Frozen in Time

About the series:

A good composition is a magical placement of elements where each individual elements has the power to communicate with each other as well as collectively to the viewer and has the power to tell some meaningful stories. These photographs capture a quiet yet deeply evocative moment from the rural part of India, during early morning when fog blankets the whole environment. The scenes are layered with elements that symbolize endurance, routine, and human connection with the surroundings. These monochrome photographs capture moments of daily life human activities within a rural surrounding.

In one of the photographs, a small wooden structure is elevated on a platform with a corrugated metal roof, typical of rural Indian commerce. Two individuals siting at the shop and their posture suggests a moment of rest and conversation, highlighting the shops function as both a commercial space and a social gathering point. Even being a commercial place its offering is very few- showing minimalist approach of villagers. The woman walking along the dirt path wears a traditional patterned sari with distinctive horizontal stripes and carries a bundle balanced perfectly on her head - demonstrating the traditional method of transporting goods that continues in rural India.

In another photograph some dogs and humans both sitting nearby to get some warm in a foggy winter morning, adding to the sense of everyday life and serving as a reminder of the companionship between humans and animals in rural settings. Whereas the old banyan tree and the local tea shop adding another level of depth in the story and reminding us the power of nature in our civilization.

All these scenes are softened by morning fog, creating a dreamlike atmosphere while emphasizing the harshness of rural existence. The fog also adds depth to the composition, partially obscuring what might be in the background. The dirt ground and simple surroundings speak to the unadorned reality of village life in India.

Philosophically, these images speak of life’s quiet persistence, where individuals navigate their daily struggles, conversations, and moments of rest in an ever-changing, unpredictable world. The contrast between movement and stillness suggests that life is a balance between action and contemplation. The fog reminds us that while the future remains obscured, the present moment—the tea, the conversation, the simple act of walking—carries its own meaning and significance.

About the science:

I made these compositions at 28mm. My Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 G2 lens played an indispensable role in crafting this composition, combining technical precision with an artistic touch. The lens's fine optics and remarkable sharpness even under the low light conditions bring out intricate details—the texture of the corrugated roof, the folds of the woman's sari, and the gentle contentment you can witness in the spotted dog. The fast and accurate autofocus ensured that fleeting organic moments, like the woman's poised walk and the quiet camaraderie at the tea stall, were captured without breaking the flow of life. Additionally, its compact size enabled minimal intrusion into the scene, allowing the photographer to remain unobtrusive and respect the authenticity of the environment.

As far as the lens is concern, its zoom functionality provided flexibility in framing, helping avoid unnecessary footwork and maintaining distance to preserve the natural interactions between people, animals, and surroundings. This feature also allows to emphasize the dreamlike depth created by the morning fog, highlighting the layered composition of the stall, path, and background vegetation. The Tamron 28-75mm G2 lens, with its versatility and innovation, proved to be the perfect tool in capturing the serene beauty and unembellished reality of rural life, translating my vision into a timeless narrative.

- Product highlighted