One of the bigger challenges in candid/street photography is the need to capture poignant moments and unique perspectives, especially when visiting crowded areas. Complex scenes can be constructed by allowing the eye to follow human activity in the scene, and hence capturing the right slice of time is crucial to showcase this drama. This is what separates a great street photographer from a moderate one.
While wandering through the hallowed hallways of the famous Kailasanatha temple, dating back to the 6th century AD, at Ellora caves in India, I came across a open courtyard (carved into sheer granite) where a visiting tourist was trying to capture the thick supporting columnwork. What made the scene more interesting was an onlooker standing by one of the columns gazing at this tourist. The immediate surroundings, with elephants carved into the rock and adornments festooned on the temple walls above, as well as the sheer overhang of the bedrock above, made the entire scene even more dramatic.
This scene existed but for a fleeting moment; the tourist in saree walked away while the onlooker disappered between the multitudes of supporting pillars. It highlighted the importance of capturing at the right time, and for keeping my eyes open for the right moment.
Ellora Caves
Maharashtra India
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