Photography in Varanasi

knadia

Hi, I am a photographer and am thinking of heading to Varanasi this December to do a photojournalistic piece on life by the Ganges. I'm just wondering if anyone here has tried doing that? Or if not, do you happen to know how easy/difficult it is to photograph people and events there? I read somewhere that photography isn't allowed in the ghats. Are the locals camera-shy? Do they expect tourists to give them a small token in order to take their photographs? What would you advise?

Any help at all would be much appreciated - this would be my first trip to India. Thanks in advance.

Jorge Reverter

Don't worry, you can make as much photographies as in any other part of India. The only place where is not allowed are at the burning gaths mainly at Manikarnika Ghat the main ghat for crematories. Even there you can easily make pics from a boat although is not very correct.

You can have a lok in different photo galleries here in indiamike for picture taken in Varanasi.

All the best

Jorge

Darmabum

You will be approached, at some time, for a few rupees for taking a photo in Varanasi. What you do, how you handle it is up to you. I always (90% of the time) engage the person before hand, make myself clear. I've lived - over two trips - for over a year in Varanasi, and the ghats are my favorite part of the city. While, as Jorge said, photos of Manikarnika ARE possible, don't do it. IMHO it's insensitive, at least.
I produced a 23 minute film of a Varanasi sunrise (and fullmoonrise) from a trip I took there in 2006 (music by my bansuri teacher). Stunning place, Varanasi. The photo icon/my photo signature on this site, is from a Varanasi sunrise, taken in 1989. Magic place. Enjoy!

__________________
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

arunchs

Except in the burning ghats, you can easily take pictures. Infact it is not hard to take images even at the burning ghats, but I would not really recommend going against local regulations.

The ghats are a great place to take pictures. Have fun!

__________________
My India travel blog
My Images from India

knadia

Thanks all for your help!

Just another question: Are sadhus very common along the Ganges, and are they okay with being photographed? Also, what other local snippets of life should I look out for?

I'm also very interested in the Aghoris but I'm not sure how possible it is to find them. Do you know?

Khak

Aghoris normally don't like to be photographed...........also they do not always reveal themselves............the best place to spot Aghoris is Manikarnika ghat...........

__________________
~Khak~

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Paresh

Don't worry. Varanasi is among the most photogenic cities in India and people are very used to huge camera bodies and long lenses. Walk on the ghats in morning time and you can easily find hundred people carrying all of their photographic equipments.

I did a lot of photography there and never faced any issues because of that. As stated above, avoid the camera near the ghats where dead bodies are burnt.

sysfilez

@Knadia
even i was planning the same, a photographic trip to varanasi. thou i m not sure at this moment. if at all i go it will be around christmas. by the way wat date are u planning to visit? i am from india and i can say that u will face no problem at all shooting sadhus and ghat activities. yes the burning ghat can be an issue. Aghoris can b found at burning ghats, but i wud suggest to stay away from them. and if u have the guts go face them.

knadia

Hi guys, thanks for the great advice. I will be in Varanasi from the 19th Nov to 20th Dec. Anyone else will be there during that time? Would be great to meet up over a cup of chai.

trustindia

Take a polarisor.

knadia

I definitely will, thanks.

Elana1945

Except the burning ghats, and bathing women...doesn't seem like there is a problem with photos..

sbuddhisagar

I am a freelance photographer working out of Mumbai/Nasik.I'll be in Varanasi for a photo documentary from 29.10.2009 to 3.10.2009.I would be glad to meet a like minded photographer if any,during the above said period.

tdl2920

i'm also a photographer and i just got back from india and varanasi. i can tell you that you will be approached to take photos of the burning ghat. the asking fee will be relatively high, but it is possible.

varanasi walker

THere is an incredible book and DVD out there about the burning ghats of Varanasi called 'Forest of Bliss'. It sells for a high price but you may find some similar images online and on youtube.

Though it is socially inappropriate to take pictures of women bathing, the dead burning and sadhus without permission I think that over the years those issues are really not all that new to photographers. You try to be inobtrusive, your questions are often misinterpreted, money is asked, confusion arises... best to take a telephoto and do what you can without ruffling anyones feathers.

__________________
रांड़, सांड़, सीढ़ी संन्यासी। इनसे बचै तो सेवे काशी।।

raand saand seedi sanyaasi, inse bachhe to sevai kashi!

widows, bulls, stairs, saints, escape them all to find heaven!