Bangalore, India Bangalore, or Bengaluru, is located in the center of the southern part of India in the state of Karnataka. It is known for it's wonderful weather. Nicknamed the Garden City, Bangalore used to be a sleepy military town where individuals went to retire. During the IT boom of the last five years, the city's population has exploded. The Silicon Valley of India is now home to over 8 million people and is the fastest growing metropolitan area in India despite having infrastructure built for only a couple million. It is home to some of India's top universities, as well as many Bollywood and Cricket stars. Despite being home to many belonging to the top 1%, there is also an incredible amount of poverty and pollution, and few barriers separate the lives of the very wealthy from the lives of those who are impoverished. What struck me most, however, was that every person and every thing - from the stray dogs and cows to the smallest child, to the oldest adult - seems to move throughout their daily lives with purpose.
The photographs in this series capture the chaotic simplicity of daily life: the movement, textures, and colors; the traffic jams; the crowded sidewalks and streets; the Sunday market; the grand five star hotel; and the joy and excitement of students in a neighborhood school. Click the picture below for additional images.  |
Agra, India
Agra is located in the North eastern part of India on the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and is about a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi (India's Capital). The city is known for the Taj Mahal, and the Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum Mugal King Shah Jahan built for his third wife, Mumtāz Mahal and himself. The structure and its surrounding gardens took 22 years to complete, and is an architectural and engineering masterpiece. The Agra Fort was commissioned by Mugal Emperor Akbar, and was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Shah Jahan's son exhiled him there until his death. It is still actively used by India's military today. About 20 years ago, all of the major industries of Agra were moved to other cities for fear of damaging the structures that the city is known for - the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort - resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs. Despite the loss of major industries, Agra is known for its marble, jewelry, and rugs - traditions that have been passed down through families from generation to generation.
The photographs in this series capture the city and landscape of Agra, the tradition of rug-making, and the details of two beautiful historic structures - the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Click the picture below for additional images.  |
The photographs in these series were taken during a two week excursion during the summer of 2011.
