Matheran Macro Photography Workshop - Tour with DCP Expeditions

Overview

An overnight weekend macro photography and biodiversity boot camp exploration of one of the biodiversity hotspots very close to the city of Mumbai - Mathrean.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Members

Rent Lens

Stay

About The Tour

Matheran is probably one of the most frequently visited weekend getaways for the Mumbaikars. Situated at an altitude of 2625 feet above the sea level, it is one of the most approachable hill stations being just 90 km away from the maddening crowd. With the onset of the monsoon, Matheran becomes a mesmerizing biodiversity hotspot for the wildlife photographer. DCP Expeditions team is organizing a thrilling one night two days Herpetofauna Photography workshop at Matheran.

Matheran was declared an ecosensitive region by the union environment ministry and is called a health sanatorium. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the municipality. It is clean, green and vast. Landscapes spreading till the horizon and the vastness of the valleys is just mesmerizing.

Possible biodiversity

Common Vine snake
Common wolf snake
Checkered Keelback
Bamboo pit viper
Fungoid frog
Wrinkled frog
Deccan banded gecko
Brook’s gecko
Tarantulas

Quick Information

Route:

Mumbai-Matheran-Mumbai

Start Point:

Mumbai

Duration:

1 Night 2 Days

End Point:

Mumbai

Inclusions

A macro photographer's paradise
Forest extremely rich in biodiversity
Accommodation for 1 nights and 2 days.
Meals during the stay.
All park charges, entry fee etc.
DCP Mentor for 2 days.
Local Guide charges

Experts

Yogesh Chavan

Panel Expert - DCP Mumbai

Yogesh Chavan, a graduate from JJ School of Applied Arts, apart from being a visualizer, a poet, a writer and an actor, is a full-time Yoga trainer and Acupressure Therapist. He is also a skilled outdoor adventure sports trainer. He has authored the popular book Matheran - A Practical Guide. Many of his images have drawn considerable popularity in many publications including BNHS CEC and MTDCs quarterly magazine - Maharashtra Unlimited. He has sound knowledge of the biodiversity around him and is currently engaged at Saguna Baug on an Agro-Tourism outfit. He is associated in the DCP panel as a Panel Expert and Consultant in Strategy Team.

Mumbai / Thane is wel connected via flights with other cities. Meet our team at Matheran.

Mumbai / Thane is wel connected via trains with other cities. Meet our team at Matheran.

Meet our team at Matheran.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Macro lenses – kit lens will help if you dont have one
External flash and full charged batteries for the same
You should carry a diffuser for best results
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
Torch - (If you have a head torch it would be useful)
Batteries (For your torch and other equipment’s)
Raingears to protect you and your gears (Ponchos are best)
Leech socks and ankle high trekking shoes (Gumboots are best)
Dull coloured clothes (Camouflaged, olive or khaki - avoid bright colors)
Extra pair of clothes (for overnight stay)
Medical kit, Toiletries, mosquito / insect repellents
Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Day 1

This camp is planned within the core internal hotspots of Matheran. Since there is no motorable vehicle allowed in Matheran, we will be walking to reach Springwoods Heritage, our resort. You can hire porters for your luggage to be carried (not included in package cost - can be shared by participants).

The camp starts at 10 am on Day 1, i.e. Saturday. Participants are requested to reach Matheran on their own. After an initial formal introduction of the team, our expert will explain about the camp plan and also on the biodiversity of Matheran. Lunch will be arranged at the resort. After lunch, we will go out for exploring the flora and fauna of the region till it is evening, when we come back to the resort for a tea break and an informal discussion on the photographs clicked.

The most thrilling experience in the itinerary are the evening and the night trails. We recommend to wear protective footwear (Gumboot or similar) and carry fully charged torches or head lamps. The trail starts at 6 pm and continues as the night trail. We shall come back to the resort by 10.00 pm for dinner. We will mainly look for Common Vine snake, Common wolf snake, Checkered Keelback, Bamboo Pit Viper, Deccan banded gecko, Brook’s gecko and Tarantulas. We make our best efforts to create an environment suitable for wildlife photography in the wild. However, we cannot guarantee the availability of the species in the wild at any given time.

Day 2

After having breakfast, we will have a long 3 - 4 hour session of macro photography in the forest near the resort. This will involve hand holding on macro photography and tips and tricks of macro photography in the field. We will come back for late lunch and by 3.00 pm we will check out the hotel. We shall leave Matheran by 4 pm so that we can reach Mumbai well before 7 pm.

Field Learnings

On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our Wildlife Photography Expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following

How to approach Wildlife in the field
Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
How to get sharp images of moving subjects
Framing and composition in the field
Ethics in Wildlife Photography

The participants will be using INaturalist software platform for documentation during the expedition. DCP recommends the usage of INaturalist platform by all, with or without participation in its explorations - it is a place where you can record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers, and learn about the natural world. From hikers to hunters, birders to beach-combers, the world is filled with naturalists, and many of us record what we find. What if all those observations could be shared online? You might discover someone who finds beautiful wildflowers at your favorite birding spot, or learn about the birds you see on the way to work. If enough people recorded their observations, it would be like a living record of life on Earth that scientists and land managers could use to monitor changes in biodiversity, and that anyone could use to learn more about nature.

Package Cost

Rs. 8750 per head inclusive of all taxes
*To know charges for foreign nationals please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com

Cost includes

Matheran forest entry fee
One night two days stay at Springwood Heritage resort
One dinner, one breakfast, two lunches and three tea breaks
One session of night trail at Matheran and onsite macro photography.
All Taxes and service charges.

Cost does not include:

Mumbai – Matheran – Mumbai travel expense
Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Map

Matheran

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single room accommodation?

Yes. Please send us a mail to info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Can a non-photographer join the tour?

Yes certainly. However, the cost will remain the same

Matheran - Macro Photography and Biodiversity Boot Camp, Sept 2024

₹ 8,750₹ 10,000

₹8,750₹ 10,000