Jul 25 2007

8 days and counting!

I think one of the biggest challenges I had the last time I traveled to India was the crowds and poverty. Born and raised in California, never having been in a third (or would India be considered a second?) world country before, it was completely overwhelming. Personal space just doesn't exist in India, the constant begging from the most forlorn looking kids imaginable, the abundant poverty, it's hard to wrap your mind around that if you aren't used to it. There were times I just kind of shut down.

Now that I've had a chance to experience and reflect, I think this trip I will be more prepared, or at least I hope that is the case.

I know I will be more prepared with the camera. Last time I just kind of took it all in (when I hadn't shut down!), but my hopes are to capture more of the street scene, to give a better sense of not just the beauty of India, but some of the uglier images. Or maybe ugly isn't the right word, how about the other side of India...something that might explain the dichotomy that India can be.

This shot was taken out of the window from a tour bus in Agra as we were leaving the Taj Mahal.

Agra, India
December 2003

ps. I'm going to try and "live blog" the trip, making daily updates. If you are currently not on my blog notification list (or have not created an RSS Feed), and would like to be notified of updates, please send me an email at sean (at) redinkphotography (dot) com.