VARANASI: The Best Photography Destination 2020 in India

VARANASI: The Best Photography Destination 2020 in India

Varanasi is the best destination for photography in India. Varanasi is known for street photography and portrait photography. The old city of Banaras revolves around the holy river Ganges. The daily activities of people on the Ganges riverfront provide great opportunity for photography. The riverfront and nearby alleys gives ample scope of street photography and portrait photography. Sadhus in Varanasi are great subject for portrait photography. The morning and evening Ganga Aarti provides photography scope. Read the blog to know about various photography opportunities in Varanasi. I also conduct photography tour and workshop in Varanasi.

© All images are copyrighted to Tania Chatterjee

The Holy City

Varanasi is also known as Banaras and Kashi. It is one of the oldest cities, not only in India but globally. Millions of pilgrims come here to bathe and pray in River Ganges. The Ganges is said to be a holy river in Hindu Mythology. Hindu mythology states that bathing in river Ganges washes your sins. It is also believed that cremating your loved ones near river Ganges will lead the soul to heaven.

Unique Culture and Tradition

Varanasi has its own unique traditional architecture and culture. A walk along the famous Ganga ghats is unique because, one can witness how the city lives around the river. You can see washer-men washing linens; monks doing their morning yoga. These daily activities gives great photography frames. The narrow lanes near the river brings back the old world charm and tradition. A boat ride along the river gives you a chance to see various cultural and traditional practices. It is a once in a lifetime memory to cherish. In fact the city has great scenes to see, real history to feel. Therefore it has great chances of photography.

Here I am discussing some photography opportunities of Varanasi.

Evening and Morning Aarti in Varanasi:

Every morning, Varanasi wakes up by offering prayer to river Ganga at Assi Ghat. Similarly, every evening the city offers soulful prayers at Dashashwamedh Ghat. These prayer rituals are conducted amidst thousands of devotees. The river changes shade with the rising and setting sun, thereby creating ever changing backdrop. The sound of bells, drums and chants and rhythm of choreographic Hindu ritual creates a mesmerizing ambiance. Ganga Aarti is one of the most photogenic ritual. For first time visitors, I would suggest shooting Ganga Aarti twice or thrice. Every time try different angles with various lens and camera settings. Besides typical shots of Aarti, taken by various photographers; don’t hesitate to experiment with your shots. Play with your camera settings and get some unique frames.

You can join my upcoming Varanasi Dev Deepawali (Diwali) Photography Workshop 2020 where I have a special session on Ganga Aarti.

Varanasi is Street Photography Paradise:

Streets of Varanasi are full of stories and unique people. The city is always bustling with activities. Varanasi is the holiest city in India; therefore all-round the year you can experience various Hindu festivals and rituals. Most importantly, the city is known for cremation and after cremation rites. These rites are performed in specific Ganga Ghats like Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghat. To compose a frame in the backdrop of thousand years old ghats you will always get a subject like devotees, sadhus, snake charmers, vendors etc. You can also use various animals like dogs, cows, buffaloes, and birds to fill your composition. Narrow alleys are one of the main characteristic of Varanasi. The play of lights and shadows inside these narrow alleys create interesting photography opportunities. Let me share few street images of Varanasi.

Varanasi: The Land of Portrait Photography

We travel, we meet people and we move on. But few people make lasting impression in our mind due to their appearance. I always love to capture the appearance of a person in my frame. I also make an effort to talk to the person and know their story. Every unique face has a story to tell. In Varanasi, you will get plentiful opportunities to capture some unsaid emotions and expressions of people that are worth sharing.

You can join my upcoming Varanasi Dev Deepawali (Diwali) Photography Workshop 2020 where I have a special session on telling captivating stories through photography.

My favorite Camera and Lens for Varanasi Shoot:

I prefer to use the body of camera NIKON Z6, along with a wide angle lens Nikkor 16-35 mm. I also use the Nikkor 24-70 mm, which allow me to capture almost all kind of shots that I prefer. I suggest a fast lens with F value 2.8, for aarti and other night shoot.