pagespicsIndia’s Golden Triangle
Posted on November 10, 2019
The Golden Triangle is India’s most popular tourist route. Not surprisingly, the journey encapsulates three major sites. The route generally starts at Delhi, a street photographers dream and a city steeped in history, myth and architectural beauty. From Delhi you head to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and numerous lesser-known heritage sites. The final destination is Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.
Taj Mahal
Despite living in India for the last two and a half years, this was the first time I explored the Golden Triangle. The route has been photographed by millions, and on a short 5 day trip I was going to struggle in terms of getting the images I sought. The Taj itself must be one of the most photographed buildings in the world and I was fortunate that only a small part of it was in scaffold!
The Baby Taj
The Itimad-ud Daulah, is more conveniently referred to as the Baby Taj. I arrived here close to mid-day, so shooting conditions were poor. However, the site is much less crowded than the Taj itself.
Jaipur
Jaipur is a place I wish to return to for more photography, and to stop by as a gateway to Rajasthan; an area I would dearly like to further explore. If you enjoy wandering around ancient Forts, then this is the place for you. However, what really captured my imagination were the massive astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar. As you can see below, the potential for some interesting architectural photography is huge.
Delhi
I did not take many pictures in Delhi, and some of the more interesting places to see did not allow any photography (such as the past residence of Indira Gandhi). However, phots taken earlier this year can be seen here.
Planning a Trip?
If you are planning a trip it is well worth doing your research first. For instance, tripods are often not allowed in many of the venues. Secondly, it is worth finding the best time of day for capturing the light in each location, with mornings and evenings obviously being best. As yet I feel I have only just scraped the surface of the potential each location has for photography and I plan to return at some point.
That’s all for today folks, keep clicking, Chris x
Old Delhi
Posted on October 14, 2019
I have recently returned from a brief photography trip to Delhi. This is a magical area for Street Photography. Markets and lanes are filled with colour and life. Early mornings helped produce the best images. As the sun rises the light is soft, and the streets are still quiet.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is the area to go for the best Street Photography. It is loud, dirty, smelly and full of life. There are numerous rickshaw drivers who are happy to show you around, and drop you at various shops in the hope of a little commission. Refreshing ‘chai’ is readily available for 10 rupees a cup!
Other Areas of Delhi
If you do go to Delhi there are a few other areas worth checking out.
- Garstin Bastion Road – A large red light area. Don’t try to take photos of the women who work there. During the day the area is full of tradespeople and quite safe. I would not go there are night. Even in the morning I felt unsafe.
- Connaught Place – some people rave about this area. I did not find it great for photography, but there are some good restaurants to visit if you are hungry. I also headed here when I needed a coffee.
- India Gate – this place is too much of a tourist trap for me. However, at night the area comes alive with Street Food hawkers, which may interest some.
The Golden Triangle
Delhi is often the launching area for trips around the Golden Triangle. This was my next adventure. The golden triangle encompasses Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. My next blog will (probably) look at how I managed to capture the truly stunning Taj Mahul, and how my Sony A7iii escaped the confines of its shoulder strap and met with a near death experience.
For those of you that are interested in such things, most of my images were captured using the Sony 50mm 1.8 lens, which is the best piece of glass I own for low-light shooting. This lens is light, compactThat all today folks, take care and keep clicking.
The full set of images can be viewed HERE!
Chris
