Girl Posing - Varanasi, India
Samuel Jeffery of Nomadic Samuel captures the faces of India through his lens.
Before descending upon India, I had been backpacking continuously for nearly a year and a half. I was feeling particularly worn down both physically and mentally and the repetitive nature of constantly being on the move and seeing ‘yet’ another temple was beginning to take its toll; however, once I arrived in India, I felt this surge of adrenaline and excitement suddenly – not unlike my first backpacking experience. India was just a whole new ball game compared to anywhere else I had ever been. I’ve often said, and heard others mention that more things happen in India than anywhere else in the world combined. I felt constantly stimulated by what was happening around me.
An India Tour through Pictures
The following photos are a series of ‘distinct faces of India’ from my 2 month journey across Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Kolkata. Although I barely scratched the surface of this massive country, these candid portraits represent the diversity of the people and regions throughout northern India.
Cute boys excited about having their photo taken - Jaipur, India
India is literally a photographers dream. You could pivot wearing a blindfold with your thumb firmly pressed down on the shutter release button and you’d have a series of great photos. There is just so much going on all at once it’s hard to even focus on what particular subject you want to shoot.
A cute girl posing for a photo at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) - Amritsar, India
A boy eating rice outside the Jama Masjid - Old Delhi, India
A candid conversation on the street - Jaipur, India
Holy men posing for donations - Jaisalmer, India
Snake charmer playing music - Jaipur, India
A big smile on the motorcycle - Jodhpur, India
Gypsy dancer - Thar Desert, India
Boys playing on bike - Jodhpur, India
Smiling man - Jodhpur, India
Colourful Saris - Jodhpur, India
Waving crowd from the back of the vehicle - Kolkata, India
Carrying pot on head - Calcutta, India
Construction Worker - Dharamsala, India
Monk and Beggar - Mcleod Ganj, India
Child in need of attention - Pushkar, India
Gypsy Man - Thar Desert, India
Man standing outside tempe - Udaipur, India
Man Hauling Cart - Udaipur, India
Boy drinking Chai - Jaisalmer, India
Girl Sitting Down - Udaipur, India
Laughing Ladies - Udaipur, India
Street Shave - Varanasi, India
Bathing at the Ghats - Varanasi, India
A special thanks to Jason & Aracely for featuring my photo essay – quite an honour!
Such a diversity of pictures, people and places in India….no wonder visitors are so attracted to this country…thanks samuel
Thank you, it’s truly the most diverse and fascinating country I’ve ever visited.
Nice array of pics!
You are good with the camera!
Cheers,
John D. Wilson
John, thanks for the kind compliment. It’s quite honestly a photographers dream to be located in India.
BEYOND gorgeous!!! I got a lot of awesome portraits in India as well.
Thanks Andi
I’d love to see your shots of India. From your blog posts I’ve noticed you have a good eye!
This is a great post, I love clicking faces too and completely enjoyed looking at the captures here. I would look forward to more
Siddhartha, if you’d like to see all of my India pics click here:
http://photos.nomadicsamuel.com/India
Thanks for the generous compliment!
Wow, colourful India!! Really love your picture especially those in Udaipur.
Thank you, Udaipur was one of my favourite spots – very scenic!
Gorgeous shots! I am rubbish at taking portraits (too shy to ask) but India’s the only country where I’ve got some great people shots. Everyone is so photogenic and generally happy to have their photo taken.
Thanks Erin, I think India is paradise for any photographer – from amateur to serious.
Wow! Such gorgeous and colorful photos. The colors and diversity of India are really captured in these shots – thanks for sharing. I really hope to make it to India one day, but for now I live vicariously through others’ blogs!
Allison, I hope you get the opportunity! It’s a life changing experience in my opinion.
This makes me miss India! I really can’t wait to go back. It’s my favorite country by far!
Thanks! I agree with you – definitely my favourite country as well!
Samuel’s photos are amazing! I just want to stare at each photo — the faces, emotions, colors — beautifully done.
Thanks Cathy, much appreciated
Really, really great shots, Samuel.
Thanks Abby
Great photos! Love the up close shots– I’ve never been to India but it’s on my list!
Leslie, I hope you get a chance to go! I can’t wait to return
Nice photos. I specially like the smiling cute girl fourth from last.
Thanks, I remember her very distinctly. This was in a rural area just outside of Udaipur.
Such incredible photos! And so many stories in their faces!
Thanks Brock, I tried to put together a diverse collection that reflects what it is like to travel in India.
Nicely done Samuel!
Thanks Raymond
These are wonderfully endearing Samuel! Candid portraits always gives a great perspective on a culture and its people. I especially like the smiling ones which shows that no matter what life they have, they’re still happy.
Thanks Sherry, I try to capture a wide range of emotions with my photography, but (as you mentioned) nothing beats a smile
I don’t know what it is about India that brings out the best in a photograph. I’m sure its the bright mix of colours and the life people bring to the picture.
Matt, I think you’re on to something here. No matter what level the photographer, India brings everyone’s game up a notch or two. It’s a photographer’s dream in terms of shooting.
Nice pics Samuel, how long were you in India? Do you have any more Golden Temple pics?
Hi Josh, I do have a lot more pictures from the Golden Temple
I will be showing some soon on my blog.
Hi Samuel!
I love with all your photos! May I ask your ‘Construction Worker – Dharamsala, India’ images to share and upload via mobile phone? That image very motivated and give us inspiration about emancipation woman. How can I get your photo, maybe I must pay to get it?
Thanks
lea from Jakarta, Indonesia
These are remarkable photos!!