Photography Destination #5 - Delhi

Home to 34 million people, Delhi is an absolute assault to the senses. If you have not been to India before stepping out of Indira Gandhi International Airport for the first time and into the city is something that nothing can prepare you for. The heat, the noise, the volume of people, the smells and the sheer chaos is not for the faint hearted.

It truly is a city that never sleeps. The noise, hustle and bustle and traffic never stops. It also provides a photographer that enjoys street shots and people, with limitless possibilities for fabulous images. While it does absolutely leave you bewildered and a little punch drunk it also has fantastic light and colour and without doubt is one of my favourite places in the world to just get lost in the madness and photograph it all as it comes at you.

Wandering around the old streets at magic hour with a DSLR in hand and a prime 50mm lens is one of my favourite things. Smile, ask permission and you really can get some great people photographs. In my experience if you smile, and ask, most people are happy to be photographed. If not, don't do it and simply walk on, as in 20 yards another glorious photo opportunity will present itself.

"Laundry Man" - Delhi

I have always loved the narrow and very old streets of the Chadni Chowk district and have spent many hours in the area photographing the people that live there. It can be oppressively hot and humid and extremely crowded but to me it's India condensed into a relatively small area and contains all the madness, colour and chaos that I love about India, and keeps me coming back, and indeed I shall return again this coming winter.

"Cooking Chapathi's" - Delhi

Personally I have never felt in danger here. Yes petty crime is to be aware off, particularly with expensive camera gear, so I only ever venture onto the streets with what I need and have one or two lenses with me max. I think it would be foolish to have a camera bag full of gear, but with one camera on a body strap with a lens attached and maybe one other lens in a pocket, I've never been a victim of pick pockets touch wood! Indeed it feels friendly and safe to me, and people are happy and fun loving. In particular I have amazing memories or being invited into the famous Sikh temple called Gudwara Sis Ganj Sahib were they genuinely wanted to show me how much work the volunteers do on a daily basis for the poor and destitute in the city. They cook and provide thousands of meals every single day for people who cannot afford to eat, and even clean every pair of shoes of people who come to worship. A task I was more than happy to join in with for a few hours!

"Shoe Cleaning Team" (plus one) - Delhi

"Sikh Temple Chapathi's"

"Preacher Man" - Delhi

"A full hand" - Delhi

"Gudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Temple" - Delhi

"Flour Man" - Delhi

"A close shave" - Delhi

"Garlands" - Delhi

"Laundry Worker" - Delhi

"Peeking" - Delhi

"Open all Hours" - Delhi

"Iron Man" - Delhi

So go to Delhi and experience one of the worlds great cities. It encapsulates India and holds a special place in my heart.