Eyes like a shutter, mind like a lens!

Ancient architecture, traditional art, religious locations, bustling with life. a chance to shop-till you-drop, a place full of stories and something historical taking place at some corner every moment -- Shivaji Nagar is a photographer's paradise!

Right from the part where there are run-down temples offering broken mud walls and deep-rooted religious forms to the chaotic street where you can shop for every single thing you want. The old man living in the 120 year old house to the woman wearing a very traditional garmet. There is so much happening at Shivaji Nagar every moment. So many stories, instances and brilliant activities being carried out. It's like a city in itself. 

When it look at it for the first time, it'll look like a confusing maze with no way out! In my project, I would love to bring out the essence of how Shivaji Nagar has developed over these years. There are  various elements like religion, antique shops, architecture, legendary people, traditions and customs that one would love to highlight!

Being a part of the media group, we are making a photo essay on the religious aspects and trying to focus on how it helps in the peaceful co-existence of so many religions! We're also capturing people and their personal experiences. A lot of bonding and interaction with the locals has helped us gather information about the past. We plan on making a short documentary with the collected data.

Also, Namrata and I are designing a small 'shoppers guide' booklet. Through this we are aiming at encouraging people to shop from antique and traditional art-selling stores in order to keep the art-forms alive! We are still working on it's details.

I chose photography as my medium because it's a perspective game! There are no guidelines to offer or follow. Also, a photography can convey a lot more than words can. And also, visuals tend to have a deeper impact on people!
(We were even planning to design a photography walk in Shivaji Nagar but there are time constraints.)

Fellow group members: Namrata, Sheona, Sohini and Poonam.

-Ishiyetaa Saxena