Photo Work in India

lotus blossom

Anyone have any leads on paid photography gigs in India or on travel photography in general. I do freelance work but am wanting to get into it on a more broad scale.

I actually have an idea for setting up something in india, in Bhagsu where I just spent a month. I shared my idea with some of my (local) friends, who thought it a great idea, but it is not quite what i am looking to do since i'd rather have freedom in my work.

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Not all who wander are lost

Merchant

I think your best bet is to locate some highly specific story or issue--either some place that Sophisticated Travelers might enjoy (upscale tourist market), or a social issue that resonates with people in the West (child labor, call centers, etc.). There's not much market for stock photography from India (there's plenty of it available already). You should also write, or find a writer. Placing a standalone photo or series of photos is extremely difficult.

Here are the photographer's guidelines for National Geographic Traveler--

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tr...uidelines.html

Even if you don't pitch to them, the guidelines are generally sound and will give an idea of what you should do. Read the writers' ones at the same site, too.

lotus blossom

merchant - thanks.

i am a writer as well, and my passion lies in social issues, so you're right on with your reply to my inquiry. i was rececntly in kashmir, trying to locate the carpet factories that exploit the orphaned children. i didn't get too far, but did find myself at a ngo orphanage that may lead me to some places in the future.

as a documentary photographer, what sort of work are you presently involved in?

Merchant

I'm working on a book on the Indian diaspora (Indian communities outside India).

If you can swing the finances on your own, you'll have a lot more opportunities, especially with NGOs. One thing always leads to another. Good luck with your work.