I recently participated in a photo walk in Jaipur “See The Unseen” conducted by a photography club for The World Sight Day on 12th October. This world sight day event in Jaipur by way of a Photo walk took place in the walled city area of Jaipur and was attended by a large number of photographers – the highest in any photo walk that I have attended. Do you know Jaipur is one of the best places for street photography in India?
Participating photographers were paired together. One of them would click pictures while the other would be a navigator. The underlying idea was that the photographer needs to click pictures with a blindfold -it was a Street Photography without relying on one’s ability to see!
Read the previous post: Photo walk in Jaipur/ Street Photography – Faceless Frames ” Hands”
Since the event was for The World Sight Day, photographers were asked to click pictures relying on other senses like sound. That’s how a blind person clicks pictures. After a designated time, both would switch places.
The photo walk took place on a Sunday morning. It created a lot of stir as people on the road were amused to find blindfolded people armed with a camera clicking pictures. Many of them couldn’t contain themselves and came up to ask what this was all about.
The walk started at 7.30 AM even though the designated time was 6.30 AM. By 8 AM the bazaars were buzzing with activities.
Devotees at the temple, morning walkers congregating at eateries for the Sunday breakfast and Chai shops… the excitement and subjects swelled as the clock progressed.
I also captured a few frames blindfolded. It’s a different ball game when you lose the concept of composition. You are out of your comfort zone; just bring the camera on your eye level and click! A few important elements of photography like leveling the horizon, changing aperture or ISO settings become irrelevant. I shot the following pictures at a fixed setting – blindfolded.
Don’t miss: Photo walk in Jaipur/ Street Photography – Faceless Frames ” Hands”
The Sweeper!
This sweeper was distracted upon seeing a blindfolded lady with the camera!
Something new!
These rickshaw owners were amused to find a blindfolded person taking a shot at them and inquired what this was all about from the accompanying navigator. They demanded money for being subject. Upon realizing that there’s no money to be made here, they settled for tea instead! I guess they just weren’t lucky!
Breakfast point – The Poha seller!
The tea point!
Let’s light up a joint!
Street urchins
Street urchins waiting for the free food in front of a temple.
Vegetable seller outside a temple.
Sometimes you get it right, too!
If you are wondering how I shot these images, have a look at the below set of pictures which has a group of people chanting Bhajan on their way to the temple.
You have to keep clicking in succession hoping you will get at least one right!
I stood still and kept pressing the shutter button -one after another.
The milk seller!
This is the last picture I shot blindfolded! It was time to switch places with the navigator!
The concept was novel and none of the participants were aware as to how the walk will unfold until they were briefed. Unlike earlier photo walks in Jaipur, this walk ended with press coverage.
So what was great about this world sight day event in Jaipur? One, as a photographer you get exposed to the novel concepts which are important for your mental stimulation. Two, it is also a place where you can mingle with other photographers. Three, it’s great to see so many photographers attending a photo walk in Jaipur cutting across the age and gender. Four, there was no prerequisite of photography equipment. One could click pictures with DSLR, point, and shoot/ compact camera or a smartphone.
I have mentioned in my previous post that generally, I avoid photo walks because of distractions and concentration on the specific subjects but sometimes we need to break out of our shells and see things from a fresh perspective. Streetlife photography is an enriching experience.
Street Photography in Jaipur is quite rewarding with varied subjects and buzzing bazaars. Photography on Streets of India is a highly rewarding experience, something that Indian photographers will vouch for. Generally, people are okay with their pictures being clicked…..but there are exceptions too! TIP: For Street Photography you must be in the right place and the right time.
Don’t miss: Photo walk in Jaipur/ Street Photography – Faceless Frames ” Hands”
Follow Jaipurthrumylens!! on
Discover more from JaipurThruMyLens
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
JaipurThruMyLens 
What an interesting concept it looks like lots of fun and a learning curve as well 🙂 Some great photos 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carol. It’s certainly a novel concept. Appreciate your comment. Do you live in Thailand?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I do and have done for 7 years now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great. So which part of Thailand?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I live in The North Of Thailand, Udon Thani 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great. 😃👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the photos, as always, and I really liked the concept of what was done for world sight ft too! Really interesting idea…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great idea because it helps the photographer in you… to grow and experiment. Thanks for appreciating.😃
LikeLike
What an interesting concept. I enjoyed the pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to hear this, Jennifer. Do you like photography?
LikeLike
I like it but it doesn’t always like me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. 😜👍
LikeLike
Really surprised to see the photo walk with the blindfold. How can it be possible? did they take photos with the fold on their eyes?
Anyway, enjoyed the pictures very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sayanti, every photographer was accompanied by a navigator. Navigator’s role was to help blindfolded photographer to move and frame with the instructions. Yes, these were shot blindfolded. I think you need to participate to fully understand this concept.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The shots are really nice instead of the blindfold. I wish to participate in this type of photowalk. If it happens in our place, I’ll surely do that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope someday you do, Sayanti. 😃
LikeLike
Enlightening and fascinating! What a unique concept.
LikeLike
What a fantastic post, Arv! Highlighting the
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops hit key too soon. I was going to say that I love the concept of highlighting the ability rather than the disability, and what better way then this photographic walk on World Site Day. I wonder if any of the photographers were actually visually impaired….I have shared the link on my regular PainPals feature Monday Magic Inspiring Blogs for You! C x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Claire for another perspective. None of the participating photographer was visually impaired. I guessyour idea is brilliant. Thanks for Sharing and highlighting. Appreciate your gesture. 😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing concept. And your pictures came out brilliantly 🙂
LikeLike
Interesting! Though I’d like to know how can one click a frame if one does not see it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t get what you mean, Ambica? Do you mean how to compose or identify what to shoot? Have you checked out my post – faceless portraits?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah exactly what I am trying to understand. How do you compose?
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you meant with a blindfold, your navigator will guide you to frame the shot with the instructions. That’s the role of your navigator- to help and guide you in navigating your way and also to compose the frames. I hope you got that. Planning to do something similar, Ambica?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the point. It won’t be your shot then. It would be the navigator’s shot. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be your shot only. Navigator is merely to guide you. Ultimately, you press the shutter. You choose when to press the shutter. I was also guided by the sense of hearing in many of these shots. I like your point here. Try it out someday. Is Jaipur in your travel plans?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll try it! Definitely! May be we should try it when I come to Jaipur! 🙂
LikeLike
Definitely. Keep me posted, Ambica! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed I will! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an unusual concept. Nice clicks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Fiona 😊
LikeLike
Love the photos, as usual, Arv. This kind of competition, I never herd before. And I amaze the skills of people who could still shoot with their eyes closed…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nurul. It was a novel concept for me as well. I don’t know what others shot but I guess it must be interesting. The role of the navigator is important. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this photo-walk, Nurul
LikeLike
I really liked the idea of a photo walk and meeting other photographers but liked the idea of the blindfolded photographer even more!
Nice shots!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trying something novel is always good for enhancing your creativity. I’m not sure if you are into photography. If you are, try it out 🙂
LikeLike
Somehow, I missed this interesting post earlier!
The idea is totally unique and your pictures have turned out nice.
It reminds me of King Pandu, who could shoot an arrow impeccably at the target guided only by sound.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Maniparna. Only monochrome pictures were captured with a blindfold. I had forgotten about this bit of history. I’m glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLike
Fantastic street photography, Arv. What an interesting exercise to photograph using all senses but the eyes and I like that you’ve included the participants in the workshop. I enjoyed your post very much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jane. We all need some novelty and situations to experiment with. What’s your opinion and experience on photo-walks?
LikeLike
I belonged to a nice camera club when I lived in SC and enjoyed photo walks very much. I am getting better about shyness in asking people if I may photograph them although I am good at stealth . 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great, Jane 👍 Street photography is a tricky art. If you use lenses like 24 or 50 mm there is no option but to seek approval.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely superb idea to take away our preconceptions of what is considered “normal” photography. I’d like to try this some time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must. Photography is about experimenting to grow beyond the usual. I will love to see your pictures, Chris. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent captures…so candid…love the expressions on your subjects. I love Rajasthan, it is such a vibrant place rich with history, colours, culture and amazing architecture (forts and palaces).
Just a humble request (and you are welcome to ignore it), can you please do a blog focusing only on Jaipur’s silver jewelry sometime in future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to know that you love Rajasthan. You are right that it’s a vibrant place. You are welcome to share your thoughts and make a request, Piyali. Is there anything particular you want me to write about silver jewelry? There are many kinds of Silver jewelry. Any particular aspect?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the blue enamel, tribal and plain silver varieties…anything that doesn’t cut a hole in my pocket. The kind you find in the lesser known shops. As much as I like to say that I love Amrapalli but that brand we all know is pretty expensive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jaipur has been a big manufacturing hub for silver jewelry. There are many other sellers selling this kind of jewelry. Sure will write about it. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, gonna utilize the info on my next trip to Rajasthan 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure. 😃👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really love your post. thanks for sharing this and looking forward to seeing more from you.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kunal. I’m glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLike
Once you are done writing the blog do intimate me by dropping the link to any of my blogs, please 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You want to be updated on a new blog post, Piyali?
LikeLiked by 2 people
The one on silver jewelry? Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure I’ll. Will have to do a lot of work on this, Piyali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take your time, no hurry 🙂 Thanks for accepting the request.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to do so. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person