Hide and Seek: A Moment in The Gambia

Home is more than just walls—it’s the comfort and protection we find within them. In the streets of Banjul, The Gambia, a young girl hides behind her mother, peering cautiously at the camera from the doorway of her home. Her mother stands as both a shield and a source of security, embodying the quiet strength that defines a sense of belonging.

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is a compact yet vibrant city, sitting on an island where the River Gambia meets the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small size, it’s full of life—colorful markets, the call to prayer echoing through the streets, and a community spirit that is felt in every interaction. During my travels in The Gambia and neighboring Senegal, I was fortunate enough to stay with a local family, experiencing daily life from within rather than as just a passing observer. The children were full of energy, always eager to play, pose, or sometimes—like in this moment—shy away from the camera.

Hide and Seek: A Moment in The Gambia - Travel Blog by Geraint Rowland Photography

The Layers Within a Travel Portrait

Travel portraits are more than just faces—they tell stories, reflecting emotions, relationships, and environments. In this particular image, the game of hide and seek adds an extra layer to the scene. The girl’s cautious but curious gaze creates an emotional connection, while the vibrant patterns of her mother’s dress contrast beautifully with her tentative body language. The bold yellow and green fabric dominates the frame, serving almost as a protective barrier, reinforcing the idea of home as a place of safety.

While I captured several images of the children during my stay, this one stood out. It speaks of innocence, the quiet bond between mother and child, and that universal feeling of childhood curiosity mixed with the need for comfort. Moments like these are why I love candid photography—it allows real life to unfold without interference, capturing emotions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In the following slideshow you can check out more portraits from this time—images of the lively, warm-hearted children I had the pleasure of meeting. The above photograph however, remains one of my favourites from my travels in The Gambia, a reminder that home isn’t just a structure, but the presence of those who make us feel safe.

Camera Details, West Africa Blogs & Keywords from The Gambia

📷 Canon 5D Mark II | 50mm f/1.4 | f/6.3 | 1/320 sec | ISO 250

#Gambia #Banjul #StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography #Africa #CandidPhotography #Photojournalism #SenseOfHome #Motherhood #WestAfrica #PortraitPhotography

Kodaikanal Living: The Pink House on the Hill

Perched on a hillside in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, this pink house stands out against the lush greenery that surrounds it. A local woman goes about her daily chores, tending to her home with quiet diligence. Captured from above, the scene offers a glimpse into everyday life in this South Indian hill town.

Kodaikanal, often called the 'Princess of Hill Stations,' is known for its misty landscapes, scenic lakes, and vibrant local culture. This photograph encapsulates a moment of routine in an extraordinary setting. The rusted tin roof tells stories of years gone by, while the bright blue windows and railings contrast sharply with the warm pink walls. Clothes dry in the sun, water barrels line the side of the house, and life moves at its own steady pace. I stayed in Kodaikanal for almost two weeks towards the end of my six month trip around India. I stayed in the Zostel Kodaikanal which was a great Hostel with excellent staff, I also met some great travellers from India. I joined them on a great road trip to the awesome Zostel Poombarai and we had a lot of fun en route!

The above images were captured on the Canon 5D Mark IV with my go-to-lens, the 50mm f/1.4 lens, the image balances sharp detail with soft natural light. The perspective from above not only highlights the home but also its integration into the surrounding environment, reinforcing the idea that home is more than just a structure—it's a lived experience. Take a look through the slideshow below for some more of my photography from Kodaikanal, I loved that town, it was a definite highlight of my trip around India:

For more of my photography from India, check out my India Flickr album or browse my Getty Images collection. All of my travel images from India are available for sale.

#Kodaikanal #IndiaPhotography #TravelPhotography #HillStation #StreetPhotography #EverydayLife #SouthIndia #Home #DocumentaryPhotography #Canon5DMarkIV #zostel #tamilculture #tamilnadutravel #visitindia #indiabloggers

Cycling Through Madurai: Capturing the Spirit of India on Two Wheels

Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, is a place where history, culture, and daily life blend seamlessly. From the towering Meenakshi Temple to the vibrant streets lined with bustling markets, every corner of this city tells a story. One of the best ways to experience this energy is by observing the cyclists who weave through the city’s roads—each with their own purpose, their own journey.

The Story Behind the Shot

The image captures a barefoot cyclist in Madurai, glancing directly at the camera as he rides his rickshaw-style bicycle across a bridge. Another cyclist, slightly out of focus, moves in the opposite direction, creating a visual contrast. Behind them, the dry riverbed is dotted with grazing animals, while a green bus moves across the bridge. The scene is a perfect representation of everyday life in India—raw, dynamic, and full of character.

Camera Settings:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

  • Lens: EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

  • Aperture: f/6.3

  • Focal Length: 50mm

  • Shutter Speed: 1/800

  • ISO: 200

Cycling Culture in India

Cycling remains an essential mode of transport in many Indian cities, especially for working-class individuals. Whether it’s vegetable sellers, schoolchildren, or rickshaw pullers, bicycles and cycle rickshaws are a lifeline for many. Unlike in Western countries, where cycling is often a hobby or fitness activity, in India, it is a necessity—providing an affordable and efficient way to navigate the often chaotic urban landscape.

Madurai: A Photographer’s Dream

For photographers, Madurai is a goldmine of visual storytelling. The city’s blend of ancient architecture and modern-day hustle makes for captivating street photography. The old markets, the sacred temple streets, and the daily routines of the people offer countless opportunities to capture authentic moments. The best time to shoot? Early mornings when the light is soft, and the streets are alive with activity.

Travel Photography in India

India offers an endless canvas for photographers. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, every region has its unique aesthetic. When shooting in India, it’s essential to stay adaptable, embrace the unpredictability, and interact with the locals to get the most natural and engaging shots. Street photography, in particular, thrives on these unplanned moments—like the one captured in this image. Have a read of this previous blog looking at street photography and travel in India.

Explore More:

📸 My India Flickr Album
🖼 My Getty Images Portfolio

Keywords:

#Madurai #IndiaPhotography #StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography #CyclingIndia #bikes #cyclingphotography #cycling #cyclelife #DocumentaryPhotography #RickshawLife #IndianCulture #ExploringIndia #EverydayLifeIndia #gettyimages #natgeoindia #bikelife

Lovers by the Sea, Candid Photography in Morocco

Rabat, Morocco—a city where history, culture, and the Atlantic coastline blend seamlessly. The capital of Morocco offers a rich mix of modern life and traditional charm, making it an ideal destination for travellers and photographers alike. With its winding medina streets, expansive coastline, and vibrant street life, Rabat presents endless opportunities for capturing candid, raw moments.

Capturing Rabat Through Candid Photography

Candid photography thrives in places like Rabat, where life unfolds naturally in the streets, by the sea, and within the souks. In this particular shot, taken along the rugged coastline near Rabat, a couple sits in quiet embrace, framed beautifully by the natural rock formations behind. The land itself acts as a frame, directing the eye toward the couple while adding depth to the composition. In the background, a fisherman perches on a jutting rock, casting his line into the sea—a poetic contrast between solitude and companionship.

The Shot: Technical Breakdown

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Settings: ƒ/9.0 | 85.0mm | 1/200 sec | ISO 160

The choice of the 85mm lens allowed for a natural compression of the scene, bringing both the couple and the fisherman into a cohesive composition. The ƒ/9 aperture ensured that enough detail remained in both foreground and background without distracting from the main subjects. The overcast lighting softened shadows, making the image feel intimate yet expansive.

Street Style and Culture in North Africa

Morocco is a cultural crossroads, where tradition meets modernity. In the streets, vibrant colors, flowing fabrics, and modest yet stylish outfits define the unique street fashion. In this shot, the woman’s peach-coloured headscarf subtly contrasts with the muted tones of the surroundings, drawing attention to the couple without overpowering the composition.

Framing in Photography

Framing is a fundamental element in photography, and this image demonstrates its power. The rock formation naturally cradles the couple within the frame, creating a sense of intimacy. Meanwhile, the fisherman in the background adds an additional layer of storytelling, balancing the image both compositionally and thematically. Here is a photography blog I wrote about framing in photography, especially the compositional technique of a frame within a frame.

The Peaceful Coastline of Rabat

Rabat’s coastline offers a sense of tranquility that contrasts with the city’s bustling medina. The Atlantic Ocean crashes against the rugged cliffs, creating a dynamic backdrop for storytelling. Whether it’s couples enjoying the view, solitary fishermen waiting for a catch, or locals gathering along the shore, the coast serves as a place of reflection, connection, and everyday life.

This image, "Lovers by the Sea, Morocco," encapsulates the essence of travel photography—seeking out the quiet, in-between moments that tell a deeper story. It’s a testament to Morocco’s charm, its people, and the way life seamlessly blends with nature along the shores of North Africa.

Explore More Moroccan Travel Photography

More of my Moroccan travel photography can be viewed on my Flickr page. These images are also available for purchase via my Getty Images portfolio, or reach out directly.

#morocco #travelphotography #rabat #streetphotography #northafrica #oceanview #candidmoments #couplegoals #fisherman #landscapephotography #geraintrowland

A Warm Smile Among the Vegetables – A Street Portrait from Delhi

During my six-month journey across India, I met countless people, each with their own story, warmth, and character. This portrait of a young boy was taken in Greater Kailash, New Delhi, where he was helping his Mother sell fresh vegetables from their stall outside my Hostel. His bright smile and genuine curiosity made for a striking portrait—one that captures the charm and friendliness of the people I encountered throughout my travels in India. Click through the slide show below for some street portraits and street photography of the Vegetable Seller’s Boy:

The Art of Street Portrait Photography

Unlike candid street photography, where the goal is often to capture a fleeting moment without interaction, street portrait photography involves direct engagement. It’s about forming a connection, even if only for a moment, and inviting the subject into the creative process. A simple smile, eye contact, or nod can be enough to break the ice.

India is one of the best places in the world for this style of photography. The people, generally warm and approachable, often welcome the camera with openness. While it's always important to be respectful—seeking permission where necessary—many individuals enjoy having their photo taken, especially children. Their expressions are uninhibited, full of life, and often tell deeper stories than words could.

The Power of Natural Light

For this portrait, like the majority of my photography I used natural light. Shooting mid morning before the bright midday sun created a gentle glow on the boy’s face without the harsh shadows. Shooting at ƒ/4.5 with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and a 50mm f/1.4 lens, I was able to keep the background slightly blurred while retaining the rich details of the vegetable stall behind him. The colours of the fresh produce frame the subject beautifully, adding depth and context to the shot.

A Snapshot of a Larger Journey

This image is just one of thousands I captured while travelling through India—each frame a reminder of the experiences, friendships, and unexpected moments that made the trip unforgettable. Street portrait photography isn’t just about taking a technically good photograph; it’s about capturing the essence of a place through its people.

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring street portrait photography, India is an excellent place to hone your skills. Engage with people, embrace natural light, and look for stories in everyday moments. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple smile to create a compelling image that speaks beyond the frame.

Camera Settings

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF50mm f/1.4 USM
ƒ/4.5 | 50mm | 1/200 sec | ISO 250

For more of my Street Portraits from India check out my Flickr album here.

#StreetPortrait #IndiaPhotography #DelhiMarkets #TravelPhotography #PortraitPhotography #NaturalLight #IndianCulture #CanonPhotography #EverydayLife #VisualStorytelling

Waiting Game: Four Surfers, Lima, Peru

Some waves demand patience, some waves demand respect. La Herradura, tucked into the rugged coastline of Chorrillos, Lima, is one of those waves. In this image, four surfers stand on the rocky coastline above the World class wave waiting for their moment to safely enter the Ocean. During a big swell like on this day, timing is everything, a situation every surfer knows well—the calm before the storm, the thrill of what’s to come. Moments after I took the shot the surfers dived into the water and made their way to the line up to score some waves. Scroll through the slideshow below for a few variations of my Surfing photo at La Herradura in Lima, Peru.

La Herradura isn’t for the faint-hearted. A long, fast left-hand point break, it fires on big south swells, throwing up powerful walls that can hold serious size. The wave breaks on the far left of the bay, peeling along the rocky shoreline with precision. Quiksilver has held competitions here, and local chargers treat it as a proving ground. Like any great wave, it comes with risks—strong currents, a shallow rocky bottom, and the kind of power that will humble even the experienced. I surfed the wave on a few occasions and lucked out with good waves and few surfers in the water. On the day I took this image I was only visiting to show a friend the coastline and to enjoy the fresh seafood with some cold Pilsen Lagers.

Beyond the surf, La Herradura Beach carries echoes of a different past. Once a popular getaway for the wealthy Peruvians, it has become a little run-down in recent years. The old beachfront club now sits abandoned, covered in graffiti, a ghost of its former self. Yet, the area still holds onto its charm. Along the promenade, a string of seafood restaurants serves up fresh fish, including Peru’s iconic ceviche, a dish that perfectly captures the coastal spirit of the country. Sundays during the summer months see the seafront packed with people enjoying fresh seafood and taking the edge off their hangovers with a crisp beer!

This image was shot on my first DSLR, a Canon EOS 500D with a 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The camera settings were: ƒ/9.0, 1/1600, and ISO 200. The image captures the essence of surfing in Peru—the raw beauty of the ocean, the camaraderie of the surfers waiting to enter the ocean, and the unshakable pull of the next big set.

But La Herradura, like so many coastal spots in South America, faces environmental challenges. Pollution has long been a battle here, and organisations like Surfers Against Sewage continue the fight to keep our waters clean, ensuring that waves like this remain surfable for generations to come.

For these four surfers, the moment of waiting is almost over, the swell is building, and the Ocean is calling… More of my Peruvian photography can be found on my Flickr and Instagram. Follow along for more travel and street photography from around the World.

#PeruPhotography #LimaBeaches #SurfPeru #LaHerradura #StreetPhotography #CevicheLovers #TravelSouthAmerica #OceanCulture #WavesForDays #GeraintRowlandPhotography #Pilsen

Looking Down: The Art of Overhead Street Photography in India

Looking at the world from above offers a fresh perspective, turning everyday scenes into abstract compositions. Overhead street photography is all about capturing geometry, patterns, and movement from an elevated viewpoint. The way shadows stretch and shift creates an added layer of depth, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The featured image for this blog was taken from the balcony of an apartment in Noida, New Delhi, India, where I spent a month looking after a Boxer dog through the pet sitting site Trusted Housesitters. Shot from the 13th floor, it captures a local boy riding his BMX bike across the residential developments worn-out sports ground below. The boy’s elongated shadow stretches across the frame due to the afternoon’s sunlight. The textured green court, peeling paint, and intersecting white lines create a striking visual contrast, adding leading lines to the composition, while the play of light adds a dynamic energy to the scene.

A local Boy rides his BMX across a Badminton court in a housing development in Noida, Utter Pradesh, India.

The Art of Looking Down & Overhead Photography

Overhead photography allows for storytelling in a unique and unusual way. It flattens perspective, emphasising shapes and forms that might go unnoticed from ground level. In busy urban environments like New Delhi, sports courts, markets, and streets become graphic canvases when viewed from above. This is one reason drone photography has become so popular, it offers a similar high-angle perspective, showcasing symmetry, movement, and depth in ways the human eye rarely sees, or at least rarely did before the invention of drone photography! My BMX India image was Highly Commended in last week’s Street Photography Challenge, overseen by guest judge Arka Chakraborty. You can get involved with the weekly Street Photography Challenges on their Facebook page here, a great source of inspiration!

When working with this style, light is everything. Early mornings and late afternoons provide long, dramatic shadows, enhancing the visual impact. High noon, on the other hand, flattens the scene, removing that dimensionality. In this particular shot, the late afternoon sun stretched the boy’s shadow, creating a strong, almost surreal visual element that adds to the storytelling. The pop of his vibrant red T-Shirt against the green floor adds enough nice touch to the image. I took the image on a Canon 5D Mark IV with the awesome Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art lens, the settings were ƒ/4.5 | 135mm | 1/320s | ISO 250. To experiment with different compositions you can try flipping the image vertically which can often give a completely different look to an image.

The Power of the Sigma Art Lens

The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art lens is an absolute gem for this kind of photography. It delivers sharpness, stunning colour rendition, and exceptional low-light performance. The wide aperture allows for flexibility in different lighting conditions, while the edge-to-edge clarity makes it ideal for capturing intricate details from a high vantage point. It’s also a fantastic lens for portraits, capturing both people and animals with great clarity, in addition it creates lovely background bokeh. I have also created some beautiful abstract seascapes with the Sigma Art lens.

Capturing the Moment

Shooting from extreme heights requires patience and observation, like most things, practice makes perfect so take lots of photos and have fun doing it. Elements to look for:

  • Human figures and movement – A single subject or a group interacting with their surroundings.

  • Strong shadows – Use them to create depth and intrigue.

  • Geometric patterns – Streets, courts, and architecture provide perfect symmetry.

  • Contrasts and textures – Cracked pavements, peeling paint, and bold colors add character.

For the BMX shot above, I waited for the right moment, ensuring the rider was positioned perfectly within the lines of the court. The mix of colour, texture, and light helped create a compelling visual story. Overhead photography isn’t just about looking down, it’s about seeing things differently. Scroll through the slideshow below to view a few more favourite overhead street images I captured in Noida from above:

See more of my India Street & Travel Photography:

Instagram
Getty Images Portfolio
Flickr

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#OverheadPhotography #StreetPhotography #ShadowPlay #NewDelhi #Sports #BMX #SigmaArtLens #AerialPerspective #IndiaPhotography #UrbanExploration #GeraintRowlandPhotography #Noida

Down on the River, Ziguinchor: The Global Crisis of Waterway Pollution

A typical scene from the waterways of Ziguinchor, Senegal, West Africa. Hand carved wooden canoes resting on the water, elegant white egrets perched gracefully, and, unfortunately, a shoreline scattered with discarded debris and plastic waste. This image encapsulates both the raw beauty of the natural world and the devastating impact of pollution on our waterways.

Traditional carved wooden boats, white egrets and a mound of pollution in a river in Senegal, West Africa.

Ziguinchor, Senegal: The Global Crisis of Waterway Pollution

A Journey Through Western Africa

This image was captured during my two-month journey through Western Africa, where I spent the majority of my time in Senegal, with a few weeks in The Gambia, where I captured my image of the four Vervet Monkeys posing like a boy band in the Bijilo Forest Park in Serrekunda. From the bustling streets of Dakar, and the awesome beaches on it’s peninsula, to the serene landscapes of the Casamance region, my travels revealed the vibrancy of local cultures but also highlighted the ongoing environmental struggles faced by many communities.

Ziguinchor, the largest city in the Casamance region, offers a fascinating glimpse into Senegalese life away from the tourist hotspots. The overnight ferry from Dakar is an experience in itself, providing travellers with a unique perspective of Senegal’s waterways and coastal environment. But as the ferry arrives in Ziguinchor, one can’t help but notice the plastic-strewn shores—an all-too-common sight throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

The Problem of Pollution

Plastic pollution is a growing crisis, particularly in developing nations where waste management systems struggle to keep up. The rivers and coastal areas of Senegal and The Gambia are no exception, with discarded plastics, fishing nets, and other waste accumulating in the waterways. These pollutants not only harm marine and bird life but also impact the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on clean waters for their trade.

Nature’s Resilience: The Egrets of Ziguinchor

Amidst the environmental challenges, nature persists. The beautiful white birds in the image are Great Egrets (Ardea alba) and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta). Their graceful presence on the wooden canoes adds an almost poetic contrast to the scene, a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human impact. These birds are common in wetlands across West Africa, thriving despite the threats posed by pollution and habitat degradation.

Capturing the Moment: Camera Specs

For this image, I used my old camera, a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with my favourite 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The settings used were ƒ/7.1, a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec with an ISO of 160. This combination allowed me to capture the rich textures of the wooden boats, the delicate details of the birds, and the unsettling presence of garbage floating along the riverbanks.

A Call to Action

Waterway pollution is not just a local issue; it’s a global crisis. As photographers, travellers, and citizens of the world, we must raise awareness and advocate for better waste management solutions. Governments, NGOs, and individuals all have a role to play in keeping our rivers and oceans clean for future generations.

Explore more of my work and support environmental awareness through visual storytelling:

🔗 Getty Images Portfolio 🔗 Instagram 🔗 Twitter/X

Let’s continue the conversation. What are your thoughts on waterway pollution? Have you witnessed similar issues during your travels? Drop me a message, or connect via my Instagram and let me know!

#WaterwayPollution
#PlasticCrisis
#SenegalPhotography
#WestAfricaTravel
#EnvironmentalAwareness
#WildlifeConservation
#SustainableTravel
#DocumentaryPhotography
#SurfersAgainstSewage
#GeraintRowlandPhotography

The Vibrant Chaos of KR Flower Market, Bangalore

Visiting India for the first time was an unforgettable experience, and one of my early highlights was exploring the historic KR Flower Market in Bangalore. Flowers from Krishna Rajendra Market (KR Market) in Bangalore, India are used for garlands, pooja, and other floral arrangements. This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload, filled with the scent of fresh flowers, the hum of traders and early morning customers, and an explosion of colours, patterns and shapes.

I had the opportunity to visit this iconic location with a local photographer who had reached out to me through my Instagram account. KR Market is located in the Kalasipalya area of Bangalore, adjacent to the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, on Mysore Road, it is considered to be one of the biggest flower markets in Asia.

The market itself is huge, with no clear direction or order, you can quite easily get lost inside! So take your time, explore all the spaces and floors and look for some interesting angles and viewpoints. At the individual stores inside KR Market you can get some great portraits of the people at work. For the following image we climbed the stairs to one of the upstairs floors where we could look down and shoot from above. Seeing the market from this overhead perspective allowed me to capture the colours and patterns, the organised chaos, and the constant movement of people interacting below.

The Vibrant Chaos of KR Flower Market, Bangalore Street Photography by Geraint Rowland

The Vibrant Chaos of KR Flower Market, Bangalore by Geraint Rowland

Capturing the Motion and Color

This travel street image showcases the energy of the KR Flower Market from above. Vendors meticulously arrange their flowers in intricate, circular formations, while buyers navigate the narrow paths, adding to the dynamic contrast between motion and stillness. The overhead perspective highlights the beauty of the market while also offering a sense of scale and depth.

Camera Settings & Technical Approach

To emphasize the movement of the people below, I used a narrower aperture, allowing for a longer exposure to create motion blur. It was still early morning, and of course indoors so strong sunlight isn’t much of an issue. I find slow shutter speed street photography is all about trial and error with a little bit of luck thrown it! It’s a case of trying different settings, waiting for some people and movement and taking the shot. Ideally I would have had a tripod, but I rarely do when visiting such places so had to rest the camera on some overhead beams and limit the length of the exposure time. I find that the slow shutter technique with some partially blurred movement helped convey the liveliness of the market while keeping the vibrant floral arrangements in sharp focus. My camera settings for the camera geeks are as follows:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

  • Lens: EF50mm f/1.4 USM

  • Aperture: ƒ/11.0

  • Focal Length: 50.0 mm

  • Shutter Speed: 0.6s

  • ISO: 100

Final Thoughts

The KR Flower Market is a must visit destination for any photographer or traveler looking to experience the heart of Bangalore’s cultural and commercial life. The combination of colours, movement, and tradition makes it an incredibly photogenic location that tells a deeper story about India’s vibrant markets and floral heritage. Head to the market early, ideally with a local who can show you around. Make sure you explore the surrounding area to pick up some interesting street photography images before heading into the market itself. One of my favourite street photographs from India was taken of the these three colourfully dressed women walking bare footed through the streets close to KR Market. You’ll also capture some excellent street portraits outside the market from the interesting and friendly people around at that time of the morning! Click through the slideshow below for some more of my images taken in and around the KR Market in Bangalore, India.

All of my travel and street photography from India is available to license via Getty Images here. You can also follow my latest adventures on Instagram and Twitter. Thanks for reading, send me a message if you would like more information.

Peruvian Portraits: The Beauty of Black and White Photography

I spent a long time living in Peru, more than five years on and off, with the majority of the time spent in Lima. Lima is a city of huge contrasts, and nowhere is that more evident than in San Martín de Porres. San Martín de Porres is a district in Lima, Peru, located in the north area of the city. Known for its rough edges, and high incidences of crime, most of my Peruvian friends stay well away from this district.

I visited a poor shanty town area of San Martín de Porres while volunteering for a French NGO, who support local initiatives to improve living conditions and education for the children in the area. It was here that I met the bright-eyed children in the following photo, kids from the poor community who brought so much energy and curiosity to the moment.

Peruvian Portraits, Children from the San Martin de Porres District of Lima

This shot, taken on my first DSLR camera, a Canon EOS 500D with a fisheye lens, the set-up and up-close take captured the charm and personality of the kids perfectly. The subtle distortion from the fisheye pulls the viewer in, adding a playful, almost immersive quality to the composition. I can’t recall the exact lens, I think it was some cheap brand from China, but I love the use of a fish-eye lens on a three quarter sensor. It works so well here in balancing the intimacy of the children with the unique perspective. Unfortunately both that camera and lens were stolen a year or so later whilst in Peru, but that’s another story…

San Martín de Porres like many districts in Lima, isn’t an easy place to photograph—it’s raw, unpolished, and often unpredictable place. But that’s what makes these off-the-beaten-track places so compelling. Black-and-white photography strips away the distractions and tells the real story. It’s all about the light, the shadows, and the textures. As Ansel Adams put it, "You don’t take a photograph, you make it." With a simple Lightroom edit, I aimed to preserve the authenticity of this moment while emphasising the curiosity of the children and the spirit of the local community they belong to.

This image is part of my Peruvian Portraits series, a collection that captures the spirit of Lima through a monochrome lens. If the resilience and beauty of these moments speak to you, consider exploring more on my website and Flickr account, and supporting my work by purchasing a print.

Black-and-white photography has always held a timeless appeal, as Ted Grant once said, “When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.” I’ve always like that quote, and it’s true, a black and white conversion of an image can bring so much more emotion and drama to the image. Here is a previous blog I wrote about black and white travel photography. I also wrote this travel blog, a collection of black and white portraits taken in West Africa, take a look here. More recently I captured some very nice black and white portraits at the yearly Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India. The following blog highlights some of my favourite images from that trip: Pushkar Camel Fair: A Black and White Portrait Journey.

Explore more stories and prints on my website at: www.geraintrowland.co.uk. Cheers!