Excellent all the way :) - It was an absolute delight to go on this photoshoot with Manoj. He knows the streets of Varanasi along with so many of the Sadhus and other locals. Really enjoyed my day with him and his helper. Surprised me with a behind the scenes video clip of our day shooting together. Spent fair bit of time with the subjects, but was worth the captures. Very much recommended :).

A great photographer and teacher - This was my 2nd time traveling with Manoj. We started in Kolkata and went on to Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow and Delhi. Manoj is an excellent photographer and teacher. He is patient, organized and has a very pleasant disposition. We started our days at 5;30 and worked until dinner and sometimes later. He gives you an honest days work. I can't recommend him highly enough, you will not be disappointed. I guarantee it. Contact me for any questions.

Perfect morning - To finally be in Varanasi and to go out with Manoj, in the early hours, is one of the highlights of my trip through India. It was a great morning in which we worked together and Manoj gave very clear instructions for making the perfect picture. Manoj knows how to combine and convey the love of photography and the sadhus beautifully.

A Fantastic photographic expercience - I took a photography group to India with CNP Safaris, and our final destination was Varanasi. Here we met up with Manoj, who led our tour for 2 days. He is an exceptional human with fantastic relationships within the Sadhu communities. He managed the time and subjects to perfection, and our group came away with many incredible images and so much better for getting to know Manoj. I look forward to our next meeting in India.

An inspiring experience! With Manoj, photo, culture and the heart of India came alive in every photo of our 13-day tour! - I recently had a 13-day one-on-one photo tour with Manoj which started in Varanasi (5 days), and then continued to Agra (2 days), Jaipur (2 days) and finally Pushkar for the annual camel fair (4 days). It has been an incredible and very memorable experience. Manoj has a lot of experience as a photographer, he is dedicated to his work but most importantly passionate about it. He is friendly and easy going, yet very professional. When it comes to photography, Manoj has an excellent eye for subjects, light, and composition. He knows how to use light in various conditions - whether on Ganga river in Varanasi, in the streets of the cities or villages, or at monuments like the Taj Mahal. He guided me through portrait and street photography, helping me capture authentic moments. Throughout the workshop, I learned to better frame my pictures and focus on my subject. In the evening, we would typically look at the photos of the day and Manoj also guided me through editing, sharing many tips to achieve beautiful and professional pictures. He is always enthusiastic, patient and hard working, even after long days and very early starts in the morning. Beyond the technical aspects, what stands out about Manoj is his love for his country and specifically for his city, Varanasi. His photographs and the way he guided me reflect not only his skills but also a deep and sincere emotional connection to the people, streets, and life around him. Manoj's local knowledge is amazing. He knows the sadhus, the best spots and times for capturing authentic and meaningful moments, and how to navigate the various locations and their cultural nuances. This knowledge was key for our tour to flow smoothly and brought an immense added value to all the photo opportunities. Manoj also went the extra mile to make my trip effortless. From arranging train tickets or taxi drivers to helping with money exchange, he made sure that logistics did not become a burden. And this is not just nice to have, it's essential as it saved me from many potential setbacks, headaches and time losses. I only regret that these 13 days went too fast!

6 amazing days with the great Manoj! - I had the pleasure of working with Manoj for 6 days in Varanasi, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. He knows the best locations for shootings. He helped me to capture exactly what I was looking for. He was incredibly accommodating, patiently handling all my requests…and there were many! Manoj also brought his expertise and ideas which added great value to my work. His great connections with Sadhus, Naga Sadhus, and Aghoris provided unparalleled access, making my time in Varanasi exceptional. Highly recommended!

Highly Recommend Manoj - Manoj is a great guide, drawing on his personal relationships with Sadhus, Aghoris and other local Varanasi people. Rather than photographing these interesting and photogenic individuals from a distance, Manoj will help you create amazing images of your time in Varanasi, and apparently other cities in India. Highly recommend Manoj for your time in Varanasi and India!

A day with Manoj in Varanasi ! - I recently visited Varanasi and tried out some photography. Had an absolutely wonderful experience doing a guided photo tour in Varanasi with Manoj who with his expert guidance not only directed me to the correct spots at the correct time of the day keeping in mind the light conditions but also arranged for me to take some beautiful shots of the Sadhus of Varanasi. With his expert tips he guided me through the photography session wonderfully and I was able to come back with more than what I had imagined. I highly recommend him to whoever wishes to photograph the essence of Varanasi ! 😊👍

More Than a Workshop—A Deep Dive into the Soul of Varanasi - Unforgettable 5-Day Photography Immersion in Varanasi I recently completed a 5-day photography workshop with Manoj, and it was a transformative experience. From the 5:30 AM starts on the Ganges to the hidden alleyways of the city, every moment was well-organized and professionally executed. The Highlights * Professional Production: Manoj demonstrated how to organize full-scale shoots with Aghoris and Sadhus, offering deep insights into lighting, props, makeup, and directing subjects. * Diverse Locations: We explored a variety of settings, including sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, ancient temples, local wrestling schools, and bustling street scenes. * Expert Mentorship: Manoj is an excellent teacher. He helped me refine my composition and framing, encouraging me to experiment with his signature style while teaching me the "patience of the frame" to capture truly impactful moments. * Constructive Feedback: Our daily breakfast reviews at local cafes were invaluable. Reviewing and editing images in real-time meant I could apply the feedback immediately to my next session. The Local Experience What sets this workshop apart is Manoj himself. He is kind, funny, and incredibly well-respected in Varanasi. Because of his local connections, I saw a side of the city most tourists miss. We spent time chatting with locals and observing daily routines, giving me a much deeper perspective of the culture. Verdict: I finished the week not only with better technical skills but with a profound appreciation for Varanasi. Thank you, Manoj, for a wonderful experience!

Too close - I found Manoj to be too close and in my personal space on a recent photoshoot . I think the boundaries of professionalism were broken several times and i had to speak to him on more than one occasion . Not great being a single traveller .