The Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually in Rajasthan, India, is a vivid celebration of culture, tradition, and the desert life. I heard about the Camel Fair on my first visit to Pushkar over five years ago and made a note to return one day to capture the plentiful photographic opportunities. The Pushkar Camel Fair also known as Kartik Mela offers the photographer a vibrant tapestry of colour and chaos. But beyond the camels and the carnival, lies another photographic story - the faces of Pushkar.
While the camels are undoubtedly a major draw (who doesn’t love a load of Camels?), the focus of this blog was capturing the essence of this spectacular festival through the lens of black and white portraiture. Stripped of colour, the human element takes centre stage, revealing the raw emotions and weathered beauty of the individuals who make this event a reality. For the people of Rajasthan involved with the Mela, black and white photography felt like the perfect medium. Click through the following slideshow to look at some of my Pushkar Mela portraits in black and white:
I spent two weeks in Pushkar for the 2023 Camel Fair and took thousands of photos. As I spent my days exploring the town and walking through the desert I got to know many of the friendly locals working and living there. Hopefully the black and white portraits I took provide a glimpse into the Pushkar Mela and the people who work there. The Pushkar Camel Fair, for me, was not just about the camels; it was about the friendly people, and their interesting culture and traditions.
Pushkar, a small town nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, India, is renowned for its ancient temples and the annual Camel Fair, one of the largest livestock fairs in the world. It is a great town to explore, and a highly recommended stop on a Northern India tour whether you coincide it with the Camel Fair or not. Rajasthan is one of my favourite areas of India, and is fantastic for photography. If you have time on your side while in Rajasthan I would also recommend you visiting the following places:
Jodhpur: Known as the "Blue City" for its distinctive blue-painted houses, Jodhpur offers stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
Jaisalmer: This "Golden City" is surrounded by a massive fort and boasts intricate havelis (traditional mansions) and bustling bazaars. I also spent a few days in the Thar Desert which was an incredible experience.
Udaipur: Often called the "City of Lakes," Udaipur is renowned for its picturesque palaces, serene lakes, and lush gardens. I spent an enjoyable week in Udaipur on my last trip, the City has a lot to offer and is another fantastic stop for collecting interesting travel images.
Back to Pushkar and my black and white photography from last year’s Camel Fair. The images in the first slide show were a selection of portraits taken at fairly close range. Some of them were taken candidly while others were more formal portraits where I asked for permission first. The majority of people at the Pushkar Mela are happy to have their photo taken, especially the Men! The majority of the above portraits were taken with a Canon 5D4 and the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens, although a couple were taken using the Sigma 135mm Art Lens.
The Pushkar Camel Fair is not just a celebration of camels, cattle, and horses; it’s a profound experience that offers photographers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the raw, vibrant essence of rural India. This festival is a fascinating mix of commerce, culture, and spirituality, with thousands of camels, traders, and travellers converging in this remote desert town. For photographers, particularly those with a focus on portraiture, the faces of the people at the festival are a goldmine. The festival brings together a diverse group of individuals—camel traders, pilgrims, locals, and travellers—all with unique expressions, stories, and personalities. Each face holds a narrative, from the weathered wrinkles of an old camel trader to the shy smile of a young girl in traditional Rajasthani attire. It’s these faces, rich with emotion and character, that provide the most compelling photographic opportunities. The expressions, often a mix of joy, curiosity, and the fatigue of a long journey, are both powerful and evocative. For me at least it is the portraits that bring back the best memories of a location. The following slide show showcases more of my black and white images from the Pushkar Camel Fair, this time the images tend to be more street-style and taken candidly at a distance:
For myself, and photographers in general, the emotional depth of a place is what makes it truly special. In black and white, the portraits of the people at Pushkar transcend mere documentation and become a powerful reflection of life, emotion, and tradition in Rajasthan. Whether you are photographing a quiet moment or a bustling scene at the fair, the faces you capture here will undoubtedly tell a story that lingers long after the shutter clicks. Pushkar is a place where the past and present collide, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to photograph the heart of India. If you are planning a trip to Pushkar and need any further information please feel free to drop me a line. Enjoy Pushkar, the Camels and India in general, have fun and enjoy. An old photography blog I wrote about Rajasthan can be read here. More of my photography from Pushkar and India in general can be found on my Flickr account here.
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