To take great portraits - where should I go?

ElizabethNYC

Hi everyone! This is my first post and I must say that this site is awesome. I can't seem to stop reading. . .

I've always wanted to go to India and I'm beginning to plan a trip.
I know that I'm flying into Delhi and I definitely want to go to Varanasi. I'm only going to be able to stay about 2 weeks so I can't go everywhere.

Any suggestions would be appreciated - keeping in mind that my primary goal is to take some awesome portraits. I work as a fashion photographer for a living - but these shots will be for me personally - not any magazine.

It's just something I need to do for myself. All that fashion stuff can mess with your head after a while - I need some reality.

Thanks!

PeakXV

Hello ElizabethNYC - welcome to IndiaMike.

I don't think you can miss - whatever direction you choose in India for portrait photo-ops but there will be some experts along soon to give you some tips for sure. In the meanwhile,
you may want to peruse member- Jorge Reverter's gallery for some excellent images & location ideas:

http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...&ppuser =2372

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Nick-H

You wouldn't even have to leave the airport!

From stunningly lovely girls to gnarled oldies (heading that way myself, all too fast...), not to mention befudled tourists.

However, as photography is not allowed in the airport, I guess you will have to go further afield

So I think the question is --- what kind of backdrop are you going to enjoy? And what kind of stuff do you want to look at when not photographing?

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jyotirmoy

It is advisable to take permission before taking photograph of an unknown person. Some people are very sensitive about this. Same with Sadhus specially the Naga sect.

ElizabethNYC

Thanks everyone!!

Baba

Elizabeth, I have just returned from India and I brought back about 1000 pics. IMHO Varanasi is a perfect location for portraits and street scenes.
At the ghats the light comes from the river in the morning, so do this before lunch. I carry some biscuits to share with sadhus, beggars and kids to brake the ice. Of course some people will ask for money and unlike some other people I consider it their right if I want to keep their picture.
Dasaswameth street has cycle rickshaws and tea stalls - I just parked myself in the middle of the street for an hour, shooting.
Another great location is the produce market next to the main ghat.
I found the old city and the bazaar too dark, but with professional equipment you may be able to cope with the low light and the cramped space.
Also the early morning boat tour was good for atmosphere, but not for pics due to low light and great distance from the ghats. Maybe hire your private boat for this.
I was lucky as there was a film crew shooting a bollywood movie at the river one day, but I don't know how often this happens.

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Baba

Sama

you should probably read this thread before you go.....

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My India, 2005-2008

nevilleb

Portraits eh? India it definetely is... ask one person to pose and a hundred will - that's India for you!

Question is where in India. Given this time of the year, I'd suggest Rajasthan.

nevilleb

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fsg

You wouldn't even have to leave the airport!

From stunningly lovely girls to gnarled oldies (heading that way myself, all too fast...), not to mention befudled tourists.

However, as photography is not allowed in the airport, I guess you will have to go further afield


Another beautiful Nickism

Photography is every where in India............but Early morning and the Bewitching hours at dusk are the 'magic hours' for photographs. You can always rest up during the hot hours between 11 40 3 when the shadows are at their harsest of use fill in

Nick-H

... glad you liked it

aadil

General photography is allowed at the airports now!!! I don't see those "No Photography" signs anymore and I remember there was a notification about it a year or so earlier.

Photography is possible anywhere you go but it is best to find out if the person will feel offended if you take their pictures, especially with women and that too of some particular religions or castes which may find it annoying and distasteful if you take their pictures. Best to take pictures from far off with a zoom lens if you think it is not right to go upto them to take a picture and offend them. Children are the easiest to take pics of and they will generally have their parents come up for a request for a photo too!!! So just be careful you have enough film or space on your disk!!! Happy clicking in India!!!

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Aadil.

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Nick-H

Two women (their husbands trailing behind) came up to us at Chennai Zoo. One woman (Mrs N translated for me)... "Hey, you are photographing monkeys! We are prettier than monkeys: photograph us!".

I think her companion was rather embarrassed, and I did not take up the offer.

Especially as I was eyeing the husbands approaching!

Merchant

India is far and away the easiest place in the world to work as a photographer. You won't have any trouble.