Mumbai Street Photography Workshop
Sassoon Dock, Mumbai. Image by Craig Boehman.
Mumbai Workshop Details
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience Mumbai beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s about getting into the thick of real-life scenes, honing your eye for detail, and capturing moments that tell a story. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your street photography skills, this is an immersive way to do it.
Private sessions are $350 + GST, and full payment is required in advance to secure your date. This one-on-one experience lets you focus on exactly what you want to improve, whether it’s composition, working with light, or gaining confidence in photographing people. A signed terms and conditions form is required at the time of payment. Since this is a non-refundable workshop, trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
Group sessions are $290 + GST per person, also payable in advance to confirm your spot. If you enjoy learning with others and feeding off group energy, this is a great way to experience Mumbai’s street life while refining your technique. Like private sessions, a signed terms and conditions form is required, and trip cancellation insurance is recommended as the workshop is non-refundable. You choose your preferred date.
Looking for something more customized? Day rates are available if you have a specific itinerary or focus in mind.
You’ll need a camera—DSLR, mirrorless, or even a point-and-shoot. Cell phones are okay but not ideal for this kind of work. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
What’s included:
An optional pre-workshop Zoom call to go over expectations, techniques, or gear questions.
Two shooting locations: Sassoon Dock at sunrise, followed by Chor Bazaar, wrapping up by noon.
Transportation between the two locations (you’ll just need to get yourself to the starting point at Sassoon Dock).
An optional post-workshop Zoom call for image review, post-processing guidance, or just to chat about the experience.
Photography isn't just a job for me—it’s what I love to do. If you're serious about capturing the essence of Mumbai, let's make it happen.
Sassoon Dock, Mumbai. Image by Craig Boehman
Sassoon Docks Photography Workshop – Meeting Time: Sunrise
A Living Legacy of Mumbai’s Maritime Past
Welcome to Sassoon Docks, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most vibrant fishing harbors. Established in 1875 by David Sassoon & Co., this historic dock was among the first wet docks in Mumbai, built to support the booming cotton and maritime trade during British colonial rule. Over the decades, it has evolved into the heart of Mumbai’s fishing industry, sustaining thousands of fisherfolk, vendors, and traders. Today, it stands as a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the city's working-class spirit—frenetic, loud, and unapologetically real.
The Experience
As we pass through the imposing entrance gates just before sunrise, you’ll immediately feel the pulse of Mumbai’s fishing economy in action. The dim twilight quickly gives way to a golden dawn, illuminating a labyrinth of workers unloading boats, hawkers yelling over auctions, and customers haggling over the freshest catch. The air is thick with the scent of salt, fish, and diesel, a sensory overload that sets the stage for some of the most dynamic street photography opportunities in India.
Expect intimate environmental portraits, high-energy candid shots, and the chaotic interplay of light, water, and humanity. You'll see everything from fishermen hauling in the night's catch to expert fishmongers skillfully slicing stingrays, swordfish, and varieties of seafood you may have never encountered before.
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Dress for the Environment: The docks are wet, slippery, and lively. Puddles of seawater, melted ice, and fish remnants are unavoidable, so wear waterproof or easy-to-clean shoes.
Stay Aware & Respectful: This is a place of labor, not a tourist attraction. Some workers may be indifferent to your presence, while others might throw a glance or a well-aimed comment in Marathi or Hindi if you block their path. Keep your movement fluid, respect their space, and they’ll respect your right to photograph.
Navigating the Chaos: The main dock is a moving sea of people, baskets, and fish crates. Be prepared for the occasional shove—especially from the Koli fisherwomen, whose business comes before your perfect shot. Keep your gear close, move decisively, and always be mindful of the edge of the dock—one misstep, and you’re in the harbor.
Why Sunrise?
The Magic of First Light: The golden hour transforms the dock into a dreamscape, adding dramatic shadows and contrast to the scene.
The Peak of Activity: The busiest time is between 4:30 AM and 8:00 AM, after which the energy dies down, making early arrival crucial.
Unique Encounters: The fish markets are a treasure trove of photographic narratives—whether it’s a vendor explaining his trade, a fisherman resting after a long haul, or a buyer inspecting their seafood with surgical precision.
Beyond the Photography
Sassoon Docks is more than just a market—it’s a microcosm of Mumbai’s past and present, where centuries-old traditions meet modern commerce. The people you’ll meet have stories etched into their faces, hands, and expressions. This is documentary photography at its finest, a rare chance to capture the essence of a city that never sleeps, but always moves.
Chor Bazaar – Mumbai’s Legendary "Thieves' Market"
Chor Bazaar, Mumbai. Image by Craig Boehman.
Meeting Time: Approx. 9:30 AM
A Marketplace of Legends, Mystique, and Endless Stories
Welcome to Chor Bazaar, one of the most fabled markets in Mumbai, steeped in history, intrigue, and an unparalleled mix of chaos and charm. The name "Chor Bazaar" literally translates to "Thieves' Market," a moniker rooted in colonial folklore that claims stolen goods often found their way here. While that may have been true in the distant past, today's Chor Bazaar is more of a vintage paradise than a den of illicit dealings.
With origins tracing back over 150 years, this market was once a hub for trading antiques, curios, and surplus goods from British ships. Over time, it evolved into Mumbai’s go-to place for everything from vintage Bollywood posters, gramophones, and rare books to old cameras, typewriters, and salvaged automobile parts. Today, it's a haven for collectors, wanderers, and photographers looking to capture the soul of Mumbai in its most unfiltered form.
Chor Bazaar is an incredible place for people-watching and storytelling through photography. Despite its reputation as a rough-and-tumble marketplace, it is surprisingly welcoming, filled with vendors who are more than happy to chat and even pose for portraits. While the market can be bustling, particularly on Fridays when regular shops close and the flea market spills into the streets, it remains an essential destination for street photographers.
The heart of it all is Mutton Street—a name that perfectly captures the raw, unpolished energy of the market. This central artery is lined with shops selling everything from vintage furniture to retro film cameras, each storefront a time capsule of Mumbai’s layered history. Venturing beyond its informal boundaries will lead you to an even more diverse landscape of trade, from lanes dedicated to metalworking and machine parts to vibrant tailoring districts, where entire streets hum with the rhythm of sewing machines.
What to Expect
By the time we arrive, the heat is starting to settle in, and the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar are bathed in golden light. The sun beats down in certain lanes, making it a warm but exhilarating experience. There are plenty of places to grab bottled water or a refreshing drink, so staying hydrated won’t be an issue. We’ll seek shade when possible and stick to the lanes where the lighting best complements our shots.
Prepare for attention. Many locals will actively ask for their pictures to be taken, sometimes with a mix of excitement and curiosity. If you enjoy street portraiture, this is an absolute dream. Take your time with your subjects, and be ready for other vendors further down the lane to call out for their turn in front of your lens. You can always politely pass or simply move on, and I’ll be there to help navigate any interactions.
For those who prefer candid photography, timing is everything. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll quickly notice that the moment your camera rises, eyes will turn toward you. It’s almost supernatural how quickly you’re spotted, often just as you’ve lined up the perfect frame. Speed is your best friend. A wide-angle prime lens (35mm equivalent or less) will allow you to work quickly and discreetly, blending into the crowd just long enough to capture the moment. If you need a few tricks to make candid shots work in a busy environment like this, I’ll show you some techniques that work best in teams of two.
Chor Bazaar is a whirlwind of colors, textures, and personalities—a place where every corner holds a new surprise, and every face tells a story. This is Mumbai at its most alive, and through your lens, you’ll get to take a piece of that energy with you.
Testimonials
“During a recent visit to Mumbai, I went on a morning photo walk with Craig Boehman. Craig is a capable professional photographer and photo guide. He is pleasant, communicates clearly; is punctual, and fulfills all his commitments. Craig picked me up at my hotel before dawn. We went straight to the nearby Sassoon Docks where we photographed a glorious sunrise, fishing boats unloading their catch, and fishermen, hawkers, and ice haulers. I came away with some stunning sunrise shots and several intimate portraits of the dock workers. After a much-appreciated break at a Starbucks, we visited a teeming Sunday market near Chor Bazaar that was alive with photo opportunities, and finally to the Dharavi Slum to photograph pottery making. In between these sites, we captured some wonderful street portraits while interacting with the Mumbaikers. I asked Craig for suggestions on scenes to capture and for recommendations on camera settings for the changing light. He has a good sense of when you want some advice and when you just want to shoot. I had a memorable, relaxing, and fun morning with Craig. And I came away with quite a few keepers. If you are looking for an excellent photo guide in Mumbai, I highly recommend Craig Boehman.”
— Ed Haugh
"I did a workshop with Craig in December 2017. He is an excellent photographer and guide and was really helpful in showing me around the city of Mumbai. His local knowledge is second to none and he knows some excellent locations to help capture some really great images of the real Mumbai." – Paul Reynolds
“I had a workshop with Craig on Wednesday Morning. It was an enjoyable session and took in the sunset at the Worli Fort, it’s an interesting part of Mumbai with a view one the old and the new. The people are especially approachable and welcoming. We visited the Bandra and Juhu fishing villages where life has continued for years in spite of the changes that continue with Bandra.
”Craig’s local knowledge is a key asset with the workshop and he is able to retrace his own footsteps through many of the Mumbai streets and fishing villages. Craig’s easygoing style not only ensures a good workshop but also a good interaction with the people of Mumbai. If you’re interested in Street Photography and want to get some unique snaps from Mumbai out site the tourist areas then Craig’s workshops are essential part of your itinerary.” – David Kolb
“I happened to be staying in Mumbai on business and had a few days free. I'm a street photographer by hobby and thought it would be good to meet a local photographer and get a view of India from the inside. Craig was such a great guide, showing me parts of the city that a tour group would never have taken me to. Being just one-on-one was a definite advantage, I could follow my eye and move where I saw great images, and Craig was committed to getting me the shots I wanted. As a collaborator as well, Craig was fantastic, always willing to give input or camera technique advice. Having someone like Craig with you while shooting will only make your images better, whether you are a beginner or advanced shooter. I highly recommend seeing the city of Mumbai and shooting on the streets with Craig!” – Rob Krauss
“Thank you, Craig, for a very interesting and informative workshop. I appreciated your input on how you approach street and travel photography and suggestions/guidance on how I may be able to apply these to improve my photography. Your local Mumbai knowledge of some of the out-of-the-way spots also resulted in some great material. Again, thanks and I will keep in touch.” – Phil Duval
An article by Richard Farnes discussing my workshop. “Hi Craig - Thank you so much for the brilliant workshop last September! Not only were you very informative and helpful with camera settings and techniques, but you also took me to parts of Mumbai where I would never have found myself and inspired lots of confidence in dealing with different street situations and opportunities. I particularly valued your advice about seeing the shot almost before it "happens". You were also incredibly generous with your time, and went way beyond the call of duty! I'd highly recommend your workshops to anyone else visiting or residing in Mumbai.” — Richard Farnes
