Wex Photo Video’s three-part travel photography series returns. This time, travel photographer Matt Parry and our very own Kriss Hampton travel to India
Episode 1: Delhi
Matt and Kriss explore the streets of Delhi and meet with local photographer, and ZEISS and Profoto ambassador Sundeep Bali. A walking tour of Old Delhi provides ample opportunity for Matt to test out his Sony A7 Mark III and concludes with a visit to the Salaam Baalak Trust DMRC Children Home. This first part of the trip is rounded off with a visit to the world’s tallest brick minaret, the Qutub Minar, and the chance to photograph some long-exposures as the light fades over the India Gate war memorial.
Episode 2: Agra
Matt and Kriss take a short train ride from Delhi to Agra. Their first stop is Sheroes' Hangout, a café that supports the campaign to stop acid attacks. Here, Matt spends some time with the remarkable women who run the café and reminds us how travel photography can help support important causes. Poor lighting makes a trip to Agra Fort challenging, but the next day presents a beautiful haze, just in time for the pair's visit to one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal.
Episode 3: Varanasi
After a 10-hour train journey, Matt and Kriss arrive in the holy city of Varanasi, which sits on the Ganges River. Upon their arrival, the pair is invited into a dance studio to witness an Indian classical dance lesson. Leaving the studio, they encounter a bustling and vibrant flower market, which provides ample opportunity for photography. As the sun begins to set, Matt and Kriss are lucky enough to get a good view of the hugely popular Ganga Aarti ritual. This striking ceremony provides a fascinating insight into Indian culture and is an ideal event in which to showcase the A7 III’s low-light performance.
The following day, Matt discusses photography etiquette as he searches for more suitable subjects and is afforded the opportunity to photograph the dying art of Kushti Wrestling. As the pair head out for a meal, Matt leaves his heavier kit behind and enjoys the portable nature of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V. This episode, and indeed the entire series, draws to an end on the Ganges River, as Matt takes one final opportunity to photograph with the A7 III and even enjoys a spot of rowing.
Filming kit used for this series:
- Sony A7S Mark II (with XLR-K2M adapter)
- Manfrotto Camera Cage
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens
- Tiffen Variable ND filter
- RØDE RØDELink Filmmaker Kit
About the Author
Kristian Hampton is a Wex Photo Video’s former Technical Editor for Pro Video. He is a video specialist who has worked in corporate studios for companies such as Vodafone Group and PwC, as well as working as a freelance grip on various TV productions and features. He also runs Krade Media, providing enterprises with production services. Follow Kristian on Twitter @KrissHampton