Travel & Humanitarian Photos
The rather lovely people at Digital Photographer magazine have published a jolly splendid Photographer’s Guide to Delhi, written and photographed by an artist recently described by “Which Photographer” magazine as “Arguably the most erudite and charming photographer in South-East Asia“. Probably.
Here’s a brief Travel Photographer’s insider tale for you. When I was photographing the ironing table on the street, which isn’t an uncommon sight in Old Delhi, it was unattended. Just an empty ironing table with a heavy steam iron on top. A local man stepped out of a nearby shop, saw me photographing the ironing table and, quick as a flash and with only a moment’s thought, clearly decided that my image would be lacking the essential human element. So, showing what I thought was pretty impressive levels of generosity, he stepped into the frame, picked up the iron and pretended to be ironing. It wasn’t his iron. It wasn’t even his shop. He was just a passerby who spotted a gurning photographer on the street and thought he’d help make the shot a little more engaging.
He was only there long enough for me to take a couple of shots and for us to exchange laughter about his impromptu modelling. As you can see, he didn’t even remove his bag.
There’s something about that spontaneous, unselfish and gleeful act of generosity that restores your faith in human nature. I promised myself that I’d see that picture of him at the ironing board published one day. And there he is. Making me smile all over again.
There’s my friendly, helpful model in the background. Having just spotted me and decided that my image would lack an essential human element, he stepped up to the plate and into the frame.
That’s brilliant! It would be great if he ever saw those picture himself. What a thrill for him!
Cathy, that’s my next challenge, return to Chandni Chowk with a copy of the magazine and find the mysterious Ironing Man!
Oh Gavin, it’s because you are such a magnetic! It reminds me of how I first fell in love with one of your images in the Digital Photographer Magazine before I knew who you were. There is something magically about the way you connect with the people you photograph. I do hope you find the Iron Man–that would make it a perfect story.
This is sums up the openness of people when shooting in Old Delhi! “It is our duty” they tell me. I’ll keep an eye out for him!
Hi Gavin,
You have been to India few times and you know very well how Indians want to be helpful —sometimes too helpful, So the spontaneity of the ironing man does not surprise me. As for the bag on the shoulder, he would have lost it as soon as he put it down.
By the way as Sabrina says above there is something magical about your portraits and just for learning that I am going to join you one of these days on your workshops.
It’s moments like that and the kindness of strangers that makes photography such a wonderful way to break down the barriers and connect with others.
Love your Work!! Cute story!!
Great story. That sort of serendipity is what follows a master storyteller and that you are Gavin.
(I can’t help but love any post that has “jolly splendid ” in the first sentence.)
Gavin, that is a great story…! Very cool!
Dear Gavin, loved these pics. A new perspective to the Delhi we know. I am new to photography and have few click right now. Pls check it at http://www.flickr.com/photos/53703026@N03/6441043549/
Would appreciate if you could share some tips for me. I am adding it to many forums, including sony’s click of the month http://www.flickr.com/groups/sonyindiaalpha/discuss/72157629314279637/ I feel that will get me a better explore and likes
Congratulations Mr Gough. Now I have to wait two months before I can buy one on this side of the pond. By the time it crosses the great divide on a mail steamer and makes it across a continent on horse back you’ll have two more pieces published I’m sure.
jack
Beautiful! I happened to shoot a picture of a boy ironing his pants with a similar looking old iron under his house in Cambodia recently.
Can’t wait to meet you on March 22nd
I always am in amazement of travel photographers and how you can connect with people without speaking the language. In our studio and daily work life as a photographer we get to meet our clients and get to understand a little about the personality!! Thanks for bringing us on your journey