I discovered this picture of the Mumbai coast at the bottom of the box of photographs of the Taj Mahal. Mumbai was were I spent most of my time when I was in India, working shifts in a busy hospital. It is a vibrant, lively city and bursting with contrasts. Earlier this month Slumdog Millionaire was shown on British TV; several documentaries on India, mainly concentrating on Mumbai, have been shown since. I watched these with interest, and saw many familiar scenes. Rather predictably, they focused on the problems of the city. I’m not denying that these problems exist – but there is beauty as well as poverty, and that beauty is equally striking.
The beauty of the Taj is indisputable. I was amused to see this group of boys playing tag on the courtyard between the Taj and the jawab, and they certainly highlight the sheer scale of the building. The Taj is flanked by two red sandstone buildings, a mosque to the west and the jawab (answer) to the east. I am glad that there was a shot left on a colour roll to capture the way the sandstone glows in the sunshine.
As I explained in my previous posts about the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, all of my photographs in India were taken with a simple point and shoot film camera borrowed from a colleague – and whatever film I could find. When I look at them now, I marvel at how much luck and enthusiasm can do for a photograph! I do think that part of their charm is related to being film shots rather than digital, and (despite my love for my new D5000!) I have now ordered some film for my EM…
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In the eye of the beholder28 comments to In the eye of the beholder |
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Stunning captures! Really love the colors in the last one. Thanks for all the interesting information about Mumbai! I’m in daily contact with several blog friends who live in Mumbai so I always enjoy learning more about their city! Hope the remainder of your weekend is lovely!
Sylvia
Sylvia Kirkwood´s last blog ..Shadow Shot Sunday!
This is a wonderful look at the differences of classic and modern (as I see it, anyway :>) Dubai is a nouveau riche look, modern glass and steel skyscrapers can be found in NYC or Hong Kong or every other city. The shapes and detailing, like those arches are really Indian, so Mumbai represents the buildings of eons ago, the architecture never replicated anywhere else. Mumbai no doubt had problems, New Haven CT, the small city home to Yale University, has so many too. No city is without, although I believe there has to be many in Dubai, modern looks notwithstanding. Beauty is always beautiful in any setting. This is an excellent post!
Ralph´s last blog ..Shadow Shot Sunday – Touchdown
Outstanding shots. I just love the archway shots, how they frame the subject. The Taj shot could be any time since the Taj was built and that is why I like it. The warmth of the second is perfect. Great composition and the people add life and interest.
zem´s last blog ..Touch the Sky
Beautiful views, I love the shot taken through the archways.
SquirrelQueen´s last blog ..Dying Sun – Monochrome
Twitter: RobinTA
Beautiful images, especially that last one – it is really something special.
Robin from Israel´s last blog ..The Magic Carpet is Ready to Take Off – Get Your Ticket to Ride
BRilliant photos to say the least, the last one is definitely my favourite.
All the best
Guy
Regina In Pictures
Guy D´s last blog ..‘Regina In Pictures’ Facebook Group
That last image is ravishing.
Aileni´s last blog ..My first motorcycle… 24th. February 1972.
A striking difference between the first photo and the two last ones. The new and the old.
RuneE´s last blog ..Dog for Sale
Again, I’m just blown away by the beauty of your photos!
Tracy´s last blog ..Shadow Shot Sunday #89
Wow, those are amazing photographs.
Whoops, accidentally pressed the enter button too early! I especially like the last one, it’s very striking.
S
http://notjustmedical.wordpress.com
S´s last blog ..Recipe: Tok Ami’s chicken curry
These are just beautiful. That doorway, amazing!
wanderlust´s last blog ..Shadow Shot Sunday
I love the contrast between the coast and the Taj and the glow in the last one is fantastic.
Calico Crazy´s last blog ..Monochrome Weekend #22
Gorgeous shots! I long for the chance to travel and take stunning photos like these. For now, though, I am stuck taking pictures locally. Someday…
Jayde´s last blog ..She May Not Have A Crown Of Diamonds
Twitter: about
I like these picture very much. The have a way of making me want to look and see more. Very nice!
James´s last blog ..The Sun and the Moon (Weekend Reflections # 19)
This is really beautiful!:-) Great shot!
Spiderdama´s last blog ..The Monochrome Weekly #13
There is just something magical about glimpses through doorways or arches. What lies beyond? I am happy that you found the beauty as well as the problems when you explored the City beyond the gateways. I am happy that you shared your beautiful pictures.
Nice shots. I like the peeks through the doorways.
John McDevitt´s last blog ..Monochrome Photography: Waiting
These are all fantastic shots and show the beauty of the place. Good post.
Carver´s last blog ..Monochrome Weekend: Three large black birds flying to the tree
Truly magnificent shots captured at the perfect moment in time!
Sweet Repose´s last blog ..Shadow Shot Sunday…The Wild Ones…
Wow! What great pictures – that colored one is amazing! I have a friend that went to India to do a shoot for her PBS station. She said that the Taj Mahal was hands down the most beautiful building in the world. Thanks for a glimpse!
The Summer Kitchen Girls´s last blog ..Taking A Back Seat To Shadows
Lots of muted monochromes.
John´s last blog ..Monochrome weekly
thank you so much for trying to reply my query on the sepia effect. i was hoping to receive an answer from you. anyway, my email address at bengbeng@mylongkang.com was full so it happened that yr mail couldnt come through. i hope you have it somewhere non deleted and try again. after looking at yr sepia effect, i want to try it so much. i once did it on my nikond40x but most of my pics r oledi loaded on my laptop
I also love the last photo. I’m amazed that you got all three from a point and shoot, which is what I use. They all are wonderful and I agree that enthusiasm and luck go a long way in photography.
I like how you showed us the new vs. the old city..as my husband Ralph said when he waxed poetic in his comment!
Patti´s last blog ..Practicing night photography
Twitter: maryt525
Impressive shots in film! I have a blog called Sepia Scenes. I’d love to have you post some of these shots for that blog when we post on Wed/Thurs.
maryt/theteach´s last blog ..Sepia Scenes #68
I can see so many stories in those halls…
Blond Duck´s last blog ..The Return of Miss Pickles 17
Twitter: MrsScribe
Love these Superior Snaps! I miss the film days…don’t you think shots were more “artsy” back then?
Melissa B.´s last blog ..Beach Blanket Bingo?
What a wonderful place to see, and great to have such photographic memories.
Dragonstar´s last blog ..Monochrome Weekend.