I always stop off at the Gateway of India if I am down south in Colaba. Because I love to see the tourists - mostly Indian - that flock to the site for a glimpse of history and a view of the sea. I also love the way that they gather in huge groups to have their photographs taken by a member of their family. I usually nip in at the side to steal a picture - which usually distracts them and causes their eyes turn in my direction. Ooops sorry about that!
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| What happens when I steal the pose - eyes going in two different directions! |
At the Gateway of India you will also find the 'professional' photographer who will avail himself of portrait services for those visitors who do not own a camera. In fact you will find many of these photographers. These men carry DSLR cameras (and probably don't have a clue how to use them) and portable printers tucked in a bag so that the snaps can be developed 'instantly' (whatever happened to the Polaroid camera?) Not only does this service give visitors a nice souvenir to take away with them (I do not know at what cost) but it also means that the whole family/couple/group will be complete in the picture.
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| The Gateway of India - Mumbai's 'most valued structure' (and where the British were seen off!) |
And the point of this blog? On my last visit, I decided to turn my camera on the camera-men. At first, I tried to be surreptitious but it wasn't long before I was spotted - the reaction to this being lots of waves, V signs and posing for my camera by the guys! I was almost chased! Here are the pics:
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| This couple wait as their picture comes out of the portable printer. |
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| Another photographer sets up his equipment to print. |
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| I look on as this guy approves his photo (close-up below) |
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| I almost distract these children as they line up for a group shot. |
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| Effectively hawkers, these photographers harass every tourist that passes by. |
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| Some of them hang around shyly waiting to be asked.... |
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| And....I'm spotted! |
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| ....and again! |
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| This fella looks at me in a bemused way...perhaps he thinks I'm competition? |
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| More photographers join the group and stare at me |
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| ...but it doesn't take long before they're laughing, posing and being silly. Funny! |
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| This guy was so happy because he had the same camera as me - Nikon D7000 |
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| As more of the photographers come towards me, I start to run in the other direction. BYE! |
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| Just love the colour |
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| Inscription at the top of the Gateway. |
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI really like your style
You bring out the beauty of the city in a very candid and humorous way :D
Thank you so much for saying so Bombay Dreamer!
DeleteThanks for sharing! This is so funny and human!
ReplyDeleteThanks for following Lindsay :-)
DeleteWhat makes you say that they probably don't know how to use their DSLR cameras?
ReplyDeleteVery clever post! Ha ha ha, you must have caught these guys off-guard! ;)
ReplyDelete