Prayer to the Sun
This was shot on the bank of river Hooghly flowing past Calcutta, India. Actually it is on the opposite bank of Calcutta. Many people like to start with a dip i...
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This was shot on the bank of river Hooghly flowing past Calcutta, India. Actually it is on the opposite bank of Calcutta. Many people like to start with a dip in the Holy river and with a prayer to the Sun. This is a very old Indian tradition.
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Jan, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The River Hooghly which is considered a very holy one, flows right past Kolkata, the iconic city of India which was once the capital of British India territories. On the opposite bank of Kolkata lies the districts of Howrah and Hooghly. Yes, Hooghly do get its name from the river. I was at that bank in a place called Uttarpara, literally translated it means the "North Block". The bridge seen in the picture is one of the oldest rail-cum-road bridges in India. Interestingly, the graduated spire seen at the distance on the opposite bank is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, one of the most revered goddesses of Indian Religious order. The lady caught on the camera is actually facing east, praying to the sun, early in the morning. This is a ritual practised by many Hindus every morning all over India.Time
This was early in the morning. Usually this is the time when many men and women in India bathe in the holy river and pray to the Sun facing east. The light available at such a time of the day is excellent for getting dramatic shots.Lighting
Winter approaching and mist just clearing off the river water surface is a situation to die for. Add to that backlighting and a figure for contrast and there is hardly anything more a photographer wants. The situation was very much like that but without much mist. The sun, which would have other wise hit the lens, was blocked by the bridge and that made the shot possible.Equipment
Nikon D3200 with Nikkor 28 - 70, 3.5 - 5.6 lens. It was a handheld shot.Inspiration
The solitary figure praying in full concentration, the light and the complete form was the inspiration. Usually the bathing places ( or ghats as they are called in India) usually remain crowded. This place, too, was crowded. But this old lady found a place for herself and prayed to her God in solitude. The total picture was that of peace, it was not to be lost.Editing
Actually I used monochrome setting for jpeg lmage and also captured RAW image. Post processing included tweaking the contrast and sharpness to get the desired effect.In my camera bag
The Nikon D3200, Nikkor 28 - 70 kit lens and 55 - 200 tele lens. That's all the little equipment I have in my possession and I carry them all.Feedback
The bathing places by the riversin India are treasure troves for photographers. Be it the Ghats of Benaras or the quaint riverine towns, there's always activity. One will have to wait for the right moment. The light durinig the morning and dusk are ideal for capture, but in India its the morning that is more important.
