My fascination for India continued to grow
from strength to strength just like my passion for photography. Each time I think I had experienced the most
amazing encounter and that there could not be anything else more wonderful, wow
and behold there facing was yet again another astonishing surprise. The beauty and culture of India is like a
bottomless pit never ending.
Being a
very inquisitive individual I quickly questioned what the crowds of people and
the music were in aid of only to be told that it was a wedding.
Here I was in the rural areas of Karnataka not
a tourist in sight and a wedding taking place, too much for a photographer to
miss. Jumping out the car armed with
camera and bag of lenses I tried to discreetly position myself at a good advantage
point not wanting to miss such a wonderful opportunity. I was quickly noticed and like the waves rolling
gently in the sea, I was being pushed to the front of the bridegroom’s procession
and before I realised what was happening I had become part of the wedding party. So here I am taking photographs of the
wedding party but the most amusing point was the ‘wedding’ photographer taking
photos of me what a turn around.........
The joviality, smiles, laughter were infectious but nothing compared to
the warmth of these wonderful people. I
was promptly invited to the wedding ceremony and although my attire was not
fitting for such an important event the thought of capturing such a beautiful
moment through my lens was too much to miss, so I politely accepted the
invitation.
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| The Headdress
The floral headdress
dominating the back of the bride was stunning, obviously a lot of patience
having gone into the creation of such an ornate accessory. It acted as a picture surround framing the
various expressions that this bride was displaying throughout the
ceremony.
There were fleeting glimpses
of apprehension, delight, coyness, bewilderment and disbelieve showing on the
brides face and once again I found myself admiring the strength of these
women. How many weddings had I attended
where the brides just gave into their emotions, yet here I witnessed a true
strength of control?
It was such a
delight to capture these emotions and add to my portfolio ‘The Real’ Women of
India, not only was I able to portray emotions but also the beautiful attire
worn by the bride, bridegroom and their guests.
I was also
 What an amazing experience! Having taken some telling photographs it was time to continue on my way. What a trip which turned out to be an unplanned wedding shoot...............
Continuing on my travels I was amazed when I came
across yet another wedding, this was turning into one lucky tour. The crowds of guests disembarking their
transport, a truck, were happy and obviously elated to be part of this special
day as they purposely made their way to the ceremony, the brightly coloured
saris glistening in the sunlight.
Once
again I was welcomed with open arms as I made my way towards the bride equipped
with my most precious possession, my camera.
Dressed in vibrant red the bride stood out amidst the crowds adorned
with her floral headdress and garland, there was no mistaking the most
important person amidst the crowds but yet again I observed a mixture of
emotions just like the first bride.
The
children dressed in their best clothes watched in bewilderment as the
ceremonies took place, one day in the future it would be their turn. I felt privileged to be so openly welcomed at
this special day of their life and as I sat back and thought through the
events, I found myself yet again amazed at the diversity of this wonderful
country and the beautiful people.
Several days later as I continued my travelling I came upon yet again
another wedding. This time the ceremony had already taken place and the wedding
party and guest were enjoying the reception which was taking place in a field.
The bride dressed in a white sari wearing a beautiful garland of vibrant orange
flowers in her hair. Her beautiful
jewellery sparkling in
the sun with the colours of the gems complimenting her
outfit it was obvious that this bride had taken great pains to look her best on
this distinctive day she was a delight to photograph. Her eyes danced with laughter as she shyly
fed her new husband proud and amused at the same time. Although I capture her at one point in deep
thought the uncertainty I had seen in the previous brides was not evident in
this new bride
My perception of these women living in
remote rural villages is not only strength but they are also transparent, not
afraid to show true feelings, how many of us try and hide our true feelings?
On the home page select Elle Je Classic Images of India to view additional images
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