Mumbai Street Photography - uniquely different

Street Photography from Mumbai looks different, very different than most of curated Street Photography from the West. The one thing I struggle most of the time is the muck and dirt all over, people smile less and law enforcing bodies continue to get more and more suspicious of anyone shooting alone at seemingly unattractive sights.

Some of shots from a recent shoot below are from streets in Mumbai. I was out shooting with Kaushal , a very talented street photographer from Mumbai. The day was eventful, with a cop accosting us much before we had even started. He probably thought he would scare us into giving him some bribe and after realizing it would not work  - he choose to book me for a unclear car number plate. I realized one thing, no one can stop you, not even the dreaded Mumbai police from shooting on streets. Yes, public spaces like a rail station etc could be off limits but not the streets. It was a day well spent, surprisingly inspite of not such a great start, all the shots from same day. Hope you like them.

I was still tentative, when I turned my camera towards this gang. I didn't have to ask - they just loved posing. What a joy!

"Joy"

These colors are uncommon, more reminiscent of anglo / portugese culture. Probably some folks on this street. It was still early morning.

"Friends"

Only in mumbai, can you actually take a photograph inside someone home, from the "street". You get a good peek into lives of typical people who live here. 

"Space... err"

It was a happy neighborhood, people were friendly, a bit shy but laughed as they went about doing their work. The Mother and Daughter .. probably

"Window View"

The bright view surprisingly was the sea. The houses on the streets, many of them had their windows opening to the sea at the backside. Wonder what are so many stairs for. 

"Kitty Alone"

That is my cliche reflection in the glass pane. But thats a hair saloon for you, the interiors still dark enough for a tubelight.

"The Face"

Did I not say, we were close to the sea.

"Grounded"

Yes, the sea was finally on us, the street ends into .. err a playground for kids.

"Catch"

On our way back, the street abruptly ended here. The view was stark, some would say sad, I would say truly Mumbai. 

"The Divide"

All these shots, were taken with my Nikon D3000, on manual mode and most are with minimal post processing. I have my personal favorites, but would love to hear yours. Do share your views on street photography. You can see more of my street photography on Flickr and follow me on facebook and twitter.