Kristian Bertel | Photography
Archive story
In this archive story we are going behind a Portrait photo of an Indian woman in Jaipur.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer.
In the absence of the former Rajput rulers, Rajasthan has made headway in India but the state remains very poor. The strength of tradition here means that women have a particularly tough time in rural areas, where they are often condemned to life of drudgery and subject to elaborate strictures. The photographer took the Indian portrait of the woman in Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.
In the absence of the former Rajput rulers, Rajasthan has made headway in India but the state remains very poor. The strength of tradition here means that women have a particularly tough time in rural areas, where they are often condemned to life of drudgery and subject to elaborate strictures. The photographer took the Indian portrait of the woman in Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.
Kristian Bertel, Photographer By Kristian Bertel, Photographer
– Updated on March 20, 2024

An Indian portrait

Rajasthan's largely rural population has grown tiredof its own backward-looking image. Jaipur, the dusty pink capital, has rapidly become a fast-paced, modern Indian city and literacy has made a rapid rise in the region. While the land is invariably harsh and droughts are a constant menace, imigrations are now fixed firmly on the future.




What is a portrait in photography?

A portrait is a photograph of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer.


The art of capturing images of people and their expressions
Portrait photography is something that captures the emotion and personality of a person and can be used to tell stories and create memories.Portrait photography is not just about taking a picture of someone's face. It can be done in a variety of ways. You can take photos of people in a studio setting, outdoors, in a public place or even in their own home. You can use natural light, studio lighting and even props to create unique and interesting images. No matter the type of Portrait photography you are doing, there are some basic tips you should follow. First, make sure to get to know your subject. Ask them questions and get to know their interests and passions and this will help you determine the best way to capture their personality.

In the World of photography, there are countless ways to capture a beautiful image. From landscapes to still life, photographers are always seeking new techniques to create unique and captivating images. However, one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of photography is capturing images of people and their expressions. The art of capturing images of people and their expressions goes beyond simply pointing a camera and pressing a button. It requires patience, intuition and a deep understanding of the human psyche. A skilled photographer must be able to anticipate and capture the fleeting moments of genuine emotion and personality. This skill takes time and practice to develop, but when done successfully, it can result in some of the most powerful and memorable images as seen on Smithsonian Magazine.

Establish a connection with your photographic subject
The first step in capturing images of people and their expressions is to establish a connection with your subject. It is essential to make them feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. This can be achieved through conversation, jokes or simply allowing them some time to relax and be themselves. A comfortable subject is more likely to let their guard down and show their true emotions, resulting in more natural and authentic images. Once a comfortable rapport has been established, it is essential to pay attention to the person's body language and expressions. The smallest changes in posture, facial expression or hand gestures can convey a wide range of emotions. A skilled photographer must have a keen eye to capture these subtle changes and know when to click the shutter to freeze the moment.

Lighting is a crucial factor in capturing images of people and their expressions
Natural light is often the most flattering, as it can create a soft, natural glow. However, when photographing indoors or in low-light situations, artificial lighting may be necessary. In these cases, it is crucial to experiment with different angles and positions to find the most flattering light for the subject's face.

Composition is what ties the image together
Another crucial element in capturing expressive images is composition. While it is essential to have a technically well-executed photograph, the composition is what ties the image together. The photographer must consider the framing, background and any other elements that may enhance or distract from the subject. A well-composed image can draw the viewer's attention to the subject's expressions and emotions. One photography technique that is particularly effective in capturing emotions is the use of candid photographs.




"While posed shots can be beautiful, candid images can often reveal a more authentic and genuine expression. Being ready to capture those spontaneous moments can result in some of the most powerful and emotionally charged images. Lastly, post-processing is a vital step in the art of capturing images of people and their expressions. Editing software allows photographers to enhance the colors, contrast and overall mood of the image"




Enhance the emotions captured in the photo
However, it is essential not to overdo it and keep the image looking natural. The goal is to enhance the emotions captured in the photo, not to manipulate them. In conclusion, capturing images of people and their expressions is an art that requires a combination of technical skill, intuition and emotional intelligence. It takes time and practice to master, but the end result can be truly captivating and powerful.

As a photographer, always remember to establish a connection with your subject, pay attention to body language and lighting, compose your shot effectively and use post-processing techniques to enhance the emotions captured. With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to capturing stunning images of people and their expressions.

Portrait photography is a great way to capture lasting memories
Next, you will want to think about the composition of the shot. Consider what kind of background you would like to use and how you want the subject to be posed. Lighting is also important, as it can affect how well you can capture the emotion and personality of your subject. Finally, do not forget to capture candid photographs. These can often be the most memorable and meaningful. Candid photos can be taken in any setting, and they can capture a person's true personality in a way that posed photos cannot always do. By following these tips, you can create stunning and meaningful images that you will cherish for years to come.

The basics of portrait photography
Taking portraits is a great way to capture memories and document life's special moments. Whether you are a professional photographer or just starting out, it is important to understand the basics of portrait photography to create beautiful and lasting results. Before you begin, consider the lighting and background of your portrait. Natural light sources, such as the Sun or a lamp, are often the best option, as they create soft, even illumination and eliminate harsh shadows.




"Make sure that the background of your portrait it is not too distracting. A plain wall, a backdrop or a neutral setting such as a park are all good choices. When posing for the portrait, make sure the subject is comfortable and relaxed. Experiment with different angles and poses to capture the most flattering shot. If you are photographing a group, coordinate the poses to create an interesting composition. When taking the photo, use a medium aperture to ensure that both the foreground and the background are in focus. If the photo is a close-up, use a shallow depth of field to blur out the background and focus attention on the subject"




Review the photographic results
Finally, take your time to review the results. Make sure the photo is properly exposed and that it conveys the desired mood. If necessary, make slight adjustments to the lighting or the subject's pose before you move onto the next photograph.

Women working in India
The photographer took the Indian portrait of the woman in Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. Contrary to common perception, a large percentage of women in India work and in India women have a contribution as workers. However, there are far fewer women than men in the paid workforce. In urban India, women participate in the workforce in impressive numbers. For instance, in the software industry 30 percent of the workforce is female. In the workplace women enjoy parity with their male counterparts in terms of wages and roles. In rural India in the agriculture and allied industrial sectors, females account for as much as nearly 90 percent of the labour force. In overall farm production, women's average contribution is estimated at 55 to 66 percent of the total labour.




"According to a report women accounted for 95 percent of total employment in dairy production in India. Women constitute a little over 50 percent of the total employed in forest-based small-scale enterprises"




Rural places in India
The woman is wearing clothes and walks with a barrel where she is transportating things on the head. Something which aslo can be seen in the many rural areas of India. In general, a rural area is a geographic area that is located outside cities and towns. Rural areas are also known as 'Countryside' or a 'Village' in India. It has a very low density of population. In rural areas, agriculture is the chief source of livelihood along with fishing, cottage industries, pottery and so on. The quest to discover the real rural India still continues in great earnest. Almost every economic agency today has a definition of rural India. Here are a few definitions: According to the Planning Commission, a town with a maximum population of 15,000 is considered rural in nature.

In these areas the 'Panchayat' that consists of wise and respected elders chosen and accepted by the local community that takes all the decisions. These assemblies settled disputes between both individuals and villages. However, there were varying forms of such assemblies. There are five people in the 'Panchayat'.

Portrait from Jaipur
The Indian portrait was portrayed in Jaipur has been popularized with the name of 'Pink City' because of the color of the stone exclusively used for the construction of all the structures. Anyone who has witnessed the city can substantiate the fact that all the buildings of Jaipur are pink in color. The pink color has its own history. In 1876, the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India on a tour. Since pink denotes the color of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink in color to welcome the guests. The tradition has been sincerely followed by the residents who are now, by law, compelled to maintain the pink color. Pink in color and pink in vibrancy, the city of Jaipur is one of most beautiful and magnetic cities of India. One always falls short of words while describing the bounteous charm that the city captivates the visitor with.




See this video about portrait photography made by Photography Educators.




The art of portraiture
"- Portrait photography is an art form that requires patience and practice. With the right equipment and a creative eye, you will be able to create stunning and timeless portraits that you will cherish for years to come. The culture, architecture, traditions, art, jewellery and textiles of Jaipur have always charmed the travelers. It is one city that, even after modernisation, still holds to its roots and values. There is something in the atmosphere of Jaipur that brings joy and delight as soon as you set foot in the city. The pink color of the city brings out a romantic charm that captivates every heart", the Photographer says.

Read also:  An Indian itinerary




Read also:  An Indian itinerary

More archive stories

India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the Indian portrait of a woman in Jaipur. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.

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