Panna Photography

Join us on an extraordinary learning tour to Panna, a journey filled with unparalleled experiences.

About the Expedition

Key Biodiversity Highlights of Panna Expedition

Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR), located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a remarkable example of biodiversity and conservation success. It is part of the Vindhyan ranges and features a mix of dry deciduous forests, plateaus, and riverine ecosystems. Here are the key biodiversity highlights:

– **Reintroduction of Tigers:** After losing its entire tiger population by 2009, PTR is a globally celebrated example of successful tiger reintroduction. Today, it has a thriving tiger population.
– **Iconic Tigers:** Individuals like T1 (a tigress translocated from Bandhavgarh) symbolize this success.

– **Leopards:** Found in hilly terrains and less-disturbed zones.
– **Sloth Bears:** Often seen during summer in rocky areas.
– **Indian Wolf:** Occasionally sighted in grasslands and buffer zones.
– **Ungulates:**
– Spotted Deer (Chital)
– Sambar Deer
– Nilgai (Blue Bull)
– Four-Horned Antelope (Chousingha)
– **Smaller Carnivores:** Jungle cats, rusty-spotted cats, and striped hyenas are present but elusive.

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– A birding paradise with over **300 species**:
– **Raptors:**
– Crested serpent eagle
– Changeable hawk-eagle
– Vultures (long-billed, white-rumped, and Egyptian vultures)
– **Water Birds:** Indian skimmers, river terns, and kingfishers along the Ken River.
– **Forest Birds:** Indian paradise flycatchers, orioles, and Malabar pied hornbills.

– **Gharials:** Thriving in the Ken River, which is a crucial breeding ground.
– **Crocodiles:** Mugger crocodiles coexist with gharials in water bodies.
– **Snakes:** Including cobras, pythons, and rat snakes.
– **Amphibians:** Frogs like the Indian bullfrog flourish during the monsoon.

– **Dry Deciduous Forests:** Dominated by teak, khair, and kardhai trees.
– **Riverine Vegetation:** Supports unique plant species along the Ken River.
– **Grasslands:** Provide habitat for herbivores and ground-nesting birds.

– **Ken River:** The lifeline of PTR, it sustains aquatic biodiversity, including gharials and skimmers.
– **Plateaus and Gorges:** Provide habitats for predators, herbivores, and birds.
– **Waterfalls:** Pandav Falls and other water bodies create microhabitats.

– **Indian Wolf:** Occasionally seen in buffer zones.
– **Rusty-Spotted Cat:** One of the world’s smallest wild cats.
– **Caracals:** Rarely spotted in remote grasslands.

– **Tiger Hunts:** Panna offers exceptional opportunities to witness tigers stalking prey.
– **Bird Courtship Displays:** Water birds like Indian skimmers exhibit fascinating mating behaviors along the Ken River.
– **Langur and Sambar Alarm Calls:** Signal predator activity.

– Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020.
– Successfully restored its tiger population, making it a global conservation model.

– With its varied landscapes and unique blend of wildlife, PTR is ideal for wildlife photography, birdwatching, and eco-tourism.

Panna Tiger Reserve is a shining example of resilience in conservation and a haven for biodiversity lovers.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Travel Date

( 2025 )

Things to Carry

Camera

Lenses

Memory Cards

Batteries & Charger

Bean bag

Binocular

Winter Jacket

Sun Glasses

Sunscreen

Travelling

Khajuraho -By Road

Route

Khajuraho to Khajuraho

Start Point

Khajuraho Airport/Station

End Point

Khajuraho Airport/Station

Duration

3 nights 4 days

Equipment recommendations

For Panna photography Workshops, here are my equipment recommendations for participants to capture stunning images in the wild:

Camera Bodies - Full-Frame DSLR or Mirrorless.

These cameras perform well in low light and provide excellent image quality and dynamic range.
Suggested Models:
- Canon EOS R5, R6, R3 or Full frame DSLRs
- Nikon Z9,Z8,Z7 II, Z6 III, or Full frame DSLRs
- Sony A7R IV, A1, A9

Lenses - Telephoto Zoom Lenses (for distant wildlife/Birds)

Essential for shooting animals or birds at a distance while maintaining detail and sharpness.
Suggested Options:
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
- Nikon 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 ED VR
- Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
- Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (for Canon, Nikon, and Sony)

Lenses - Prime Telephoto Lenses (for sharper images and faster aperture)

Ideal for low-light conditions or when you need a fast shutter speed.
Suggested Options:
- Canon, Nikon, Sony 600mm f/4.8L

Lenses - For landscapes and environmental wildlife shots

For capturing the broader scene or large animals in their environment.
Suggested Options:
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM - Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
- Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
- 70-200mm f/2.8

Additional Accessories

1. Beanbags – For stability when using heavy telephoto lenses.
2. Rain Covers – For camera and lens protection in unpredictable weather.
3. Lens Cleaning Kits – To maintain clarity in outdoor environments.
4. Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

Itinerary

– **Arrival and Orientation**
– **Afternoon: Arrival at Khajuraho Airport/Station by 12noon**
– 30mins drive from Khajuraho to Madle gate in Panna.
– Check-in to the Panna Tiger Resort wildlife resort by **12:30 PM**.
– Welcome drink and introductions with participants.
– Orientation session:
– Overview of the workshop.
– Introduction to Panna’s biodiversity.

– **2:30 PM: 1st Evening Safari**
– Visit Madla/Panna for varied perspectives and species diversity.
– Emphasis on capturing Tiger cubs and golden hour lighting.

– **Evening: Workshop Session**
– Basics of wildlife photography (settings, composition, lighting).
– Equipment setup and best practices for safari photography.

– **Dinner:**
– Dinner at the resort, followed by a Q&A session with the mentor.

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– **Morning & Evening Safaris**
– **5:00 AM: Wake-Up Call**
– Tea/coffee and light snacks.

– **6:00 AM: Morning Safari**
– Focus on photographing tigers, sloth bears, leopards.
– Explore core zone with high tiger activity and unique landscapes.
-Breakfast inside the forest
– 11:00 AM: Return to Resort**


– **2:30 PM: Evening Safari**
– Visit core zones for varied perspectives and species diversity.
– Emphasis on capturing Various Tigers & cubs.

– **7:00 PM: Return to Resort**
– Evening tea and snacks.
– Image review session:
– Feedback on participants’ photos.
– Tips for improvement.

– **Dinner:**
– Share experiences and stories from the day.

– **Full Day of Wildlife Exploration**
– **5:00 AM: Wake-Up Call**
– Tea/coffee and quick breakfast.

– **6:00 AM: Morning Safari**
– Focus on photographing tigers, sloth bears, leopards.
– Explore core zone with high tiger activity and unique landscapes.
-Breakfast inside the forest
– 11:00 AM: Return to Resort**


– **Mid-Day Break (for Regular Safari Guests):**
– Return to the resort for lunch and a brief rest.

– **2:30 PM: Evening Safari**
– Target specific zones based on morning activity or leads from forest guides.

– **7:00 PM: Return to Resort**
– Dinner and final review session.
– Mentor shares advanced tips on post-processing and storytelling & Composition presentation.

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– **Morning Safari & Departure**
– **5:00 AM: Wake-Up Call**
– Tea/coffee and light snacks.

– **6:00 AM: Final Morning Safari**
– Maximize opportunities for tiger sightings and unique morning light shots.
– Focus on fine-tuning techniques learned during the workshop.

– **11:00 AM: Return to Resort**
– Brunch and workshop conclusion:
– Recap of key learnings.
– Group photo.

– **11:30 AM: Check-Out**
– Depart with a treasure trove of photographs and memories.

Learning during Wildlife Photography Workshops

As a wildlife photographer and mentor, I aim to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience during my workshops.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key field learning opportunities participants can expect:

Mastering Camera Settings

– Optimal use of manual modes for wildlife photography in varying light conditions.
– Techniques to freeze or blur motion effectively (e.g., capturing birds in flight).
– Balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for sharp and detailed images.

Composition and Framing

– Rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing for impactful shots.
– Utilizing foreground, background, and negative space to create depth.
– Approaches to storytelling through composition, focusing on emotions and actions.

Working with Natural Light

– Best practices for shooting during golden and blue hours.
– Managing harsh sunlight, shadows, and contrast in outdoor settings.

Gear Handling and Maintenance

– Tips for safely handling cameras and lenses in rugged terrains.
– Cleaning and protecting equipment from dust, moisture, and unexpected weather.
– Proper use of tripods, monopods, and beanbags for stability.

Photography Essentials

– Techniques for capturing birds in flight or perched in dynamic poses.
– Using high shutter speeds and continuous autofocus for action shots.
– Identifying ideal habitats for rare and exotic bird species.

Post-Processing Insights

– Editing techniques using various apps like Photoshop & Lightroom.
– Understanding RAW image workflows and their importance in wildlife photography.
– Enhancing colors, contrasts, and clarity while maintaining authenticity.

Understanding Animal Behavior

– Learn to anticipate animal movements by observing body language, habitats, and behavioral patterns.

Our Camp

Important Points

Workshop Cost

Per Participants

Ā  Ā  Ā Note:

  • Cost allocated based on 3 participants in a Zypsy
  • Costing is based on the availability of Resorts & tariffs.
  • Costing may vary in case there is any mid term price change either by Resort/Park.
pay-mode

Why Choose My Workshops

Personalized Mentorship

Tailored guidance based on each participant's skill level and gear.

Exclusive Experiences

Access to unique wildlife destinations and rare opportunities for sightings.

Lifelong Learning

Practical skills that extend beyond the workshop into independent ventures

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As the golden sun graces the vast savannah, witness the iconic acacia trees silhouetted against the dawn. The sweeping grasslands become a stage for the majestic wildlife, from the graceful giraffes to the powerful lions. The Mara River flows serenely, providing a lifeline to the thriving ecosystem, while dotted plains offer a mesmerizing panorama of nature’s grandeur.

Private Lessons

In-Studio and Virtual Private Lessons are the best way to improve your dancing skills in the shortest period of time. Work at your own pace and receive personalized attention from our dedicated instructors.

Instructors

Every year, 810 Dance Floor Studio brings the world’s most relevant talents and choreographers to mentor our students.

Students Shout Out

Studio A

Studio Size: 42ft x 21ft
Amenities: Air Conditioning, Wi-Fi, Sound System, Dressing Room, Kitchen, Toilets

Embark on a visual journey with me, Gyana Mohanty, where every image is a doorway to the extraordinary. Let the magic of the wild unfold before your eyes!