Sanjay Gupta: Blog

Hull HERHCA Mela 2015

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:01:37 GMT

I am thrilled to announce that a few of my images will be exhibited at the HERHCA Mela which will take place tomorrow (25th April) at City Hall in Hull. The main exhibition will consist of Raghu Rai's amazingly haunting images of the Bhopal Chemical disaster.

Peturia photography exhibition

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:57:43 GMT

Unfortunately due to logistics I was unable to submit my 3 entries for the brough and Elloughton photography exhibition. However I did manage to get one entry in and I was pleased to note that it was bought on the 1st day by none other than Richard Meredith!

Thank you!

Here is the image i entered:-)

Presentation at the Pocklington Camera Club 23rd April 2015

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:53:14 GMT

I was honoured to deliver a presentation on the subject of the Kumbh Mela at the Pocklington Camera club. I was thrilled at the number of club members who turned up and even more delighted at the great feedback after the presentation. Many thanks to Melvyn Pegg and Steve Brooks for inviting me!

Holi 2015

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 23:22:55 GMT

Yesterday's holi at the hull HERHCA centre was a typically raucous affair with tonnes of loud music, dance and masti!.. These folks sure know how to party!

Thanks to Tapan and Uma!!!

Some of these images were inspired by Jan Kostal's fantastic wanderlust TPOTY winning portfolio!

Grand Centraal Station, Rotterdam

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:56:43 GMT

The fantastic directional light outside the grand central station in Rotterdam offers some wonderful photographic opportunities..the bet time to shoot is about 10.00 am. Here are some of my favorite images!

Guest photographer: N N Gupta

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:45:48 GMT

It is a great honor to feature a superb young and talented new photographer to my blog. Miss N N Gupta is only 7 but quickly assembling a very impressive body of work and I am delighted that she has chosen my blog to feature her work!

Here is a pic of the maestro at work:

And here are some of her wonderfully evocative images

Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:38:24 GMT

A quick weekend break to Rotterdam meant a new photo project. This set of images was inspired by Craig Easton's TPOTY winning entry from 2012 where he took some amazing silhouettes by the Eiffel tower

Wanderlust TPOTY final 2014

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:33:44 GMT

I was absolutely thrilled to attend the final of the wanderlust TPOTY 2014 competition at the Destinations Show in Olympia. It was amazing to see my image of the maasai tribeswoman hanging next to so many great entries and I was so honored and humbled by the amazing feedback i received.

The standard of the entries keeps going up and the landscape category in particular was amazingly competitive! Congrats to all the finalists, the winners and the organizers!

York Camera Club

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 06:42:15 GMT

I was thrilled to be invited to talk to the York Camera Club last night on the subject of my travel photography. My talk was entitled 'The mystical Kumbh Mela - a photographic pilgrimage' and i was amazed at the large turn out and how well the talk was received. I was also overwhelmed with the generosity of the club members who made a contribution of £62 to go to a charity of my choosing (the sheldrick wildlife trust). Thank you so much!!!!

Wanderlust 'Festivals' competition

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:24:19 GMT

I am thrilled to announce that my image entitled 'Venezia' has been awarded the runner-up position in the 'Festivals' competition. I can't wait to receive my bag of goodies!! Thanks Wanderlust!

Vienna

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:49:47 GMT

I was thrilled to visit Vienna this year - not once but twice. Unfortunately as time was limited there was little time for photography. Nevertheless, i di drake the sony RX 100 and was amazed at the power and quality it packs!. Here is my favorite image from the trip. This was just outside the star inn Sconbrunn in Vienna:-)

Wanderlust TPOTY final 2014

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 15:48:50 GMT

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that i have made it to the final of the wanderlust TPOTY 2014 for my portrait of a maasai tribswoman:-)
Thank you wanderlust!

Diwali_2014

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:41:32 GMT

The HERHCA Diwali 2014 show was held on the 16th Nov at city Hall in Hull and lived up to all the hype. My favorite part was the Desi Naach troupe performances!

York Medical Society Photography exhibition

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:55:20 GMT

I am thrilled to have exhibited some of my images at the York Medical Society Annual Photography exhibition! Here are some images kindly taken for me by Dr Avijit Datta

HANA International Fashion Show

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:43:40 GMT

I was fortunate enough to see all of Hull ethnic minorities come together and celebrate as one at the HANA international fashion show held in City Hall yesterday. Here are some of my favorite images from the show (all taken with the marvelous sony rx100!)

Well done guys!!!!!!!!

Navratri Celebrations at HERHCA 2014

Sun, 28 Sep 2014 12:01:04 GMT

I was pleased to have attended the Navratri celebrations at HERHCA centre last night. A beautiful pious aarti was followed by a raucous night of dancing and Garba. The food was as usual delicious. We are fortunate to have an institution like HERHCA and a chairman like Tapan Mahapathra who has brought the whole community together with his exemplary leadership and dedication. Here are some of my favorite images from the ceremony.

The aarti - led by Mrs Singh

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Varshitha Narseh with the ceremonial candles

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

and frenzied dancing with Srinivas Reddy Komandla capturing every moment!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Baby Jayce

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:14:06 GMT

I was thrilled to be asked to photograph the gorgeous blue-eyed Jayce! Thanks jeanette!

Onam 2014

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:58:19 GMT

Wow...what a night. Great entertainment and delicious delicious food! Thanks, Tapan and Uma!!

Here are some of my fave pics!

Onam Time!

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:54:13 GMT

My favourite indian festival is on again! I cant wait to sample the multitude of delicious South Indian dishes that are due to be served at tomorrow's HERHCA Onam festival. In the meanwhile, here are some pictures from last year's festival to whet your appetites!

The Sagrada Familia project

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:36:13 GMT

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an astonishing achievement in architecture. I took an afternoon off whilst in Barcelona to go and marvel at this most beautiful of places of worship. Having visited the blue mosque, the Hagia Sophia, st Pauls and the York Minster, I can honestly say that the Sagrada Familia is the most visually appealing of them all. Here are some images of the diverse people who visit this holiest of places.

All taken with the Olympus and the fantastic 45mm lens.

Enjoy!

Freedom Festival, Hull

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:32:55 GMT

What a thrilling event...culminating in the spellbinding 'Spellbound' by Walk the Plank. Absolutely amazing!

Here are some of my favorite images

Article in the York Press

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:51:29 GMT

I am thrilled to have been featured in the York press for conceptualizing and helping organize the York's got talent competition.

Here is the article

Crete

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:42:04 GMT

Crete is amazing. For those who have not visited, I highly recommend it. The weather is glorious, the people so cultured and the food delicious. I would highly recommend Elounda bay and taking the boat to spinalonga. I also really enjoyed visiting the old port of heraklion, the minoan palace at knossos and star beach in Hersonissos. Here are some of my favourite images from this most memorable of trips.

Spinalonga island

Sissi beach

Piskopiano

The Barcelona Subway project

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:36:22 GMT

I was recently in Barcelona for the ESC congress and wanted to capture some 'off the beaten track' images of this extremely photogenic city. Inspired by Renny whitehead (winner of the wanderlust portfolio competition last year), I decided to put the OMD-EM1 to the test in the Barcelona subway system. Here are some of my favorite images:

Selfie time!

Girls Galore

A cool customer

Hullionians Triathlon

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:27:32 GMT

The Hullionians RUFC triathlon finally happened today and I was amazed at the organization, dedication and the encouragement offered by the parents in holding such an event. The weather, for once, played ball and a great time was had by all. Here are some pictures:

Congratulations to Will Dearing who was imperious in the cycling and won the eventual under 11s event!

And congratulations to this handsome young man who finished an excellent 5th

York photographic Society

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:44:18 GMT

It was a wonderful honor to discover that the York photographic society have invited me to give them a lecture on the 17th of september on my photography and especially my images from India. Having seen some of the work produced by members of the society, all i can say is how humbled I feel

http://www.yorkphotosoc.org/about-sanjay-gupta/

HERHCA Independence day celebrations

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 21:07:26 GMT

I was delighted and honored to be asked by non other than Mr Tapan Mahapathra, chairperson of HERHCA, to take some photographs of the independence day celebrations. I was amazed by the preparations and the hard work put in by Mr Mahapathra and rest of his team. The whole audience was left invigorated after watching Mr Narendra Modi's inspiring speech and there was a real feeling of patriotism in the air. It made me proud to be of Indian heritage. Thanks Mr Mahapathra and Mr Modi.

York Press Article

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 20:33:54 GMT

I am thrilled to have been featured in the York Press today (21.8.2014) for conceptualizing and participating in the York hospital's got talent exhibition!!! I enclose the link to the article below.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11424100.Staff_rsquo_s_talents_go_on_display_in_York_Hospital_exhibition/

Here are some images from the article:

Portraits and People Facebook Group

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:53:02 GMT

I am delighted to announce that 2 of my images have now featured on the People and Portraits Facebook group page run by the amazing Jaycee Crawford! This group has over 10,000 members and I was delighted to receive several likes and comments for the 2 following images! Thanks guys!

Birds of Prey gallery in York Hospital - update

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:50:29 GMT

I've finally started selling my images! yaaaay!!! Here are some of the images that proved popular with customers:-)

EggNog was the most popular!

followed by Lyndsay

and Gordon

and these 2 (which weren't even on display!)

simon, Maurice and Nigel sold too!!

Thanks to everyone who bought!! You've made me very happy indeed!!

Photographer Academy

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:39:26 GMT

I am delighted to announce that one of my images has been chosen to be one of the top 5 images for this month's photo critique by acclaimed photographer, Mark Cleghorn!. This is the 3rd one this year!

The Minster, York

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 21:29:20 GMT

I am delighted to have been asked to produce some images of the minster for the purposes of publication of new postcards. Here are some preliminary images:-)

Istanbul

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:34:02 GMT

Istanbul is amazing...the last time i felt like this was when i went to see the pyramids in cairo! To see the pots used by Prophet Abraham at the TopKapi palace is an incredibly humbling experience....

Here are some of my favorite images from this trip:

The blue mosque

The Hagia Sophia

The Topkapi Palace

and of course, the Grand Bazaar!

York stationlife project

Mon, 26 May 2014 08:13:47 GMT

Inspiration is all around us. Renny Whitehead's images of the New York Subway capture a place which may appear mundane to most in a most evocative manner.

For more of Renny's work, please visit http://www.newclearfallout.com

Here is my tribute to the great man

In my own time exhibition at York Hospital

Wed, 21 May 2014 21:39:27 GMT

The 'In my own time' exhibition is essentially a celebration of the achievements of doctors and nurses outside of medicine. I first came across this concept at the Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston and was immediately hooked and mesmerized at the array of talent that was present amongst the hospital staff. I was delighted when Kat Hetherington at York Hospital embraced my suggestion that we should have something similar in York. Kat has worked tirelessly to make my dream a reality and I was absolutely delighted when she asked me to take some pictures to promote the event. Thank you Kat!!!

Wine tasting at Dharma Foundation

Tue, 20 May 2014 20:26:08 GMT

I am extremely grateful to Uma rajesh and Raghu laxminarayan for inviting me to photograph the superb Wine tasting event on the 16th may 2014 which was held in aid of charity. Both Uma and Raghu are inspirational people who work so hard in their daily lives and yet find the energy and enthusiasm to organise events of such magnitude to raise money for charity. I have decided that all proceeds from any photographs sold will quite rightly go to Dharma foundation. Guys, I am in awe! Thank you!!

Lee Jeffries

Mon, 12 May 2014 19:30:33 GMT

I was absolutely thrilled to receive a phone call from the wonderful Lee Jeffries recently. Lee is perhaps one of the greatest living portrait photographers in the world and his most recent book entitled ;the Lost Angels' is an absolute masterpiece! I was thrilled when Lee offered to send me a copy of his book. what a wonderful guy and what an inspiration! Thanks Lee!!

Viewbug 'I see you' competition

Thu, 01 May 2014 06:43:22 GMT

I am delighted to announce that I was one of the top ten finalists in the Viewbug 'I see you' competition for my image of the maasai tribesman! Anyone who knows view bug will tell you that the quality of images that are submitted is exceptionally high!. I am honored to be featured in such great company

The photographer Academy

Thu, 01 May 2014 06:24:08 GMT

I am delighted to announce that one of my images has been chosen to be one of the top 5 images for this month's photo critique by acclaimed photographer, Mark Cleghorn!. The photographer academy have also approached me to feature my image in their end of year publication! A great honor! Thank you Mark and the rest of the team at the photographer academy!

Print foundry Silver award

Thu, 01 May 2014 06:09:58 GMT

It gives me great happiness to announce that I have recently awarded Silver award in a competition run by the Print Foundry for my image on the chillum smoker. The 40 pound voucher will come in very handy. Thank you to the print foundry!

Birds of Prey gallery in York Hospital

Thu, 01 May 2014 06:01:39 GMT

I am delighted to announce that 10 of my images from the birdwatching collection have been framed and are currently on display in corridor 7 of york hospital! I am very grateful to Kathryn Hetherington from the hospital arts department for showing an interest in my images and for making this happen. The arts team wanted to know the names of the owls and as i did not know, we decided to name them after some of my work colleagues. The one below is particularly aptly named:-) You will have to visit to see the name for yourself!!!

York Press Article

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:52:33 GMT

I am delighted to have recently been featured in the York Press. Here is the link:-)

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11017355.York_Hospital_doctor_s_stunning_photographs_land_string_of_awards/?ref=mr#commentsList

Wanderlust Travel Photographer of the Year

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 18:42:18 GMT

I am delighted and humbled to be named as a finalist in the 'Wanderlust Travel Photographer of the Year 2014' awards:-) After seeing some of the entires I was left feeling incredibly inspired and I look forward to taking new strides in my photography in 2014.

Here is a picture of me with my entry:-)

Brough and Elloughton Annual photography exhibition

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:09:39 GMT

I am delighted to announce that I was recently awarded 'Most popular photograph' for my image 'The Chillum Smoker'.

3 peaks challenge

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 21:52:58 GMT

It is with a heavy heart that i write this post. Being of African origin (I was born in Zambia and brought up in Kenya), I am horrified at how rapidly african wildlife is being destroyed to fulfill the despicable greed of the chinese and vietnamese. It is estimated that a rhino is poached for its horn every 12 hours and approximately 10,000 elephants are killed every year for their ivory. Soon africa will cease to be as we know it or imagine it. I am grateful that there are some caring people about who are prepared to put themselves through some discomfort to raise awareness of this largely negelected issue. I am proud to call some of them my colleagues and friends. A few of us hope to walk the Yorkshire 3 peaks on the 13th July to raise money for the Sheldrick Wildlife trust. I would be most grateful if readers of this blog could consider visiting the Sheldrick Trust's website or even possiblly consider sponsoring us for this cause.

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CardiologyCrusaders

Holi Hai

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:43:46 GMT

Holi is a fun-filled and extremely colourful festival which is celebrated in north India to mark the the coming of spring. It also celebrates the legend of Lord Vishnu and one of his most revered devotees, Prahlad. Prahlad was a prince. His father, the king wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship him. But Prahlad refused and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead. The king's sister Holika, who was supposed to be immune to fire, tricked her nephew Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire in order to destroy him. But because she was using her powers for evil, the plan failed and Prahlad emerged from the fire unharmed, while Holika was devoured by the flames.

Holi is a colourful festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water.Bonfires are lit and roasting grains, pop corn, coconut and chick peas are thrown on by Hindu families.The next day, people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint-throwing. Everyone gets involved - with no distinctions between caste, class, age or gender.Hindus have fun by smearing each other with paint and throwing coloured water at each other, all done in a spirit of celebration.

I am truly fortunate to be living in Hull which has a large, extremely dedicated and proactive hindu community (which I am proud to be part of) and who invited me to photograph this amazing celebration. It was a wonderful fun-filled occasion and one that will stay with me for a long time as one of my fondest memories of living in Hull. Thank you Mr Mahapatra and the rest of the HERCA team for your dedication and invitation !

The MahaKumbh Mela, Allahbad 2013

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:02:28 GMT

The MahaKumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Allahbad, India is nothing short of a photographer's utopia. 100 million people from all walks of life arrive in Allahbad, using every means of transport imaginable, for the 55 day festival and to bathe at the point where the three holy rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi meet. It is said that there is no greater pilgrimage in all of hinduism. This year saw the largest collection of humans in one place since the beginning of time. I was fortunate to go and it would be true to say that no words can do justice to the sheer magnitude of this holiest of holy festivals. I have tried to capture what I saw with my camera and I will be posting lots more pictures of this unbelievable spectacle in days to come. Here is one of my favourite images.

Mel and Jon

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:35:14 GMT

My lovely friends Mel and Jon finally tied the knot on the 30th of June in a simple yet stirring ceremony. The bride looked stunning and the love shared between the happy couple was there for all to see. It was an absolute privilege for me to be present when the couple exchanged their vows and when the pastor delivered his beautiful sermon. Mel and Jon, I wish you all the happiness in the world and hope I will get the chance to capture many more special moments in your lives with my camera. I have never been particularly good with words so instead of writing something myself, I found this poem, which sort of captures the emotions etched on Jon's face when he saw his beautiful bride walking up the aisle. Love you guys:)

The Colour of My Love

David Foster and Arthur Janov

I'll paint a sun to warm your heart

Knowing that we'll never part. 

I'll draw the years all passing by 

So much to learn, so much to try.

I'll paint my mood in a shadow blue,

Paint my soul to be with you. 

I'll sketch your lips in shaded tones, 

Draw your mouth to my own.

I'll trace a hand to wipe your tears 

And trace a look to calm your fears. 

A silhouette of dark and light 

To hold each other oh so tight.

I'll paint the stars in the evening sky, 

Draw the light into your eyes, 

A touch of love, a touch of grace, 

To softly fall on your moonlit face.

And with this ring our lives will start, 

Let nothing keep our love apart. 

I'll take your hand to hold in mine, 

And be together through all time

A Grecian Paradise

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 21:55:30 GMT

I was fortunate enough to spend my recent birthday in the enchanting island of Santorini and I have come back completely bewitched by the island and its people. The beguiling colourless white buildings contrast beautifully with the azure blue of the sky and sea. The glorious pink and orange sunsets, the dark volcanic earth and the beautiful and friendly inhabitants make Santorini a magical holiday destination. I would highly recommend it to those who haven't had the pleasure of visiting as yet. I hope you enjoy the pictures I took from this visit and I very much look forward to continuing my love affair with this utterly charming island.

A Sweltering Indian Summer

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 11:47:53 GMT

Just got back from a week's holiday in New Delhi. The main purpose of my visit was to see my lovely mum and my beloved grandmother who is not in the best of health. Nothing could have prepared me for the unbearable heat which at times reached 47 degrees. India is meant to be a photographer's dream yet it was virtually impossible to get out and do any kind of shooting. Nevertheless, meeting my loved ones after 7 years more than made up for any inconveniences and I even managed a portrait of my wonderful grandmother. Even though the advancing years have taken their toll, she still remains amazingly astute and wonderfully resilient. Grandma, this one is for you:)

Phototraining4u

Thu, 10 May 2012 22:04:00 GMT

Mark Cleghorn is a great great photographer and runs the fantastic phototraining4u website (www.phototraining4u) which provides a huge number of tutorials on all aspects of photography. He also runs a photo critique where members send along their pictures to be appraised by Mark. After each session, Mark selects his top 5 images of the session. I was very fortunate and deeply honoured to have my image of a maasai tribesman selected as one of the top 5 images in the last session. In addition, I was also very pleased to hear of his comments on another image. I have posted the image and the video of the critique below. Apologies for the shaky nature of the video. Thanks Mark...you are truly the guv'nor!

Mel and Jon

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:36:20 GMT

Mel has been a great friend for several years and I was absolutely delighted when she announced that she was getting married to Jon. I was even more thrilled to be asked to be the wedding photographer. I met up with lucky Jon and gorgeous Mel at the Beverley minster recently to take some pre-wedding pics. I was a little nervous initially having never done any weddings before but fortunately they make a very handsome couple and little effort was needed to get some great shots. Jon is an absolute gentleman and they are clearly destined for a great life together. All in all a great day out and I can't wait for the wedding. Thanks guys:)

NATYA 28th April 2012

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:52:46 GMT

I had the great fortune of being invited to the NATYA charity show yesterday. This was one fabulously well attended event and the organisers, Drs Rajesh and Raghuram were wonderful hosts. The event itself was an intoxicating mix of heady music, colourful costumes and frenzied dances. A good deal of money was raised for charitable causes and I was left deeply humbled after observing the magnanimity and selflessness of the hosts and attendees. Thank you guys, for one helluva memorable evening:)

National Geographic Traveller Photographer of the Year

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:26:44 GMT

I was delighted to find out recently that I have won the National Geographic Traveller People photographer of the year for my picture of a maasai tribesman at the Kichwa Tembo camp in Kenya! Thank you to everyone at the Nat Geo Team and I am deeply humbled to have been chosen ahead of some absolutely amazing entries:))

FIGHT NIGHT CITY HALL HULL 23rd MAR 2012

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:14:24 GMT

I was fortunate enough to be invited back stage at the boxing match at city hall last night where Tommy 'boom boom' Coyle was fighting for (and winning) yet another belt. It was my first time doing any sports photography but I loved the atmosphere and experience. I was also delighted to meet a couple of fabulous guys and boxers - Harry Matthews and Nick Manners. Well done to Harry, Billy Dawson and Gary Sykes for winning their fights. Top draw Tommy Coyle was totally dominant and destroyed his opponent with an unbelievable body punch. Many congratulations to everyone. A big thank you to Stevie Smith who made it all possible for me:)