Lotus Blossoms

Baroda Market

I went to Gujarat, India a little more than a year ago. I went with two friends, both artists. One paints in oil and one is a journalist and photographer. We had a wonderful time because we all wanted the same thing…photos, photos and more photos.

We began in Vadodara. It’s not an easy word to say. (Hint: the emphasis is on the second syllable.) No wonder the English called it Baroda. They did the same with Varanasi. The English called it Benares. Do you ever wonder about things like that? I mean we say ‘Prague’ but the Czechs call it ‘Praha’. Florence for Firenze…what is behind all that? Can we not learn to pronounce ‘Roma’ instead of ‘Rome’?

Yes. The lotus blossoms…we were in the market and as ususal it was a maelstrom of activity. We were blocking the way of people trying to buy, sell and deliver goods. The hectic pace of the vendors and buyers made me feel as if I didn’t belong there. I felt awkward. I looked for something interesting to shoot but couldn’t find it.  I knew I needed to collect myself so I began by shooting what I call ‘still lifes’. Flowers, vegetables, anything inanimate and easy. After a couple of shots, I felt like tackling the more challenging shots.

I remember the man who sold the lotus blossoms was more than willing to have me photograph him after he noticed me admiring his flowers. It was a compliment to him. He might not have wanted his portrait taken had I simply stuck the lens in his face. I don’t know for sure, because Indians are very cooperative. In other countries, you must approach people slowly.

I’ve heard the pros say they feel the same awkwardness when they begin shooting in an unfamiliar area. One called it “inertia”. That desire to lie longer in bed, or have another cup of coffee rather than to get out and get some shots. I forget how they said they got ‘warmed up’ but it was probably something like getting some still lifes.

Once we feel a part of the scene, our ideas can flow freely. Then it’s fun and it’s why we love to photograph.