Just returned from India!

fates said:
I really like the last two of the tuk-tuk and the stuffed bears on the cycles. I'd like to see the one of the tuk-tuk in B&W actually... with all those tires peering over the top of the building, it's very cool.

Have any low light shots with the CV 21/4? Since this is the only lens I have at the moment, I'm struggling with it's wide open focus accuracy and it's OOF rendering. After 5.6 this lens is real nice tho...
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Hi Fates,

I liked your shots from the street fair and was about to post how you must have really missed a faster lens. I have the 40/1.4 and would have wacked that on. I'll sort through for some wide open one. This is where I wish it recorded the aperture in post.

Cheers - John
 
very nice. I love how the RD1 sensor and CV glass renders colors. Nice, smooth, saturated, but not too saturated. Eg the shot of boy at market sitting with his legs crossed on the cell phone. yellow shorts pop, as well as the green veggies to our right, his left: and all whilst his skin tones look very natural.

Ive used the 21/4 on my RD1 before with good results, but the 21/4 on the EP1 is a different story, the lens is too wide to render properly IMO due to sensor angle. THat said, the M43s cams with their M43s lenses are quite nice, and a good sized travel kit.
thansk for sharing with us!
 
Sounds like you had a great time John, but beware! Travel to India is VERY addictive. My first trip to the subcontinent was forty years ago in 1970 with a pair of M4s and a bag of film.

Went back in 1971, 72, 73, 76 ,77 and most recently 2005. Had been planning to return this fall but am presently recovering from major surgery so things have been put on the back burner until next year.

You may find this web site useful... http://www.indiamike.com/

It's an incredible source of information on all things India travel related. The IndiaMike photo gallery is also quite extensive and has quite a few of my images. My user name over there is Wanderer22.

Here's a link to my gallery on IM in case there's any interest... http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/500/page/2/ppuser/2115

Cheers, Glenn
 
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fates said:
Have any low light shots with the CV 21/4? Since this is the only lens I have at the moment, I'm struggling with it's wide open focus accuracy and it's OOF rendering. After 5.6 this lens is real nice tho...
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This shot was in the late afternoon. I'm not sure if F4 but maybe F5.6 - I had to go to 800 iso at 1/25

I decided to try out the B/W considering your last request and I think it works quite well.

The Indians love having their photo taken. This little girl gave the universal sign of looking through a square formed by her fingers and I was happy to oblige. In fact I mostly just raised the camera and pointed at them and them back to me, and it was usually fine to take their photo.

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As I said, the Indians love having their photo taken. This little guys seemed to follow us around a bit before he got close enough let us know he wanted a photo.

The second shot shows a smiling old granny who happened along and was making sure he got close enough to my two kids for pic. She then went on her merry way 🙂

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Cheers - John
 
Glenn2 said:
Sounds like you had a great time John, but beware! Travel to India is VERY addictive. My first trip to the subcontinent was forty years ago in 1970 with a pair of M4s and a bag of film.

Went back in 1971, 72, 73, 76 ,77 and most recently 2005. Had been planning to return this fall but am presently recovering from major surgery so things have been put on the back burner until next year.

You may find this web site useful... http://www.indiamike.com/

It's an incredible source of information on all things India travel related. The IndiaMike photo gallery is also quite extensive and has quite a few of my images. My user name over there is Wanderer22.

Here's a link to my gallery on IM in case there's any interest... http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/500/page/2/ppuser/2115

Cheers, Glenn
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Glenn, what can I say? Inspirational! So many beautiful images. but one series jumped out...

http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/17111/ppuser/2115

'The Secret'

I only mentioned to my partner that I miss India already - I suppose it gets in your blood...

Now, I must head back to your gallery and take my time with a coffee...

Cheers - John
 
Lastly, just a couple more pics but taken with a 7D that show the love that the Indians have for having their photo taken, especially the kids.

We had traveled up in the the high country near Ooty and visited the Topas Tribe who numbers were in decline but are quite different in their traditions and beliefs.

We were met by a couple of young boys who showed us around the area where they kept their cattle. They were absolutely irrepressible. The eldest who was 18 then proceeded to show us his feat of strength by lifting an enormous round stone.

We then played a game of cricket with pieces of wood - a universal game for those of the old empire like India and Australia. We took heaps of video and stills and promised to send them when we got a chance. A couple of days letter we sent them a small cricket set when we reached our next city.

This afternoon I pick up 30 odd shots to send. I know it will bring them as much joy as it did for us taking them.

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Browsed through your India-gallery, and there are some great shot in there! Going to northern India myself this years fall, for the first time. Very exciting!!
I read and saw that the 'photo-climate' is very friendly in India. Any words of wisdom for a rookie-India traveler?
 
chrismoret said:
Browsed through your India-gallery, and there are some great shot in there! Going to northern India myself this years fall, for the first time. Very exciting!!
I read and saw that the 'photo-climate' is very friendly in India. Any words of wisdom for a rookie-India traveler?
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Hi Chris,

We only traveled in the south but I imagine most things will hold true to a degree. Does that mean you will be there for the Commonwealth Games? if so, I imagine it will be pandemonium!

Where do I start?

Travel light.

Don't drink the water or wash your teeth in it. Always ask for bottled water. They may call it 'mineral' water.

Carry alcohol base hand wash and use frequently.

Take pens and pencils for the kids (they value them highly).

Take a copy of Lonely Planet - it was our 'bible'.

Be a hard arse with the auto rickshaw drivers who are totally unscrupulous but in a nice way. They will refuse to use their meter and always charge tourists at least 150 rupees for a 40 rupee trip. Bargain hard.

Be prepared for a complete lack of maintenance. Expect lots of litter.

The traffic is something to behold. Be prepared to be a scared passenger (but you will get used to it).

10 - 20 rupee is a reasonable tip, so save up your 10 rupee notes.

Be prepared for a couple of electrical blackouts each day.

Though a motel may advertise 24 hour hot water it may only be hot for a certain part of the day. You will have to tell them to heat it again if necessary.

People are extremely friendly and will love to have a conversation with you. Be prepared for very forthright questions.

Be a little careful when somebody starts talking to you at a tourist site and offering info. Without you knowing it, you have probably just employed a guide 🙂

Eat with your hands, it's fun. But remember, only use your right hand. The left is for other things...

Ensure that your motel has a 'western' toilet and make sure it is well stocked with toilet paper.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Others are probably much more experienced - Glenn? Have a great time 🙂

Cheers - John
 
Chris,

Just a few more things in a more positive vein.

The food is VERY good and very tasty. You can eat well for about 100 rupee which is about $2 US. Likewise, accommodation is very cheap also in the 2 -3 star range which is what we used.

Indian women are amongst the most beautiful women in the world. Beautiful features, skin colouring and a certain grace that is seen as they move through the crowds in their sari's. The women in their sari's provide bursts of rich colour in any scene.

Everyone is very helpful. If you appear lost or look like you need help someone will always stop to help out (our experience anyway). And like I said before, always happy to have a conversation.

Be ready for the head 'wobble' gesture. It is a cultural mannerism that is used often and can mean many things and is not them saying 'no' like you might think.

Oh, and lastly, be extremely careful crossing the road. Zebra crossings are ignored. Cross with a local leading the charge 🙂

John

PS. Don't forget to watch Indian television when you are there. The drama serials are great!
 
They are wonderful pictures. I can't wait to see more. Thanks a lot for sharing them. If you ever visit Bangladesh then let me know. We might meet there one day... just don't panic with the traffic in Dhaka.

glen: if possible, do you think you can share few images from your 70's visit in India.

Regards

Ash
 
John,

Great thread and wonderful images. Thanks for sharing your story.

Here is one more thing one must try in India, especially for females: get a Mehndi, which is a temporary tattoo.

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