ashwinikapoor

Priceless Moments

Canon EOS 550D

settings

Aperture f/1.8 ISO 100 Shutter 1/125

upload_date

Jul, 2014

Views

219

Likes

Awards

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

Top Shot Award 21

Legendary Award

Cool Capture

Superb Composition

+14

Absolute Masterpiece

+12

Top Choice

+10

Outstanding Creativity

Superior Skill

Jaw Dropping

Great Find

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken on the streets of Benaras' commonly known as "Varanasi"in India.

Time

Early morning

Lighting

Lighting in this image was all natural. The background was well let up and was dark in color which separates the subject well.

Equipment

Canon 550 D + 50 mm 1.8

Inspiration

I take my inspiration from the environment and it is like a split second thought that comes to my mind. Nothing planned as that would make things very obvious. The lady in the picture was a very light hearted and great personality to talk to. I took this image in the year 2014 when I returned to India from London, and went to visit my parents in Varanasi. I was out on the streets doing what I love the most: taking pictures of strangers, when I came across this lovely elderly lady. I first saw her sitting outside her house in a narrow alleyway, with her two grandchildren. She had a very charming persona, which immediately drew me to her to have a conversation. I sat down beside her and asked her about herself and her family. Despite being 92 years old, she was clearly very young at heart and a highly engaging person. After having a small chat with her, I asked her if I could photograph her, and she happily agreed. I took a few shots of her and told her that I would come back with a printed version of the image, to show my gratitude and respect. Recently, I went back to see her, carrying with me a print of the photo, as promised. I couldn’t find my way back to her house so asked one of the men working at the Ghats of Varanasi if they knew of her, showing them her picture. One man knew her and informed me that she had passed away just a month back. Following his directions, I reached her house and spoke to her son. He told me that she hadn’t been well for the past few months and had struggled to cope with the biting cold. I gave him the picture and told him that I had had a brief chat his mother, and took this picture of her. He was very glad that I had come to their place to give the print to them, as they had not been able to find any picture of her. He said that the picture would be the only sweet memory of her, one that the family would cherish. I realized how a simple act of fulfilling my promise had ended up touching the lives and hearts of an entire family.

Editing

I just cropped the image and have done minor tweaking of color and highlight/shadows

In my camera bag

Canon 550 D + 50 mm 1.8

Feedback

Try to create a conversation first with the person that you are interested in shooting, as that would give them that level of comfort when the action begins. Also, you would know what is the best possible way to get the best out of the time that you are spending with the person.

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ashwinikapoor

ashwinikapoor

Priceless Moments

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow ashwinikapoor

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