Something unusual is happening here in India.
Normally, I would find the market in the town I am in, I would wander through it and, either because of the hustle and chaos of the market or simply because the vendors are busy, I am not really noticed. There are definitely exceptions, such as San Gil, Colombia, and or few other cities in Latin America where the entire market is alerted to my presence.
Even in those incidences, the excitement eventually fades and I can still have unguarded moments that give a distinctive character to the “Wok the Dog” series.
That is not what is happening here in India.
Over 2 days of shooting in 3 different markets, not only am I noticed, but the minute I compose a shot, they sit up tall and summon up an incredible amount of dignity for the click. I cannot be sure until I see the film, but every image of the vendors here feels incredible.
If this trend continues, “Wok the Dog” will start to have a tonal shift as there will be very few documentary style images but a lot more portraits.
Tomorrow I will tell you about finding the meat and fish in a culture that is largely vegetarian……
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WOW! It’s as if everyone wants their 15 minutes in the span of a click! I guess the old days of some cultures thinking the camera will steal your soul are gone.
Now go forth and wok that dog!
Yet there are still times when people don’t want their photos taken. I had difficulties from certain tribes in Latin America. There was also a time when I got into a fight with a Brit Expat in Mexico where he insisted that I was either a spy working for one of the government agencies and or I stole his soul by taking his picture. I am used to people saying no to pictures so when in India, they are so willing and happy to have their pictures taken, it surprises me.
Yet there are still times when people don’t want their photos taken. I had difficulties from certain tribes in Latin America. There was also a time when I got into a fight with a Brit Expat in Mexico where he insisted that I was either a spy working for one of the government agencies and or I stole his soul by taking his picture. I am used to people saying no to pictures so when in India, they are so willing and happy to have their pictures taken, it surprises me.
I figure if people don’t want their picture taken, that’s their right. I routinely duck out of pictures if I feel like it. Of course, I’m just a brown-haired white girl living in Chile, so I don’t arouse much interest re: photo fodder, anyway.
I’m glad you found some people that wanted to pose for you. I’m sure they’d love to see the site!
I don’t usually make an issue out of it when people don’t want their pictures taken. I was surprised at how many people DID want their photos taken, for what they perceived to be their moment of glory, of importance.
Most Indians love to pose infront of the camera. Also don’t be surprised if they want to take a picture with you as well.
As for being vegetarian, I think that deepen from region to region. That’s the beauty of India. Go towards the south and fish is part of everyday diet. Around Punjab you’ll find lovers of butter chicken. So yeah India no longer is vegetarian I think.
lovely…