No one would call noisy Kolkata a peaceful city, but it will definitely leave you speechless nevertheless. We had the pleasure of visiting Kolkata again in December 2017. With only two days to spare (due to a very delayed overnight train from Varanasi), we decided to stick to the wonderful markets in the North of Kolkata. After all, they’re our favourite photo spot anyway. Great photo opportunities can be found at markets around the world, but what you’ll come across in Kolkata truly can’t be compared. The City of Joy once again was worth the trip and left us with exceptional memories that will last a lifetime.
people
Tough Life
Not everyone lives on the sunny side of life. Within seconds, circumstances can turn ones life upside down. While in some countries treatment is available straight away, simple things like sheer luck decides between life and death or permanent disability in other countries. In the end, it’s all down to FATE.
In our modern and fast-moving world, even small mishaps can riddle someone off the track and make lives miserable: the loss of a smartphone, a missed flight, a partying neighbour or a broken car. And if something actually bad happens? Well, then we have the luxury of institutions, insurances or savings. Help will eventually come.
Keep in mind through that there are millions of people in these so called third-world-countries who are the backbone of our comfort zone. They do jobs we wouldn’t dare to work in and most often under hazardous conditions that endanger health and well-being. Still, these people bear their fate with the greatest dignity since moaning or groaning will not bring them any further.
Street Life
Probably most people reading this are born into a well situated society, meaning a roof over the head, proper school education and if ambitious, a job with a fair wage. Very often, people don’t realise that they were born on the sunny side of life. But don’t forget that approximately 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing and their homes are the streets and alleys of more or less every country in the world.
India 2016
One lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore all of India. We’re trying to see as much as we can. In 2016, we travelled from Mumbai all the way to the Pakistani border to a town called Bhuj and back across the country to Visakhapatnam. India has been in our heart for over two decades and it’s one of those places we can never get enough of.
Kolkata Market Life
There are some countries, where the expression “Man Power” is still literally in use; countries where machines haven’t taken over yet and where human labour is still essential. One can only admire these people for their strength, power, endurance and willingness.
Varanasi 2015
Once in every lifetime an observant Hindu hopes to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Varanasi. Some come to wash away sickness and sin in the Ganges River. Others bring their dead to be burned. Still some come to live their last days here, for to die and be cremated in Varanasi guarantees eternal release from the cycle of birth and death.
Hands
Hands are those very useful things at the ends of your arms.
I have always been fascinated with hands as a photo subject because they give you an insight on the persons life story: how old they are, where they come from, what they do, what their living situation looks like. Our human hands are truly unique. The appearance of your hands can reveal whether you perform extremely gentle and precise actions such as playing the violin, or heavy labor, such as digging. Only we can grasp, hold, move, and manipulate objects with them. We use our hands to feel whether something is rough or smooth, hot or cold, sharp or dull.
Now take a moment to hold them out in front of you. Look at them. They are the only two you will ever have.
Cambodia 2013
Cambodia is one of these countries in Asia, we always love returning to. With magical Angkor Wat in the North and the bustling capital city Phnom Penh in the South, it’s a great place to relax, explore and learn.
Istanbul 2013
Although Istanbul isn’t the capital, it’s the largest city in Turkey and the leading industrial, commercial, historical, and cultural center. Not only because of the diversity of people, but also geologically; Istanbul is the only major city world-wide that lies on two continents, Asia & Europe. It’s one of the most fascinating places and therefore the “Soul of Turkey” should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
China 2012
For thousands of years, China managed to keep its traditions and way of living isolates from the Western world. Only few travellers manage to experience the “real deal” mainly due to language barriers and the reservation of the local people against foreigners. Still, China is one of the most fascinating countries world-wide.
Market Life
For many people, life revolves around the market. It’s the place in every city (at least where supermarkets haven’t taken over yet), where people go to buy their daily needs. From dawn until dusk, markets are a bustling melting pot where all social classed collide.
Bangladesh 2012
Bangladesh is a country that usually doesn’t cross a travellers path. The country faces a number of major challenges, including poverty, corruption, overpopulation and vulnerability to climate change. Still, Bangladesh is one of the most fascinating places with the most wonderful & welcoming people, rich culture and fantastic photo opportunities. Hopefully we can return again soon!
Portrait / Men
Portrait / Women
Laos 2011
One associates Laos with peace, tranquility, calmness & very welcoming people. It’s a landlocked country, where the Mekong winds itself through deep forests, mountain ranges and finally down into the low lands. Monks gather along the shores of the Mekong and it almost seems like, time stands still in this part of the world. As a former French colony, the French-Indochine feeling is very present to this day.
Ghana 2010
Ghana is home to a number of diverse people and cultures, coexisting in a rapidly modernising country. It’s a land of proud people and a destination full of history and relaxation. The country is frequently labelled as ‘Africa for Beginners’, yet getting around is by no means easy. Still, you’ll be able to choose between tropical jungles, the Sahel zone in the North, white sandy beaches in the South or bustling city life when travelling to this destination on the Black Continent.