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In this archive story we are portraying a Street boy at the Bandra Terminus in Mumbai, India.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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It is the searching and waiting for just the right moment when a story unfolds in a single frame, that inspires the photographer the most. He began in India as an 'In your face' street photographer, but over the years he developed the skill of waiting for a candid situation with a photographic subject. In this portrait a street boy was photographed through a glass window at the Bandra Terminus in India. |
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Boy portraiture at Bandra Station
For the photographer stations have been some of the photographic places, where he can photograph the true life in India. From the portraits of hurry people in motion trying to catch the train to the silent and candid photographs of people waiting on the platforms. A place where he portrayed this Indian boy.
Where is Bandra in Mumbai?
Bandra is an upscale coastal suburb located in Mumbai, India and the suburb is located to the immediate north of the Mithi River, which separates Bandra from Mumbai City district. |
Portrait and portraiture in Bandra E
The portrait above was taken at the Bandra Terminus in Mumbai, which is a railway terminus in Bandra E or East from where trains bound for northern and western India are scheduled regularly. And this place is is one of the 6 railway terminus within Mumbai City. Like most places in Mumbai, Bandra is split by the local railway-line into West Bandra and East Bandra, where the part of Bandra located on the western side of the railway line has developed into a fashionable suburb.
Photographing through glass windows in India
As a photographer and traveler in India he tries to avoid taking pictures from outside through windows. The glare tends to distract the eye from what is going on inside, and the dust on the window can lessen the image quality. Nevertheless, there are some cases where photographing through a window can help me get the picture. Sometimes the photographer is looking for a more candid photo or perhaps a unique perspective on a familiar scene. In other cases, like taking photos from inside a bus in India if he is traveling on the road, he has no other option but to photograph through a window, unless of course the window is already open.
One aspect of Street photography that had always intimidated the photographer was portraying people through glass. Yet, he has always admired those images captured by other street photographers. They really capture a 'Window' into someone's life. He does not mean this as a voyeuristic thing, because he respects people too much for that, but it can be a beautiful moment, with room left for the imagination to create a story. Including signage in the frame provides a great sense of place.
"Reflections are interesting, too and are almost inevitable. But also dirt on the glass can be some interesting things that can be another layer in the photograph"
Respectful photographs of his subjects
Most of the times he is avoiding being in the photo himself, unless his goal is to create an original self portrait in India. On his travels in the cities of India there has also been good time to practice photographing from the hip. While being in the streets of Streets of Mumbai, it takes a while to get your framing right, so he did not set his expectations too high at first. Over time he found out, that there is no right or wrong way to do it, just be respectful of his subjects whether they live in Mumbai or Delhi or somewhere else.
"Bandra, a bustling suburb in the city of Mumbai, is a melting pot of cultures and a hub for vibrant nightlife. As a traveler, I was eager to explore the charm and energy of this eclectic neighborhood. Upon arriving in Bandra, I was immediately struck by its lively and bustling streets. Colorful shops, restaurants and street vendors lined the roads, each offering a unique and tempting experience"
See this video about Bandra in Mumbai made by Curly Tales.
The photographer's own experience of being in Bandra in Mumbai
"- I found myself wandering through the streets, drawn in by the aroma of Indian spices and the sound of Bollywood music playing in the background.One of the highlights of my trip to Bandra was definitely the food. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Indian delicacies to international fare. I indulged in some mouth-watering street food, like spicy 'Vada pav' and crispy 'Samosas'. But the real treat was the authentic South Indian thali I had at a local restaurant. The explosion of flavors and spices left a lasting impression on my taste buds. In addition to the food, Bandra also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. The area is dotted with trendy bars and clubs, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. I visited one of the popular clubs and it was an experience I will never forget. The music, the people and the overall atmosphere were invigorating. I danced the night away, completely immersed in the lively energy of the city", the Photographer says.
"- But Bandra is not just about food and nightlife. The neighborhood is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks. I visited the famous Mount Mary Church, a beautiful Roman Catholic church that has stood for over a century. The intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance of the church gave me a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos of the city. Another must-visit attraction in Bandra is the iconic Bandstand Promenade. The picturesque sea-facing walkway offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. I spent an evening strolling along the promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of the city while watching the sunset over the sea", the Photographer says again.
"- One of the things that stood out to me during my time in Bandra was the sense of community and inclusivity. Despite being a bustling metropolitan, the neighborhood has managed to maintain a sense of warmth and camaraderie. I had countless interactions with locals, who were always friendly and eager to share their love for the city. My time in Bandra was a rich and fulfilling experience. I left with a newfound appreciation for the vibrant culture and welcoming spirit of Mumbai. From its mouth-watering food to its bustling nightlife, this neighborhood has something to offer for everyone. Bandra truly captured my heart and I can't wait to visit again", the Photographer says again.
"- Photographing people in embarrassing situations is inappropriate and I always try to think how I would feel if captured that way. I prefer to photograph beautiful emotions, such as people enjoying each other's company in a street or if they are day dreaming. Again, what you photograph is a reflection of your personality. Trust your instinct. If you don't feel good about capturing what might be a private moment, then don't. If it doesn't feel right, then it probably is not", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Boy begging in New Delhi
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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 photo of a boy in Bandra. 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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