Portrait Photography - Old Delhi, India

India is often called a continent, not a country. From top to bottom the people are different, customs and languages are different. The provinces all display their own characteristics. There are few countries that offer the enormous variety that India has to offer. For the photographer, it would be difficult to find a richer environment to photograph.

India at times can be a difficult country to digest. The overcrowding, the squalor and pollution can make even the seasoned traveler anxious to be elsewhere at times. But it cannot be denied that India has amazing variety. The people can be grey and poor or colorful and happy. The deserts are dusty and endless and the Himalayas high and spectacular. The food can be exotic or perilous.

The bureaucracy is perhaps the worst to traverse in the world, handed down from British rule. It can be frustrating and impede travel enormously. The most experienced travelers find their tempers at some point in India, yet it's worth it.
There are many camera shops if you are in need of repairs or additional equipment. Photography can present some problems in India. In the desert areas protect against the fine dust that gets into everything. Re-sealable plastic bags and a back-up body is essential.

Be careful what you photograph. India is particular about what can be photographed, and will display sensitivity if you show lack of courtesy and ignorance. They can be touchy about places of importance such as train stations, bridges, airports and any military installations. If in doubt, ask. Most people are happy to be photographed, particularly the village people. It is added weight, but a polaroid is a winner with village people. Being able to give them an instant photograph gives you instant friendship. Take care at pointing cameras at Muslim women. Be careful with photographing women. Ask first, this method is the least offensive.

During British rule, Delhi the capital city was rebuilt, resulting in New Delhi. New Delhi is spacious and contains many embassies, government buildings, airline offices and tourist centers. New Delhi is Britain, Old Delhi is India. In old Delhi you will find many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India's Muslim history.

Old Delhi is where you want to head for interesting material for photography. The shopping streets are very colorful and loaded with character and interesting people. It is hopelessly crowded both day and night, the only way to move through these streets is to walk. The shopping bazaar here is known as Chandni Chowk and deserves many hours of slow strolls with your camera. Most shops are open to the street so you can see everything that is going on without having to enter premises. Some businesses are conducted in the middle of the street. Car mechanics operate in the middle of the road, their trade paraphernalia scattered about the street.

The source for the environmental photographer is rich. Spend some time getting to know the streets and people and you will come away with some fascinating photos.