Delhi, the capital of India is a city pulsating of life and full of contrasts- modern city life next to traditional, religious lifestyle, old monuments next to modern architecture. This makes it a paradise for Street Photographers. Capture urban life in a vast number of street canyons and marketplaces. This article will give you an overview of the places to be, Street Photography classes and workshops and must-see galleries.
Street Photography in Delhi: The best places to hit the streets
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is the perfect place for Street Photography Lovers to capture Delhi’s traditional urban life. Crowded streets, many small shops and stalls and not to forget the bazaars. Sometimes hard to enjoy because of the crowded lanes, but for sure fascinating and catching because of the density, the many smells and thousands of people that populate Old Delhi’s streets. If you take the Yellow Line and exit at Chadni Chowk you found the centre of Old Delhi.
Connaught Place
A circular place in New Delhi, Connaught Place is one of the biggest financial and commercial centre. Watch tourists and residents doing their business in Delhi’s Central Business District.
Enter either the Yellow or the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro and exit at Rajiv Chowk station.
Chandni Chowk
Being one of the oldest and for sure busiest markets in Delhi it provides a perfect base for urban Street Photography in this bustling city. Capture locals bargaining or tourists being overwhelmed by the extent of Chadni Chowk. You will get here by taking the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro.
Masjid-i Jahan Numa
Also called Jama Masjid, it’s India’s biggest mosque. It’s located in the centre of Shahjahanabad and attracts thousands of residents and tourists everyday, making it a perfect place to capture many street emotions. To get there take the Yellow Line and exit at Chandni Chow. Be careful if you are doing Street Photography there if people are fine with being photographed.
Paharganj
Located in Central Delhi Paharganj is best known for its vast number of affordable hotels, dhabas, restaurants as well as many shops. It’s a travel destination for a lot of tourists as well as locals, which makes it perfect for capturing urban everyday life as a Street Photographer. The nearest metro station is Ramakrishna Ashram Marg ( Blue Line).
Hauz Khas Village
Also known as the Pottery Village it is home to more than 700 potter families. Capture the everyday life of potterers in this maze like neighbourhood. It is recommended to hire a local guide. To get there hop on the Yellow Line and exit at Hauz Khas station.
Some interesting shots from Delhi:
The best photo galleries for Street Photographers
Delhi offers a number of galleries and museums adressing photography. Wether you want to visit exhibitions or find a place to present your own work, listed below are some of the places to be.
photoink (A-4 Green Avenue Street Off Green Avenue, Church/Mall Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070)
Established in 2001 by Devika Daulet-Singh it was originally planned as a publication design studio and photo agency, that produced and displayed Contemporary Indian Photography internationally – also Street Photography.
In 2008 this gallery was opened to display both Vintage and Contemporary photography. Many Indian photographers have exhibited their works at photoink gallery and even some selected international photographers such as Samuel Fosso.
Art Heritage Gallery (Triveni Kala Sangam, 205, Tansen Marg, New Delhi)
Ebrahim Alkazi, one of the most popular theater directors of the 20th century, founded the Art Heritage Gallery in 1978 together with Rohan Alkaz. The gallery is promoting modern Contemporary Indian Art and is located in famous Triveni Kala Sangam. Having held more than 350 exhibitions, Art Heritage Gallery well-known artists such as F.N. Souza as well as new and upcoming artists.
Delhi Art Gallery (11, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, New Delhi)
The Delhi Art Gallery, also called DAG Modern, is the leading art gallery in New Delhi. It is focussed on presenting a wide range of 20th century Indian Art. It is located in the Hauz Khas village, which is also known as Pottery Village, and hosts a variety of exhibitions and shows on a regular basis.
The Alkazi Foundation for the Arts (M – 141, Greater Kailash – II, New Delhi, Delhi 110048)
The Alkazi Foundation for the Arts (AFA)is striving to preserve and study the cultural history and art of India. It also houses the Alkazi Collection of Photography, which is said to be the world’s largest collection of historical photographs and cameras of a private person.
Street Photography Workshops and courses in Delhi
Wether you want to improve your photography skills or want to make first steps as a photographer, there a plenty of different workshops and classes to partake. You could say the variety of classes focussing on photography is as wide as the scenes a street photographer can capture in Delhi.
Delhi School Of Photography Pvt Ltd (No.F-11,1st Floor, Kalkaji Main Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110019)
The Delhi School of Photography was founded by a group of dedicated photographers, who had the goal to teach photography. It offers a wide range of courses from foundation classes conceived for absolute beginners to advanced classes that focus on details of different types of photography – also Street Photography. Even certificated courses for professionals are offered.
Classes are usually held in groups over eight to ten weeks on weekdays. If you would rather take the courses on weekends there are weekend badges offered, too.
- Intensive Beginners Photography: 22 hours over two weeks
- Advanced Photography: 18 hours over 4 weeks
- Certificate Course on Photography: 50 sessions over a period of six months
- Diploma in Photography: one year
Delhi College of Photography (1st floor, 57-58, Kingsway Camp, Outram Lines, Delhi, 110009)
Delhi College of Photography holds a reputation as one of the leading photography schools in Delhi and India. Teaching the foundation needed for mastering the craft of capturing the perfect picture, DCOP encourages their students to explore their creativity.
Classes are ranging from beginner classes to advanced classes and more detailed classes like Wildlife, Fashion or Wedding Photography. Classes vary from 2 weeks to one year and are usually held at DCOP. Some classes may take place outside.
- Basic: 12 hours over two weeks
- Foundation Photography Course: 16 hours over two months
- Diploma: one year in fulltime ( five days a week)
Institute of Photography (CD 40F, 3rd floor, Hari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110064)
The Institute of Photography was founded by a group of dedicated professional photographers more than 10 years ago. Its main goal was to provide a platform who want to take their photography skills from beginner to professional. Classes take place in small groups with a maximum of ten students and are usually held inside with occassional Street Photography photo-walks during and after class.
- Basic ( three months)
- Advenced (six months)
- Professional (12 months)
Shoots and Shoots Photography Academy (I-2, L.G.F., Jangpura Extension, New Delhi, Delhi 110014)
Founded in 2004 bei Giri Raj Prasad in South Delhi, Shoots and Shoots Photography Academy aims to teaching technical skills as well as creativity and aesthetic values. It offers well-structured and career-oriented courses for beginners and advanced photographers. Based on individual skill level the SSPA offers high quality photography education.
Classes take place in small groups and are usually held inside with occasional photo-walks.
- Basic Photography Course: 24 hours over one month
- Basic Photography Certificate Course: 50 hours over two months
- Advanced Photography Diploma Course: 150 hours over four months
- Professional Photography Diploma: one year course
Altogether Delhi provides a wide range of opportunities for beginners as welll as for experienced Street Photographers. The urban area, many galleries and workshops provide the perfect scenery to acquire Street Photography skills either as a hobby or profession.
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