HomePhotographyBathing in the Ganges Julian Bound on Documenting the People, Culture and Religions of Northern Asia Four months ago, British photographer Julian Bound left the UK after selling his apartment, car and possessions, in order to pursue his career in photojournalism. Since then his photography, which documents the people culture and religions of Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal and India, have been featured in several publications in Brazil, Japan and Europe. Bathing in the Ganges series gives us candid view of some of the millions of pilgrims who visit of Varanasi, India, every year. ‘As with all my photography I first approach my subject with a smile and a half raised camera,’ Julian told us. ‘Most are pleased to be photographed, but for those who object I lower my camera with a smile, thank them and move onto the next.’ ‘On my Bathing In the Ganges shoot their were no objections as the bathers were more concerned with the special act each was carrying out in the Ganges’ sacred waters.’ Julian’s Equipment List Canon 7D- best for photographing people Lenses: a 17-40mm f/4L USM to document the scene 50mm lens for portraiture work, moving in close at f/1.8 70-300mm f/4 lens – for non-intrusive shots Coming from a fine art background (oil painting), Julian approaches each shot as if it were a painting; taking into account light, subject and composition. We asked him more about his work which straddles the line between art and journalism. The Plus: What initially inspired you to travel around Asia? Julian Bound: With such diversity of cultures throughout Asia my aim is to show the western world the way in which people of developing countries live. To bring an awareness of the difficulties such a large percentage of the world face from day to day, and to portray the dignity and positivity in which those with so little hold. TP: What is the most interesting thing you’ve found about photographing in Northern Asia so far? JB: Bhutan was like nowhere else, holding an innocence that shone through the eyes of its people. This is a trait I have found throughout Tibet and Nepal also, where once again those who have so little enjoy the simplicity of life, the joy of just being. TP: What difficulties have you had to overcome in travel photography? JB: With the high altitudes in Tibet I had to adjust my camera settings due to the thinness of air increasing the strength of the light. Photographing Everest Base Camp from the Tibetan side was especially difficult at an altitude of 5,150m/16,900ft and temperature of minus 16.
