Majestic India

A Breathtaking Experience.........Majestic India

Although there are many wonderful places throughout the world, there are few places that are so humbling and yet so majestic that they take your breath away.  Throughout my travels I have visited many awe-inspiring places but a few stand out above the rest.  One of those memorable journeys is Petra in Jordan, such a stunning experience which is very hard to describe. As you drink in the amazing structures an emotion overwhelms you that create tingles throughout your whole body.  I couldn't believe my luck when I came across such a similar encounter in India.  As you walk around the corner you are met with the most amazing topography, lustrous temples standing proud, rock formations commanding attention.  For those of you that have had the opportunity to visit this marvellous place you will know I am talking about Hampi in Northern Karnataka.  The tranquillity that engulfed this wonderful World Heritage Site was such a contrast to some of the astonishing Indian cities that I have had the pleasure to visit.

As I walked around the monuments and sites I couldn't help but smile, although a serene mystic place, the cheerfulness of the people was still as infectious as I have found throughout all my travels within India. From vendors to tourists I couldn't help but get lost in the emotions of these individuals.

I was in awe of the precision to which the young men handled the magnificent elephants as they bathed them in the river. The tourists watching this everyday occurrence were amazed at the exercise, the local’s didn’t appear to notice what was occurring, they just continued with their daily chores.  It’s on occasions like this that I stop and realize just how much we take for granted.  When had I last observed a tradition in the city I come from acknowledging the uniqueness?  I really do not remember!

There were groups of men and women that had travelled specifically to visit Hampi.  The striking colours of their attire projected a three dimensional visual against the surreal background of the stunning scenery.  Here I was amidst this amazing World Heritage Site and still the vibrant colours of India that I had become so familiar with engulfed me.  The jewellery worn by the women glistened in the bright sunlight adding extra richness to a location already rich in history.

I watched the children playing totally oblivious to their surroundings, the usual joy on their faces as they became engrossed in their games.  Hopefully they would grow up to appreciate this magical place and not become complacent about it as we so often do.  The young boy masquerading in his precious possession his sunglasses amused me.  He was so proud when he viewed the photograph I had taken and before I knew what was happening I was surrounded by youngsters competing to get their photographs taken.  Some of the professional models could learn from the poses these children displayed!  The young girl adorned in a vivid blue dress complimented by vibrant orange bows placed tenderly in her hair was unaware of what was happening around her, the most important thing to her at that moment was enjoying the kernel from the coconut she was eating.

As I weaved through the lanes they became alive with activity, vendors selling their wares, craftsmen displaying their skills, tourists spell bound by the atmosphere, teenagers giggling and children running around. I observed the ‘Holy Man’ zigzagging his way amongst the crowds stopping to bestow his blessing on those who had the time to spare and individuals who purposely approached him.  The women carrying their heavy loads not having the time to stop and chat, the determination in their face was one of someone with a deadline to complete.

The sun was getting hotter and it was time to rest with an ice cold drink!  I sat back in the shade watching the family drying their clothes after having fun cooling off in the river.  The small motor boats ferried people back and forth to the opposite sides of the water the passengers gingerly exiting the vessel but smiles beaming across their faces.  It is these special moments that I realize just how important my camera is, what better way to capture such timeless moments but through a lens of a camera.  As they say every picture tells a story and I certainly have a story book from my short trip to such a fascinating corner of India.

After resting I strolled to the hub of Hampi where shops displayed their goods, the aromas of food and coffee filled the air and the hustle and bustle of people stretched along the streets. Groups of families and friends blocked the pavements as they talked and laughed amongst themselves, again evidence of closeness amongst families.  These wonderful moments often transport me back to the times when as a child we would go on a family outing to the countryside, packed lunches and outdoor games for amusement.  How precious those trips were, family and friends spending quality time together trying desperately to find a balance between work and pleasure. My observations of India show that this is not an issue family always comes first and quality time is automatically a part of a daily routine. I'm sure many European countries could learn from the Indian way of life, I certainly have! 

I do not say goodbye to Hampi I know I will return again.

You can read more about my perceptions and experiences and why I choose to capture the images that I do in my travels, in further blogs.  Please visit my website www.ellejestudio.com to see more of my portrayals. 

Happy Clicking!

Lesley J Saunders

Elle Je Camera Club

Camera Club

The last camera club meeting for 2013 saw the winners of our annual competition. A festive project had been set including images for Christmas cards, calendars or advertisement.  It was amazing and rewarding to see how far the members had come along since the start of the club early summer.  One member produced landscapes of the Lake District for a calendar. Ian had started on using the camera in fully automatic mode and now is fully competent using all the manual functions. The other members chose to use the studio and make-shift home studios. Lynn set herself a challenge of photographing shiny baubles and produced images for Christmas cards. Kate and Steve also chose the Christmas card project. Kate producing clean simple shots that fulfilled the requirement of traditional, romance, corporate and children cards.  Using candy sticks she created a heart shape, gingerbread man for children and stag for corporate.  Steve used his creative mind to photograph the moon and then add Santa and his sleigh flying across it but his image of champagne glasses with the clever use of Christmas lights was a favourite amongst the group.

Kate - corporate 

The winners, first Joe and second Chris well deserved the title. Both had chosen to create images for calendars. Joe the winner of first prize, photographed old tools creating the first letter of each month. He had given a lot of thought to the way he shot the photographs, good lighting producing an ambience appropriate to the old tools.  Chris had worked hard to make an attic for photographing teddies for a children's calendar. Again the lighting he painfully used produced the results he was looking for.

Finally, to celebrate the first year of Elle Je Camera Club we all went out for a meal and drinks.

Our next meeting is 9th January and we have an exciting agenda for 2014 including location shoots, portraiture,exhibitions, competitions and much more. If you want further information on our camera club visit www.ellejestudio.com

Lynn - Traditional 

To compliment our adult camera club, new for 2014 we are running a young adults club, for further information click here!

Steve - Romance

Joe - Advert

Joe - Calendar - THE WINNER

Chris - Children's Calendar - RUNNER UP

Challenges Photographing Transgender

Challenges can be intriguing, fun or indeed stressful.  My challenge was fun, intriguing and stretched my creativity and photography skills. Why you ask? I had the fortune to do a photo shoot for a transgender, a T girl.

Known as Natasha,  she required some images for a website she is having developed and also for personal use. Natasha has set herself a mission to help people understand and except the community of transgender. Natasha  readily helps the "new" transgender's with dressing, introducing them to like minded people and taking them to acceptable places.

Like any individual having a portrait shoot there are always areas of their body that they prefer not to be photographed, Natasha was no different. While dressed in female clothes she wasn't happy with her biceps and she also has a masculine tattoo on her right arm that she preferred not to be obvious in all the shots.

I used Emily, a new up and coming make-up artist, to professionally apply the make-up for the different shots, from subtle make-up through to a statement make over. Here alone the challenges started ensuring that the foundation looked as natural as possible although more than the normal amount is required as the male skin has a much courser texture than the female skin. Attention to detail with regards to the eyes is critical. Having well made up eyes takes the attention away from such as stubble shadows, even when clean shaven there is always that hint of a shadow.

The purpose of the shoot was to provide a selection of images that would show the male gender in a selection of outfits fitting for a variety of occasions from day clothes to theatrical. 

I used the infinitive cove to create an uncluttered shot with no distractions that could be derived from joins such as skirting boards or walls to floor.  To create a softer look I steered away from lighting the background as I would normally and added a soft light to create the grey effect. The second shot I wanted with a white background therefore I lit the infinity cove to read f/32, several stops different to the  metered exposure of Natasha which was f/11.   I chose to use the octagon soft box as the key light to create an even softer look.

I decided to use the black background to offer a contrast and selected not to use low key techniques on the actual subject but to keep an even and soft light.  Using the Bowens lights I used a striplight soft box for the full length shot. To prevent the spill of light onto the background I used black flags close to the subject.  Moving Natasha away from the backdrop prevented the key light falling onto the background.

We then took a selection of photos showing just how glamourous a transgender can really look

It was fun and rewarding photographing Natasha, a great sport.


For further information on Elle Je Photography Studios & Gallery check out our website
www.ellejestudio.co.uk

Elle Je Creative Camera Club

Elle Je Creative Camera Club

At Elle Je Studios we  wanted to provide a creative environment for enthusiasts and amateur photographers to improve their skills and learn new techniques.  Hence the birth of Elle Je Camera Club.  There are many excellent camera clubs around, fortunately we have the perfect environment to allow the members enjoy a practical club.  How many times have you wanted to experiment with lighting techniques but don't have the equipment or the facilities to do so.  Your option being to hire a studio then what happens? Answer: You stick to the lighting set-ups that you know work and you are in your own comfort zone!  At Elle Je Camera Club we encourage the members to break the rules, experience the difference between harsh direct lighting compared to soft wide distributed light.  What happens if you light through a venetian blind, you light your subject from above, does the image come alive creating shadows................????

There are many budding photographers out there and like all of us tend  to keep in their ‘comfort zones’ often avoiding or not having the opportunity to try new things.  The club encourages the members to try out new techniques and become more flexible in their image creation.  New skills are being taught such as studio lighting, portraits, still life.  Photoshop and Lightroom is being introduced to beginners and the use of Mac’s available for the more advanced editors.

One of our previous meetings involved photographing a motorbike. All members had to create their own mood boards and follow briefs,  as opposed to just ‘snapping’.  As a surprise to the members we supplied a model so that they also gained some education on portrait shots.

(image by Steven)

 There was a lot of focus on composition and using studio lights to highlight the areas of importance. The challenge of stainless steel and mirrors were initially overlooked until some of the members realised that without care and consideration they would end up with their own reflection in the image.

Using a black background also created a steep learning curve for several of the team, until they understood the importance of flagging the background to prevent light ‘spilling’ onto the backdrop.

A lesson was soon learnt when the wheels of the bike were too dark, yes lights are movable and directing a low light added the right amount of light and ambience they were trying to achieve.

(image by Catherine)

There were many challenges for the beginners and amateurs of the group but they all throughly enjoyed the experience as you can see with the images in the blog.

Our next Camera Club meeting is Thursday 10th October at 7pm where the members are all working on a fresh project, festive images for calendars or Christmas cards.  A prize will be 

awarded to the best image.

(Image by Chris)

If you are interested in joining the club then do contact us on 01949 844166 or email:

lesley@elleje.com

www.ellejestudio.com

The Exquisite Bride

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.   

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

excited to encapsulate some of the wedding rituals such as the pouring of milk and honey over the coconut and through the hands of the bride and bridegroom.   Throwing of the rice over the married couple, the generosity of gifts given by the guests, these were breathtaking actions I was able to witness. . 

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 

 www.ellejestudio.com 

The Real Women of India

Why Did I choose to create a body of works 

“The Real Women of India?

Photography is my true passion, which I find fulfilling.  On arriving in India I was amazed at the strength the ‘Real’ Women of India portrayed.  Wherever I travelled throughout India, I could not get over the resilience that these women show in their everyday life.  Amongst a sea of humans the emotions of these women shine above the pollution, crowds or extreme conditions and you cannot help but admire such outlooks on life.  The best way I know how to capture this paradox of emotions is through photography, a visual way to share some of these "jewels" with the world.

                                                                                                

I was invited to exhibit my work in Bangalore and Delhi, this was to be a new experience for me.  What is the best way to show these images, who should be invited, did I require catalogues………..so many questions??   Both exhibitions were well attended and even the Ambassador of Oman with his wife and the Maharaja Kamal Singh of Suket attended the Delhi exhibition, what an honour.

So why did I choose to associate my show The ‘Real’ Women of India with ROKO Cancer?  Like many of you reading this article I have been touched with loved ones who have suffered Breast Cancer, some fortunate to beat this disease, and some not so fortunate.  I have seen the strength that these women show while fighting this affliction, an inner strength that I can only imagine, or indeed that even they did not realize they had.  These unique strengths are also shown within the ‘Real’ Women of India working in extreme conditions, carrying heavy loads daily to earn a living to  feed their families.

ROKO Cancer was founded by a wonderful gentleman, APS Chawla who sadly lost his wife at a young age to Breast Cancer and has now devoted his life to educating and making awareness of this disease to help women identify abnormalities at an early stage.  The focus of ROKO Cancer in India is to reach out to females in the suburban and rural areas, to provide them with education and also examinations.  Currently ROKO Cancer has one mobile unit that is taken around such areas but India is huge and one unit is not sufficient to address all the regions.  The proceeds from the sale of selected framed photographs sold at the shows were fully donated to this cause. 

Having had two successful shows in India, I was privileged to be invited to exhibit the same body of works in Mayfair London.  The exhibition was inaugurated by Lord Sheik of Cornhill and again was very well attended. 

However the one exhibition that has given me so much pleasure is the exhibition that finished on 19^th October 2012 at Bromley House in Nottingham, my home county.  For those that may be unfamiliar with Bromley House, it is a private library dating back to the 1700’s.  In 1804 the first     photography studio in Nottingham and the Midlands was set up                               in the attic.  A dome was constructed to enable the photographer to control light for their portraiture, an amazing building.

Through the exhibitions and my journeys in India I was invited to write a monthly column for Asian Photography magazine that is distributed throughout India and also South Asia.  I will be sharing some of these experiences throughout my series of blogs.

Follow my “Real Women of India” blogs to hear about my challenges as a photographer in such a diverse country, especially being commissioned to photograph the tribal people deep in Andhra Pradesh.

For further information about The ‘Real’ Women of India visit www.ellejestudio.com

Lesley Saunders