Hashville Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

If USA has Nashville, India has its own Hashville. :D
ha ha ... Just came up with this name as I did not wanted to give away the name of the places that I visited due to the privacy concern of my subject in the photo.

In October I did a solo trek in Himachal that I would say was one of the craziest thing that I have ever done in my life so far. The area that I trekked turned out to be a Hashish producing capital of India (I had no prior knowledge about it). The local people of this area were kind enough to let me photograph them indulging in illicit activities, and I have preserved their identity as well as location in all of my photos.

For a complete story, you can check Day 5 in this posting of my blog.

PS: Looking at so many psychological disorders in the people of this village, I would strongly recommend people to stay away from drugs.

isabela_sor, leiju, m_s_s, riclopes, SamB, john_c has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

isabela_sor (41867) 2007-01-07 16:31

First, I have a question...Did you find some snow?:)
About this photo, I cann't decide what I like more:the picture,because of this incredible POV and this perfect focus on the hands ....or your note!!100% sure now...I like both!
All the best

leiju (1679) 2007-01-07 18:46

Hey You! Wonderful to see a post from You!!
All of this is brilliant! The note, the photo, the detail, the blur, the subject, the message. All of it absolutely excellent and more than perfect!
Excellent, truly excellent!
You have soared to amazing heights by taking the chance to not only take the picture (considering the risks you ran just by doing that and being there) but also by sharing it with the world! Truly wonderful!
Thank You! Thank You!
I wish You all the best for this (still?) new year and hope to see much more of You!
Julia

danielswalsh (13295) 2007-01-07 19:35

Happy New Year Sarju!

Feels like ages since I last stopped by your gallery. Interesting shot. I like your respect in regards to preserving faces, names, places and the inclusion of the drug warning (very responsible).

The composition is quite good as you captured the dirty hands, the hash and the empty cigarette tube against the village which relies on this industry.

Great piece of work,
- Dan

partha (13645) 2007-01-07 21:42

Hi Sarju,
A strong documentary shot. Very useful story behind it. Nice representation and well controlled dof.
Regards.
Partha

rajiv_077 (1353) 2007-01-08 0:00

Hi

Very Nice idea, Could be better if the background is Sharp (DOF). Anywayt very different shot.

Great job

rajiv

riclopes (32821) 2007-01-08 5:13

Ha,ha, good recomendation Sarju, but are you sure that the psychological disorders are from drugs? May be they are better because of the Hashish ;-) I'm glad that you finally decided to post :)))))) This is a great shot. The foreground is good, but it's the amazing blurred scenery seen downthere that really attracts me here. I love your composition dividing the two images in one.
In my trek I passed through a village with lots of plantations of Hashish, as well.
I wish you a great week.
Ricardo

cam (8878) 2007-01-08 8:50

Hi Sarju
A pleasure to talk with you again,followed your blog more or less,always short on time.
First,let me wish you a good 2007 and many projects.
You sure where not looking like a governement officer,their's not ours,which you are.I like how you tell your story,as I am sure will be the first of many...
I like how you situated the hand in front of the city down below,gives a good Depth.Just hope that the topography of the village will not be recognized by someone,maybe you should retired the photo just in case?What do you think.
Anyway,it is good to have you back.
Charles
TMR

SamB (1948) 2007-01-12 23:19

Hello, Sarju--
This is a very nice piece on an aesthetic level and documentary level. The strong foreground with gently bokehed background makes for an interesting composition, which is made harmonic by letting the curve of the man's right hand follow the curver of the terrace below. Also a very professional, responsible, and ethical note.
Thanks!
sam

archanabhimasen (270) 2007-01-19 0:02

Hi Sarju,
Can't decide if I have to see what's in the hand or the beautiful landscape in the background. The picture here is a very good shot of perspective. And I just observed the 'beedi'[Cigarette] in the person's hand.

Neat Shot. Thanks for sharing.

@rchana

John_F_Kennedy (30503) 2007-02-01 12:48

Interesting note. Creative working
Achim