Peter McBride is a National Geographic photographer and recently retraced the steps of The Beatles, who took a trip to Rishikesh, India, in the 1960s. In an attempt to treat his ailing back pain, McBride participated in yoga meditation and photographed his way through the healing process, capturing moments of complete serenity and calm. If you have any time to spare during your tour in India, you may want to visit one of the assam meditation centers and watch practitioners, young and old, partake in an ancient holistic exercise.
As a travel photographer and writer, McBride recently told the news source that while doing photojournalism is difficult, his work in India was fulfilling in a myriad of ways.
"India is truly a photographer's heaven," said McBride. "Around every corner there is a new spectacle of color, soft light and exploding culture. That wondrous messy vitality, however, can be overwhelming at times and even hard to shoot - mainly because there is so much to cover."
Tips for photographing in India
To capture National Geographic-worthy images like McBride, you'll need more than just an expensive camera and equipment. You'll also have to bring along a sense of daring as you travel on an India tour and not be afraid to talk to people - even if they don't speak English. The best way to capture a unique moment, perhaps even a smile, is to be as friendly as possible. Always have a positive attitude and make your subject feel comfortable, especially if they're a stranger or child.
Once you break the ice, the next step is to compose the perfect shot. Typically, the best times of the day to take photos is in the early morning and at sunset, which professionals refer to as the "sweet light." The sun's rays are warm and flattering and bring out all of the colors of the rainbow in your subject, no matter how simply they're dressed.
Honing in
One of the pitfalls of amateur photographers is that they try to include too much in each of their photos. While the open-air markets and dazzling patterns of locals' garb may look appealing to your own eyes, within the frame of your photograph, they could come across as busy and unfocused. Instead of trying to fit everything into the frame, try to direct your lens' attention on a single object or person.
