India photography experiences are akin to a child opening its first major size box of color crayons.  The country is a favorite among professional photo journalists and amateur hobbyists alike with its vast cultural and architectural diversity.  Whether capturing every day street markets, the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens, or the Taj Mahal at sunrise your lens will capture the most vibrant array of colors the likes to be seen nowhere else than when photographing India.

Must have equipment for a trip centered upon India photography in its full splendor would include a wide lens for environmental portraits and scenic shots.  The architectural treasures of India would be partially lost to memory as well as the varied landscapes from the Himalayan Mountains to tropical Kerala without the ability to capture it in its full glory that a wide lens would afford.

Kerala was nicknamed one of the “10 paradises of the world” by National Geographic.  The pristine beaches at sunset or sunrise are best captured with a tripod.  During daylight hours the vivid blue sky against the horizon of glass reflective waters is a well captured shot that will be unique from one frame to the next as palms sway in the gentle breezes, and houseboats drift slowly through the waters.  A tripod is another must have for other India photography projects so whatever you do don’t go without one or you will miss out on some spectacular night shots.

While digital capture would be far simpler for India photography due to the lack of film supplies for purchase in some regions, it is still possible to keep well supplied if one plans far enough ahead and stocks up when you are in major cities like Delhi.  It is also cost friendly in the beginning as many photographers are overwhelmed with the photo opportunities and get shutter happy rather than pacing through.  With DSLR cameras that restriction is only held back by memory limits.

One place that is definitely going to fill a memory card or a camera bag with used film rolls is the Pushkar Camel Fair.  It is listed by many a tourist brochure as being the most photographed and exotic region of India.  Pushkar is a welcomed test of photography skills as well as a place where a hobby photographer can capture that one trip defining shot.  The area is desert, neutral colored with very little vegetation.  The sky gives no contrast to the overpowering tans and earth tones.  The Indian people have colored the world of Pushkar supplying a visual stimulation through clothing and decoration in which the neutral tones of the environment are the perfect backdrop.  Wrapped turbans, women in jeweled and threaded sarees in every possible color, snake charmers, gypsies, and dressed camels of the locals are all a treat at the Pushkar Camel Fair.

While invaluable at other locations as well, a zoom lens that would allow close up portraits with texture details of the clothing at the Pushkar Camel Market, would be another must have to properly capture India photography for storytelling.

India photography trips should include the opportunity to record photos of Jodhpur and its brightly painted blue homes, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and of course the Taj Mahal in Agra.  The opportunity to visit India is an experience that will incorporate history, culture, vast landscapes, impressive architecture, and one of the new 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal.  An India photography trip with the chance to capture the vastness of color, charm, and treasure that is India is exactly what a camera is made for.