See Durga Puja Like a Cinematographer
A 2-Day Cinematic Photography Workshop in Kolkata
by AACAP — Aura Academy of Cinematic Arts & Photography
DATE & TIME
Day 1 — Saturday, 17 October 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Field Photography & Cinematic Street Shooting
Day 2 — Sunday, 18 October 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Screening, Photo Review & Cinematic Critique
Location: Kolkata
Primary Workshop Zone: Kumartuli / North Kolkata
Exact meeting point: Shared with registered participants
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Don't just photograph Durga Puja. Learn to see it.
Durga Puja is one of Kolkata's most visually extraordinary moments—but beautiful surroundings alone don't automatically create a great photograph.
This two-day hands-on workshop is designed to teach you how to find light, emotion, composition, movement and story inside the chaos of Kolkata's Puja season.
Led by filmmaker and cinematographer Arghyadeep Saha Wrik, the workshop approaches Durga Puja photography through the eyes of a visual storyteller.
You won't simply walk around taking photographs.
You'll learn how to observe before you shoot.
DAY 1 — SEE & SHOOT
Field Photography Session
We take our cameras into the Puja environment and work on real situations.
You will learn:
• Finding stories inside crowded streets
• Working with available light
• Using pandal lighting creatively
• Photographing people naturally
• Subject placement and visual balance
• Layering and depth
• Foreground / midground / background
• Framing within a crowded environment
• Leading lines
• Reflections and silhouettes
• Motion blur and slow shutter techniques
• Capturing Dhak, Dhunuchi and Puja atmosphere
• Photographing idols without making repetitive images
• Creating cinematic colour relationships
• Anticipating the decisive moment
• Turning a random moment into a visual story
The challenge
Every participant will receive practical shooting assignments during the session.
Instead of simply following the instructor, you'll be given specific visual problems to solve.
DAY 2 — SEE YOUR WORK DIFFERENTLY
Screen-Based Photo Review
Bring your photographs from Day 1.
We'll put the work on a large screen and analyse it together.
You'll learn:
• Why one frame works and another doesn't
• Composition mistakes
• Weak framing
• Distracting backgrounds
• Exposure problems
• Colour problems
• Subject placement
• How to crop effectively
• How to build a visual sequence
• How a photographer can think like a cinematographer
This isn't just a presentation.
Your photographs become the classroom.
Selected photographs may also be featured on AACAP's social media with the photographer's credit.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This workshop is suitable for:
• Beginners
• DSLR / mirrorless users
• Mobile photographers
• Photography enthusiasts
• Content creators
• Instagram photographers
• Film students
• Aspiring cinematographers
• Intermediate photographers who want stronger composition
• Anyone who wants to photograph Durga Puja differently
You don't need an expensive camera.
A smartphone is enough to participate.
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE AWAY
By the end of the workshop, you should have:
A stronger understanding of composition.
A better eye for light.
Practical experience photographing people and environments.
A collection of Puja photographs created with intention.
Professional feedback on your work.
And most importantly:
A different way of looking at Kolkata.
Event venue
Kolkata, India
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.