Reviews & Testimonials
Over 500 photographers from around the world have joined me on the streets of India. These are their words, their images, and their experiences — unedited and unscripted.
Video reviews
Short video testimonials from past participants — recorded after their tours and workshops.
Jake Thomas
@jakethomasphotography
"Shivam is nothing short of brilliant when it came to assisting me around Kolkata..."
Paul Somers
@paulsomersphotography
"Shivam has an amazing knowledge of Kolkata and what a photographer is uniquely l..."
Andrew Hong Teoh
Singapore
"Kolkata x Varanasi Private Workshop for 6 days"
John Kardys
USA
"Kolkata Photography Workshop for 4 Days"
Tom Pitts
UK
"Kolkata & Varanasi Photo Tour"
Murray Sye
Canada
"Kolkata Photography Tour for 6 days"
Arjo Sinha
USA
"Kolkata & Varanasi Photography Workshop"
Sawyer Alcázar-Hagen
USA
"Kolkata & Varanasi Photography Workshop"
Written reviews
Reviews from photographers who joined private tours, 1-on-1 workshops, and group expeditions across India.
"I've done photography workshops on four continents, and nothing has come close to this. Shivam doesn't just show you where to stand — he teaches you how to think. By day three I was seeing the streets completely differently. The images I brought home are the best I've ever made."
"Shivam is nothing short of brilliant when it came to assisting me around Kolkata. He knows the area very well and got us into spots we never would have found alone."
"Shivam has an amazing knowledge of Kolkata and what a photographer is uniquely looking for. I trust him as my go-to guide across India."
"I had the pleasure to work with Shivam for a week during a project in Kolkata. He was able to get me into places I could never have accessed alone."
"Shivam has an extraordinary ability to make you feel at ease in situations that would otherwise feel overwhelming. By the end of the workshop I was approaching strangers with confidence I never thought I'd have."
Kolkata Workshop"The level of access Shivam provides is unlike anything I've experienced. He knows every vendor, every corner, every golden hour spot. India felt intimate and navigable for the first time."
Varanasi + Kolkata Tour"I came as a beginner and left feeling like a photographer. The real-time feedback on the street was invaluable — not just what's working, but why. Shivam genuinely cares about your growth."
Private 1-on-1"What sets Shivam apart is the cultural understanding he brings. He helped me photograph people with respect and dignity — something I struggled with before. The images feel honest."
Kolkata Workshop"Three days felt like three weeks — in the best possible way. Every morning was different, every walk revealed something new. I've already booked my return trip."
Private Tour · Kolkata"I've had an incredible time with this wonderful human by my side. Seeing India through his perspective has filled me with inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion. If you ever need assistance in India, please reach out to him — you won't be disappointed."
Delhi, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kolkata & Kumbh Mela"This was an exceptionally well-organised trip. What made it truly special was Shivam's joy, passion, and pride in sharing his country. I came home with unforgettable memories and a collection of photographs I'm really proud of."
Delhi, Jodhpur, Kolkata & Varanasi"From initial contacts through messaging prior to arrival to meeting the group, I was very impressed with Shivam Pandey's attention to detail and care. I cannot recommend him highly enough as our local tour leader in India."
Rajasthan & Kolkata Workshop"I had lost all drive and motivation after 17 years of photography. This changed in the first 3 days with this man. His drive, dedication, leadership, and focus on me as an individual is of the highest level. I cannot more highly recommend this unique, valuable and talented person."
Delhi & Jodhpur Workshop"Shivam put in an amazing effort to give us all an experience of a lifetime. You truly are a great business partner and a lifelong friend. I learnt a lot — the photography technique and your philosophy, the cultural experience and how colourful chaos seems to work."
Kolkata & Varanasi Workshop"The Ladakh workshop was a well-planned and memorable experience. Shivam's teaching was clear, practical, and very inspiring, helping us see and capture scenes differently. The hospitality throughout was warm and genuine."
Ladakh Photography Workshop"Sometimes you get really lucky! Shivam and his team are the 'dream team' if you need great guides with great photographic experience in India. Nothing was too much trouble — they gave us both time and huge amounts of advice on how and where to shoot."
Rajasthan TourEvery photographer who has joined me has left with images they're proud of and a way of seeing they didn't have before. Book your tour or workshop and find out for yourself.