Faces from Spiti - the desert middle land

Kunzum La, On way Manali to Kaza

Spiti happened to me in July 2013. I traveled solo to the cold desert of Spiti, and returned back with endearing memories and warmth of people.

For more than 6 months my life refused to return back. Its only now that the images have started to fade.. names of places that are on tongue tip but refuse to speak when you want them. It was thus that I thought that I should do this post.

But I landscapes and landscapes. And that is not exactly what this blog is about, so I thought of doing this post on candid portraits from the Spiti Valley.

After a 12 hour backbreaking ride from Manali, we reached Kaza, the largest town and headquarter of Spiti Valley. At height of 3650 mtrs/ 12000 ft, Kaza was the lowest altitude stop for us. Kaza town situated next to Spiti River with a growing population of 3000 is the most densely populated.This was shot on the first day we landed in Kaza. The valley was awash in golden sun light and the lady was checking her shots out on the DSLR LCD.

Local Women in Kaza

Monks / Lamas are a friendly lot and their warm smiles make them great subjects to shoot. 

Her intense look was not anger, I am sure of that. But she wasn't amused why she was subject of interest. I didnt tell her that I loved the way how the lines on her face resembled the lines on the wall behind her.

The sun is harsh, even when the temperature are cold. It is usual to see small babies on the back, while mothers work hard during the day.

A young girl in Demul village at the sundown. The cattle are returning home.

Another monk in Tabo Gompa.

These are images shot in Komic, the highest inhabited village in Asia at 4500 mtr above sea level.

Hope you enjoyed the series. Tell us what you thought about it. 

An Ode to 'Togetherness'

I do not usually shoot for a theme on the streets. It is however, not surprising, that there are underlying themes running through street photographs. And when I looked through my street photographs from beautiful city of Sydney, I was a bit surprised how many of the photographs were a silent 'ode to togetherness' - of couples spending time together in parks, walking hand in hand and sharing a special moment. Some of these maybe seem familiar from an earlier post, I hope you enjoy the lovey dovey redux.

An old couple, holding hands and  looking through an open door, curious perhaps.


Just as the I walked over to the Rocks (the old City, next to Sydney Harbor), I looked back to see this couple, alone but together


A dark alley and they walk home (perhaps), hand in hand.


and these two after a friday evening shopping, the friends (in the background) have found what they were looking for - yes!


And some last moments together for this couple, gave me this beautiful moment of togetherness


It does look like the Rocks, Sydney is a favorite with those who wish to spend some time together. What are your favorite places where you like (d) to hang out with your other half.

PS: lemme see how many from mumbai let me into their secret. Can't wait to build this theme in Mumbai now.

From my old diary..

Rummaging through old diaries, letters and journals is an interesting experience. It floods back memories from years back... carefree days with friends, school day crushes, college flings and unsuccessful (usually) attempts to being philosophical. 

I had some good laughs too as i went through my old diaries recently, i saved some stuff (don't know why) and threw away some. During my college I (attempted to) write poems - i couldn't throw these so I thought of posting it here. I found these online on a website i had posted years back. So here they come. 

Deja Vu


Those words spoken,once again
The feelings i guess are very same
nothing has changed, as you 
walk away again.
I breathe, I eat & I 
stare at myself.
I laugh, I cry just the same.
I hate you one moment
and realise, never loved anyone more.
I wish i could blame you,
realise its only and all my fault.
Want to reach out, touch you,
hold you and cry
Night falls again and i stay awake
wasn't all this very same, LAST TIME