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January 29, 2009

Hindu Bride

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(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

f/2.8 || 1/125s || @200mm || ISO200 || Canon 5D || Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

A beautiful Indian bride receives blessings from the Ganges river before entering into matrimony.

Probably due to my own emotional link, I consider this one of my favorite photos of India. I nearly wasn't able to get this photo after my request to the groom was angrily dismissed. An Indian guy advised me to receive permission from the father of the groom so I approached the man and chatted him up and after about a 15 minute conversation, I finally persuaded him to allow me to take a photo of his daughter-in-law.

It's hard to detach myself and consider this picture objectively so I'm curious what you think about this photo. Write me an email or leave a comment.

keywords: wedding marriage

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10 COMMENTS - Hindu Bride

1) Sandeep -

I don't know what emotional link you have with this pic, but surly you have captured the emotions attached with a lady when she leaves her mothers house and go to a place(home) which is entirely strange to her. She has to accept that now its her home, its her family and she have to stay with them for rest of her life . Its the process of getting into a new relationship which she never had experienced before. Hats off to you dude for taking such a beautiful innocent pic filled with emotions.

February 14, 2009 06:48 AM

2) Dupinder -

Beautiful photo. Amazing that simplicity can be so beautiful. It is hard to find brides without tons of makeup. But this one is gorgeous in her own skin. Previous comment is correct. Her eyes have the sadness of leaving her parents home and going into brand new family. She has to make this new family her own where she doesn't know anyone, not even her husband. And above that, she must do that with smile and no complains. Love the photo because it is catching emotions of a new bride. And yes, I am getting teary eyed just looking at this photo.

December 15, 2009 04:00 PM

3) pixie -

well..don't know much about the technical aspect..
but the gold, the saffron and the youth is STRIKINGLY captivating. i cant stop looking at this beautiful photograph.
i can see a small safety pin tucked somewhere on her ghungta. the simplicity is adds to this photograph is spellbinding.
her eyes seem moist with tears.
its a perfect picture. of a young hindu bride.

April 19, 2010 02:26 PM

4) pixie -

oh i forgot to add red.
gold, saffron and red. and the all to human-ness.

April 19, 2010 02:30 PM

5) Travel Guy -

Thanks Pixie. This is definitely one of the photos I revisit also from time to time. There's something so completely innocent and pure about this young lady.

May 25, 2010 06:14 AM

6) Alind Srivastava -

Beautiful photo. Just came up on this after a google search for "Varanasi" - my home town. It is such an extraordinary photo - the expression on the bride's face has been very well captured. Kept looking at it for a long time. Tugged my heart strings this one! Keep it up.

July 30, 2010 04:04 PM

7) Suhas Shelke -

The eyes are full of anxiety ..anxiety of her new home ..anxiety of being around with completely different set of people ..different set of relations..anxiety of being in good books of her in-laws at the same time defending her parent's honor ..anxiety of leaving her beloved home of many years and expectation from her to love her new home and new home the moment she steps into their circle ......her transformation from being the lovable daughter of her father to responsible and sensitive woman in her new home!

Apart from what I already said :) technically its a very good composition with nice DOF ..nice angle .. Mr. ..you have got it inch perfect :) ...keep clicking .. :)

January 1, 2011 10:59 PM

8) club villamar -

The bride is looking so charming in the dress...especially the golden nose ring suits her so much....

April 28, 2011 07:01 AM

9) Manuel Lao -

Amazing portrait,

Eye contact is just great!

November 17, 2011 06:15 AM

10) Elizabeth Soots -

She looks sad, scared, accepting of her "fate."

September 4, 2012 03:30 PM