Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: documentary photography
Documentary Photography at Chickpete Market
Early morning in Chickpete
My friend and I explored Bangalore’s Chickpete vegetable market early in the morning. We arrived at 3:40 a.m. and stayed until 6:00 a.m. The market was vibrant, filled with activity and energy. We wandered through different sections, observing the lively atmosphere. The sights and sounds made the experience truly enchanting. Documentary photography at Chickpete Market captures these raw and dynamic moments, showcasing the essence of the marketplace. Many areas were still left to explore. The market showcases Bangalore’s rich culture and strong economy. It is more than just a place for trade. Chickpete embodies the city’s dynamic and thriving spirit.
A glance before stepping into the market from the main road: the lights create a silhouette-like scene in the darkness everywhere I look, the mixture of crowd and vehicle noise, roads, and passages and roads are almost dirt, the combination of delightful and disagreeable scents.
A visual story at Chickpete market
This marks the initial shot: a cluster of dealers and sellers gathered near a goods truck, engaged in discussion as they prepared to unload the goods. Among them, one individual speaks loudly, inquiring about the whereabouts of two others in the group.”He claims they made a promise yesterday but cheated today and says it is difficult unloading on time.”
Dawn of Ambition
A father and his two sons are hurrying along, carrying vegetable bags. I believe they are farmers who have come to sell their produce to the wholesale dealer. It’s fascinating to witness a diverse range of vendors, from small setups with just a couple of baskets filled with vegetables to larger businesses operating with trucks—each scene a perfect frame for visual chronicles, pictorial narratives, and photojournalistic storytelling of Chickpete Market.
Silent anticipation
I noticed that most of the shops had closed their doors during that hour, leaving only the streets alive with activity. I noticed numerous regular buyers engaging in lively bargaining and arguments with the sellers. While it may appear as a serious confrontation, it’s simply their customary negotiation style. Eventually, they reach a mutually agreed-upon price, exchange smiles, and part ways.
We were supposed to avoid standing on or near narrow passages while taking photos, as workers might shout at us or ask us to clear the way; some could even bump into us as they passed by.
Thriving Trade at Chickpete market through the lens
The sellers arranged their vegetable products in sets to facilitate easier purchases for buyers. Seller calling out to passing customers and extending friendly offers with appealing prices. Also, sellers are in a hurry to sell their products because they set up temporary selling points along market roads and must vacate the area before traffic begins.
Breathing space
Usually, the market streets are bustling with crowds, making it challenging to spot any vacant space. However, there comes a moment when a space is created in the street, and it lasts only for a second.
Lemon Harmony
I observed that either the lady seller possesses exceptional sales skills or there is a high demand for lemons during that season, as customers consistently visit to purchase lemons from her.
The height of the weight
We met an elderly gentleman inside a small godown. He greeted us with a warm smile and humor. After some friendly conversation, he eagerly struck a fun pose. His cheerful nature added a special touch. The moment became memorable, contributing to our visual journey in Chickpete Market.
Chickpete Market is a dynamic blend of tradition and commerce, where vibrant energy meets the pulse of daily life. From the early morning hustle to the exchange of goods, the market reflects Bangalore’s thriving spirit. Documentary photography at Chickpete captures the raw, candid moments of the bustling market, showcasing its unique atmosphere. Despite the challenges of space and noise, the market remains a fascinating place for storytelling through visuals.
Camera: Nikon Z6, manual setting.
Monochrome photographic journey:
Artistically Trapped Lights
Black-and-white photography, a timeless form of visual expression, relies on light, shadow, and composition to convey emotions. Here, I showcase my assortment of black-and-white mobile captures, taken through the ‘Hypocam’ app, offering a monochrome photographic journey that highlights the beauty of simplicity and contrast.
Roasted Hazelnuts and Peanuts with a Smoky Flair
Mumbai’s Nariman Point, with its bustling corporate hub and iconic skyline, holds a special place in the hearts of many people who have worked there. For me, it was not just a workplace but a source of cherished memories.
A delightful snack that became an integral part of my daily routine during my time in Mumbai. During office hours, my colleagues and I would take a break from our busy schedules to visit Press Journal Marg. My colleagues typically opted for tea, but my recommendation was the exquisite combination of roasted peanuts and hazelnuts. Yet, it wasn’t just a snack; it was an experience that tingled the senses. The smoky flavor crunch of the nuts created a symphony of delight for my taste buds. In a way, it was like a monochrome photographic journey, where every bite captured a moment of simplicity and pure joy.
The vendor would display an array of different nuts in a basket. And they create aromatic smoke around it. The nuts were sold in paper cones for a mere 2 to 5 rupees, depending on the quantity.
My personal preference was to combine both peanuts and hazelnuts. The smokey scent and the combination of variety nuts made it genuinely remarkable.
A Story through Optical Distortions
Train journeys often offer a unique perspective on life; one such memorable experience occurred during my train journey to Mumbai. The train was traveling slowly as it approached its destination and stopped at a small rural station. I was struck by the thoughtful scenario that was taking on around me. This is the story of a silent and abandoned station where nature and history gasped their secrets to me.
As my journey neared its destination, the time was almost ten in the morning and the atmosphere was heavy with darkness, created by the overcast sky after the recent rain. The cold weather added to the moody ambiance. The station platform was almost empty, with just a handful of travelers waiting on the platform. Amid this stillness, only a tea seller’s calls of “tea… tea…” from a distance was a stark contrast to the silence around.
My look shifted to an abandoned old building adjacent to the platform. It stood there like a silent sentinel. As I continued to stare at the old building, I felt as though it was trying to say something, sharing its pain and memories but nobody to listen. The building appears to have once been a significant and fascinating location where many historical memories were made. With its silent surroundings, this station came to represent the good old days that may be found even in this abandoned building.
Talking to Myself
Shadows have a deep emotional link to us; they may evoke a wide range of emotions and can take on a compelling role by reflecting our most profound thoughts and feelings.
One sunny afternoon in our office’s rooftop cafeteria, a broken chair was positioned in a corner. As the bright sunlight fell upon the chair, it gave rise to a shadow that conveyed a distinct visual of liveliness.
A long and stretching shadow can evoke a lively counter to its object, and it appears to engage exchanging thoughts.
Mirroring Inner Bravery captured in B&W photography adventure
Our mindset and confidence are intimately linked, influencing how we approach challenges and opportunities in life. A positive mindset can boost confidence, while a lack of confidence can be a barrier to adopting positivity.
During an industrial photo shoot, it was around 8:30 am, and the sun cast a bright light. At this moment, a weary and anxious puppy approached me with a feeling of fear. I extended a welcoming gesture and engaged in a brief conversation, soothing its fears. Gradually, it seemed to sense that it had found a safe place in my presence and settled down near where I stood. It used to wag its tail in answer to my calls, a sign of happiness. But a sudden shift in its mood hinted that something was not quite right. I realized that another dog staring at it and barking from a distance was the source of its fear. In that moment, as the light danced across the scene, it felt like a monochrome photographic journey, capturing the raw emotions and contrasts between fear and comfort.
A top-angle view highlighting its vulnerability, while the shadow it cast on the ground is a witness to its inner confidence.
Throughout the project, this brave puppy faithfully followed my every move around the premises. However, as time passed, I lost sight of the little companion. We had a silent bond during our short meeting.
Visit: Instagram/artisticallytrappedlights