How bizzare, these dreams...

Location : Trout Hatchery, Ooty

Down Under

A world that's deep down under and all thats black and magical about it.

A Thousand Splendid Flowers Such as These

Location : Red Hills, Ooty

"Someone asked me how I was.

I told them, I'm happy. "

The Jade Garden

...Miles to go Before I Sleep...

A Photographer's Profile

Nayan Sthankiya - Photojournalist

Winter Smoke

A common sight near the Ooty bus stand. Hot coffee in the making!

On the Way to Work

Whenever i begin to curse the straight-back seats of our company shuttles, i think of these women. There are thousands of women who go to work on far off fields, perched on trucks or on any vehicle that would give them a ride for less than Rs.5/- at 6am(or earlier) in the morning. What do i have to complain about?

Ready for School

Inspired by Paul's post in India-aaagh

Dry

The Road Less Travelled

Disclaimer : The title was given merely as an artistic expression. This road is actually one of the most frequently used roads in Ooty. It leads to the Sinclair Tea Factory were tourists usually descend in truck loads for a free tour of the factory and for the amazing view of the town during sunset.

The Tailor

He sits and sews in his little tailor shop all day. He strikes a pose for me on a cold night in the hut near by. He refuses to take any money for altering an ill-fitting dress of mine. His wife brings me precious biscuits and a delicious cup of coffee. The least i could do for him was to give him some prints.

Many Faces

I was scouring the Ooty market one day, in search of material for a studio shoot when i came across this lady. She quietly stood there watching me prod every single mud pot i found in that store. She didn't even bat an eyelid when i started clicking her pictures. When i finally came around the corner, she slowly came up to me with a pot in her hand. "Only Rs.5/- ma... "

Behind Closed Doors

Split Wide Open

One

Single boiled egg for Rs.5/- Courtesy : The tiny tea stall situated on one of those treacherous slopes in Ooty, near the Rose Park.

After a Day's Work

Some describe it as a great irony of modern India. Yet I think there is an old world charm in the farmer's bullock cart slowly rolling back to his village after selling his farm's produce in the market.

Lunch Break

(This image has been digitally manipulated)

The Morning Raga

Kluney Manor

I've always thought the heritage hotels in Ooty were almost surreal. One of my favorite haunts was Kluney Manor, perched on a hill top overlooking the tiny town. I've never really stayed at the hotel (although i would have loved to), but the manager has always been gracious enough to let me shoot in the premises. These images were shot on a full moon day with a long exposure (of 30secs). More images of the manor to come...