After a week in Benares (Varanasi), it is time to move on to Calcutta. We will miss the wonderful ghats but definitely will be happy to lose 10 celsius. That will still be 37 degrees … Here is a last series of Benares in colors (click on pictures for high res) Pictures #1 and 3 […]

Following on my post on the Leica M Monochrom, I was encouraged to go shoot more in B&W. I find it does provide a change now and then from my base work as the picture creation process is different and focuses more on tonalities than colors. I always keep the raw files obviously, but the […]

Everybody that visits Benares goes on a boat trip over the Ganges at sunset or sunrise. The sights are stunning as one can contemplate the thousands pilgrims taking their bath with the city as background. (click on pictures for high res) Pictures #1, 2, 3 wit Leica M9 and 35mm Lux Asph, others with 50mm […]

Though informal, some part of the Benares piers seem to be reserved to women. They bath in the Ganges completely dressed and change their wet clothes afterwards through some quite acrobatic moves. Of course, all of that always in colors.  (click on pictures for high res) All pictures with Leica M9 and 50mm Summicron

The best way to have a view on Benares is to take a boat trip. We haven't done so yet but will in the coming days. The main piers are a sight as boats find their way and unload passengers. Pilgrims send flowers to the Ganges next to it and kids go for a swim. […]

It is 5 am. We woke up early to avoid the heat. Well, kind of since it is still 32C out there. We are not alone as hundreds converge to the piers. They slowly undress, take a bath in the Sacred Ganges and then dress again meticulously. A slow ritual that has been going on […]

If you hit the ball and it ends up in the water, you get 6 runs. And a swim in the filthy Ganges water. (click on picture for high res) Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/350, ISO160

… and we almost went back home early. When we planned the trip, we knew we would reach India in middle of the summer time. May and June are the hottest month and believe me, it is becoming unbearable. I have been getting up at 5am to enjoy a little bit of cool air and […]

They live in a humble way on top of the Rishikesh piers. Their daily bath is taken in the river and they probably never eat meat since the town is holy place. Kids play running down he stairs of the ghats, a bit like of an Indian Ingalls family I guess.