Hi Gajan, nice story and can't agree more on the language thing. I'm don't do street photography (done my fare share of similar work when working in news gathering as a cameraman), but I can very much relate to that if the work is done with respect and dignity for the subjects. Unfortunately, that's not the case much too often. Have you every tried shooting on film? I do 98% of my work on film and have for that a a pair of an M6 and an M4P plus two 35mm Leica Summciron/Summarit lenses. I find that film adds authenticy and timeless that can't never be achieved with digital, except with a crappy phone ;)
I'm from Madurai, and the Tamil slang I grew up with has helped me countless times to make friends and make them feel like I'm one of them. Recently, during my visit to Germany, I picked up a few German phrases and used them throughout my trip. Even though it was just a handful, it made a significant impact on how people perceived me and shaped the first impression. As a photographer, it helps you cross one huge gate.
I agree with you that by speaking Tamil you gain access which allows you to interact and understand - I think that is a major part of developing your own visual language, photogrpahy is like writing and that´s what I belive gets lost in a lot of contemporary street photogrpahy - people care too much about single 'strong' photos.
Beautiful! I totally agree with all that you said. It resonates with me too, being an Indian (Malayali origin from Kerala) who was born, brought up, and lives in Australia. I’ve always been able to speak Malayalam alongside English, but like you said some of my pronunciation or accents would not be perfect. Nevertheless when I go back to India which is most of the time at least 1-2 times a year, I both consciously and unconsciously naturally switch to more Malayalam than my usual English speaking. Speaking the native language definitely helps in street photography when you’re trying to create a quick relationship with the subject and get an intimate photograph. I also think that a lot of other times, especially when you’re not trying to spend much time with each subject, and you’re capturing more run & gun style, that a smile goes a long way 😃. In most places in countries like India where people on the streets are often happy to be photographed, just a smile, and a positive nod after taking the photo is enough to establish a genuine connection. That’s what I do often when I’m not looking to create a very intimate photograph and establish a strong relationship with the subject, and also in places where I don’t know the language - especially other states of India. Some of my best street photographs in India were captured from my one short trip to Hyderabad - there I didn’t know the main languages Telugu & Hindi. But like you say, street photography is all about creating that connection, whether strong or small, with the subject/s, and capturing & conveying a story!
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Hi Gajan, nice story and can't agree more on the language thing. I'm don't do street photography (done my fare share of similar work when working in news gathering as a cameraman), but I can very much relate to that if the work is done with respect and dignity for the subjects. Unfortunately, that's not the case much too often. Have you every tried shooting on film? I do 98% of my work on film and have for that a a pair of an M6 and an M4P plus two 35mm Leica Summciron/Summarit lenses. I find that film adds authenticy and timeless that can't never be achieved with digital, except with a crappy phone ;)
Well said. And yes, I still shoot quite a bit of film. Few things compare to seeing those scans come to life.
I'm from Madurai, and the Tamil slang I grew up with has helped me countless times to make friends and make them feel like I'm one of them. Recently, during my visit to Germany, I picked up a few German phrases and used them throughout my trip. Even though it was just a handful, it made a significant impact on how people perceived me and shaped the first impression. As a photographer, it helps you cross one huge gate.
Well said. thanks for sharing Hari!
I agree with you that by speaking Tamil you gain access which allows you to interact and understand - I think that is a major part of developing your own visual language, photogrpahy is like writing and that´s what I belive gets lost in a lot of contemporary street photogrpahy - people care too much about single 'strong' photos.
Well said.
Beautiful! I totally agree with all that you said. It resonates with me too, being an Indian (Malayali origin from Kerala) who was born, brought up, and lives in Australia. I’ve always been able to speak Malayalam alongside English, but like you said some of my pronunciation or accents would not be perfect. Nevertheless when I go back to India which is most of the time at least 1-2 times a year, I both consciously and unconsciously naturally switch to more Malayalam than my usual English speaking. Speaking the native language definitely helps in street photography when you’re trying to create a quick relationship with the subject and get an intimate photograph. I also think that a lot of other times, especially when you’re not trying to spend much time with each subject, and you’re capturing more run & gun style, that a smile goes a long way 😃. In most places in countries like India where people on the streets are often happy to be photographed, just a smile, and a positive nod after taking the photo is enough to establish a genuine connection. That’s what I do often when I’m not looking to create a very intimate photograph and establish a strong relationship with the subject, and also in places where I don’t know the language - especially other states of India. Some of my best street photographs in India were captured from my one short trip to Hyderabad - there I didn’t know the main languages Telugu & Hindi. But like you say, street photography is all about creating that connection, whether strong or small, with the subject/s, and capturing & conveying a story!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Keep enjoying the journey!