Travel & Humanitarian Photos
Matt Brandon and I haven’t even officially started our Kumbh Mela Photo Expedition yet – the team are still on their way to Delhi from various parts of the globe – but we’re already loving being back in India and feeling that this is going to be a rich and rewarding experience.
The pictures above came from my first day, strolling through the back-streets around Chandni Chowk, getting back into the groove, shooting portraits for the love of it and nothing more, with no agenda, no expectations and just wanting to capture the life and energy of the people we met. Within minutes of arriving in Chandni Chowk, I was sitting in a shop door being fed chapatis and dahl by a group of local shop-owners. It was a swift and delightful immersion back into the local culture and we repaid their kindness by taking photos, which we’ll take to them later in the week.
It’s very difficult to describe what it’s like to walk through the streets of Old Delhi with a camera. It is, for sure, one of the things I enjoy most about my work – indeed, it’s one of the things I enjoy most about my life. Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives, in-between the e-mails, the meetings, the business lunches and the everyday ephemera that demands our attention, we are presented with tiny, perfect moments. The trick is to notice and appreciate them when they happen, especially as they’re often fleeting. Sitting in the street in Old Delhi, sipping chai and chatting to the locals with a camera over your shoulder (even better if it has an 85mm f1.2 lens on it) and with countless more opportunities ahead… well, it doesn’t really get any better than that for me.
Yours truly, taking photos of the hosts of our impromptu street-side lunch.
I can really relate to this experience, having had similar ones on my own trip to Hong Kong.
Just one consideration: what Are your thoughts on using model’s releases for street portraits like these? Is there a difference between commercial use and publishing on a blog like this ( which somehow is also commercial?). I face that dilemma with my street portraits from Sabah.
Glad to see you’ve made it safe and sound, I’m already missing the madness & colour of India, despite having left only 2 weeks ago, but already planning my return.
It’s always great to see your new work and I for one am looking forward to seeing what you make of the Kumbh mela.
Safe travels.
Fantastic set of portraits Gavin. I look forward to seeing the rest of the images from your trip.
WOW!!!! I feel like I’m not even in the same city!!!
Wonderful images….Gavin your work is top-notch.
Wow, I’m loving it already. Thanks for posting.
mark
Looking forward to going on this visual journey with you. I hope to get back to India some day….
These portraits show you really engaged with the people rather than just grabbed a shot. Good stuff!
gary
What lovely pictures!! Making me home sick. 85mm lens must be great fun for you to use. On my wish list–dream on.
woh.. i should also plan a trip to india soon. very nice photos, Gavin.
What a great portraits! Have a nice days in your trip Gavin!
Blimey! You haven’t started yet and already you’ve produced some great shots.
I love the first one, of the little girl.
Looking forward to the rest.
Enjoy your busman’s holiday
You’re quite good at this. Had you ever considered taking up photography full time?
What beautiful, intimate portraits! And I love the colors! I wish I could be there with you all–best of luck and have fun!
Wonderful portraits Gavin. Looking forward to seeing more from your trip.
Spectacular portraits – I can’t wait to see more!
simply beautiful!!lived next door and walked these streets a million times, never could imagine they were capable of such lovely portraits
Great Kumbh Mela images, thank you Gavin!
Loving the shots, Gavin!
I specifically like the fourth one down with the profile shot. The guy peeking through the door in the background adds so much to the image. Thanks for sharing!