered one of the best locations in India for tiger spotting, we are also on the lookout for endless varieties of colorful birds and other wildlife. After lunch, we visit the Ranthambore Fortress, one of the largest in India. This hill-top fortress is full of ancient temples, lakes, and promenades, and looks out over the National Park. From here, we return to the hotel for an evening rest in our quiet surroundings.

We drive to Agra on the final day of our journey, stopping along the way to make images. We arrive in Agra in the evening, just in time to relax and enjoy the comforts of our hotel. We have a group dinner, look through our photos, and get some rest before our final day with sunrise at the Taj Mahal! We begin at 6:oo am to reach this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site when it opens at sunrise. During our time inside, you have ample free time and a guided tour of the complex to visit the gardens, mausoleum and various gates, mosques, and courtyards. Following our visit, we have a quick lunch in Agra before making the 3.5-hour drive back to Delhi for your departing flights. Note: Travelers will need to schedule flights from Delhi after 4 pm on Tuesday or plan on staying at an airport hotel and flying out on Wednesday, October 29. Our tour operator can book additional nights at an airport hotel for those who will be flying out the next day.

By journey’s end we have much to celebrate—a broader understanding of this fascinating country, a deeper consciousness in our imagery, and knowing that our photographs helped create meaningful impact with two local organizations. Join us and redirect your approach to seeing in fascinating and sacred India.

View complete itinerary (subject to change).