The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is one of three recognised subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan elephant population is now largely restricted to the dry zone in the north, east and southeast of Sri Lanka. Elephants are present in National Parks but also live outside protected areas. It is estimated that Sri Lanka has the highest density of elephants in Asia.

The elephant conservation strategy of the Department of Wildlife Conservation aims at conserving as many viable populations as possible in as wide a range of suitable habitats as is feasible. This means protecting elephants both within the system of protected areas and as many animals outside these areas that the land can support and landholders will accept

We are going to photograph elephants in three distincts places. First we will attend the largest elephant parade in the world: The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as The Festival of the Tooth. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. A unique symbol of Sri Lanka, the procession consists of traditional local dances such as fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandyan dances and various other cultural dances, in addition to the elephants who are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional diya-kepeema ritual, a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe, Kandy.
During the festivities, we will have access to temples, to staging area, where we will be able to photograph intimately the culture of the festival.

Second we will photograph elephants in the wild at a National Park. At this time of the year, the elephants gather around water hole, making for spectacular interactions between matriarchs and their youngs.

Third we will photograph rescued elephants at a private reserve. We will have access to elephants bathing in the water, walking in the forest, and being taken care of by a large staff of mahouts and ground keepers. We will have the chance to photograph these elephants in their habitat interacting with humans. It could be a kid playing with elephants, a handler taking care of them, a mahout walking his elephant, a family worshipping them. The scenarios are unlimited. This is a unique opportunity to photograph, witness and learn about the behavior of elephants around humans.

We are going to use natural light and also enhance with artificial light. We will have candid shots, as well as setups with models. You will leave the workshop with well thought out images, newly acquired photography skills, and the experience of bonding with amazing creatures – elephants. Truly, truly life changing experience!

The workshop includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, festival, park and other related fees. The workshop is led by three instructors (Oliver, Harsh, Arti), local helpers, guides, drivers, mahouts, elephant trainers, a substantial staff that will welcome us.

This is a unique opportunity to bond with elephants and humans in Sri Lanka. An experience not to be missed!

See you in Sri Lanka in July/August 2021

Registration (Elephants' Culture): $6,500
Single supplement: $1,400

Payment Methods (2 Options: Either thru Paypal or Square)

Deposit for Sri Lanka (Elephants' Culture)

Single Deposit $1,200.00 USD Double Deposit $800.00 USD

Workshop details for Sri Lanka "Elephants’ Culture"