In the bustling streets of Delhi, where every corner tells a story and every shadow holds a secret, lie hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed by the discerning eye of a photographer. These places, not just hidden in plain sight, but often overlooked and underrated, beckon to be explored and visited regularly to witness the seasonal changes and dimensions they have to offer. As members of FAPS - the Fine Art and Photography Society of Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi - we invite you to embark on a journey through these lesser-known corners of the city, where each frame captures a moment of magic, mystery, and vibrancy that defines the essence of Delhi.
"Yeh sheher nahi mehfil hai." - Delhi 6
Kucha Pati Ram:
In the heart of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi beats a rhythm of centuries past, where the walls whisper stories of emperors and traders, and the markets hum with the pulse of life. Enter Kucha Pati Ram, a labyrinth of time where every corner holds a fragment of history waiting to be immortalized through your lens.
Location: Old Delhi
Type of Photography: Street Photography, Architectural Photography
Trivia: Known for its Mughal-era architecture and bustling markets
Ideal Settings: Early morning for soft light, narrow alleys for leading lines
Tips & Tricks: Experiment with angles, capture candid moments in the market chaos
Potter's Village (Kumhar Gram):
In the strata of Kumhar Gram, the Potter's Village, the earth itself sings with the rhythm of creation. Here, artisans mould clay into vessels of dreams, their hands weaving stories of tradition and innovation. Enter this realm of artistry and craft, where every curve and line tells a tale of hands that shape the world.
Location: Uttam Nagar
Type of Photography: Documentary Photography, Close-up Photography
Trivia: Hub of traditional pottery-making with skilled artisans at work
Ideal Settings: Natural light for texture details, close-ups of hands at work
Tips & Tricks: Capture motion blur in pottery-making process, focus on intricate designs
Ghazipur Phool Mandi:
Amidst a riot of colours and fragrances, the Ghazipur Phool Mandi blooms with life and vitality, a kaleidoscope of petals and perfumes. Here, the vendors' calls blend with the rustle of blooms, creating a symphony of sights and scents that beckon you to capture the vibrancy and energy of a market that pulses with the heartbeat of Delhi.
Location: Gazipur Flower Market
Type of Photography: Macro Photography, Street Photography
Trivia: Colorful market bursting with fragrant blooms and bustling activity
Ideal Settings: Morning for fresh flowers, close-ups of floral arrangements
Tips & Tricks: Play with depth of field to isolate subjects, capture vendors' interactions
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah:
Together with the incense-laden air and the hypnotising strains of qawwalis, lies a sanctuary of souls at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. Here, the shadows dance with devotion, and the walls echo with the whispers of pilgrims past. Step into this realm of mystique and melody, where every glance captures a moment of transcendence.
Location: Nizamuddin East
Type of Photography: Portrait Photography, Documentary Photography
Trivia: Sufi shrine known for its spiritual ambience and qawwali music
Ideal Settings: Evening for mystical lighting, focus on devotees' expressions
Tips & Tricks: Engage with locals for authentic portraits, capture the essence of devotion
Yamuna Ghat:
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the waters of the Yamuna, a symphony of light and shadow unfolds at the Ghat. Here, the river whispers tales of ancient trade and modern tranquillity, inviting you to capture the essence of serenity in a city that never sleeps.
Location: Near ITO Bridge
Type of Photography: Landscape Photography, Candid Photography
Trivia: Riverside spot offering panoramic views of the river and cityscape
Ideal Settings: Golden hour for warm tones, use reflections in water creatively
Tips & Tricks: Frame silhouettes against the setting sun, experiment with long exposures
As the shutter clicks and the frames unfold, remember that Delhi's hidden canvases hold within them stories of love, laughter, and life waiting to be captured. Let your lens be your guide as you explore the unseen beauty of this city, where every photograph is a testament to the soul of Delhi. Embrace the vibrancy, the mystery, and the magic that define this metropolis, and let your images speak volumes about the hidden gems that await your discovery in the heart of Delhi.
"I asked my soul: What is Delhi? She replied: The world is the body, and Delhi, its life." - Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib
-Shreesham Pandey
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