The
Juhu Beach in Mumbai is one of the most famous Indian beaches.
The place is always buzzing with families, friends, travelers and
enthusiast localities who are looking for fun times to spend. The
Beach is world famous for its local delicacies
and street food. The food stalls set up here offer excellent cuisines
and snack items. People in Mumbai visit this beach to relax and enjoy
after a long, tedious day. Watching the sunset in this wonderful
place, guarded by the vast Arabian Sea, is a dream-like vision for
anyone who visits the beach.
But
the one very common thing that you get to see here are the 'Instant
Photographers'!
In
such a “digital age”, and the 'camera cell phone' democracy, the
instant photographers offering their services next to tourist
attractions or at the beach have almost seems so outdated that it
almost difficult to believe that they still exist.
The
culture of printed images is deeply rooted in indian culture. This
“minute” photography service makes then sense and allows people
to bring home a tangible proof of this relaxing moment on the beach
with friends or family.
On
Sunday afternoon, more than 50 photographers offer their service on
the 3 km long beach. Most of them wear accessories (hats, sunglasses,
necklaces) that can be lent at any time to “customers”.
After
tedious running and convincing the clients (its a task truly) these
Instant Photographers guide their model convincing them to take some
kind of stereotypical poses in front of the camera and people happily
oblige.
“its
not the case always. Once I took picture of this couple and after
handing over them the printed copy, the man started crying and said
he got carried-away and now does not have enough money to go back
home. I have to request my friends to contribute and we gave them the
money and sent them home”, said Prasad one of the senior most
photographer.
Hearing
this another young chap got in and said, “true, but once I had this
guy from abroad, he paid me Rs. 500/- for a mere Rs.50 worth of work.
So you see we get all sorts of people”.
“But
it is hard work. Except one weekends, that's Saturday and Sunday, we
hardly make money on weekdays”, 32 years old, Mohan said.
These
guys are not professional photographers, but have learnt the nuisance
under an expert for sometime before joining the bandwagon. “oh god!
I am not creating any fashion photoshoot so what difference it makes
if I know the tricks or not. In the end we have to satisfy the client
by taking good picture”, Prasad concluded.
Soon
after a few clicks here and there, the client decide the best one
among the lot for final printing. In a few minutes the images are
printed and given to the 'model' under a small plastic cover
protecting it from san and sea spray.
Next time when you visit Juhu Beach, do get yourself an instant picture and help these artist.
