From: rao@ccu.umanitoba.ca (Govindaraju Rao)
Newsgroups: rec.photo
Subject: Wedding photography in INDIA
Date: 21 Dec 92 01:51:30 GMT
Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada


 
Just a few thoughts on the perils of wedding photography in 
India. Much of this comes from personal experience 
of 10+ years of attempting to do a good job.
 
In India most of the action takes place on a stage which is 
at best about 3 to 4 metres on each side. Seated on this stage
are the couple, their respective parents and a priest, often
accompanied by an assistant (understudy :-)). In the center
is the sacred fire which is constantly being fed with a 
generous dose of fuel. The smoke issuing forth can be, and
is, dense. 
 
Pillars in the four corners of the stage are bedecked
with plaintain leaves, which are not only broad but project
outwards thus obscuring a good portion of your view. 
 
Kith and kin cluster around the stage and vie with each other
to take part in the proceedings. 
 
The only good vantage point is a frontal view. Unfortunately,
the visting dignitaries (usually a bunch of grouchy elders)
occupy this point and dislike their view being obstructed
by an impudent photographer. 
 
The photographer also has to contend with scurrying kids who
decide to play tag right in front of the stage. Don't even
think of asking them to desist. A loud wail readily summons
an anxious mother who will promptly file a grievance with
all who care to listen. 
 
The action itself is fast paced and requires an intimate 
knowledge of the rituals. Every photographer's nightmare
is running out of film when the crucial moments occur.
Which they do with mind-boggling frequency. Just a spare
camera is small insurance and does not always come to your
rescue. Perish the thought of requesting for a pause in
proceedings while you load a new roll. The whole wedding
is timed according to astrological computations and every
second has to be accounted for. 
 
If someone gets in your way you can politely ask them to step
aside. But then the loud music drowns out your voice. So 
you reach out and tap that person in an attempt to draw attention.
This is a move that is fraught with unpredictable consequences.
Brace yourself for a host of reactions varying from an apologetic
grin (and a quick side-step) to a how-dare-you-commit-this-sacrilege
look (and a steadfast refusal to budge). 

And this is all just during the first quarter. Then there is
the procession of relatives trooping onto the stage to bless
the couple. Then there is the reception. But, as they say,
that is another story. 
 
The photographer needs much more than mere photographic
knowledge. Working in a situation where everbody has a short
temper and a self-ordained right-of-way, the photographer
needs to be a master tactician and have pheonomenal self-control.
  
I have covered a few church weddings here in Canada and always
thought they were, by comparison a "piece o' cake". I think
I miss the hazards of doing it east-Indian style. :-) :-)
 

-- 
G.S.K. Rao <rao@ccm.umanitoba.ca> <rao@ccu.umanitoba.ca>
 
GRAD STUDENT'S GRACE:  Please God !! If it MUST crash .... not when
                       *I* am using it !!