Portraits from Varanasi, India

I was lucky enough to visit Varanasi a couple of years back as part of a trip round north India and Nepal. Amazing place and it totally overwhelms the senses at times, especially the prayer ceremonies and the funeral ghatts. I didn't get any shots of the quality of yours though, top work!
 
boogie man said:
I was lucky enough to visit Varanasi a couple of years back as part of a trip round north India and Nepal. Amazing place and it totally overwhelms the senses at times, especially the prayer ceremonies and the funeral ghatts. I didn't get any shots of the quality of yours though, top work!
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Thanks - I feel Varanasi is one place where, if you are brave enough, one cannot help but get interesting photos of human drama.

Ghat steps of Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

center of attention by Phil Marion, on Flickr

heading down to do the wash - Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

waiting - Ghats of the Ganges, Varanasi by Phil Marion, on Flickr

Groom and marriage ceremony by Phil Marion, on Flickr
 
philmarion said:
Thanks - I feel Varanasi is one place where, if you are brave enough, one cannot help but get interesting photos of human drama.
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I'm curious about your methods. Did you ask the people first? (Obviously some you did, some of your shots aren't candids). Did they want payment for the shots? I only ask because a lot of the "holy men" we saw were very keen to relieve our group of money if you put a camera anywhere near them. In fact that was the only downside of India for me; the amount of hassling for money by kids, beggars, "guides", "porters", "security" or anyone vaguely in authority. I understand why, the vast population are very poor and tourists are seen as easy meat, but I did find it wearing. (My wife and I made a rule after a couple of days to only give money to the old widowed ladies on the street, they looked as though they had literally nothing apart from the clothes they stood up in).
 
boogie man said:
I'm curious about your methods. Did you ask the people first? (Obviously some you did, some of your shots aren't candids). Did they want payment for the shots? I only ask because a lot of the "holy men" we saw were very keen to relieve our group of money if you put a camera anywhere near them. In fact that was the only downside of India for me; the amount of hassling for money by kids, beggars, "guides", "porters", "security" or anyone vaguely in authority. I understand why, the vast population are very poor and tourists are seen as easy meat, but I did find it wearing. (My wife and I made a rule after a couple of days to only give money to the old widowed ladies on the street, they looked as though they had literally nothing apart from the clothes they stood up in).
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I often did candids and often I asked permission, usually with a smile. I shot alone so perhaps that gets better results when asking as part of a group. Sometimes when asked for change/alms I agreed with the proviso that I get a photo of them.

Ganges gazing....Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

off to school in Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

resident in the winding backstreets of Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

Dalit untouchable caste cow dung collector - Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr
 
philmarion said:
I often did candids and often I asked permission, usually with a smile. I shot alone so perhaps that gets better results when asking as part of a group. Sometimes when asked for change/alms I agreed with the proviso that I get a photo of them.

Ganges gazing....Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

off to school in Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

resident in the winding backstreets of Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr

Dalit untouchable caste cow dung collector - Varanasi, India by Phil Marion, on Flickr
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Maybe it's being on your own or maybe you've just got a nicer smile than me then. Lol. Some more great shots there, really like the top one, lovely composition.;)
 
Sideshow Alvie said:
Great pics - the light over there looks wonderful.
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Early and late in the day the smog diffuses the sunlight - in the afternoon/midday it is harsh and I only shoot in the shadows or rest
 
Hi Phil I have just spent 40 mins on your link. You certainly have an eye for a good picture or should I say lots of good pics. Thanks for sharing your work.:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:(y)
 
Too many to mention, but some great photos :smashin:
 
I have to be honest I wouldnt want to go to many parts of India, but these shots would really make me think seriously about going, for the photo opportunities alone, stunning work.
I notice from one shot off Flickr that the camera is a 30D, just goes to show its the photographer's eye that makes the shot if we are to believe we must have the latest gear.
Maybe you should consider selling some of these? Travel brochure etc.
Matt
 
Some absolutely superb photos on here (y)
 
MatBin said:
Maybe you should consider selling some of these? Travel brochure etc.Matt
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Selling them? That sounds like work! Thanks. This is my passion and hobby.I do this when I am not working.I'd hate to spend precious time away from work doing something that sounds like work.
 
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