The Regions of Northern India Posted On 2nd July 2024 To Magazine & Stories

Same as ours

The reportage tells of a journey in the regions of Northern India, starting from the borders with Pakistan to the banks of the Ganges river, in Varanasi. The story traveled on trains, buses, planes and tuc tuc. The roads were all dusty and bumpy but the people met were all clear and sunny. The glances reveal details of everyday life: people working, eating, sleeping, children going to school. Their daily life is the same as ours, but at the same time very different. If you step off the well-travelled path, you will find unspoiled landscapes, friendly people, and a non-stereotypical experience.

The Lives of People

Our car trip through India felt like a roller-coaster ride. Cars and trucks everywhere, overloaded motorcycles and bicycles, and even the occasional bullock cart, seemed to be coming at me from every direction. Vehicles were driving the wrong way. No one was paying attention to the lanes or the rules of the road. The trip by train was incredible: outside, long shadows of workers emerge from the hazy golden light. In India I brought several telescopic lenses with me because I didn't know how close I could get to people without annoying them. With great surprise I found people very helpful and intrigued by being the subject of the photo. Seeing the lives of people so different from us up close was exciting.

Finding the Spontaneity

I prefer street photography, and spontaneous looks, instead of "posed" people. It was quite easy compared to other projects to find the spontaneity in these people, they seemed surprised by my desire to portray them and therefore willing to give me a look or a smile. The children in particular struck me with their simplicity and always "ready" smile. Their eyes expressed more than any words. I made this trip with my husband, during our honeymoon. I shoot with the Nikon FM2, with 50mm f/1.4 and 24mm f/2.8 and I use ILFORD film, mainly HP5 plus 400 asa and FP4 plus 125 asa.

Bumpy Road

We were moving between two cities on a bumpy road with a bus when we saw some squared buildings open on one side, full of children. We stopped and got closer, discovering that they were schools. The children welcomed us with amazement and enthusiasm.

In a Carpet Factory

This photo was taken in a carpet factory, a stolen shot, in dim light. Here, again, the subject was not in pose but he simply stopped in the work he was doing, looking at me almost perplexed. He seemed to be ask me why I was interested in portraying him.

Caught

From the window of the bus, stopped along the journey, I saw a home with a mother and probably her children at the window, looking at me. “Caught”, luckily in focus, then the bus left.

Open-Air Markets

One aspect of India that struck me is the widespread presence of open-air markets. Here the goods (mainly food) are spread out on the floor and the sellers are sitting among fruit and vegetables.

Images ©Roberta Savi