One of the biggest festivals in the country Thaipusam is just days away. It is also perhaps one of the most photographed event and one year there was probably more photographers than devotees ;p

Anyway since I became a photographer and started shooting the event I realised a few things which I probably should have written about years ago but anyway here it is.

A photographers survival guide to Thaipusam

1 Respect the religion



Yes its crowded you wanna get your shot but getting it after disrespecting their customs is really not the way to go at it. Don’t walk over offerings placed on the ground, do not block their way and perhaps getting a crash course on the customs will help – google for info.

2 Observe and shoot



Those kavadis are huge and heavy – and most of the time they’re in a trance – so don’t ask them to pose – we’re not responsible if you get scratched.

3 The sudden dances



The kavadi bearers tend to burst into dance in seconds – so watch carefully if you’re too close and the moment they do the best thing to do is squat or go as low as possible.

4 Respect wishes



If someone refuses to be photographed walk on – there are many eager ones who are more than willing to be photographed.

5 Watch your surroundings



It’s moderately safe but if you don’t look at who you’re standing next to or where you’re at – you might become a petty theft victim. So be street smart and secure your bag at all times.

6 Eat and drink properly



Lack of nourishment coupled with the immense crowds – you’re a plump target to fainting.

7 Its a team effort



So don’t get in between the people standing next to the kavadi – they’re there to support the devotee mentally and physically

8 You’re not allowed to hang around the stairs


It’s crowded and too small – so be practical and give space or one of the rela person is gonna scream your head off.

9 Don’t push others

Especially fellow photographers – are you in a race or something? Does your life depend on it? No right? Take a chill pill people ;)

10 Explore


Try different compositions and feel the moment – most of all have fun.
Have fun shooting this weekend ;)

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Visithra
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Labels: 2010, batu caves, celebration, festival, hindu, indian, kuala lumpur, malaysia, temple, thaipusam

Happy ponggal everyone ;)

Ponggal is the indian harvest festival thanking god, the sun for a bountiful harvest - people gather and cook sweet rice on this occasion ;)


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Visithra
visithra(@)gmail.com
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Labels: 2010, event, hindu, indian, photography, religious

Continuing from the first half of my 2009 recap, the 2 events that were probably the highlight of the year was my travel photography exhibitions at KLPAC. Beauty in Destruction took place for 2 weeks in April on Cambodia While in/Visible was held in June for 4 weeks and focused on Malaysia. At the end of it 3 of the exhibited photos now are proudly owned by some lovely people. A few weeks later my photos were published and selected to appear in the digital exhibition during Klue's Urbanscapes 2009.


This particular photo which has always been my favourite shot and was exhibited in KLPAC was used in an ad for the Agathians Shelter. So if you're looking to contribute to a home you know where to head.

Mid of 2009 was absolutely crazy, while preparing for the exhibitions I was shooting and designing a dance potrait shoot and brochure. Which was followed by the event shooting itself days before launching the second exhibition.









Selected potraits done throughout the year.







Getting invited to shoot a school in India was quite a surprise but as expected it was an amazing experience. I'm still missing the little innocent faces at King's Matriculation, Thirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India.



These photos are pretty special for me as I have always wanted to shoot newborn babies, expecially the photo of those little feet. So another thing of my most shoot list ;p




Last but not least the weddings, engagements, dinners, pre-weddings, wedding games, nalanggu's and more for the year. Beautiful moments and some lovely results. the first photo is my absolute fav photo of the year for its uniqueness. And even a golden wedding.








Now that officially wraps my recap of 2009. Phew. ;)


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Visithra
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Labels: 2009, 2009 review, achievements, photography, photography moments, visithra