A Philadelphia Photographer in India
A Philadelphia Photographer in India explored Delhi attractions and street culture.
In 2022, I was fortunate enough to travel to India. It was a journey that left a lasting impact on me. Traveling has always been one of my greatest passions, and whenever someone asks, “What’s your favorite part about visiting a new destination?” my answer is always the same: the way each trip changes my perspective.
At the same time, the lessons and transformations that come from travel aren’t always immediate. In fact, it can take years to fully recognize how deeply an experience shaped you. For this reason, I want to share some of the highlights from my trip to India. Along the way, I will include photos that showcase the beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments of my journey.
Adventures in Delhi
While in India, I divided my time between a solo adventure in Delhi and a friend’s wedding in Hyderabad. The photos here are from my stay in Delhi. From the moment I arrived, the city’s history was impossible to miss. When I stepped off the train at the New Delhi Railway Station, I immediately felt a strong sense of culture shock.
I had seen images of India in movies and on TV, but nothing prepared me for the reality of the environment. I grew up in Philadelphia, where I developed street awareness that proved useful on this trip. At the same time, I enjoy a level of anonymity. At home most people don’t notice me. In contrast, in Delhi, I received far more attention than I expected. The city faces significant poverty, and many people are hungry. As a result, navigating the streets was both fascinating and challenging.
This constant attention, combined with my curiosity about the new sights, made exploring the city even more intense. As a photographer, I usually prefer to be an unobtrusive observer, especially when taking candid shots. Instead, I often became a magnet for tour guides, scammers, and hustlers. Nevertheless, the experience was unforgettable.
I also faced practical challenges. The camera I brought malfunctioned, so I had to rely on my phone instead. Surprisingly, I was pleased with the results. Additionally, the heat caused my phone to overheat and shut down repeatedly. Because of this, I had to plan my shots carefully and take frequent breaks in the shade. Despite these obstacles, exploring Delhi’s markets and landmarks was amazing.
Even with those challenges, exploring Delhi was unforgettable. I wandered through bustling markets and visited landmarks such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb. Since I was raised Bahá’í as a child, I also made a special visit to the Lotus Temple, which became a meaningful highlight of my trip.
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