advice for trip to India

[simon_smith2]

I'm going on a trip to India next week. Does anyone have any advice on

Street Photography, taking pictures in public, etiquette etc.

 

Also is gear theft/damage and issue? Would you take a D70+45P (now

unused, but it's small and light) or a S3+35mmf2.0 (not subtle but

then the IQ blows the D70 away....).

 

Many thanks in advance

 

Simon.

[nevilleb]

Hello Simon,<br><br>

 

You'll find India to be one of the most photogenic places on earth. Prepared to be assaulted with colours galore. Many a surprise will await you - every nook and corner you turn; be quick on the draw - with your camera of course!<br><br>

 

India is too diverse to shoehorn into a few words - you'll need to do considerable research to get to the right spots to make outstanding images. Where in India are you planning to go to?<br><br>

 

Don't leave your gear unattended, and while traveling take care that you're not distracted by someone while his accomplince takes the opportunity to relieve you of the weight of your gear!<br><br>

 

Avoid photographing at airports,train stations, Govt. offices etc.<br><br>

 

Regards,<br><br>

 

Neville Bulsara<br>

---------------<br>

<a href="http://www.nevillebulsara.com" >http://www.nevillebulsara.com</a><br>

Travel and Documentary photography

[preston_merchant]

India is the most photo-friendly place on the planet. Relax and enjoy. Drink lots of bottled water.

[simon_smith2]

Many thanks for some quick replies. I am really looking forward to it. It is a short business trip to Vadodara, north of Mumbai for my dayjob(designing stuff). One question I have (which is really nieve...) is can you take someone's photo on the street, or do you have to ask, should you tip, what is the best way of showing repsect?

 

TIA,

 

Simon.

[preston_merchant]

Indians enjoy having their photo taken and will indulge you. No need to pay anything. Being engaged and polite, asking permission is sufficient. The only way to breach etiquette is to wander around with a camera and NOT take any pictures. You'll have difficulty shooing away all the kids, who will then want to see themselves on the LCD screen.

[nevilleb]

Simon,<br><br>

 

Am in a tearing hurry, so will get back later. Vadodra aka Baroda is in the state of Gujarat, not too far from the city of Ahmedabad. You should be able to get good shots in Ahmedabad - its a short hop away from Baroda, and is linked by an excellent eight lane expressway - should take you maybe 40mins max to traverse the 90 odd km distance between the two cities.<br><br>

 

More later,<br><br>

Neville Bulsara<br>

---------------<br>

<a href="http://www.nevillebulsara.com">http://www.nevillebulsara.com</a><br>

Travel and documentary photography

[nevilleb]

Ok - regarding Ahmedabad... <br><br>

 

Quite a dusty and poluted city, but give yourself some time and you will begin to see the city for what it is - a mixture of new and old.<br><br>

 

 

Explore the markets of the old city - great scope for people and produce photos there (like in any marketplace in India). Quite a few architectural photo ops too - the city is dotted with mosques and temples, so you should get some image of the religious side of things too.<br><br>

 

 

If you're there on the 14th & 15th of Jan, Ahmedabad hosts the international kite flying festival - check it out if you're there at that time.<br><br>

 

 

You've also got the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, and several other monuments.<br><br>

 

 

If you can, check out Vishalla village (5km south of the city) - a authentic collection of traditionally decorated mud huts with artisans such as potters, weavers etc demonstrating their skills.<br><br>

 

 

India is cold at this point of time, so make sure you have some moderately warm clothing especially if you plan to step out in the evenings.<br><br>

 

 

And if you have the time, go furhter north into the state of Rajasthan - try and visit Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur if you can squeeze it into your itinerary.<br><br>

 

 

Wish you luck for your tour. Hope you get many a great photo! <br><br>

 

 

Neville Bulsara<br>

---------------<br>

<a href="http://www.nevillebulsara.com">http://www.nevillebulsara.com</a>

<br>Travel and Documentary photography

[simon_smith2]

Many thanks for your answers. Whilst we did not get out and about much, it gave me the confidence to take my camera....:) and made it an amazing and memorable trip.

 

Cheers, Simon.<div></div>

[ptourtellotte]

I am here in Rajasthan at the present. I took a 8 day trip around the state. So much to photograph and so little time. I am now in a rural area where foreigners are not common- especially 6' 2''. I have made alot of friends. Fast film is advised in the back alleys.

I have been doing most of my shooting with my D70 but have my F80 as well as my TTL Yashicamat. Venturing into the areas of the beaten path are great and very rewarding. As someone else mentioned only drink bottled water. This has been the coolest winter in 71` years.