To be able to experience the fleeting moments one has absolutely no control over is one of the best things about photography. Little surprises flow in with ease, especially when you allow them to. Photo and Vblog feature by Vibezeen.
Photography/Videography: Asra Shaheen
One of my most fulfilling engagements in photography is to be able to experience the fleeting moments I have absolutely no control over. It’s not always only about precisely “framing” a magnificent historical monument, a piece of marvellous architecture/artwork or about “capturing” nature’s splendour. On the contrary, there’s a complete sense of joy in those little surprises that you allow to flow in with ease, especially when you’re least expecting them.
There are times when I am drawn to a vivid street art or a brightly coloured building, readying my camera to click the still life. This is when a person walks into the frame, changing the story in an instant. While that’s exactly the essence of photo journalism at large and street photography in particular, it’s also perhaps the zest of life in a more holistic sense.
While walking down the alleyways of some of the old cities of India, one is often mesmerized by the burst of colours on the vibrant streets, scores of tourists and local passers-by, rings of bells and calls for prayer from places of worship in the vicinity, humdrum of traffic and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Gangaur Ghat, situated on the waterfront of Pichola Lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan is indeed one such culturally throbbing spot in the city. However, an evening at the ghat in July, when the warm and humid air reverberates with a flurry of activity, I find this totally unexpected moment of solitude. A youngster is seated by himself, petting a street dog, simply oblivious to the hubbub of everything and everyone around. It seemed as if this archway was reserved for just the two of them to enjoy each other’s “unconditionally yours” company.
the same stretch of the ghat, just a stone’s throw away, were scores of clamouring tourists vying for selfies. Honking vehicles plying nonstop. And here is a moment of eloquent silence that makes you slow down, pause, smile and breathe easy.
You, Me and the Eloquent Silences at the Ghat
Winding alleys and honking traffic brought me here,
Now that I am here, let me sit by,
Ripples in this lake and this moment of sigh,
Pigeons on the pavement and bats in the sky flying by.
This restful arched spot at the Ghat and the open view,
Now that you have come along,
It’s you and me and me and you.
I pet you and you soothe me,
My lulling touch and your soothing essence,
These eloquent silences between and around us are growing,
Bit by bit now that we are embracing the moment and sharing.
Oh wait a minute something has paused!
Those buzzing messages and ringtones no longer glaring,
The clamour around us no longer blaring.
The abodes of royal hospitality have now begun lighting up the twilight,
Prayer bells are now melting into the darkness of the night.
Let’s get going our ways,
May be, may be some other day,
When the winding alleys bring me to this Ghat,
I may find the same or some other spot to unwind
But these eloquent silences we parted with will reply and rewind.
– By Asra Shaheen
