Capture the Untold Stories: A Photography Adventure in North India
Join CEO and founder Christian Nørgaard on an exclusive visual journey through the tribal heartlands of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Capture the untold stories of the Konyak Nagas and Apatani people—two of the region’s most unique and fascinating cultures. Experience remote North India like never before, sharpening your photography skills while exploring breathtaking landscapes and communities few have ever seen.
Christian Nørgaard, a renowned travel and portrait photographer with years of experience exploring Asia’s diverse cultures and landscapes, has designed this workshop for passionate photographers seeking more than just a trip. This exclusive experience is your gateway to deepening your skills while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of North India’s tribal communities, including the Apatani and Konyak Nagas.
Nagaland, a captivating state in northeastern India, offers a rich tapestry of vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and timeless tribal heritage. The Konyak Nagas, known for their warrior traditions and distinct facial tattoos, are one of the most fascinating tribes of Nagaland. Deeply connected to their land, their way of life is a living testament to ancient customs. For those passionate about photography and exploration, Better Moments provides an unparalleled opportunity to capture these stories through your lens, with access to moments and experiences few have witnessed.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani people offer another unique cultural experience. Famous for their intricate nose plugs and facial tattoos—symbols of beauty and identity—the Apatani are also known for their remarkable farming techniques, particularly their sustainable wet rice cultivation system. With Better Moments, you’ll have the chance to document their way of life in stunning detail, from day-to-day activities to vibrant festivals.
Capture the Untold Stories workshop, we offer a workshop that connect you with people and cultures while refining your photographic craft. The landscapes of Nagaland, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine rivers, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the vibrancy of tribal life.
Led by Christian Nørgaard, this workshop goes beyond the ordinary, offering a transformative experience as you explore some of the world’s most remote and fascinating locations – you won’t just take photos—you’ll tell the stories of the Apatani, the Konyak Nagas, and other tribal groups whose traditions and way of life offer a rare glimpse into a world few get to experience.
Christian Nørgaard is the founder and CEO of Better Moments. As a seasoned photographer, Christian has traveled extensively across the globe, capturing diverse cultures and landscapes with a distinctive eye that has earned him widespread acclaim. His work is a perfect blend of artistic vision and technical expertise, setting him apart as a master of travel and landscape photography.
Christian’s dedication to his craft was further recognized when he was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Master, placing him among the elite photographers in the world. This achievement solidifies his reputation as a photographer with extraordinary skill and creativity.
In recent years, Christian has also collaborated with some of the world’s most iconic photographers, including Steve McCurry and other leading National Geographic photographers, on exhibitions and exclusive photography events.
If you are passionate about photography and seeking an opportunity to elevate your craft while exploring stunning locations, Christian Nørgaard’s workshops offer a unique chance to learn from one of the best in the field. His dedication to his art, global perspective, and collaborative work with photography legends make him a true leader in the photography world.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – A Photographic Gateway
Your adventure begins as you arrive in the bustling capital of India, Delhi, where history and modernity collide in spectacular fashion. After a comfortable transfer to your hotel, you’ll dive straight into a private, exclusive photo tour of Old Delhi, a photographer’s paradise filled with narrow alleyways, vibrant street scenes, and incredible architecture.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, where you’ll meet fellow photographers, share expectations for the journey, and prepare for the exciting days ahead. This will be followed by the first evening workshop, led by Christian Nørgaard himself, offering invaluable insights into how to best capture the raw energy and cultural richness that North India has to offer.
Day 2: Delhi to Ziro – A Journey Into Tradition
The adventure deepens as we take a flight from Delhi to Itanagar, followed by a scenic drive through the lush hills of Arunachal Pradesh to the picturesque town of Ziro. This stunning area is the home of the Apatani tribe, renowned for their distinct facial tattoos, traditional nose plugs, and ancient farming techniques that reflect a deep connection with their land.
Spend the day photographing these fascinating traditions, immersing yourself in the rhythms of the Apatani people’s daily life, and capturing the beauty of a culture untouched by time.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for a hands-on workshop on cultural portraiture. Christian will share expert insights on how to respectfully approach and photograph indigenous communities, offering tips on how to convey their stories authentically through your images. This intimate session will help you transform your portraits into meaningful, powerful stories that go beyond the surface.
Days 03 & 04:Explore the Apatanis of Ziro Valley
Day 3 & 4 is 2 full-days of exploration of the fascinating Apatani villages in the breathtaking Ziro Valley. Known for their rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, the Apatanis offer an extraordinary opportunity for intimate, culturally immersive photography.
We will visit Hong Village, the largest Apatani settlement, where you’ll witness and document everyday life, intricate customs, and the Apatanis’ renowned sustainable farming techniques. Capture the distinctive facial tattoos and traditional nose plugs that mark their identity, while learning how to turn each image into a cultural narrative.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for an in-depth workshop where he’ll offer hands-on guidance on how to refine your portraits, highlight cultural nuances, and enhance your storytelling approach. Christian’s expert mentorship ensures that you’ll not only take stunning images but also learn to create portraits that speak to the soul of the culture.
Day 05:Journey to Majuli – The World’s Largest River Island
We take a scenic drive to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, famed for its deep cultural heritage and beauty. Majuli’s rich traditions and landscapes provide opportunities for creative photography, offering a blend of nature, culture, and spirituality.
Spend the day discovering the island’s hidden corners, meeting the locals, and capturing the natural beauty of this extraordinary location.
In the evening, gather for an discussion on landscape photography led by Christian Nørgaard. Learn how to enhance your landscape shots, balance composition, and utilize natural light to transform your photographs into visually compelling stories. Christian will provide expert advice on how to approach vast landscapes with an artistic eye, ensuring that each shot reflects the essence of Majuli’s beauty.
Day 06:Delve into Majuli’s Timeless Traditions
We continue our exploration of Majuli, an island steeped in ancient culture and spirituality. Begin the day by visiting ancient temples and immersing yourself in the island’s sacred traditions, which offer opportunities for evocative and impactful photography.
As we move through the day, you’ll be invited to participate in local traditions, photographing the textures of Majuli’s cultural life. Capture dynamic moments in real time, as you learn movement photography techniques to elevate your ability to photograph action with precision and creativity.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for an in-depth workshop on cultural storytelling. Here, you’ll learn how to weave your photos into a compelling narrative that truly captures the spirit of the people and places you encounter.
Day 07:Journey to Mon – Home of the Konyak Nagas
Embark on a scenic drive from Majuli to Mon Village in Nagaland, the homeland of the Konyak Nagas, a tribe renowned for their rich traditions, warrior history, and distinct facial tattoos. Mon is a cultural treasure trove, offering endless opportunities to capture striking portraits and dynamic cultural scenes.
Upon arrival, you’ll explore the village, engaging with the Konyak people and photographing their unique way of life. This is a rare chance to capture the essence of a culture that remains largely untouched by time.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for a compelling workshop on storytelling through photography. Learn how to take your photography beyond the image and turn it into a narrative that reflects the emotions, history, and traditions of the subjects you capture.
Day 08:Discover the Heart of Traditional Life in Hongphoi Village
We venture deeper into Nagaland with a visit to Hongphoi Village, one of the most authentic and untouched communities in the region. Here, you will have the rare chance to photograph traditional Konyak Naga life, capturing their unique customs, traditional attire, and the everyday rhythms of village life.
Hongphoi offers an intimate glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, providing a perfect backdrop for powerful cultural portraits and storytelling photography.
After a day of shooting, we’ll gather for a photography review session led by Christian Nørgaard, where you’ll receive personalized feedback and learn how to fine-tune your images to create compelling visual narratives.
Day 09:Cross-Cultural Exploration at Longwa Village
We take an unforgettable journey to Longwa Village, a fascinating settlement that straddles the India-Myanmar border. Known for its unique position where the international border runs through the village, Longwa is home to the Konyak Nagas, whose king rules over both Indian and Myanmar territory. This unique cultural blend provides a rare opportunity to capture cross-border traditions and tribal life in one of the world’s most remote and intriguing locations.
Spend the day photographing the villagers and their daily activities, while absorbing the extraordinary cultural fusion that defines this region. Longwa offers breathtaking opportunities to document life in a community where two worlds meet.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for an enlightening workshop on cross-cultural photography. You’ll learn how to create meaningful images that reflect the blending of traditions, landscapes, and lifestyles, bringing depth and authenticity to your work.
Day 10:Return to Delhi and Farewell
As our adventure nears its end, we drive from Mon Village to Dibrugarh Airport, catching a flight back to Delhi. After an exhilarating journey through the cultural heartlands of North India, you’ll have time to reflect on the moments you’ve captured and the stories you’ve uncovered.
In the evening, join Christian Nørgaard for one last workshop, where you’ll review the highlights of your journey and refine your storytelling techniques. This session will help you bring all your newfound skills together as you prepare your final images. The day ends with a farewell dinner, where you can share stories with fellow photographers and celebrate the unforgettable experiences you’ve had.
Day 11:Open Day in New Delhi & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely day in New Delhi, where you can explore the city at your own pace or relax before your evening departure. Use this open day to revisit your favorite spots or simply unwind and soak in the energy of India’s vibrant capital.
In the evening, we bid farewell as this incredible journey comes to an end, but the stories and images you’ve captured will stay with you forever.
Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.
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