Due to the enthusiastic response to our Kashmir workshop, which filled quickly, we are delighted to offer a second workshop in this extraordinary region.
Beautiful Kashmir is often called “Heaven on Earth” - a place of quiet waterways, ancient traditions, exquisite handicrafts, and a remarkable culture shaped by life on the lake, the ancient city of Srinagar, and villages beneath the snow-capped Himalayas.
This intimate workshop offers extraordinary opportunities to photograph the people, traditions, landscapes, and daily life of Kashmir. We will spend meaningful time with the people we photograph and work together to create images with depth, beauty, and emotional power.
"I have participated in all of Catherine's photo workshops, but the Kashmir Workshop was on another level! It changed me and my photography! Catherine made sure we visited the most beautiful places at just the right time and light. One image I made of a young Kashmiri girl went on to win multiple awards and be exhibited in many galleries. By slowing down and spending real time with people in their homes and environment, my portraits completely shifted. Catherine provided a beautiful balance of instruction, in-the-field guidance, and thoughtful critiques. If you go, be prepared for the experience of a lifetime!" — Carol Thomas, guest, Kashmir Photo Workshop, 2025
We’ll be staying on the historic Shalimar houseboat on Dal Lake, immersed in the daily rhythm of life on the water. Each morning we’ll wake to birdsong, mist on the lake, and local people paddling silently past.
We will be a very small group of no more than eight guests.
Along with myself, we have a wonderful producer, as well as our knowledgeable local guide. On some days, we may also be joined by an additional guide-translator.
We will be travelling by boat and in comfortable SUVs.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
• Photographing the Old City of Srinagar, filled with beautiful old architecture, spice markets, ancient trades, and a centuries-old mosque. We'll have lunch at a classic restaurant that has been there since the 1940s.
• An early morning shoot of a flower-filled boat on Lake Dal.
• A day with semi-nomadic gypsy families who live in brightly colored, traditional houses at the foot of the Himalayas, photographing their home life and countryside activities. We'll have a picnic lunch by the river.
• Dawn photography at a floating vegetable market, as well as a lively street market on the lake, surrounded by the snow-covered mountains.
• A day with a papier-mâché family, learning how they create their art, brought from Persia centuries ago. We’ll enjoy a magnificent Wazwan lunch prepared by a local chef, whose techniques we can watch as he cooks. There will also be an opportunity to shop for local crafts.
• A morning at the pigeon market (a fascinating, ancient sport), followed by tea with a gracious and hospitable modern family.
• Late afternoon at a Mughal garden, with its fountains, views of the lake, and people enjoying the peace and flowers.
And of course, as always, there will be great photography learning on location, in group projections, and in private critiques!
THE PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout the workshop, I will work closely with each guest, both on location and during group projections and private critiques. All levels are welcome, including guests who photograph exclusively with an iPhone or smartphone.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A 12-day workshop (10 days in Kashmir, 2 days in Delhi) with National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow
Maximum number of guests set to 8
Delhi-based producer and local guides in Kashmir
One night at The Imperial hotel, or similar, in Delhi upon arrival
One night at the Novotel, or similar, upon departures
One group airport transfer on the official arrival day
Airport transfers on the official departure day
Comfortable on-the-ground transportation
Accommodation on Lake Dal's Shalimar houseboat
All curated Experiences
All meals in Kashmir
All admissions
Group projections
Private critiques
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International Airfare
Group flights between Delhi & Srinagar
Visa to India
Tips and Gratuities
Alcohol
Any additional expenses resulting from unforeseen events, government actions, or circumstances beyond our control.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
For those arriving in Delhi on March 21, we will provide one group airport transfer from the airport to The Imperial hotel, or similar.
(We strongly encourage guests to arrive a day or two early to get over jet lag and rest up a bit. Early arrival nights can be arranged.)
Our group departure from Delhi to Srinagar is scheduled for March 22, when we will check into our very own houseboat.
On March 31, guests will depart as a group from Srinagar to Delhi and check into the Novotel, or similar, for departure later that evening. Most international departures will be after midnight, hence on April 1. Flights home should not be booked to depart before 10:00 pm on March 31.
COST
$10,450 per person
A minimum of six participants is required for the workshop to operate. We are currently gathering firm commitments and will not ask guests to register or make a payment until the minimum has been reached. Please do not purchase airfare or travel insurance until the workshop has been formally confirmed.
