Very timely, Gajan. It's a great question to ask oneself, Who inspires you and Why? I was just looking at photos from the last choral concert I was in. Our choral director retired from 34 years with the same choir. Personally, I find him inspiring for the space he created for us to learn and perform pieces like Bach's St. Matthews Passion. Seeing these photos of us, the performers and him leading us feels like a life slide, a perspective slide. I would have loved to take photos as a performer of the various views and experiences from my perspective, not something that is done, however.
How to photograph the act of living with any skill or meaning, separating the "noise" from the moment, how to see beyond convention and with the eye that sees more than what is obvious? I'm curious about how this post will impact my work this week. There might be a couple people that I just might finally reach out to.
I also wonder who looks up to you? or me for that matter. Not something I consider, usually.
I really appreciate these posts, Gajan. It's an opportunity to engage, even if it's a tiny bit in conversation about photography and your experience. I find myself respecting my own eye more for it and understanding the "works" of others more, too.
His work is inspiring. I look at his work and it made me think a bit. I am considering spending 1-2 months in India next winter. Is it crazy to think a short, very white American could capture images anything like this with sufficient talent? How open are people in India to being photographed outside tourist areas?
The comment is more about the openness of the people to a very obvious outsider. I couldn’t emulate another photographer’s style if I wanted to. I spent nearly 2 months in SE Asia last winter and found the people friendly and willing to invite me into their lives and be photographed. Maybe the lack of a common language helped!
Yea, you'll find that Indians are very warm toward tourists. Most of them are never approached by strangers in their day to day. Even if you don't speak the language, you can strike a conversation and be welcomed quite quickly. Hope this helps ✌🏾
Very timely, Gajan. It's a great question to ask oneself, Who inspires you and Why? I was just looking at photos from the last choral concert I was in. Our choral director retired from 34 years with the same choir. Personally, I find him inspiring for the space he created for us to learn and perform pieces like Bach's St. Matthews Passion. Seeing these photos of us, the performers and him leading us feels like a life slide, a perspective slide. I would have loved to take photos as a performer of the various views and experiences from my perspective, not something that is done, however.
How to photograph the act of living with any skill or meaning, separating the "noise" from the moment, how to see beyond convention and with the eye that sees more than what is obvious? I'm curious about how this post will impact my work this week. There might be a couple people that I just might finally reach out to.
I also wonder who looks up to you? or me for that matter. Not something I consider, usually.
Thank you for sharing this Corrine.
I really appreciate these posts, Gajan. It's an opportunity to engage, even if it's a tiny bit in conversation about photography and your experience. I find myself respecting my own eye more for it and understanding the "works" of others more, too.
Epic annna
Looking forward to catching up soon brother.
His work is inspiring. I look at his work and it made me think a bit. I am considering spending 1-2 months in India next winter. Is it crazy to think a short, very white American could capture images anything like this with sufficient talent? How open are people in India to being photographed outside tourist areas?
Frame it less about capturing work like his and more around the story that comes to you. Be present, stay authentic, and enjoy the journey ✌🏾
The comment is more about the openness of the people to a very obvious outsider. I couldn’t emulate another photographer’s style if I wanted to. I spent nearly 2 months in SE Asia last winter and found the people friendly and willing to invite me into their lives and be photographed. Maybe the lack of a common language helped!
Yea, you'll find that Indians are very warm toward tourists. Most of them are never approached by strangers in their day to day. Even if you don't speak the language, you can strike a conversation and be welcomed quite quickly. Hope this helps ✌🏾
Definitely does. Now to plan an itinerary! Thanks for your help.