Location : Russel market-Shivajinagar-Bangeluru
State : Karnataka
Date : September 2009
These pics were shot with reference to a workshop conducted by a German based photographer "Stefan Koppelkamm" .The workshop was termed by the name "Places I like".
A total of 15 photo enthusiasts were shortlisted based on the pics sent online.
Each participant had to choose 1 place in Bengaluru and document it in a particular aspect.
I chose "Russell market"- A cluster of markets of varied products starting from vegetables to meat,buffered up other home needs and street food stalls.
I focused on the life style of people ( especially shop venders ) and the spaces they live in.
The golden yellow structure above is the renovated structure of the vegetable market area.
This pic was mainly shot to depict the two main aspects of the society.The mosque was to depict the 'cultural aspect' and the advertisement boards were to depict the 'commercial' aspect.
The idea of capturing once emotions behind the others deeds holds good for this snap.The interesting part about this pic was that,I could literally see even the red nerves between the rib cages of the slaughtered meat.
Yes, this kid was a smart one.I had to actually interacted with him for a while and also took a series of shots to get him into a natural feel.Even though he is looking directly into my camera,but i could still depict his innocence which was quite natural.
A lot of these kids keep are made to work here because of which they miss out their childhood.
Yes, this was quite intentional.I liked the bold background a lot.So just brought in some models to pose.
Hats off to the dearest granny who sat still for quite a long time and posed for me.Wrinkles are the one which enhance an old character.
A bright Retail 'foreground' expressed with a concrete commercial 'background'
I wanted to capture the mans posture behind.But then he was quite reluctant.So used the kid as a source in turn and it turned up to be a better one.
About the photographer : Stefan Koppelkamm who guided us through the photographic journey,is a German based photographer ,lives in Berlin and works as a graphic artist, exhibition designer and photographer
Some of the tips i would like to recommend, which could be kept in mind while shooting in public places
- Always be humble to people
-Walk around the place first and understand its nature
-If you are planning to come back again to the same place for a number of times , then its preferable to give a small print of the pics of people you have shot.This will bring in a bit of excitement and trust within the people and you.
- Wear dull outfits or the one which gel with the place you visit (you will just end up being a point of attraction and hence people will be very conscious when you are around )
- Last but not the least - HAVE FUN