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.
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