Saumalya Ghosh Photography: Blog

A World Without Identities

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 02:30:00 GMT

Identity is a huge part of our lives. It allows us to give an insight as to who we are as individuals, be a part of a particular community, and even just have a definitive understanding of ourselves. Gender, race, nationality, class, religion and sexual orientation are all huge parts of our lives. Of course, these are more prominent identities. Then there are identities that are less likely to be outright seen. They are quite subjective to an individual.

I think today we are more concerned with identification than ever before. More than half of the people we see on social platforms put a list of what they identify as in their bio - some of which seem a bit outlandish. It's definitely something to question. Why do we care so much? I think most people would say that they put it out there, so people can get a read on who they are. That answer is just the tip of the iceberg.

I just like to think about what if we dropped it all? What if we were to not give a name to our identities? Instead of concerning ourselves with putting on a label, we could just be. We already exist as we are. What if I no longer thought of myself as a feminist, a writer or an artist, an introvert? I could exist and not have to worry about labeling myself for others to read. I could express myself through my actions, letting myself silently be known!

To me, absence of identity is acceptance of unity. It gives a sense of oneness and connectedness.

Here I'm presenting my imaginary world through a photo series - it's a world without identities. Images used here are real, however they can be seen more metaphorically than literally. The images may visually work better in pairs.

Onkar Rest Room

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 06:51:51 GMT

‘Oṃ’, also written as 'Aum', is the most sacred syllable, symbol, or mantra in Hinduism, that signifies the essence of the ultimate reality. The syllable Om is also referred to as Onkar, Onkara or Omkara. In Hinduism, Om is one of the most important spiritual sounds. It refers to ‘Atman’ (soul, self within) and Brahman (ultimate reality, truth, supreme spirit).

This photo story is not about Om, rather it is about a Place, a Room called 'Onkar Rest Room'. It’s a place where all souls live. It’s a destination, an ultimate reality.

Together we live

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 01:30:00 GMT

As a Street Photographer I am always drawn towards people, specially when I see a strong sense of community feeling among them. Living in community means living within a multiplier of possibilities, which offers a person a huge variety of opportunities. Opportunities to get to know other people, to get in touch with different realities, to have experiences. It means never being alone, being able to ask for help and being able to help others.

Becoming a community with others means being a little less selfish, being able to express generosity and, above all, learn that smiling and positive thinking are so precious that no one, not even the most melancholic and introverted person, can deny them to others!

Human beings are made to grow, play, and live with others. Even when someone feels the need to isolate himself and concentrate on himself, he does so to re-establish his ties with the group. The community is the most natural way to be together.

I really love to see the vibrance of daily life in a community. I get lots of positive vibes when I see people live in harmony and come together in various events and festivals to celebrate life.

Here in this photo series, I’ve tried to visually express the sense of togetherness among people. Let's celebrate life together, let's live together, let's become the better version of ourself.

Life at the Cremation ghat

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 10:45:00 GMT

Varanasi also commonly known as Benaras, is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India. Benaras is regarded as a holy city by Hindus.

Death in Varanasi brings Hindus salvation (moksha). This means the cycle of reincarnation ends and you go directly to heaven.

If a person dies beside the Ganges in Varanasi or has Ganges water sprinkled on them as they breath their last breath it is believed they achieve absolute salvation.

Cremation is an extremely important ritual for Hindus. Fire is the chosen method for disposal of the dead because of its association with purity and its power to scare away harmful ghosts, demons and spirits. The fire god Agni is asked to consume the physical body and create its essence in heaven in preparation for transmigration.

The processions with the corpse to the ghat are often accompanied by a chant “Rama nama satya hai." The body is immersed once in the Ganges and then anointed with ghee (clarified butter).

The cremations in Varanasi are preformed by the Doms, a subcaste that makes their living burning bodies for cremations for a fee that ranges considerably depending on the wealth of the family. The Doms are a caste of Untouchables. Touching a corpse after death is viewed as polluting and thus only Untouchables are designated to do this kind of work.

After the cremation the bones and ashes of the deceased are thrown into the Ganges.

Manikarnika Ghat is dedicated to the cremation ritual. Approx 60 people are cremated per day at Manikarnika.

This is a photo story based on my experience with Death. But the story is about Life - Life at the Cremation ghat. Please check this out and leave your feedback in the comments section below.

Meter Box

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 09:49:11 GMT

This is a photo series on one of the most visually boring object that I have ever photographed. Meter Box. It is basically a container that contains an electric meter.

In my last visit to Rajasthan, when I saw these meter boxes in the lanes and bylanes of Rajasthan, somehow it triggered my mind to make a photo series on the same. I liked the way these boxes were installed so carelessly in an unorganized manner. It was really fascinating the way this symbol of present time created a typical contrast with Rajput painting which is a representation of Rajputana kingdom, its culture and heritage.

I purposefully made these photographs mostly without any human presence to put more focus on the objects and their shapes and colors. I understand I need couple of more trips to Rajasthan to bring more compelling photographs. Meanwhile I just want to share this small endeavor with you all. Please do not forget to leave your feedback in the comments section below.

Shadow of a doubt

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 09:06:00 GMT

Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film and television, having numerous, often overlapping subgenres. Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety. Successful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock.

Here I have tried to create a Thriller Photo Story. The Story is named after the famous movie 'Shadow of a Doubt', a 1943 American psychological thriller film noir directed by Mr. Hitchcock. This Photo Story is a small tribute to Sir A. J. Hitchcock — the superman of suspense and wizard of mystery.

Kindly play the background music below when you see and read this story. I sincerely expect the viewers not only to see, but also to read the flow of images, to get a sense of my narrative or to build their own narratives around it.

I think a Thriller Photo Story in Street Photography is not something really 'Tried-and-Tested'. So your inputs are really crucial for me. Please do not forget to leave your feedback in the comments section below.

Free background music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com. Please play the music and put your headphones on. :-)

Eye of the beholder

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 08:55:14 GMT

A beholder is an observer: someone who gains awareness of things through the senses, especially sight. A common saying is "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" - Beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by observers. The person who is observing gets to decide what is beautiful. A beholder sees and experiences things, and becomes aware of them. Different beholders might take in different aspects of the same event. However, it's always the person who craves for something determines much about it's importance.

To be a beholder, primarily we need to pay attention. As a street photographer I believe I'm a beholder -just a keen observer. I love to see the small drama of everyday life as it is staged on the streets. Common people are my heroes and heroines who play themselves in this drama.

This series is all about those beholders whom I met while walking through the streets. I feel I'm strongly connected with them at an emotional/psychological level. Being a beholder I see the world through their eyes - I see myself in them. And whenever I photograph them, the image becomes my self portrait.

Enchanting China

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:00:17 GMT

In 2015, I went to China to attend the 9th edition of the Humanity Photo Awards (HPA) ceremony organised by China Folklore Photographic Association (CFPA) and UNESCO. The Humanity Photo Awards (HPA) is a biennial photography contest focusing on folklore cultures, including portrait & costume, architecture, living Custom, production & commerce, festivities and traditional rites. About 250 photographers were present from different countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, France, India, Italy, Oman, Sweden, etc.

In this trip, I visited Shangri-La and Lijiang, two major cities in the northwest of Yunnan province, China.

Located at point where Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan all meet, Shangri-La County is administered by Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

In Tibetan, Shangri-La means the "sun and moon in heart", an ideal home only found in heaven. The lofty mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages always leave a deep impression on visitors. As a Chinese saying goes, "The earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-La; and the most unique place is also there". Here in this video I have tried to capture the meaning of this saying. In addition, the warm welcome of the residents of this land made me feel at home.

Lijiang is famous for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang. The Old Town was once the center of the city and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle of Naxi people, the typical local architecture and the profound cultural heritage of the region. Here I have tried to show how the Lijiang old town is graced by well preserved ancient buildings and the Naxi Culture.

This is a 8 min video of my short trip to China. Please take your time and watch the show.

In this video I have used Chinese song: Jasmine, Arabian song: Fi Hagat and Russian song: Kalinka as background scores. I sincerely want to share the due credit to the respective lyricists, composers and vocalists.

The sole purpose of this video is just to share my experience of China trip with the viewers. This content is not meant for any type of commercial use.

Hornbill Festival

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 09:34:42 GMT

The Hornbill festival is a celebration held every year in the first week of December, in Kohima, Nagaland, North-east India. Organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases a melange of cultural displays under one roof. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. The festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima.

More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in this festival is essential.

The festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in folklore in most of the state tribes. The week-long festival highlights include the Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, traditional archery, naga wrestling, musical concert etc.

This is a 8 min video on Hornbill festival. Here I want to share my experience and understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and their food, songs, dances and customs. Please take your time and watch the show. I'll be very happy if you leave your comments below. :-)

In this video I have used naga music as background score. I sincerely want to share the due credit to N. Kholi Solomon (lyrics), Adaphro Rose (composer, vocalist), Ashiphro Angela (vocalist) and Lophro (vocalist).

Please choose the video quality based on the internet speed (preferable 1080p). Thank you very much for watching.

The sole purpose of this video is just to share my experience of Hornbill festival and Nagaland culture with the viewers. This content is not meant for any type of commercial use.

Pushkar tale

Wed, 24 May 2017 04:00:35 GMT

Camel is an integral part of Rajasthan, the icon of the desert state, part of its cultural identity, and an economically important animal for desert communities in India.

Pushkar camel fair (locally Pushkar ka Mela) is the main traditional way to save Rajasthan's state animal. Held each November at the time of the Kartik Purnima (full moon), the Pushkar fair is one of the largest fairs in India and only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, thousands of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with their camels for several days of livestock trading, pilgrimage and religious festival. The fair is usually celebrated for five days from Kartik ekadashi to Kartik purnima. The full moon day is the day, according to legend, when the Hindu God Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake, thus numerous people take a holy bath in the sacred water.

Friends, this is a 17 min video on Pushkar camel fare. Here I want to share the way I felt for Pushkar with you. Please take your time and watch the show. I'll be very happy if you leave your comments below. :-)

In this video I have used traditional Rajasthani folk music as background score. I sincerely want to share the due credit to those talented but unknown folk musicians who have played these beautiful traditional aerophonic instruments.

Please choose the video quality based on the internet speed (preferable 1080p). Thank you very much for watching.

The sole purpose of this video is just to share my experience of Pushkar fair with the viewers. This content is not meant for any type of commercial use.

Divided Soul

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 04:38:53 GMT

One is incomplete without the other. There is a line of division between them, yet they cannot be seperated. They are like two rails on a railroad track. They will never meet, but they will never leave each other.

Sometimes they are lovers, sometimes friends, brothers or sisters. Sometimes they are coworkers, sometimes companions or partners. Actually it goes beyond human relationship. Sometimes they could be God and Human, Creator and Creation, or Happiness and Sorrow.

One has its reflection always on the other. It’s just their manifestation that is multiple, but they are one. They are divided, yet they share the common soul.

None of my frames would have been complete with just one of them.

Fun and Games

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 05:13:52 GMT

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we’ve stopped playing. Playing games is crucial for a child’s development. Play helps to build confidence, develop social skills, learn about caring for others and the environment, develop physical skills, and improve brain function.

Play is not just essential for kids; it is an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well. Play can relieve stress for adults, stimulate the mind and boost creativity, improve relationships, keep us feeling young and energetic.

Of course, I'm not talking about playing computer or mobile games here. Simple thing I just want to say is that we all know the real benefits of play by our heart. But somehow in modern days, for many of us, our fun sources are only limited to TV, computer, mobile and other devices.

However, I believe it’s never too late to develop our playful, humorous side. It's fine to play of our own, but for greater benefits, our play should involve at least one other person, who may be our romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, or children. We should spend more playtime with our children and also encourage them to play more with other children. So friends, let's reclaim our inner child, let's be lighthearted, play more, crack joke, pursue hobbies and have fun.. :-)

All Hands

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 03:58:21 GMT

The hand is where the mind meets the world. We use our hands to make bread, to write, to pray, to help others. The human brain, with its creativity, may be the thing that makes our species unique. But without hands, all the great ideas we concoct would come to nothing but a very long to-do list. The Power is in our Hands. "Hands are the tools of tools."

In the world photography day let's join our hands and take an oath that we'll do photography for nothing but Good. Photography has a great power - let's use it for the benefit of mankind.

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions,or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand."

- HENRI NOUWEN

It Takes Two

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 04:07:12 GMT

According to the creation myths, people first came to inhabit the world with just Two - Adam and Eve. It provides the basis for the belief that entire humanity is basically a single family. Forget the myth. In real world, in our day to day life, we come across some situations, some moments where One is simply not enough - And Two are definitely better than One, as it gives a double impact. Here are some pictures which I wouldn't have taken without the presence of Two. The Power of Two prevails..

Talk, Shoot, have Fun

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 02:47:00 GMT

Hello friends,

HAPPY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY to all of you. This is my first blog post here! Essentially this is a photo blog. So I do not want to bother you much with words. Let's celebrate 175 years of photography with the gadgets. Let's talk, let's shoot and let's have fun. Cheers !