Blazing Horizons: Sunrise in Mil Palmeras

Captured on a crisp autumn morning in Mil Palmeras, Alicante, Spain this abstract seascape celebrates the untamed beauty of nature at dawn. The sky burned with fiery reds and pinks, bleeding into the tranquil sea below, as if the horizon itself was on fire. Using intentional camera movement (ICM), I blurred the lines between sky and water, transforming reality into an ethereal dreamscape—a moment of stillness amidst the natural chaos. Here is a previous blog I wrote about taking abstract photographs using intentional camera movement.

Taking Abstract Seascapes by Geraint Rowland

ICM Abstract Seascape taken at sunrise on the coastline of Spain

Shot with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and a 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens, the technical settings—ƒ/3.2, a shutter speed of 1/25, and ISO 100—helped capture the motion and glow of the waves and sky. With some subtle Lightroom tweaks to enhance the natural tones, I believe the photograph remains true to the vivid serenity of that morning. You can view this ICM abstract Spanish seascape on my Flickr account here.

This abstract piece is available as a fine art print in various formats, from gallery-quality framed prints to oversized canvas displays. Whether you’re looking to bring a calming energy to your home, office, or studio, my abstract seascapes offer a timeless aesthetic that resonates with anyone drawn to the harmony of nature.

Private commissions and bespoke installations are also available. If you’re seeking a unique connection to the beauty of the world, my abstract seascapes are crafted to inspire and elevate. Send me a message for more information or a discussion at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

The vast majority of my abstract seascapes are available to license in my Getty Images collection, also take a look at my selection of abstract seascapes from around the World on Flickr. If you would like to discuss any of my travel photography or abstract art images let’s have a chat and turn your vision into reality.

#MilPalmeras #AbstractSeascape #SunrisePhotography #ArtPrints #CanvasWallArt #sunsetart #NatureInspiredArt #GeraintRowlandPhotography #artprints forsale #artsale #canvas #surfart #travelart

Diving into the Spotlight: My Photography exhibited at photoSCHWEIZ 25

One of my Lebanese travel images is currently being exhibited in the Kongresshaus Zürich in Switzerland. My photograph, ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’, has been selected for the Directors Choice Project at photoSCHWEIZ 25. This is one of Switzerland’s biggest photography exhibitions, and it’s great to see my work featured among a strong lineup of international photographers.

What is the Directors Choice Project?

The Directors Choice Project highlights photographers from international festivals, bringing together a curated selection of images that tell powerful visual stories. My shot, taken in Beirut, the Capital of Lebanon, captures a moment that blends light, movement, and atmosphere, turning a fleeting scene into something timeless.

Beirut Sunset Dive by Geraint Rowland Photography exhibited at photoSCHWEIZ 25

The Story Behind ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’

A few years ago I spent a couple of months in Lebanon, with the majority of the time spent in the Capital Beirut. Beirut is a fascinating and safe city with plenty of photographic opportunities. This image was taken during golden hour on the fascinating Corniche seafront area. The corniche gets busy each afternoon with locals and visitors walking, relaxing and socialising as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea. On this particular afternoon a group of teenagers were diving off the coastal wall into the Sea below.

To take some images with alternative viewpoints I headed down from the Corniche to the coastline below. For this image I stood on the beach looking up and along the coastline as I captured this young Man mid-air diving into the Sea below. The original shot showed the bigger picture, the sea wall and the rocky coastline which needed to be cleared to safely land in the Sea. The contrast of the silhouetted figure against the golden sky created a perfect minimalist composition. The mix of adventure, tradition, and natural beauty in that moment made it something special. For the final exhibited image, ‘Beirut Sunset Dive' I cropped the image removing the distracting landscape while still leaving a large open space above and around the diver. This left only the silhouetted diver floating mid air against the golden sky with just the communications tower in the distance intersecting the middle of the frame. By cropping the image, I refined the composition, drawing the eye to the lone diver suspended in mid-air. The result is something almost otherworldly—an ethereal blend of light, movement, and stillness that transforms a fleeting moment into something almost dreamlike

I took this photograph with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and their trusty 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The camera settings used were: ƒ/4.0, 1/640 sec, and a fairly high ISO of 500 to balance the light and freeze the movement. Check out the image and some edits on my Flickr account here. I had a great time in Beirut and the rest of Lebanon, overstaying my visa by a Month or so. I captured some nice images, the ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’ being one of my favourites, I hope to return one day and take a few more.

What’s Next?

photoSCHWEIZ 25 runs from February 7-11, 2025, at the Kongresshaus Zürich, Switzerland, bringing together over 250 photographers from around the world. It’s always good to have my work seen by new audiences, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this image is received.

Check out my latest work at www.geraintrowland.co.uk.

#photoSCHWEIZ25 #GeraintRowlandPhotography #AbstractPhotography #SwissArtExhibitions #ContemporaryPhotography #beirut #lebanon #TheLebanon #sunsets #sunsetphotography #middleeast
#FineArtPhotography #ArtExhibitions2025 #TravelPhotography #PhotographyExhibition #AbstractSeascapes

Fenced Sun: The Dance of Light in Jbeil

The interplay of light, shadow, and form often reveals unexpected beauty in the simplest moments. This photograph, taken on the coastline of Jbeil, North of Beirut in Lebanon, captures such a moment as the sun sets.

A branch, tangled in the geometry of a chain-link fence, assumes an almost human quality, its twisted shape reminiscent of a dancer frozen mid-pose, silhouetted against the warm glow of twilight. Its form contrasts with the rigid lines of the fence, creating a visual dialogue between nature’s fluidity and the structured constraints of manmade barriers.

Shot with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, I used an aperture of f/6.3, a shutter speed of 1/800, and ISO 100. These settings allowed me to capture the sharp detail in the branch while preserving the smooth gradient of the evening sky. The balanced exposure highlights the delicate tones of the sunset and the stark elegance of the silhouettes. I slightly edit all of my photos in Lightroom to enhance their natural tones and bring out their full potential.

For me, this image speaks of contrasts and coexistence — freedom and restriction, movement and stillness. The branch, though seemingly confined, dances in its own way, a quiet yet powerful metaphor for resilience and expression.

To see more stories told through light, shadow, and travel, check out my Flickr collection, follow me on Instagram, or explore my Getty Images collection.

Keywords: #Lebanon #Jbeil #SunsetSilhouette #MinimalistPhotography #TravelArt #CanonPhotography #GoldenHour #AbstractLight #GeraintRowlandPhotography

In Her Eyes: A Candid Moment in Dhaka

Travel portraits have a unique way of speaking directly to the soul, none more so than this evocative image I look in Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh. The subject, a young child, seems lost in a world of unspoken thoughts. With a quiet gaze and delicate features framed by slightly disheveled hair, this portrait invites us into a story untold, where curiosity and uncertainty linger side by side.

Black and white image of a sad looking girl in the centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Don't Despair, Portraits of Bangladesh

A photograph can speak a thousand words, and this one whispers of quiet resilience and the weight of life. This portrait, a cropped shot of a candid I took of a sad-looking girl in the centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh, captures an unguarded moment of thoughtfulness and emotion.

The photograph’s black and white treatment amplifies the emotional weight, stripping away distractions and emphasising raw emotion. The blurred backdrop—a mixture of soft textures and indistinct shapes, works to isolate the subject. Taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, due to low light conditions on the day, I chose an aperture of f/3.2 at 50mm, 1/200 shutter speed, and a high ISO of 1600. These settings blurred out the background subtly drawing the viewer’s focus to the subtle details of the child’s expressive face. The soft tones and shadows enhance the melancholic mood, creating a raw and intimate image that feels almost timeless. Here is a colour version of the image with more surrounding space, the muted colours telling their own story of the scene.

This image captures more than just a face; it captures a moment. It’s a testament to the power of portraiture in revealing the beauty and complexity of the human spirit. Whether a fleeting moment of introspection or an enduring thought, the depth of this child’s expression transcends language and culture, speaking directly to the viewer is as much about what isn’t shown as what is. The blurred surroundings of Dhaka’s bustling streets fade into the background, placing the viewer in the girl's world, if only for a moment. Her expression tells a story that words might struggle to convey, a mixture of strength and vulnerability that resonates on a universal level.

For more of my portrait work and travel photography, follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Each face tells a story, and each story adds to the journey. Photographing people in the candid moments of everyday life always reminds me of the quiet connections that bind us. This portrait, for me, captures the resilience of youth against the backdrop of a challenging environment.

Keywords: #Dhaka #Bangladesh #CandidPhotography #TravelPortrait #CanonPhotography #NaturalLight #Humanity #StreetPhotography #GeraintRowlandPhotography

Up Close and Personal with The Gang: A Wild West African Encounter

There’s something captivating about photographing wildlife, those fleeting moments of connection that remind us how alike we are. This shot of vervet monkeys was one such moment. Taken in Bijilo Forest Park, Serrekunda, The Gambia, West Africa, it captures the curiosity and charisma of these playful creatures. I spent hours getting lost in the Park and took lots of photos of the monkeys that live there. This shot was a firm favourite, aided with the help of some peanuts to entice the monkeys and get them to pause for a spilt second for this image.

Four Monkeys line up for a photo in The Gambia.

Four Monkeys line up for a photo in The Gambia.

Using a Canon EOS 5D Mark II paired with an EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens, I opted for a wide-angle approach to get up close and personal. I lay on my stomach on one of the trials for this low angle perspective, I put out some peanut bait and waited… The settings used were f/7.1, 16mm, 1/125, and ISO 400, which allowed me to balance depth of field and sharpness while keeping the scene vibrant. The tree cover in the forest dulled a lot of the light entering the frame. In hindsight I would have opened the aperture a little more to provide a faster shutter speed. The wide angle brought me right into their world, creating an intimate perspective that places the viewer eye-to-eye with the troop.

The experience gave me an increased respect for nature photographers. It’s no easy feat, patience, timing, and a deep respect for the animals are essential. Staying still, letting the monkeys come closer, and waiting for that perfect moment when their expressions aligned as if posing for the camera was key to capturing this shot. As well as getting lost several times in the large forest, I also almost last my camera bag to another monkey in search for some peanuts.

What makes this image stand out is the sense of personality each monkey brings to the frame. From the cautious glance of the one on the left to the bold confidence of the one extending its hand, it’s a dynamic snapshot of their social world. The lush greenery of Bijilo Forest Park adds a vibrant backdrop, contrasting with their earthy tones.

Photographing wildlife isn’t just about the technicalities, it’s about telling a story. This image, for me, tells a story of connection, curiosity, and the shared experience of existence on this planet. I hear rumours of the forest being used for residential properties, I hope this isn’t the case and the monkeys still have a home.

For more wildlife stories and images, visit my Flickr account. Follow me on Instagram and X for regular updates. Who knows what encounters lie ahead, Mother Africa is calling!

Keywords: #BijiloForestPark #TheGambia #WildlifePhotography #CanonPhotography #WideAngle #VervetMonkeys #WestAfrica #TravelPhotography #NaturalLight #GeraintRowlandPhotography

A Burst of Red: My Favourite Photo of 2024

As a travel photographer, every year brings a wealth of images, memories, and fleeting moments captured through my lens. But every now and then, a single shot stands out, one that encapsulates the vibrancy, culture, and sheer joy of the moment. For me, 2024’s standout image was taken right back in January, on the serene Temple Beach in Mahabalipuram, in Tamil Nadu, India. My stay in Mahabalipuram was one of the highlights of my last India trip, and I captured lots of nice images there.

Colourful Travel Photography, A burst of red in India

Colourful Travel Photography, A burst of red in India

The Story Behind the Shot

Tamil Nadu has a lot of colourful festivals in which the attendees are dressed in vibrant red religious clothing. One of these festivals turns Temple beach into a sea of red with thousands of pilgrims visiting the coastline on the southeastern coast of India. Temple Beach, next to the famous Mahabalipuram Shore Temple was alive with activity during my visit offering plentiful photographic opportunities. Local women were busy washing and drying their vibrant red fabrics on the rocks under the midday sun, their movements rhythmic and purposeful. Among them was the beautiful woman in my image, her laughter echoing softly as she worked. What caught my eye was the striking red of the fabric, billowing in the breeze like a crimson wave. Her happiness was infectious, and I knew I had to capture it. I cropped the image substantially to highlight the joyful women amongst the red fabric.

Why This Image Stands Out

This shot is a celebration of everything I love about candid street and travel photography. The low perspective draws you into the scene, almost as if you’re standing there on the sand. The vibrant red fabric dominates the composition, contrasting beautifully with the clear blue sky. And then there’s her expression, a natural, unfiltered moment of joy that speaks volumes.

As a photographer, it’s these spontaneous, unscripted moments that fuel my passion. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with your camera ready to immortalize something fleeting yet timeless.

The Technical Details

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

  • Lens: EF50mm f/1.4 USM

  • Settings: ƒ/5.0, 50.0 mm, 1/3200, ISO 100

I was on Temple beach with just my 5D4 and the trusty 50mm lens, this set up allows me to remain discreet and move around freely capturing images. The settings allowed me to achieve sharpness while isolating the subject against the backdrop. The fast shutter speed froze the movement of the fabric, ensuring every fold and ripple was perfectly captured.

How You Can Support My Work

If you’d like to own a piece of my journey, many of my photographs are available as prints. Additionally, you can license my images via Getty for your projects or campaigns. You can view my travel and art images available through Getty on their website here. Interested in collaborating on a photography project or commissioning custom work? Feel free to reach out—I’m always open to new ideas and adventures.

Keywords

India, travel photography, candid portraits, Mahabalipuram, Temple Beach, vibrant colours, cultural photography, Canon photography, natural light, Geraint Rowland Photography, red, Indian fashion, Tamil Nadu culture, the colour red

The Llama, the Legend: Capturing Magic at Machu Picchu

Llamas - they’re more than just symbols of the Andes; they’re absolute scene-stealers. This one? A masterclass in charisma. As I lined up my shot to capture the grandeur of Machu Picchu, this cheeky local sauntered into the frame and struck a pose that would make a seasoned model jealous. With its smirk and head tilt, it effortlessly commanded the camera, turning a classic postcard scene into something far more personal.

A Llama photobombed my photo of Machu Picchu in Peru!

From a photographer’s perspective, this moment was pure gold. Shot with my old Canon 5D Mark II and an their 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, I used a tight aperture of ƒ/10.0 to ensure both the llama and the iconic ruins were crisp, while the 85mm focal length gave the scene a natural intimacy. At 1/320 sec and ISO 250, the conditions were perfect for capturing that Andean charm in sharp detail. I no longer have the Canon 85mm lens, it’s a great lens but didn’t offer a major difference to the 50mm which has always been my go lens. I probably would not shoot at f/10 these days either, especially hand held, but it is all part of the learning experience.

You go looking for ancient architecture and dramatic landscapes, but it’s the unexpected moments that make a photo unforgettable. In this case, Peru’s history, nature, and humour all came together in a single frame. My image of a llama photobombing the views over Machu Picchu has always been a firm favourite on my social media channels. This iconic South American travel image also continues to sell on a regular basis via Getty images. You can license my Llama at Machu Pichu through Getty by following this link.

If this cheeky llama stole your heart as much as it stole my lens, why not bring it home? High-quality prints of this shot and many more from my travels are available to purchase through my website directly, or available to license through Getty Images. Everyone loves a Llama! I’m always up for collaborations, private commissions, or projects that celebrate the beauty of our world, drop me a line via my website or socials. Or if you just need someone to carry your bags to Peru, count me in! Let’s create something unforgettable together, follow me on Instagram here, saludos!

Abstract Horizons: Reflections on ARTBOX.PROJECT PALMA 2.0

In the last couple of weeks one of my abstract seascape pieces was featured in an art exhibition in Palma. My abstract image titled, ‘An Alicante Abstract’ was showcased as part of the ARTBOX.PROJECT PALMA 2.0 exhibition held at the Casa del Arte in Palma, Mallorca in Spain. The exhibition focused on contemporary art that pushes boundaries, showcasing a mix of photography, painting, and mixed media. Among the many stunning works on display, I had the privilege of presenting one of my abstract seascapes—a piece that encapsulates both my love for the ocean and my exploration of abstract art forms.

ARTBOX.PROJECTS aims to promote artists from all over the world and to offer them an easily accessible platform on which they can present themselves and their art to the public. At the ARTBOX.PROJECT PALMA 2.0 stand out pieces for me personally included the artistic photography of Alain Boccard, the beautiful dancer on canvas by Mimbelbi, and the photorealistic paintings of Ralf Kunstmann. ARTBOX.PROJECTS travels around the world, stopping at various art hotspots to organise art exhibitions that enable artists from all over the world to present their art internationally. More information about the ARTBOX.PROJECTS can be found on their Facebook here, and on their Instagram here.

Geraint Rowland Photography & Abstract Seascapes

When it comes to photography, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Yet, abstract photography allows me to explore another dimension — one where movement, light, and texture evoke feelings rather than depict reality. My seascapes blur the line between abstraction and representation, focusing on the interplay of water, sky, and light. I took my exhibited abstract seascape at sunrise on the coastline of Alicante, also in Spain. Using intentional camera movement (ICM), I sought to distill the ocean’s raw power into a dance of light and colour. I hope that the resulting image is one that that feels alive, its waves crashing and the dawn light shimmering, almost as if they’re in perpetual motion. I have a wide selection of abstract seascapes that I have taken on my travels from beaches and coastlines around the World including Peru, Senegal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Take a look through the slideshow below to view some more of my favourite abstract seascapes:

Exploring Abstracts Beyond the Horizon

The exhibition in Palma reminded me of how important it is to keep pushing my abstract photography. My abstract Seascapes often centre on the interplay of light, texture, and colour, drawing inspiration from natural elements and fleeting moments. They’re not just about capturing what’s in front of the lens, they’re about interpreting it, transforming the familiar into something open to interpretation. I love the way these pieces allow viewers to project their own emotions and experiences onto the work.

For me, abstraction is where creativity and experimentation thrive, I strive to create images that spark curiosity and invite a second look. As I look ahead, I plan on creating more Abstract Seascape pieces and finding ways to share them more broadly. Exhibitions like ARTBOX.PROJECT PALMA 2.0 are a reminder of how far these works can travel, connecting with a variety of people in unexpected places.

All of my abstract seascapes are for sale, they look great printed on a variety of materials and look great both small or blown up very large. Here is a previous blog I wrote regarding the sale of my abstract seascapes and ocean photography. If you would like to buy one of my abstract seascapes, exhibit one of my pieces at your gallery, or discuss my work in general either send an email to: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com, or connect with my on Instagram here.



#MyFlickrYear24 - My Flickr.com Photographic Highlights for 2024

MyFlickrYear is an annual feature by Flickr where users can reflect on and showcase their photography highlights from the year. It's a great opportunity for photographers to curate their best work, engage with the Flickr community, and potentially gain more exposure. Flickr is a vibrant online community and platform dedicated to photography enthusiasts, professionals, and casual users alike. It serves as both a portfolio and a social hub, allowing photographers to showcase their work, connect with like-minded creatives, and explore a world of visual inspiration. With tools for organizing, tagging, and sharing photos, Flickr is perfect for building your photographic presence, whether you're capturing the beauty of nature, candid street scenes, or artistic portraits. It's a go-to space for discovering stunning images, participating in global photo challenges, and engaging with a supportive, passionate community of photographers. Let’s have a look at #MyFlickrYear24 stats and most faved photo of 2024:

#MyFlickrYear24 statistics are as follows: my Flickr photo stream received 754, 562 views, far more than received on the rest of my social media combined! I uploaded 422 photos, 20 of which made it on to Explore, my 2024 uploaded photos received 49, 537 favourites, and 1,908 comments. My most faved photo upload of 2024 was First Light, Poombarai, which I took in Tamil Nadu on my six month travel around India.

I have been using Flickr for around fifteen years now and have always preferred it to other platforms including Instagram and Facebook. The main advantage personally is the fact that Flickr stores the large file size of each image, very useful for travellers in sudden need of their images or those of us with poor organisational skills and multiple hard drives! Flickr images are indexed very well on search engines such as Google, I have had far more photo sales and enquiries via my Flickr account than through any other social media. Flickr is more about photography as opposed to what people are doing, wearing or have eaten for lunch. Flickr is beneficial for photographers because it offers a platform to showcase high-quality, full-resolution images and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. It also allows you to organise photos into albums, adding detailed metadata, and provides options for licensing and tracking image performance, making it an ideal tool for both professionals and hobbyists alike. Here is a previous blog I wrote about photography and Flickr back in 2018, how time flies…. I have met photographers through Flickr in several countries and have even bought a funky Anamorphic lens via a Flickr contact in Japan. Another advantage of using Flickr are the useful stats is provides the photographer with. These statistics are broken down into daily and all time stats, which tags are used to find your photos and much more. Click through the following slide show to view a selection of my Flickr images that have the most all time views:

I wouldn’t put any of my images with the highest views on Flickr as my best ones, but the majority have been on there a long time, are all indexed well ons each engines and many appeared on Explore which always boosts the views. Let me know your Flickr experiences and follow my Flickr account here: www.flickr.com/photos/geezaweezer.

#MyFlickrYear2024 #TravelPhotography #InspiringImages #GeraintRowland #geezaweezer #flickr #photos #geraintrowlandphotography #NGTUK #canon #canonphotography #canonindia #streetphotography #peru #india

Pushkar Camel Fair: A Black and White Portrait Journey

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.

#PushkarCamelFair #Rajasthan #India #BlackandWhitePhotography #StreetPhotography #PortraitPhotography #TravelPhotography #HumanFaces #CulturalExploration #SoulOfIndia #CanonIndia #facesofindia #facesofpushkar #pushkarmela #canonindia #NGTUK