I made this photograph when scouting for photography opportunities near Trivandrum and looking out for places beyond regular tourist hangouts. I faced several problems while trying to make pictures at this place. First, even at early morning hours, the light was harsh and the shadows were very strong. Next, a few people at the market did not want to me take their photos. The market was very active, people were moving around quickly and new loads of fish appeared and disappeared in no time. It required me to be alert and ready to shoot all the time, and also be sure that I am not photographing those people who denied me permission.
To get this image, I used a fill flash to counter the harsh sun light and fill in the shadows. I spent a lot of time in front of this lady, waiting for the right moment and also ensuring that she is comfortable with my presence. At some point, she smiled and said ‘you only want to take my pictures; you should be buying my fish as well.’ Subsequently she ignored me and went on with what she was doing, allowing me to go on taking photographs as I pleased. This is one of the few images I made that morning.
Camera Data: Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105L lens, 580EXII external flash at f/11, 1/200sec and ISO 500.
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