"At the photo course in the blue city, with Runa and Tejas

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As a fan of India with more than 20 journeys through the subcontinent, Runa I. Lindberg aka "Runa Nightsongwoods", with her authentic pictures of India has long attracted my attention. We have been digital friends for several years now and I am always happy to see new pictures of her on Facebook or Instagram.

 

That's why I noticed her announcement for a workshop in Jodhpur, together with Tejas Soni, a Canon Photo Mentor from India. It fit perfectly. My plan was to be in Mumbai in early February for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and in early March in Varanasi for the Shivaratri Festival. I had not yet planned the rest of my trip to India this year.

 

It did not take long until I had arranged with Runa that I would participate. As a travel photographer my intention was not so much to learn how to set aperture and exposure time, but rather how the two professionals Runa and Tejas see and photograph India. Of course, I also expected to get to know places and people that I would find difficult or impossible to get in front of the camera without Indian support. A little bit deterred me by the announced daily agenda. In the morning we should start at six and in the evening there should be a unit of image editing. To be on the safe side, I already announced during my registration that I might take some time out. 

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As announced, the course started on Friday at noon. After a short introduction we went to the alleys of the old town. Jodhpurs. Beside Runa and Tejas there was Tejas assistant and a local guide, which is of course very valuable when it comes to access to especially photogenic and hidden places. The photo yield was accordingly high. Runa and Tejas were always available for questions and suggestions. Again and again the two pointed out a special perspective or lighting mood. As we were only three participants in total, the supervision was almost like a private course. The whole course was harmonious.

 

The wishes of the participants were taken into account and the know-how of the two instructors complemented each other perfectly. The excursions were varied and as a special highlight I found the organization of some models, who supported us to fill the pictures of the blue old town with life, without having to wait for hours for people to pass by accidentally, who fit into the photo of 1001 Nights, according to western ideas. A little bit I also had to think about Steve Mc Curry and the suspicion that his pictures were also made with the support of models became a safe assumption.

 

My expectations at least a three day guided tour through the old town of Jodhpur, according to photographic criteria, were more than exceeded. The course cost the equivalent of 120 euros, but we had two professional photographers at our side who complemented each other perfectly. Although I thought I already knew quite a lot, I learned a lot from both of them, which improved my photography. I did not want to miss the three days. If there is anything to criticize, then as a German, who is famous for his punctuality, you could criticize the slight delays of the Indian speaker. I am talking about 15-20 minutes maximum. Perhaps a particularly organized participant could also be bothered by the fact that the excursions and the daily schedule were not communicated in detail in advance.  

 

At the feedback round at the end, I stated exactly that. For me it was good the way it was, because I like exactly this spontaneity in connection with "No Problem". But I could imagine that some western course participants have problems with the Indian mentality. But after I got to know Runa live, I am convinced that in the next internationally offered course the Indian sense of time will be adapted to the German punctuality. 

 

For me the course was a highlight and I can recommend every photo enthusiast traveler to join Runa and Tejas. You will get the photo know-how, two professionals and will get to know India in a very special way."