Today is installment number one of our Photo of the Day category. A quick hit on a random photo from our archives. For me it is fun to do a quick scroll through and see what image catches my attention, no doubt something with a fun sidenote.
First up, a hot air balloon rising above a crowd in India.
Last year, along with a group of other pro photographers, we shot the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India. A massive gathering of camel traders, nomads, and gypsies. The event has become something of a tourist attraction in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Everything seemed more or less Indian while we were there until, one dusty morning, we saw a hot air balloon rise over the desert. Few visuals come as a surprise in India, yet this was actually a bit odd, we would have to investigate.
When shooting in these kinds of places, the ideal time to be out is at dawn. So, we rose in the darkness and headed for the launch pad of the balloon. There is nothing in this world like stepping onto the streets of India, at anytime of the day, but especially at dawn. At this hour there is a gentleness to the chaos, the intensity is dulled by the cooler air, and the traveler can feel as if they blend in a bit more. It is our favorite time of day to wander and see what we find.
To see more images from our documentary project at the Pushkar Camel Fair, visit our book’s site at Gurus, Gods and Camels.
