Naughts and Crosses

Painter

2011-12-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

Painter II

राह

2011-11-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

राह

Gue

2011-09-30T23:46:00.000-07:00


Gue

Tempted as we were to take up Usha Devi's invitation to join her for lunch we had to decline the offer to keep on schedule. The little village of Gue that's gained fame recently after the discovery of a 'mummified lama' was not initially on our plan, thanks to Google Earth it found its place. One of the best drives off the main road the Gue valley was an absolute pleasure. we were even graced by the elusive Ibex on the way back.

The Mummified Lama


Ibex

पाठशाला

2011-09-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

पाठशाला

Happy Teachers Day!

2011-09-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Paan wala

This might be a little in the day, but all the same this one is for all those who inspired me to do more with my camera (my best teachers). All my batch mates at college, my gang of friends, my brothers, Mr. Sanjeev Seth, Mr. Raghunathan, Mr. Daruwala, Mr. Shekhar, Dr. Wilson, Mr. Sampath Kumar, all my clients and most of all those of you who have come to me for advise and guidance, thank you for constantly inspiring me to push my work to a new level each year.

चाय

2011-07-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

चाय

When at home tea has always been served soaked in a teapot with the milk and sugar separate, but for me right from childhood it just never did it for me. What still works for me is "cooked tea" as my mom likes to call it. Every visit to the villages of my state give me the chance to down cups and cups of this refreshing tea. Yesterday was one such long day where a friend and I visited 7 families and enjoyed tea at each home. Every home has its own recipe for the brew, some add Ginger and Tulsi (my favorites ), others might add Cardamom and Cinnamon, but no matter where you go in UP you'll always be offered water and tea ( चाय पानी ) before anything else, just one of the reason I love my state!

Kashmir the Floating Market

2011-07-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Kashmir - The Floating Market

सीढ़ी (ladder)

2011-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

सीढ़ी

Ladders have always fascinated me, as a child it was the only way I could reach the first branch of the Cryptomeria tree from where I could then climb higher than any one. It was the ladder that let me reach the roof of the cottage we lived in to a place otherwise inaccessible. There has always been something romantic about the way I have looked at the ladder. Its been more than a bunch of rickety steps on a wooden frame, its more of symbol to me. That little push that we all need to get the ball rolling, from where we are all can then take it on and keep it rolling, faster and faster!

Dadajee

2011-07-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

Dadajee

पतंग उड़ना (flying a kite)

2011-07-01T05:20:00.000-07:00


पतंग उड़ना

My fingers have bled, I’m dark, but I became even darker, got numerous lectures, but at the end of it I did learn to fly a kite. It’s a skill everywhere on the planet I am sure, but from what I have seen here in India, it’s a little more demanding.

With no one at home who flew kites and friends too who were not helpful out here, all I had was a neighbor who’d fly his kites with skill that I have not witnessed anywhere else. Shankar bhaiya was the god of kite flying as far as I was concerned.

Like with all things in life, here too hard work paid off and at end of months of hard work, I was able to send my kites way off into the horizon and often loose them there too.

Kite flying taught me patience, it taught me to believe in myself- both of which have helped me tremendously with my photography. To be able to get a kite to rise when its gone so low that you can’t see it, when you can pick it when it looks like it has to, it must crash into the house or water tank not so far away it.

Its not just about getting some paper stuck onto a bamboo frame to catch the wind….. it’s about knowing how to keep yourself afloat at times when you feel there is nothing to carry you forward, to stay afloat when it looks like you’ll crash, its about learning that you CAN if you believe.

One from Trunk

2011-06-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Documenting CARE's interventions during the floods in Eastern UP - September 2009

Now for those of you who are questioning the choice of caption for this post - no I dont store my photographs in a trunk but then 'one from the HD' hardly has any romance to it! (poetic license ??)

Some time in the September of 2009 I got a call from Amelia at CARE, "where are you? we need you to help us!". Over the next few minutes I was explained how I needed to help. Two days later we on the road to eastern UP to evaluate and document the work her colleagues were doing for the people who's lives were destroyed by the fury of the Ghaghara.

We saw a lot work and despair in area, some of which I try not remember too often, one image has however stuck in my head from the time I shot it four years ago. The contribution that the non governmental organizations to the development of our country is something that we need to salute and appreciate. This post is for all my friends who work with NGO's all over the country and specially in UP.

Thank you for doing what you do!

Aam Panna

2011-06-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

Aam panna

I'll have to thank Chandan for this one, would not have stepped out in the scorching summer heat to spend some shooting when I had work to finish, but then in addition to being a good photographer Chandan's a quite persuasive too!

Butterfly

2011-06-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

On a recent shoot in Siliguri, WB I was shooting a building when I noticed these rather interesting shadows across on the opposite wall. Based on my calculation I had about half an hour to finish the shot I was taking and move over to take this photograph or so I thought!

By the time I had finished the shot I was taking and moved over to take this photograph the sun had not set but a cloud had come in! So with no shadows forming the tea brewing on the ground floor seemed to be a compelling choice I had to fight hard to resist.

But I would not have it, I decided to wait and wait some more, looking at the cloud and telling it to move! (in cloud tongue) And it did, giving me about half a minute to take a couple of shots with even better shadows than the ones I had seen!

There’s always a reason for everything .... Destiny, Karma, Luck, Timing, what ever you’d like to call it .... its out there.

The floating garden

2011-05-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

A vegetable vendor after a successful day at the market on his empty boat.

Central Park

2011-03-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

All your photographs are great (but I have seen them before!)

2011-03-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

We often visit places like Old Delhi or Baneras and while looking thru the camera take photographs that feed on the visual vocabulary that we have accumulated over years of going through magazines, books and journals. As we’ve turned each page some where deep within, we’ve told ourselves that this is how we needed to shoot if we wanted to see our works out there. This leads to responses like, ‘all your photographs are great but I have seen them before, what’s new about them?’

Last evening at Nazar’s ka Adda, Nupur wanted to know if this was correct/right ? (and I, just in-case you’re wondering, was not talking about the way some one’s work was torn to shreds by the constructive criticism)

Here’s my take, most of which I shared with the participants last evening. Lets leave photography aside for a while and talk of some artists, artists that I hope most of us are familiar with: Picasso, Miro and Dali. Picasso became famous for Cubism and other work that I struggle to understand even to this day. Miro the surrealist master whose child like works of art are part of innumerable museums around the world. Dali my favorite, and in my opinion the greatest of all the masters is better known for his melting clocks and other equally evocative surrealist works. (One of my all time favorite photographs is one taken by Dali himself.)

When we study each of their works a little deeper and we find that Picasso too painted realist works, as did Dali and Miro in their initial years. Each one of them began with an all to familiar vocabulary and then went on to create something new.

YES it’s perfectly right to go ahead and take photographs that speak in an imagery that is all too familiar. Nothing wrong with it at all when you start! You go out when you are first beginning to master your camera and challenge yourself with this done-to-death imagery. Once you have mastered it you should get bored and then go ahead and look for a vocabulary of your own. The important thing here is moving on once you have conquered the first level, when the challenge ceases to exist.

You need to give your self time, its not like you’re going to go out there the first time you pick up your camera and come up with a whole new imagery. You need to let the thoughts in your head collect and then ferment till you’ll finally get a whole new imagery that will give both you and your audience a high!

Rabri

2011-01-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

Rabri in Old Delhi

Before any one suggests there is nothing rubbery about what the old man is cooking, and yes its called Rabri. This childhood favorite for me, is a North India specialty. I remember how we'd wait for the annual trip to our favorite shop to gorge on mouthwatering dish. Cooked in a shallow karhai for several hours its a pure milk dish with sugar, dried fruits and a whole bunch of other goodies.

A Farmer

2011-01-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

Dinner!

2011-01-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Dinner!

Winter wonderland

2011-01-17T04:42:00.000-08:00

Winter is the best time of the year from, love the cold. As a child I loved getting under a nice heavy and puffy cotton quilt for a good nights sleep and I still do, here's the man who makes sure it keeps me warm!

Winter is here!

2011-01-07T17:49:00.000-08:00


Winter

Just in case the dense fog outside your window, or the icy wind, and the dropping mercury some how failed in driving home the point: Winter is here! And as you can see some of us are enjoying the cold!

A New Year!

2011-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Fishing in the cold!

This morning's papers were all about how Lucknow my home town was colder than Shimla a hill-station north of Delhi, and I too felt the extreme cold when i walked out onto the balcony to have my morning cup of tea and call home to check on my folks.

The day was spent driving from one village to another, meeting folks, drinking tea and eating stuff at the local tea stalls. As the sun began to bid the day adieu we reached a village where a band of brothers and their aunt were fishing in the cold.

Taking breaks to shun the cold with their shivering bodies the boys were all smiles as they literally sieved the water to collect the tiny fish for a special dinner!

Its supposed to be colder tomorrow but the boys say they'll back and I am sure they will (with the same big smiles)!

New Year Resolutions!

2010-12-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

The year has come to an end and its time to learn from it and plan for a better year ahead!
But what the hell I decided to get resolved a few days early!
Happy New Year!
Giving up smoking, spend more time with your friends, reach office on time, go running, get a dog, stop drinking, ..... whatever your list says add one from me: 'spend more time with your camera'. All the best!

One Great Old Chap!

2010-12-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

He'll be 91 on the first of Feb, he's seen a lot, 'petrol was 13 rupees a gallon as a kid or may be cheaper'

today its 55 rupees a ltr. a world war, independence, kids, grand kids and great grand kids .... a source of inspiration for so many .... but to me he's a loving father first and then anything else.

Depth of Field

2010-12-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

A toy train track thru the MP-65mm F2.8 Macro

When I started with photography now over a decade ago it was with a Zentith 122 as some one you, who have been following the blog might know. Ofcourse I had no clue about this ‘thing’ called the depth of field, all I did know was that times not everything in my photographs were sharp and I was not too happy about it. (The 50mm F2 on the zenith was excellent)

The thought at the time was what’s the point in taking a photograph if you cant see everything ‘clearly’!

It was not long before I moved on to a new camera leaving behind my Zenith and with it the fascination of getting everything clear.

Over time the desire to have everything sharp died and gave rise to a new desire to have more and more of the photograph ‘blurred’. Working with the MP was a novel experience, without any Photoshop at all this photograph clearly shows the focal line in the photograph with as shallow a depth of field as I have experienced.

When I think of the importance of the depth of field in photography I end up at a concert where an orchestra is playing and then while the rest of the musicians fade out to create the background score the Cello does a solo recital.

Its as if you can cut out all the chaos in a fish market to hear a conversation between two people.

Mango- The Star

2010-12-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Having fun on a shoot !!!

Back to Dust

2010-12-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

A Portrait

2010-11-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Many years ago when I was traveling Gujrat with CARE we came upon this unique family in the desert very close to both the Arabian Sea and Pakistan, just before the BSF post. While the land seemed most hostile and parched, the clothes of the women more than made-up for the lack in colours. This particular lady not only had the colourful clothes but a unique body language and pose that caught my eye. Completely unaware of the 600mm of optics that helped me take this shot without intruding her space she stood there as if waiting for me to take the photograph!

The Qutub

2010-11-21T18:29:00.001-08:00

I am sure you'll understand if I was to tell you that I'd be happy with this shot if it was mine, why not!
And even though I did not take the photograph its more than the joy of the visual that I experience.
Sarah joined ' The Art of Photography' classes at St. Stephen's this year with a point and shoot camera.
As the classes progressed with a little nudging from me and the growing desire to control the camera she was able to convince her dad to help her get an SLR! I don't know how much if at all I have taught Sarah but if alone for helping her convince dad I shall take my share of credit.
Its great to see such great work! Well done Sarah!

Dadi

2010-11-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

Dadi

Sanjeev

2010-11-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Sanjeev

After much debating and logical thinking I finally gave in and got my 20D a 50mm 1.8 lens.
Every time take her out for a shoot I am filled with pride, over all the years she has been with me and is still going strong.

32º Fahrenheit

2010-11-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

32º Fahrenheit

2010-11-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Minar

2010-10-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

On my recent visit to Hyderabad (spelt as per MS Word) I did not have the time to see the 'Char Minar' go out for some Bhiryani, or dine at the water front caffe, it was one hectic trip with most of my time spent at ISB, and that too I did not shoot. Some how on the way back to the hotel at the end of a good day of work we came across this monument bathed in the warm light of the setting sun.

Looking at the photograph now I don't feel that bad, my next visit will be better.

Appreciation

2010-10-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Most of my work is fueled by my love for photography which comes from the feeling I get when I see my images. But then when all out of the blue you receive appreciation from a quite unexpected corner it give you that kick that a good expresso would.

In India we have a saying 'ghar ki murgi, dal barabar!' which would directly translate into: a home grown chicken is as good lentil soup. Basically capturing the all to common trait amongst us to dismiss the best in our homes because we get used to seeing and experiencing them and take them for granted.

Everyone loves a little appreciation and recognition, artists I feel of course need a little extra!

Here is a mail I received from Ayush, who went to college with me.

Thanks to the encouragement I was once again tempted by the veins in the leaves during a class at Lodi Garden!

Thanks Ayush!

The mail:
'I was just going over your blog and admiring the snaps. I wanted to put a "general" comment (i.e. not pertaining to any specific photograph) but couldnt find a place to put it - maybe you should have a "guestbook" kind of feature on the blog. Anyways, since I couldnt comment on the blog, I just thought I'd mail it to you instead.

There are two things that I really liked on the blog -

The first pertains to the whole presentation of the blog itself. I like the way you write a small note alongside most of the photos. I've got quite a few photography enthusiasts on my Facebook list but most of the time they just give a link to their Picasa / Flickr photostreams. Visiting these photostreams means that you are just presented with a thumbnail view of the photos. I guess most viewers simply click on a few thumbnails and the only description of the photo is the title.

In contrast, reading your notes alongside your photos is far more interesting and gets the viewer immersed into the blog. Also, I like the variety in these notes - sometimes you present some trivia about the subject matter (in the case of nature subjects), sometimes you touch upon the "technicalities" of the shot and on other occasions you just write a description of your experience - how the street vendor reacted to you ... or how the kids were scared of your appearance ... or how you found yourself in a dangerous position near a beehive. All this really makes the blog interesting even to a total layman on photography.

The second aspect that I like, is regarding the snaps itself - there is something about your "composition" of the snap that sets apart your work from most other stuff I've seen. Its hard for a layman like me to describe this but I'll give it a crude shot nevertheless -

When I see other photographer's works, then the angle is pretty much standard - the subject matter is composed exactly in the center with equal spacing all around. In your work, you get very unique angles for composition. Further there is a variety in the degree that you zoom in (or out). This in turn gets a variety in the background - sometimes the attention is focused on just the main subject matter ... on other occasions there are lots of elements in the snap and that gives it a "completeness to the scene" look. I'm not sure if any of this is making sense but I hope I'm able to communicate my point nevertheless.

My favorite snap (couldnt locate it on your blog) is that of a reddish leaf that you photographed. You took a closeup of that leaf to the extent that even the tiny veins in the leaf are crystal clear. And the overall reddish color with the network of veins actually makes it look like something alive and throbbing, instead of just a simple leaf that we wouldnt even notice if we passed by it. I do hope you'll display this snap during your exhibition in Lucknow ... its really my favorite out of all the ones you've put up so far.

Let me know the details of the exhibition when they are confirmed ... will definitely be attending.

Cheers,

Ayush Vaish.'

The Photograph Ayush refers to is a post in August 2009 titled 'A Leaf '.

Portrait of a Painter

2010-10-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

I dont know why I always thought that a portrait of a person needed to be a vertical shot, may be it was the landscape and portrait printing options on the computer but I cant be sure!

As you may have discovered there are no rules ... what ever works for you, works!

Solitude

2010-10-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Professional Hazards

2010-10-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

Photography is not always the safest of careers to choose, am glad the beehive 2 feet above my head did not get agitated while I waited for the sun to move into position. If it had I am sure the even bigger hive just below my feet would have too!

Don't want to think what would have happened! The good thing is i got the shot after waiting for over half an hour and lucky for me the bees were very kind.

LIVINGETC NEW DESIGNER AWARDS

2010-09-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary

2010-09-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

38 Years and going strong! Mom and Dad on my recent visit home celebrating their anniversary.

God bless them for giving us all they have!

White Spot

2010-09-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

White spot!

Sunday Stall

2010-09-06T05:18:00.001-07:00

Scarf Vendor in Chandni Chowk

During the outdoor shoot in the afternoon yesterday I had to stop when I saw this guy selling scarf's on the footpath. He was quite happy (a little shy) and amused to have me take his photograph. Took me about 10 minutes to get the frame right, but was happy with what I got. Its one thing to stop the incessant flow of people on the footpaths of Chandni Chowk the busiest the market place in Delhi, but to patiently wait till there is a gap long enough for you to get a shot is completely different feeling!

I guess you can see me smiling!

National Salon

2010-09-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

PSM's National Salon - the last date has been extended to the 13th so you still have time

Forms and Details

Class trip to Chandni Chowk

2010-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Pilgrims at the Gurudwara in Chandni Chowk

Today was an interesting day and I mean each word I say (write).

The alarm that was set to wake me up at 6 was set for Saturday and not Sunday. But I did make it to class on time, thank God for blessing me with Buddy my dog.

When I did get to Chandini Chowk it was raining, no pouring. There was a regular stream flowing on the road. Shared jelebi's, chai, and samosas with Medha who showed much courage, determined to attend every class of the course.

My phone got wet, the email service which had not worked for 2 days began working (if I had known I would have poured some water on it myself) and the ringer went off (wasn't happy about that). Took the metro back to Gurgaon seeing no mercy from the rain only to return an hour later.

The second time round the Metro was not so good to me but the clouds were .

The shoot was excellent!

Got some great shots. And then just after I had tweeted how much I liked the Metro, YES you’re right it was out of order when I was to return. Thanks to the kindness of my dear friend (and saviour for the day) I got a drop back to Gurgaon. Thank you Anandhi!

Now just waiting to see what the rest of the gang has got.

Garam Chai

2010-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Spot (on) Metering

2010-08-29T05:54:00.001-07:00

A Fret-saw technician at a furniture workshop in Rajasthan

This is when you thank the camera manufacturer for inventing spot metering!

Photography Classes

2010-08-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Teaching I am told is in my blood, both my parents are teachers, of my brothers the elder one teaches at SPA in Delhi the younger is with Teach for India in Bombay. I guess it was only a matter of time that I had to join in, something I did last year.

While I tried to make sense of all the curves in my micro economics class in college I always wished I could have got a BA from Delhi University in Photography honors rather than Economics. (No offence to all the teachers at college, Mrs. Leema Mohan, Mrs. Poonam Kalra, KRC, VC, Mr. Grewal and Mr. Rahgunathan all of whom were very patient with me and my love for the camera.)

During the 5 years that I was in and out of Delhi I did have the opportunity to give annual lectures at KMC in DU and held 2 day workshops on my trips around the globe if the opportunity so allowed.

Back in Delhi I was determined to get a course going and I glad we are moving on. Coming from a family of modest means the camera I used was borrowed or gifted, friends and teachers helped me peruse my art and all the while I wished that we had a course at Delhi University that some one who did not have a fat Bank Balance could attend.

The Basic Photography Course being held both at St. Stephens in Delhi University and The Sushant School of Architecture is the result of this dream to institute a course in photography that will afford aspiring photographers the opportunity to hone their skills and further their art.

For those of you interested in finding out more please send in mails to: classes@andrefanthome.com

Turtle it is

2010-08-24T02:03:00.001-07:00

Now I have to tell you all that I have the urge to write something very wise about this shot and what I was thinking. Making that up is going to take a lot of effort to I guess I am going to stick to the truth again (due to sheer laziness not greater virtue). Hope you like the shot got to thank my 100-400 for it, just a simple shot with great colours.

Monsoon Madness

2010-08-21T00:33:00.001-07:00

The monsoon always drives many hidden treasures from their underground homes giving us the opportunity to see things we might never get a chance to otherwise.

These hard, crusty skinned worms that seem to have been flooded out of their home provided one such unique sight. Now they don't bight (I know because I picked a handful of them from off the road to safety,) but sure look really creepy!

For those of you (like Ameya) who saw my work while still in college, I am sure its going to bring back (hopefully pleasant) memories.

Happy Independence Day

2010-08-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to Rajasthan, when we got lost, were given all the wrong directions, and the rain stayed with us every time we took out our cameras the National bird came by to cheer us up.

Investing in a flash

2010-08-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

After seeing innumerable wedding albums in India most of us Photographers develop an aversion to using a flash. Not that I am suggesting that we are wrong in our distaste for the on (or in) Camera Flash. An external flash that has a tilt and swivel head is a excellent tool and one should invest in one if you are serious about making a career out of photography.

This is not about career advice, this is about the difference a flash can make, its about this photograph.

We were on a weekend getaway to the hills and enjoying the cold after the sweltering heat of Delhi.

The view from the cliff was excellent but soon lost as the sun bid the day farewell.

In addition to my driving skills I am also wanted on these trips for my bad jokes and the occasional photographs that have to be taken.

Then there are times when a challenge appears or as some like to think an opportunity to torture my friends.

The light not good enough to get the moon, the cottage and the my good looking friends all in the photograph, a flash was needed.

But what makes the difference is the fact that flash was 6 feet away from the camera, the side lighting though bang on gave me what I am looking for.

And just in-case I forgot: take your tripod with you too, yes always!!

In the photograph from left to right: Abhijeet, Abhilasha, Parineeta

Photography Society of Madras

2010-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Humbled !

My visit to Chennai was great, but what I saw and learnt there was even greater!

After spending time at the Beach with Bhaskar when I finally reached the ne premises of the Photographic Society of Madras I was welcomed by room full of eager photographers who were waiting for my lecture.

When the time for me to speak came I began with how I felt, and all I felt at that time standing in front of the photographers who’s ages ranged from the late teens to those who were nearly senior citizen was HUMBLED!

It was amazing to see how all these folks had come together to run what has come to be a functional and very successful Photographic Society.

Though the society does have a legacy over a century and a half yet its current form and live is a result of the work of its present members who have come together to give it the live it now has.

We must all watch out for the annual salon among other events that the society organizes

When you have the time you can also check out their website : http://photomadras.org/www/

For those of you living in Chennai well don’t think twice, this is a society worth joining.

Top Right: During the Slide show

Top Left: Breakfast: Pongal-Vada with Ramana (missing in the shot)

Bottom Right: Lecture at the new premises of the Society

Peace!

2010-07-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Cant seem to come up with a better name for the moment, so its going to be called peace. We've all seen images of cats and dogs living in peace and harmony, they don't always fight!

Last weekend I was invited to Chennai (Madras) to give a lecture at the Photography Society of Madras when for the first time i visited Tamilnadu.

On a visit to a temple we had to leave our shoes before we entered and thats where i was drawn to the caretaker only to find that more interesting spectacle hid behind him. I was amused to see the pets on the chairs, but more so by their evident suspicion (or was it displeasure) when i photographed their master. (I don't know if they were just being protective or were they plain jealous?)

The shallow depth of field of the 2.8 lens gave me just what i was looking for.

And before any one asks me, NO i did not want to them both in focus!

Il Pittore

2010-06-30T01:12:00.000-07:00

This photograph is special to me, its crooked and yet its straight!

I am sure many of you have had your teachers or peers tell you that the photograph is great BUT .... a little crooked.

When I first started shooting I was very mindful of all the critique I received. Hell all I wanted to do was get better and make a living dangling a camera round my neck rather than suffocate wearing an expensive tie. (Ended up doing both together, ever tried shooting in a three piece suit!?!)

well getting back to the photograph that I have often been told I made a complete mess of (... yes there are always those who disagree).

Straight like everything else in this world is a matter of relativity ( now I am sounding like a scientist). We see how well the lines in the photograph run parallel to the for sides of the image we capture and then conclude if the shot is straight or not.

In this particular image while the traditional horizon and ground dosent provide us with the parallels we look for yet if you look down the vertical centre of the image you find a parallel that runs thru the tree down the umbrella pole and into the ground.

It sort of confuses me, straight I like to think .... may be not! But yes it gets me thinking and that I think should do. (Enough thinking for today)

Portrait of a vegetable vendor

2010-06-24T18:28:00.001-07:00

While the big cities rely on big cars and big malls to get you what you need for the home, smaller cities and towns rely on the vendors coming home.

Now not so common but as a child I remember that every morning we'd hear them shout out as they crossed the front of the house.

What I found most interesting about the way these folks conducted their business was the relation they had nurtured with their customers.

I have often heard them tell mom or some one of our neighbours, 'no you have to buy this, its very good, and if you wont pay fine then take it for free ...'

Then the usual bargaining match that would follow.

Megha

2010-06-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

'Megha' is the Hindi word for rain clouds and on a day like to day when the weather update on my phone tells me we might touch half a century in Delhi I thought I'd retaliate with a image to make us all feel good.

Was trying to capture the mood of the evening with the sun setting and the clouds blowing inland. The deep orange I had hoped to see was evasive and I was trying to be as patient as I could. And then, as if to make up for the missing magic in the sky this group of kids walked up behind me. A step here and there, readjusting the focal length and .....

I hope this brings all of us getting baked in Delhi a little visual respite.....

Anna (Shashup for elder sister)

2010-06-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

This photograph was actually taken from the window of a car. I was scared that if I got out to approach the children the little fellow might get scared, and I was right. As soon as I had got this shot I stepped out to get one more but was stopped by the immediate wailing of the child. I am often told its not the camera but me! (something about the way i look?)

So why do I like this shot, other than the obvious low depth of field and color contrast ?

Its the innocence that seems to radiate from both the caring sister and and her brother who is happy to be taken around town without setting foot on the ground.

To have an elder sister is a gift that few of us are lucky to receive, for many other we fail to realize.

Portrait of a worker

2010-06-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Portrait of a Painter

2010-06-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

Portrait of a basket weaver

2010-06-01T20:09:00.001-07:00

Flying Fish

2010-05-31T21:23:00.001-07:00

The first time I heard some one say something about flying fish I must have been 10, and I was sure that my brother was talking about some mythical creature that he had read about in one of the many book I always saw him with.

I think it was the second day at sea on my first voyage that I saw something jump out of the water and literally fly over the water and then dive in again.

Flying fish did actually exist, or was I day dreaming? The excitement on the faces some others like me gave me my answer.

We had left Brazil on one of my longest voyages headed to Funchal, Portugal.

Not far from the mainland is the island - archipelago of Fernando de Noronha where I was able to take these photographs.

The Gulls would either chase the fish in the air as they flew over the waves for distances of over 5 meters or dive from heights of over 10 meters and shoot into the water like darts to catch these magnificent creatures.

I have since seen flying fish several times, in the Pacific and Atlantic but never once did anything compare to the feeding frenzy and the action I saw on the day.

Snow Weed

2010-05-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

It was the month of May, summer as we know it, but the high passes of the lateral route in Bhutan still had some ice left on the road side.

We did not have much time since we were on a vacation with a tight schedule !!

I did of course find the time to squeeze in some photographs. What especially caught my attention was how the delicate grass shoots had created their little spaces in the hard coarse ice. Being the only absorbers of the suns warmth and then radiating it to the surrounding areas these slender shoots were able to carve out their own little spaces.

Lights, Camera, Action

2010-05-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lighting makes all the difference to our work, and most of spend a great deal of time mastering this art. Highlights, shadows, mid-tones, and their romance is what brings together a photograph to give it that something that i cant find appropriate words to describe. (Never claimed to be a writing expert so i guess you'll excuse me.)

Mirror on the wall

2010-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Most of us photographers have at some time or the other been fascinated with reflections, the new dimension in the visual plane is extremely attractive to searching eye. Equally interesting (, at-least for me) are doors and windows, that sort of take the viewer through the wall to the other side. At first glance this might look like a window, but if you look carefully you'll find that its a reflection!
Embedded into the wall of the hut this mirror gave me a unique opportunity. I felt a certain thrill knowing that I was capturing one visual that would appear to something else to the viewer.

The Gates Effect

2010-05-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that Bill Gates is genius but I had to experience it for myself. Look in carefully and you'll see that just photographing him on his recent visit to India gave me the chance to meet my clone!

A Farmer's hands

2010-04-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

About a week ago at a village in UP.

Pollution wonders!!

2010-04-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Some times pollution can do wonders fro you you, as this late evening dust-storm did for me.

Snake!

2010-04-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

For the first time I saw a snake in the wild, i got as close as i could with my 70mm.

Washing the dishes

2010-04-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Mineral water

2010-04-11T03:33:00.001-07:00

This was last week, some where in UP. In the sweltering heat of the summer that some farmers feel will cross the 50 degree mark this year, a bottle of water from the hand pump is often a sweeter drink than the boiling hot mineral water in the jeep.

Standing on your Head

2010-04-08T06:48:00.001-07:00

i don't normally drive my clients to the point that they stand on their on heads, and not most of them can. Shooting with Pankaj was a novel experience

Blowing in the wind

2010-04-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

My father once told me a story of how he thought winnowing was an easy task only to find himself in bed for the rest of the week after just over an hour at the task.

He was a young boy when it happened, something he says taught him to respect the farmer's labour.

This must have been in the 1920's long before the combined harvesters came to our farms.

Even today though, most families don't own large plots of land and so cant afford the mechanized marvels. Most families use the warm summer wind to separate the grain from the chaff. And if some can afford technology, its limited to manual fan.

Okay so why these photographs ?

Do I confess first? Well I guess I should, in the little time I had to steal these images there were from the front where one could see the ladies face then from the rear with all the chaff blowing straight at me.

Yes the dust did bother me but it was not entirely the reason why I came round the the front to carefully position myself in order to get the basket and the mustard pods in the frame. I was not very open to looking at the sight from a different point of view.

I guess you can see I have learned the lesson again and hope it reminds you too, your point of view makes all the difference and we're not just talking about Photography.

Taxi

2010-03-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Even though I tried i cant be sure how many were ferried on this jeep, or for that matter how the driver could even see the road.

One from the past

2010-02-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

When i started shooting it began with wasps, spiders and some other creepy crawlies.

Lajja ३ (लज्जा ३)

2010-02-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Bundelkhand is famous for its ground nuts or monkey nuts, what ever you choose to call them. On a visit to this, the most beautiful part of my home state we were guests at a remote village where the locals had recently harvested the seasons bounty. Not far from the village square this little girl who refused to tell me her name had just had her bath and was ready to play in the sun. Sitting on the ground playing with the nuts she kept smiling at me all the while.

Everything changed the moment the camera came out, she was quick to drop her head and avoid the lens. I was disappointed that I missed that smiling face but later looking at the photograph on the computer I realized that I was still luckier with the catch I got.

Pushkar revisited

2010-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

Pushkar has been and will remain a yearly pilgrimage for me and several posts on this blog have come from my trips to the holy town. This one is from the touristy part of town with, for the first time a tourist, as the focus of the photograph.

While the Banjara family, got ready for their act waiting for another event to end, an eager tourist thought he’s give their tight rope a try and managed to make it to the other end.

While all the cameras fired one after the other to get a piece of the pie at the main event I had this prize catch all to myself. (For once I was happy I was late.) Within minutes ofcourse my colleagues too realized that this was something not to be missed.

After a few minutes the poor chap was forced up the rope again to pose for the next days papers, he didn't make it to the other side this time round but I sure hope he made it to the first page the following day.

Humayun's tomb

2010-01-17T04:26:00.000-08:00

Okay no, i did not get lucky here. I wish, but I am sure any one living in Delhi knows that we never see ducks fly-by at sunset. The ducks are from Gujrat.

Jumbo

2010-01-07T01:51:00.000-08:00

This is another one from the Andaman trip I have written about before. Taking the photograph was the highlight of the trip for me.

And if you are wondering, why ….

We were driving back from a visit to some village when I saw this elephant at work. Initially I was just excited to see something I had never seen before but had both read and heard about. As I watched the master speak to elephant that seemed to comprehend every little word that escaped the masters mouth I took some casual photographs.

After about five minutes I gave in and found the courage to climb to the drivers cabin (only to burn my hands on the scorching metal). Took some photographs, then crawled under the truck to see if it was better there, though every one at tried to dissuade me. Finally I decided the space between cabin and the wooden separator was the best.

With some difficulty I slipped in and waited for the right moment. (I am constantly told I need to loose weight.) Braving the heat I took some photographs till I finally got the timing right and was able to take this shot.

On my way back to the rest-house I remember thanking both Dr. Amrit and Dr. Chabra for helping me walk again, tank you once more.

Aaaahhhhh YAWN!

2010-01-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

I think it was ‘Blink’ but it might be ‘The Tipping Point’ in either one of these books Malcolm Gladwell had written something about yawning. Although the entire story escapes me right now, I do remember him describing how contagious yawning was. He had cleverly predicted that while I was reading the paragraph about yawning I too would yawn, and I did.

I am not so sure if any one of you is going to yawn on seeing this photograph but if you do it’d be nice to know.

Ek Kadam (एक कदम)

2010-01-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This is one of my favorite works from the year gone by, taken at some village in UP. Here's hoping that 2010 is blessed for us all, may the cameras keep clicking and the photographs improving.

Dada (दादा)

2009-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

My visit to the Andaman islands now nearly a year ago has a special a place in my life and work. After recovering from the spinal surgery that gave me back my left leg it was the first shoot that tested my body’s capacity to go on.

Immediately after a shoot in July last year my disk revolted and put my left leg to sleep for 3 days till the doctors pruned it allowing the nerves to reclaim the limb. Recovery was slow and painful and more so because I had to lie in bed and do nothing.

On the shoot I spent a large amount of time driving around the islands, nearly drowned myself taking photographs, climbed trees, trucks and hills to get the shots I did. It was when I returned from the island in one piece with my leg still willing to walk with me that I had the confidence to go on.

After traveling the waterways in a tiny boat (that had my heart racing till we got off) we reached a village were I took this portrait which remains one of my favorites from the trip.

Canon 100-400

2009-12-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

For some time now I have been thinking that the $1600 that I spent on my 100-400 was a waste and yet another of those hasty decisions I took and now ….

I must thank Trevor again for getting me the lens, for some great reason it was cheaper to have the lens mailed to his Florida address from New York (B&H) then picking it up at a local store!

After nearly a year of being stored away in my new steel cupboard I took the lens out with me today. Ah Boy! Was I glad.The Egyptian Vulture is a small vulture that was once very common in our part of the world, but like all other vultures that have vanished in and around Lucknow this species too is extremely rare to find.

So now I don't think buying the lens was a bad decision, well not until I pack it away in the cupboard again!

Bhai

2009-12-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

We stopped by a football match while touring northern Andaman to witness the same passion and excitement that I had known as a child. Having socked in the energy of the place we were headed to the next village when these brothers caught my eye. The light was warm and the emotion pure, one shot that's all I took.

Chandani Chowk in Yellow and Orange

2009-12-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

Teaching

2009-12-06T08:36:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: These are not my photographs, they are Kritika’s. She is attending an introductory photography course at St. Stephen’s. ( yes I am teaching the course of-course)

My Mom’s a teacher, Dad I am told left the IAS to teach, (and no that's not a joke) so you might think that I wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. I don't think so, on the contrary I think I had a teacher overdose and never ever even considered teaching as a distant possibility.

With time things change and well I guess so have I.

Kritika’s photographs have been taken on a Sony point and shoot camera and that makes me doubly proud of her work.

Nazar na Lage (नज़र न लगे)

2009-12-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

At a visit to one of the villages on my recent visit to Bundelkhand. The black Kaajal (काजल) you see on the child’s forehead is a result of our ancient belief that it wards off the evil eye.

Sunset Landing

2009-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

I hate traffic jams as i am sure most of you do but not always. Had the traffic not come to a grinding halt there was no way I'd have had the opportunity to take this one.

Chandini Chowk

2009-11-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

With clouds looming over the skies I completely forgot about the fact that there was bandh on in Delhi. Most of us wouldn't think of taking our cameras out a drizzling cloudy day now would we? I for one am always too worried about getting even a drop of water on one of my cameras. But we did go to Chandini Chowk and though the shops were all shut we did have some fun. Sarah was more courageous than me but i did brave the rain now and then and got a couple photographs.

Baneras the ghats

2009-11-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

“5:30 ?”

“Yes 5:30 should be good.”

I realized the Sarah was a SERIOUS amateur.

I had visited Banaras once a couple of years ago. During the week that Sen, Vikki and I spent in the city we seldom left the Ghats. Staying at Mishra Lodge on Trilochan Ghat we’d step out onto the Ghats every morning and drink loads of tea between our shoots till the night would call it a day. It was a busy period with the festival of Shivratri falling in the middle of the week. The elusive naga sadhus were out in full strength and the ghats buzzed with life both day and night.

When we got to the Ghats it was still dark, women and children invited us to buy flowers and dias to offer the river. The sun was still below the horizon but the light creeping out in the distance announced its advent as did the solitary priest who readied his instruments to greet the day with the morning Aarti.

Soon we saw the sun appear as it struggled to break free from the bars of clouds that seemed to arrest it a little longer. When it finally broke free it was as if the city had laid out a red (well orange really) carpet for it to cross the river. Within minutes the Ghats were a buzz with pilgrims, the Ghats were alive!

For the next couple of hours Sarah, Dharma our guide and I walked the Ghats. Sarah did most of the shooting while I was content helping her with her photography. When after a few hours our legs began to revolt we took the boat and cruised down stream.

The boat ride done we spent some more time on the ghats before heading off for breakfast. Back in the car Dharma told us that nearly every tourist that visited the city made it to the Ghats for the sunrise, and it was quite clear why.

So if you do make a trip to the city make sure to fight the fatigue to greet the rising sun as it walks the red carpet across the river to announce a new day for the city. Once you have seen the sunrise you will then have to return for the evening Aarti something you just cant miss.

Just around the corner

2009-10-31T21:07:00.001-07:00

A puppet show in Jaipur

Often all it takes to get a good shot is looking around the corner.

Pushkar 2009

2009-10-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

‘Hey Fanthome’ a familiar voice welcomed me as I struggled to find change to pay the rickshaw, it was Rohit. Rohit had introduced me to Hotel Hill View where I was to spend the next few days while in Pushkar. Some three years ago sipping tea at a stall on the last dune of the cattle fair Rohit and I met, we got talking and our cameras clicked. (Inspired by San who was trying to take a jab at us.)

Pushkar seems to be a permanent fixture in both our calendars and I am always glad to sit and discuss everything from Religion, Politics, and other things that don't sound as profound like cameras, photography and food in the evenings when I stop shooting. Being a professions traveler Rohit has introduced me to many things in Pushkar that I would never have found on my own, the Tibetan restaurant being one of them.

And now the trip to Pushkar and back to Delhi.

Our trip from Mangle ki Beri (25°20'47.96"N 71°40'54.65"E) to Pushkar (it’s on the map) 500 km by road started late. (I hope you are not surprised.) When Anna Ram had told me the camels came in a truck I of course visualized 12 camels standing in 3 neat rows. Once the truck arrived and got into place I realized just how different things really were. The truck had to be filled with sand and then the hesitant animals were made to sit (not stand) one next to the other with their fore-limbs tied so that they would not stand up. The entire process of loading the 11 camels that we took to the fair lasted a good 3 hrs, it was dark by the time we were ready to leave.

As a child traveling inside a train or bus I had always envied those who traveled on the roof and was adamant that I was not going to sit inside the cabin this time round. Folding a huge tarpaulin to form a comfortable mattress of sorts I placed my bags in one corner making room for three others who preferred the wind and stars to the cramped confines of the cabin. A short stop at the local temple some Prasad for good luck and carefully ducking the power lines stretched across the road we began the journey.

Sindari was our first stop, dinner at a dhabha where we had Bajre ki roti, Kadhi, and Dal. Sitting cross legged on the khatia I proudly had my dinner. And now when I say proudly there is a reason for it: firstly sitting cross legged is an accomplishment for me, something I was not sure of doing post surgery, but it was more about the comment the driver made about the way ate my dinner. Seeing me crumble the roti as the locals did rather than tear pieces as we do in UP, he complimented Anna Ram for teaching me to eat properly.

So with Dinner done and the cold wind getting to my bones I pulled out the blanket, shawl and sweater and …. (well that's all I had at the time) some how trying to stay warm. When I woke next we were about 11 km from Pushkar. The hints of the rising sun behind the hills gave me courage to venture from my blanket and face the icy cold morning as the truck took to the winding roads as we approached our destination.

By the time we reached Pushkar the sun was peeping over the eastern hill making the town blush in reds and yellows. The silent night that was only disturbed by the rumbling engine was now chased away by the grunting of camels, neighing of horses, honking of horns, blaring of loudspeakers, and shouting people, Pushkar was awake.

After watching the camels leave the truck I told Anna I was leaving for the Hotel, “Not going to sleep with us on the dunes” he asked, “Now way” I quickly answered. Later in the evening having tea he was quick to understand why, “yes this is not the village, any one could walk off with your camera at night” he said and I was glad he was not offended. (In the days that I spent at his place my wallet with all the cash for the trip, cameras, phones and everything else just lay on a cot out in the open and never did I worry about a thing.)

I spent the next few days walking the dunes, meeting with old friends debating stories about why the lake had no water, eating one Falafel after the other and at the end of each day I had my glass of sweet milk, without cream and walked back to hotel to crash for the night.

I left Pushkar early this time, before the Horse dance, before the Camel race, both happy and sad. I was happy (not just for the ride on the top of the truck but,) because I had taken a journey I had always wanted to and also because after last years lackluster attendance this year the fair was full of cattle. Anna Ram had already sold 2 of his 5 camels. And yet in my happiness there was the regret that I had to leave early and also the humbling learning that the fair was packed because people wanted to get rid of their cattle after the drought being unable to afford keeping them any longer.

My last evening when I sat at a dabha with Rohit and San eating ‘Dal Bati’ our host an old friend told me that once the fair was over they could be close to 500 or even more cattle just abandoned on the dunes because taking them back was an option few could afford.

Another year and I know I will be back, there seems to be little constant in my life, seldom knowing where I’ll be at any given time of the year but Pushkar has always remained a milestone of another year gone by and another year to look forward to.

Mangle Ki Beri

2009-10-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

What now? I asked the cab driver when he told me he had no fuel and the pump too was dry, 'We'll find some' he said and drove on while the gauge pressed hard at 'E'. This area of Rajasthan is full of Oil and coal some one had told me the day before ... But right then we had none, it kind of reminded me of a ship at sea. After driving into the wilderness for about 15 minutes we got of the road and headed for a tractor on the hill close by, there after some negotiations we got some fuel and moved on to the village . Unlike the day when I had come here it was really really hot, lucky for me I got home by mid day.

Once I had washed up I crashed for the day and as it happened night too. Catching up on my sleep was paramount today we have to leave for Pushkar and I don't think I'll get much sleep on the journey my first in a truck!

This trip has been something, and its not just about the stay at the Taj in Jaipur where I was dressed in an expensive silk kurta drinking tea that cost a couple of hundred bucks as I met some of the smartest brains of the land (civil servants), or for that matter my unscheduled trip to Jodhpur to meet a friend I had only met twice before, or the trip to a village to stay with a family I had never met, in a land I had never seen ... it was all this and much more.

I had seen folks drop tea into a saucer and sip it rather than drink it from the cup but being served tea in a steel bowl, well this was something new.

While mother never lets me forget how over weight I am my hosts insisted that I had every bit of my bread (roti) dipped in Ghee. ( I had hoped to loose weight on this trip but little chance of that happening.)

Waking at 5 to answers Nature's call too was fine the hour was not all that unearthly, but carrying my lota into the sand under the watchful stars (that outnumbered those in Lucknow and Delhi) looking for a good place, well that was.

My days here with this my newly adopted family have been great, I have always loved Rajasthan right from my first visit with Saurabh in my third year at college, always felt safe and free. This trip has taken everything to a whole new level, I traveled alone without my car for the first time. The affection that Anna and his family have given me has changed something, for the first time I am not all that excited about the Pushkar fair but t I guess its fair!

Level crossing

2009-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

So what’s so special about a goods train crossing a level crossing?

When we were children traveling from Guwahati to Lucknow each year the good trains always filled the day with excitement as we brothers struggled to keep track of the carriages whizzing past us. Some how it was always easier for us to count when the trains were at a distance rather than on the adjoining track, but why ? ( and now imagine me scratching my head hoping to come up with a genius reasoning.)

Motion is something that we photographers just cant get away from, nearly everything we shoot moves. Notice how the motion blur in the photograph is more on the left and less on the right to the point that there is no blur in the train and it appears sharp.
Depending on the speed of the subject, the apparent angle it forms at the point to the parallel running thrugh the camera, its distance from the camera and the shutter speed on the camera this blur may increase or decrease.

Its one train so how can it be still at one end and moving at the other?

Joy !

2009-10-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Stations 1

2009-09-28T00:40:00.001-07:00

Of all the various elements that one can play with in photography for me the Depth Of Field (DOF) is my favorite.

As one matures in the art the initial aim of being able to see everything crisp and clear changes to allow some elements to be sharp while other are not.

Photography is often described as the art of exclusion, but its not just limited to the frame you choose. Even within the frame that you choose you still have the freedom to decide: to keep some subjects clear while others can be blurred beyond recognition to help you tell your story.

32˚ Fahrenheit

2009-09-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was all set, the warmest jacket, thermals, my trekking shoes and I had the front seat right next to the pilot. The roar began to change its pitch as the chopper pilot did his last checks before the thumbs-up and like magic we were airborne.

Yes I had fantasized about being a pilot and more so a chopper pilot but this was something else. The Boss had given me 20 minutes to be at the pickup point and go on the ride. (Thank you Manny!). In those 20 minutes I got my Lowe-Pro Dry-zone packed with my FM 3A, F-80, and F-90 and a couple of lenses including Otto’s 24mm that he leant me. (Thank you Otto!) As we flew the valley and over the peaks a thousands ghastly thoughts rushed thru my brain but none survived the stampede and soon I was able to free my mind to admire the beauty of the landscape around me. (Though not quite the same but zooming in on Google-Earth does give you an idea of what I saw.)

The chopper landed on the ice field and we stepped out to walk on a slippery rock hard surface that was just ice and nothing else. The guide gave us our crampons and we started walking and that's when I realized the BIG MISTAKE I had made. No I did not forget my slide rolls or the batteries or the light meter, nope, I was just over dressed. The sun shining brightly thrugh the pristine air, the white ice reflecting it all back … I was getting baked standing on ICE! Soon the jacket came off and then the thermals till all I was wearing was a t-shirt. I cursed myself for bringing all the extra luggage on this short trip as I struggled to keep my balance.

For the next hour or so I fought the heat and the weight on my back and took a couple of photographs that made scream “I want more…”

How can you have a river flowing IN a Glacier ? What, you mean there are CAVES inside the Ice? So it takes 300-400 years for this ice to reach the lake ? are amongst the many questions that I hurled at our guide who patiently educated us on the subject. The Chopper returned and we flew back, no ugly thoughts this time … all I was thinking was, how do I get back?

In another week or so I was back in Delhi and the warm summer welcome I got made me want to return to Alaska even more. I had to return and I did after a 2 years and that's when I put together 32˚ Fahrenheit. The 21 photographs are amongst a lucky few that I was able to find the resources to scan, print, and frame many other not so fortunate and yet excellent shots still remain prisoners of the leaves that form the Alaska file in my cupboard.

After nearly 3 months in Delhi and a week in Mumbai 32˚ Fahrenheit is ready to hit the road again.

Below is the link to an article on the show that is in my opinion the best one written so far thank you Matt.

http://www.domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20090918_fanthome.html

Alaska 3

2009-09-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

When I first heard that Harbour Seals have their pups on the Icebergs that break off from the face of Tide Water Glaciers I was not sure if I should believe what I was hearing.

On one of my first trips on the second visit to Alaska we went up Tracy Arm (to investigate). We went up the winding fjord till the ice stopped us from getting any closer to the Sawyer Glaciers and that’s when I saw them for the first time. Over the repeated trips up the Arm I saw several mother and pup duos resting on the ice that was warmer than the water it floated on! Yes that’s right, in the water the Seals loose heat much faster than on the surface of an iceberg.
But why do they have have pups on the Icebergs ?!!
There is always a reason for everything in Nature; the maze of icebergs create a protective barrier against the Killer Whales that just love the tasty seals.

The brown beasts in the other photographs are Sea Lions that are extremely aggressive creatures both amongst themselves and towards the world at large. An entire pack once attached the vessel we were traveling in, glad it was not made of wood!

This set is for Susan

2009-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

I met Susan in India and not in Alaska when she did a photography experience with me in Delhi. My friends Varun and Animesh run this extraordinary travel-experience company called Tallis and Co. ( http://www.tallisandco.com/ ) Its not a travel agency, they wont book your bus tickets so don’t get the wrong idea.

Both Susan and Bernie walked the lanes of Old Delhi, had lunch at Karims and I was told had a great day and lots of good photographs.(Okay no more bragging here)

When Susan commented on the Alaska photographs this morning I was reminded of the star fish I had shot at Sitka and so put this collection together.

For any one in two minds about going to Alaska .... “JUST GO!” Is all I can say, you’ll thank me when you get back.

Alaska

2009-09-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

I was in love with Alaska even before I got there! I had seen photographs and heard stories from so many friends that I was just waiting to see it for myself.

I had always wanted to make a trip to Antarctica but that seemed just as unlikely then as it does now after my surgery. So finally I got 2 weeks with the team up in Alaska, the boss allowed me to stay on - thank you Manny.

In the two weeks that I spent there I had enough time to take a chopper ride to Juneau Ice Field and do a two hour walk in crampons that I had never worn before. I saw a glacier calve though I did not capture it. Saw the picturesque Mendenhall Glacier and Arctic Turns that had flown up from the southern hemisphere for the summer holiday.

I did get some shots on this first trip but much more important though was the resolve that it had rooted in me to come back again and spend more than 2 weeks. I did return and that’s when I began working on 32˚ Fahrenheit my first Solo Exhibition.

Reflections 1

2009-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

This work is from the holy city of Banaras, a city that has given me many great memories. It was in Banaras that I had 'bhang' (भांग) for the first time. After waiting for over an hour for it to hit and not having any luck I decided to call it a day. A couple of hours later when I was woken by a phone call I remember sending the next hour our so just floating around the room chasing the damn phone and rolling on the floor in splits of laughter with Anshuman and Vikki.

One afternoon when we made the mistake of walking towards the town and away from the Ghats I crossed this roadside hawker selling mirrors and some other sundry items. Immediately the reflections caught my eye, but looking from where I was standing all I could see was an torrent of people brushing past in great haste. I walked off, yes I did, who wanted to shoot that I thought to myself.
Then the ‘If only’ came, if only there was something interesting in the reflection…. I looked up at the opposite side of the road to see what was there. Deciding not to be lazy any more I went down on my knees, waited for a break in the endless flow of people and got a couple of shots of the hoarding.