Street Photography in India

India is a heaven for street photographers. You will always be welcomed while you are in the street. If you are from a foreign country, one problem is that you will attract some attention. They are curious. People are very friendly and will never get offended that you took a picture unless  you get very close to a female without permission and take a picture.

After shooting all over India for the last 25 years, here is a list of places which I feel are great for street photography in India.

 

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is by far my most favourite place for street photography in India. 

It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Initially, when you go there, you get a cultural shock. It is so different from any other city. You will feel it is so dirty and noisy and what not. You will have an immediate temptation to leave but if you hang around for sometime, you will start enjoying the place.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Ghats: 50% of the pictures you will get is from the ghats. You can capture the daily rituals, such as bathing and prayers, along the ghats. Early morning is a good time to be there.
• Aarti (Lamp Ritual) Ceremonies: The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is great for shooting.There is also a morning Arati called Subah Banaras at Assi Ghat. The timing of the arati depends on the sunrise and sunset time. The evening arati starts at sunset and the morning one starts 30 mins before sunrise. Make sure you reach well before time.
• Old City Streets: The other speciality of Varanasi is the narrow lanes. These narrow lanes are filled with bustling markets, colorful shops, and temples and of course people. Especially during the afternoon (11am to 3pm) the sun is high and the rays of light peep through the buildings. It gives a very good play of light and shadows.
• Portraits: Portraits of sadhus, pilgrims, and local residents can be taken anywhere and everywhere..

2. Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, was the capital of India for sometime during the British rule. It is known as the cultural capital of India. It is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and artistic heritage. The city's streets offer a unique blend of the old and the new.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Flower Market: The most vibrant place for street photography in Kolkata is the flower market. If you go in the morning it is bustling with activity. There is a lot to shoot here.
• Mallick Ghat(bank of river Hooghly): As you walk to the end of the flower market, ask anyone for the Mullick Ghat. You will see the beautiful colonial architecture on the banks of the river. There are people taking bath or praying. With the Howrah bridge in the background, makes some great shots.
• Howrah Bridge: The flower market is just down below the Howrah bridge. After finishing in the flower market, you can explore different vantage points from the bridge. The flower buyers and sellers walk from the bridge and go down which makes some good capture. Also, the yellow taxis on the bridge make some amazing pictures. 
• Kumartuli: Kumartuli means the Potters neighborhood. This whole area is filled with artisans who make clay idol of the various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon. The artisans are busy all the year because of the various festivals we have in India. Depending on what time of the year you go, you will see different gods. The activities are at its peak during Durga Puja which is the most popular festival in West Bengal (happens in October). The best time to visit is in the afternoon. The morning is quite quiet.
• Street Life: College street is full of students after 12pm. Apart from these the tram ride starting from Esplanade, street food stalls, and local markets like Sobha Bazaar, are interesting. Bow Barracks is another interesting place.

3. Delhi

New Delhi is the capital of India but the old Delhi is where all the photographic opportunities are. People are friendly and there is no problem in taking a picture.

My most favourite place in Delhi is the Chandi Chowk, the area around the Jama Masjid close to the Red Fort. This place is a maze of lanes and you can go on and on and on.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Chandni Chowk: The heart of Old Delhi, known for its crowded bazaars and street food.
• Connaught Place: If you want to shoot some colonial-era architecture with people, do visit this place..
• Humayun's Tomb: Beautiful gardens and Mughal architecture. With people makes some great pictures.
• Qutab Minar: This  is also one of my favorite places. If you go early morning, you can get some great pictures with people and the planes taking off..

4. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a city of disparities. Its streets offer a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Gateway of India: This is the most popular tourist spot with a lot of visitors. You can get some great pictures with the Taj Hotel in the background or the boats sailing. 
• Colaba Causeway: A vibrant street market near the Gateway of India with a mix of locals and tourists. 
• Crawford Market: A bustling market with colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and more. The people bring in the stuff in big baskets, make great pictures.
• Dharavi: Dharavi is a city in itself. There is a lot happening here. You can capture the people, their activities and small-scale industries. The potters place is also great.
• Marine Drive: Street life along the Queen's Necklace, especially during sunset.
• Dadar Flower Market: The busy early morning flower market is definitely something you must not miss.

5. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar is quite popular amongst the photographers for the camel fair. The colorful bazaars are equally interesting. The city's streets are a photographer's dream with their vibrant colors and rich history.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Market Area: You will get most of your pictures around this place. There are lot of tourists and local ladies who come here to shop wearing very vibrant color sarees.
• Camel Fair Area: If you come during the Camel Fair, you will get plenty of opportunities in the fair.
• Stadium Ground: During the camel fair, there are a lot of activities happening here. Some of the notable ones are horse riding competition, turban tying competition.

6. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, and beaches. The city's streets offer a mix of tradition and modernity.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Marina Beach: Capture the early morning fishermen and the lively beach scene. You will find a lot of people in the beach, especially on Sundays.
• Mylapore: The Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the surrounding streets filled with cultural activities. Just walk around these streets and you will get some amazing shot of people with some old houses in the background.
• Georgetown: The bustling wholesale markets and colonial-era buildings.
• Kasimedu: This is by far my most favourite place to shoot in Chennai. Though not exactly in Chennai, the bustling wholesale fish markets and country boats bringing the fish gives us some great opportunities.

7. Bangalore, Karnataka

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is known for its parks, nightlife, and vibrant street life. The city's blend of old and new makes it a great place for street photography.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Commercial Street: A bustling shopping street with a mix of traditional and modern shops.
• KR Market: One of the largest flower markets in Asia, full of colors and activity.

8. Hyderabad, Telangana

Hyderabad, known as the City of Pearls, is famous for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant street life. The old city is a great place for street photography.

Photographic Opportunities:

• Charminar: The iconic monument and the markets and lanes around make some great pictures..
• Laad Bazaar: Next to the Charminar is a vibrant market known for bangles and traditional jewelry.
• Flower Market: There are several flower and vegetable markets in Hyderabad. These are great places for some street photography.

9. Puducherry

Puducherry, a former French colony, is known for its charming streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches. The city's streets offer a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. It is the colourful backgrounds that make some great pictures.

Photographic Opportunities:

• French Quarter: The colorful colonial buildings and the people walking make some great pictures.
• Promenade: The scenic seafront and the French buildings beside the road and the lively street life.
• Local Markets: The vibrant markets with their mix of Indian and French influences.

If you have an eye for street photography, India is one of the best places to be.

In each of these places, it makes finding an image that tells the story of a country and its rich cultural fabric so subject to interpretation. India has a lot to offer for anyone with an interest in photography, quite literally beckoning whenever you're out on the streets, amateur or professional.

Tips for photographers

Wear a smile on your face.
Be light.Take your time.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Carry a cap and water.

Note:  If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

Thanksgiving

Thanks to all the participants for my Photo Tours in these cities.

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