Wonderful images, Harry! I could only imagine how you must have felt to be able to participate and document this event... Thank you for sharing the images with us.
I could fill your excitement. I imagine National Geographic may be interested in your wonderful portrait images. Excellent work. What gears was used to capture your work?
chez wrote:
Kevin, hope I can answer all your questions. Yes, definitely I'd put it onto your bucket list. The Kumbh rotate cities ( I believe 4 different cities host the event ) and you won't have to wait for another 6 years as another city will host the event in a couple years.
I used two cameras and two lenses to photograph the event. I had an A7R2 with a Batis 85 lens and an A7R with the Sony 35 2.8 lens. I used a PD clip on my belt to hold the camera I was not using and used wrist straps on the cameras during shooting. I did have the Batis 25 with me, but found it was too wide and included too many unnecessary things into the photos. I used the Batis quite a bit in Varanasi in the old narrow alley ways.
No flash, all natural light. Lucked out in that there was a hazy fog all day long so it helped tame any harsh shadows.
The people were very accommodating when I approached them. I always had a smile on my face, was very friendly and in no way did I try to "sneak" a shot. Was very open about my intentions...and basically everyone was OK being photographed.
Many times I'd be asked to enter their camp where more of the elders and children posed for photos. Amazingly trusting and open people.
The photos in the water of people praying were done during the early morning of the bathing day. It seemed many of the people were in a trance, totally oblivious to me and others around them. Their devotion to their religious beliefs was amazing. That water was freezing cold. I was in it for about 1.5 hours...teeth chattering by the end. Three photographers had their cameras dunked into the water, making them useless. At places it was waist high.
I stayed in a tented community about 7 km out from the venue. Had to walk that 7km every day as all roads around the event were closed to accommodate the millions of pilgrims walking to the event. The tents resembled a huge MASH outfit complete with a mess tent. Actually they were very comfortable.
There were bathroom facilities all over the event site and tap water. I always brought my own bottled water with me. I did not eat at the event site...did not really see any food to purchase but I'm sure there was. I ate breakfast and dinner at my tented community.
As far as security goes...not once did I feel like I needed to hide my gear or better secure it. The people were there for religious purposes and I always felt very safe everywhere...even during the evenings.
Kevin, I know you love to travel and photograph and I can highly recommend going to one of the Kumbh and experience everything there is. I spent 4 days at the Kumbh which is probably enough...but you can spend weeks here and photograph all day long and not get tired.
The one thing you need to do is get your mind set on a lot of people. There were times I got caught up in a flow of people and felt like a leaf on the water flowing where ever the creek takes me....Show more →
Awesome info Harry - many thanks ! And that next event in 2 years time fits my schedule perfectly
Frogfish wrote:
Awesome info Harry - many thanks ! And that next event in 2 years time fits my schedule perfectly
Kevin, the one thing I would recommend is you hire a guide for your first day so you can get the ins and outs regarding the Kumbh. The place is so huge with so many people, a guide would smooth things out for sure.
The tent cities where I stayed had guides for hire.
IndyFab wrote:
I could fill your excitement. I imagine National Geographic may be interested in your wonderful portrait images. Excellent work. What gears was used to capture your work?
I used both a Sony A7R2 with a Batis 85 and a Sony A7R with the Sony 35 2.8 lens.
Chez, If you decide to pursue publishing via an academic press and write a prospectus, I would be happy to review your proposed prospectus. I have reviewed prospective manuscripts and illustrations of photography books for two university presses as a peer reviewer. I cannot help with approval, but can offer input and make your writing bleed with red ink, which is what you want. You will need to find a university press that has an editorial strength in this subject area(s): India, culture, religion, photography (or whatever terms fit; you decide). They will ask at minimum for sample captions. Feel free to PM me.
Impressive images. I'm not sure if I could enjoy it shooting there with so many people. I'm feeling more at home at remote nature locations. But I find it very interesting to look at these images and get an impression from this event.
These images are outstanding-what an opportunity to be at the event. You pictures really convey a much bigger story.
A similar event related to Jainism happens once every 12 years in the South - here is the link.
Bobu wrote:
Impressive images. I'm not sure if I could enjoy it shooting there with so many people. I'm feeling more at home at remote nature locations. But I find it very interesting to look at these images and get an impression from this event.
I'm like you feel more at home with nature...but once immersed in with all the people you quickly get caught up in everything and feel very comfortable photographing within the sea of humanity. My best advice is don't try sneak photos as people will quickly realize this and the trust between the photographer and subject will dissolve very quickly.
