Capture the magic of India in Kolkata, best known as the ‘City of Joy’, the cultural and intellectual capital of India, and birthplace of Mother Teresa.
Kolkata Photography Tour 2027
With Mark Seymour and MyPhotoClub
21–30 October 2027 | 10 days | £3,595
Experience Kolkata alongside the renowned Travel photographer Mark Seymour, photographing its people, colourful markets, hidden streets and extraordinary everyday life.
Kolkata – A City Made for Photography
Kolkata is a city of remarkable contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet the energy of modern Indian life. Its busy markets, historic neighbourhoods, workshops, railways and streets provide an extraordinary setting for street and documentary photography.
Join acclaimed photographer Mark Seymour for ten days exploring the city he has photographed over many years, gaining access to locations, communities and photographic opportunities that most visitors would never encounter.
Mark will help you develop your ability to observe, anticipate moments, work with natural light and build compelling layered compositions that tell the stories of the people and places you encounter.
With individual guidance, daily photographic reviews and constructive critiques, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills while creating a personal collection of photographs that captures the character of Kolkata.
Photographic Highlights
Mallick Ghat Flower Market and Armenian Ghat
Beneath the famous Howrah Bridge, photograph one of Kolkata’s busiest and most colourful markets. Traders, flower sellers and thousands of marigolds create wonderful opportunities for layered street photography, natural framing and decisive moments.
Traditional Mud Wrestlers
Visit a traditional akhara, where wrestlers train in the earth under the guidance of experienced masters. Capture strength, movement and human connection in a setting rich in tradition and atmosphere.
Kumartuli – The Potters’ Quarter
Enter the workshops of artisans who create elaborate clay figures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Photograph craftsmen at work, towering sculptures and intimate portraits in atmospheric natural light.
The Railway Community
One of the tour’s most distinctive experiences comes through Mark’s longstanding friendships with a local railway-side community.
Spend a morning documenting everyday life, photographing people in their homes and communal spaces, with opportunities for personal portraits and thoughtful documentary storytelling.
Kolkata’s Markets and Working Streets
Explore the early morning chicken market, Koley wholesale vegetable market, Maniktala fish market and Mallick Bazaar’s motor spares district.
Each offers different photographic challenges, from capturing fast-moving activity and expressive faces to finding structure and meaningful moments within busy scenes.
College Street and Indian Coffee House
Photograph the bookstalls, street traders and historic buildings of Kolkata’s literary district, including the celebrated Indian Coffee House, a meeting place for writers, students and intellectuals for generations.
Historic Neighbourhoods and the Hooghly River
Explore the Armenian Quarter and Zakaria Street, photograph the colourful Galiff Street pet market, and cross the Hooghly River by ferry towards Howrah Railway Station.
These varied locations provide opportunities for candid portraits, architectural details, street scenes and the daily movement of people through the city.
Your Tour Leader – Mark Seymour
Mark is a British documentary and travel photographer whose work explores people, place, culture and everyday life.
Known for his layered compositions and observational approach, Mark has photographed extensively throughout India and many other countries. His work has been exhibited internationally and recognised by organisations including the National Portrait Gallery and National Geographic.
Alongside his documentary projects, Mark teaches and mentors photographers, leading carefully researched photographic tours centred on access, observation and visual storytelling.
His familiarity with Kolkata and the relationships he has built there are central to the experience offered on this tour.
Your Accommodation
Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata
Our base for the tour is the four-star Kenilworth Hotel, centrally located close to Park Street and many of Kolkata’s restaurants, cafés and cultural attractions.
The hotel offers comfortable accommodation, dining facilities and a spa and wellness area.
A daily buffet breakfast is included, providing a convenient start before heading out for photography.
Tour Details
Dates: Thursday 21 October – Saturday 30 October 2027
Duration: 10 days
Price: £3,595 per person
Accommodation: Four-star Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata
Included
- Four-star hotel accommodation.
- Daily buffet breakfast.
- All internal travel.
- Airport pickup on 21 October and airport transfers.
- Coordination of access to photographic locations.
- Photographic guidance and opportunities for image reviews with Mark Seymour.
- Couples discount £450 available.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Kolkata.
- Indian visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks and personal snacks.
You will need to arrange your own international flights and Indian visa.
Additional days in Kolkata can be booked before or after the tour.
A Photographic Experience Beyond the Tourist Trail
What distinguishes this tour is Mark’s ability to take you beyond familiar visitor locations and into the working life of Kolkata.
His local knowledge, established relationships and experience as a documentary photographer provide opportunities to photograph people and places with greater understanding and purpose.
Whether you’re developing your street photography, exploring documentary storytelling or simply want to experience Kolkata through your camera, this tour offers ten days of intensive photography, individual guidance and memorable encounters.
Join Mark Seymour and MyPhotoClub in Kolkata, 21–30 October 2027.
