H O L D . M Y . H A N D Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is another picture from the wedding I attended in Surat. An Indian wedding is not only colourful but also a complicated and long drawn process involving numerous rituals. Significant among these is the Paani Grahanam or Hand Holding ceremony. The groom holds the hand of the bride and takes a vow : The Gods have offered you to me in order that I may live the life of your husband; from now our lives are joined, from this moment your well being is my responsibility, we shall never part ways. This is followed by Saptha Padhi. Holding the bride’s hand, the bridegroom walks seven steps with her and only when they walk seven steps together is the marriage complete legally. The belief is that when one walks seven steps with another they become friends.

Hold my hand and I'm yours,
And your heart will stay close to mine,
For I know the sun must rise with the dawn,
And at night the stars must shine.

And the wind must wander the ocean
And sing with the waves of the sea;
Just so, I know, I'll be by your side,
And you will be wedded to me.

And you will be wedded to me, my love,
And I will be wedded to you;
For I know the tide must turn with the moon,
And the spring must return ever new.

And the sky must weep that the hillsides
May laugh in the green of their joy;
And the leaves must turn red, brown, and gold
That the earth might their riches employ.

And love like a mad, swollen hunger,
And love like an unending song,
And love like the silent pull of the Earth
Shall be with us all our lives long, my love,
Shall be with us all our lives long.

© Nicholas Gordon

bhorerpakhi, indoka28, steveryan2006, ManuMay, isabela_sor, pastadog, wanderlust, eza1701, photographer123, Budapestman, veve, Silvio1953, atus, siolaw, Emile, axiotea, anes_lc, Cricri, john_c, Albrecht, Photo65Net, Silke, Henryk_Bilor, singuanti, Angshu, salvator, lucasgalodoido, prezntime, AiresSantos, plimrn, evanrizo, sayan, riclopes, shabnamlin has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bhorerpakhi (559) 2007-02-12 5:49

Congrats Sabya Da. A super take, in some ways its even better than the bride photo as she was so beautiful, you dint need to try extra hard. But this is creative! Your notes as always an education.
Poulomi

andy_yoes (275) 2007-02-12 5:50 [Comment]

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steveryan2006 (439) 2007-02-12 5:57

Excellent! The focus is perfect and the background fades away. Are those rose petals there?
S.

indoka28 (5183) 2007-02-12 5:58

Hello sabyasachi,

A very beautiful depiction od the wedding by you..the quality of photograph and the POv is excellent..as always..!!

You have got the perfect place to take such an invigorating snap with all the ingredients of man and women sacred relationship.

Note is great..!!

Regards,

Indro

bantonbuju (48358) 2007-02-12 6:10

hi sabyasachi,
most symbolic, well croped limiting us to the very "subject" we are supposed to focus on...
this image tells the story really well,
-------
interesting that the gesture is more or less of a very similiar meaning depite of the culture or the region we talk about...universal, important, social...
like this image,
j.

ManuMay (10348) 2007-02-12 6:14

GREAT!!
Wonderful colours, composition, contrast and theme. . .
Very good note too.
TFS
Manuel

ben4321 (9781) 2007-02-12 6:15

This is really superb Sabyasachi, both in terms of concept and technique.
It's a great way to illustrate the tenderness between this new couple, and there's a wonderful contrast between the male and female hands here. I also like how you framed it so that the linked arms run from corner to corner through the frame.
Great colours too; all in all an excellent shot.

Cheers,
Ben

isabela_sor (41919) 2007-02-12 6:16

Very symbolic,dear Sabya!!!Everything is perfect here in your picture and thank you for your note

Namashkar
Isabela

John_F_Kennedy (30723) 2007-02-12 7:20

What a fantastic light and frame for this shot. The red soft light add a great mood.
Achim

jemaflor (38911) 2007-02-12 7:26

Hi S,
Superb ! perfect composition with this diagonal composition and interesting symbol, great detail with a good sharpness and focus, bravo !

barrufeto_77 (25619) 2007-02-12 7:43

Hi Sabyasachi.

The note and the picture are impressive. How you caught these colours is great!!

My compliments!

Rgs, oscar

pastadog (12821) 2007-02-12 7:48

Hi Sabyasachi - excellent shot complementing the previous one, lovely instant well caught, powerful frame with both hands coming from the corners. Regards, Daniel

ninaL (19300) 2007-02-12 8:48

Hi, Sabyasachi.
Very symbolic photograph, well framed, well done. Interesting light.
Best wishes. Grazyna.

eza1701 (3343) 2007-02-12 9:40

Hi Sabyasachi,

Interesting note as always and a very good composition with the arms coming in from opposite corners and the hands meeting in the middle.

Best regards,
Paul.

Cormac (26449) 2007-02-12 10:53

I really like the detail in this, with all that beautiful jewelery clearly visible. I like the idea of this too, with the two hands reaching out from opposite sides of the frame. Great work!

kevinos (6917) 2007-02-12 11:14

This is a good ,strong image, Sabyasachi,I like the strong diagonal composition and the interesting detail. I see the groom, is wearing what we would call a 'sai sin' on his wrist, just as we do. In fact i am wearing one just like that now. Regards Kevin

photographer123 (5722) 2007-02-12 11:29

HI,
SABYA ,YOU R NOT ONLY A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER BUT A GOOD NOTE WRITER TOO..WELL SHOT WITH NICE NOTE...SUBIR

Budapestman (41086) 2007-02-12 11:59

Dear Sabyasachi,
This is a beautiful and talkative impression. I like the suggestive theme and the fine details. Effective POV and very good cut. Very nice shot and splendid note. Thank you, nice days
George

silvia_zenova (1318) 2007-02-12 12:01

Hi Sabyasachi :)
I discovered your gallery a months ago and for me was plesure too to see all this images full of feelings and spirit of Great India! You are a master, and I'm still a beginner who still learning...
I think this one (like many others in your galery, for example Indian Bride) are very impressive and atmospheric image. Thanks for this colourful pictures and always useful Photographer's Notes!
With Greetings from Bulgaria!
Silvia

faubry (32197) 2007-02-12 12:46

bonjour Sabya, wonderful close up on hands.... beautiful details jewelleries, and is perfect
soon
francine

veve (4149) 2007-02-12 13:05

Hi Sabyasachi,
This is a beautiful photo!
Very impressive and precious details of the
adornments!
Very well seen and captured.
Best regards,
Veronica

Silvio1953 (40933) 2007-02-12 13:59

Hi Sabyasachi, simple photo, great symbol of love, very well done, greetings from Italy, ciao Silvio

hay_kes (28554) 2007-02-12 15:15

Hi Sabyasachi,
Very nice and different photo.Good diagonal composition.Excellent colours and details.TFS.
Cheers!

hAyAti

atus (15452) 2007-02-12 16:53

Hello Sabyasachi,
greatly captured close-up shot of the arms. That of the bride is really impressive and unusual to see for many of us. Very good lighting, great colours and perfect sharpness, as usual. Tfs and for the really interesting note! Best regards.
Attila

lasscor (7635) 2007-02-12 18:25

Hi sabyasachi,
Lovely Symbolic scene.
Lovely note.
TFS,
Corinne

siolaw (25702) 2007-02-12 23:01

Hello Sabyasachi,
Well caught symbolic gesture of holding hands... rich and colorful decorations makes them stand out nicely on a dark BG... An interesting note too
Laurent

Emile (19811) 2007-02-13 0:02

Hola Sabyasachi.
Very good symbolic shot, a nice and tender gesture. Excellent composition with good colors, sharpness and POV. Great details.
Very well done. Good note.
Regards.

rajiv_077 (1353) 2007-02-13 0:25

Hi Dear
This is really masterpiece, i have never seen this type of shot in wedding's photography, what a good POV, so beautiful. Just love this photo.

regards

rajiv

axiotea (15933) 2007-02-13 1:15

Hello Sabyasachi,
A moment to be remembered well captured... amazing decoration of the woman'shand, fine colors and sharp details... an interesting note as well
Cheers
Marilyn

anes_lc (14762) 2007-02-13 4:28

like you say is more then one shot.love the your message.
thanks for sharing
my respect ,anes

cengiz (3581) 2007-02-13 4:51

great work
cengiz

brevbrev14 (370) 2007-02-13 5:40

Hi Sabya, beautiful image of this moment!
i like a lot to see the original dresses of this wonderful country!
great POV and result!
ciao!
Valeria

agbonavita (0) 2007-02-13 5:47

Amazing the details painted in the bride hand. the bracelets are so pretty and shining. Love this close shot with good light and the low DOF was great.

really well done!
Andre

rbcy1974 (20742) 2007-02-13 6:50

Hello Sabyasachi
A great capture full of tenderness with great details captured and a great use of DOF
Very well done
Regards
Daniel
PS, is it possible to just join in on a wedding celebration without knowing anyone?

gilou530 (34755) 2007-02-13 7:23

hello sabya
a work of art on the hand and in your photograph, splendid colors with a subtle proportioning of the light and a framing which gives a perfect diagonal, cheer
friendships
gilbert

Cricri (42894) 2007-02-13 11:19

Bonjour Sabyasachi,
C'est vraiment une trés jolie image, moment particulier, avec de joli détails, sous une parfaite lumiére, compliment
amitié
cricri

ndb1958 (9228) 2007-02-13 13:23

Hi Sabyasachi,
what an interesting capture of these hands holding each other. The focus is perfect. The light is great and the colours are beautiful. I like the little blure around the focus.
One for my favorits,
Nino.

Albrecht (10916) 2007-02-13 13:41

Hi Sabyasachi
Wonderul detail and compo; good use of the natural light; good colours and DOF.
greetings from Holland
Albrecht

Silke (3023) 2007-02-13 14:47

superb image with stunning colours and details. Focusing on the hands gives us the feeling that we are really experiencing it with them and you
TFS
silke

Henryk_Bilor (20365) 2007-02-13 17:30

Hello Sabyasachi
Excellent capture of this connection with great details visible. I like the quality of course.
Regards

singuanti (15240) 2007-02-13 22:47

Hi Sabyasachi. I'm impressed you were able to get so close without much of a zoom. You've done well in showing how detailed the bracelets and jewelry are that one of the people was wearing. I think the black area works best as a background so as not to distract the viewer from the focal point. Well seen Sabyasachi.

Angshu (33346) 2007-02-13 22:56

Dear Sabyasachi
The moment (definitive & decisive) is perfectly captured. The framing is perfect & the colours exquisite. Love the way how the hands are in a perfect diagonal….Aaah, I love the notes!
Best wishes
Angshu

salvator (18759) 2007-02-14 3:41

Hi Sabyasachi,
Very impressive and interesting photo, with extremely nice details and colors. Your notes are very good as well. Best regards.
Salvator.

cuneyt-sb (6559) 2007-02-14 3:50

Hi my friend
Very good details and perfect DOF
TFS/Kind regards

lucasgalodoido (16537) 2007-02-14 6:34

Olá Sabyasachi!
Bonita imagem, a quantidade de detalhes na mão da indiana é impressioante! Boas cores e perfeita iluminação!
Parabéns e Abraço!

john_c (24635) 2007-02-14 10:56

Hi Sabyasachi,
The outstanding lighting here really dramatizes the event and this decisive moment. I like the angled view of the clasping of hands and the darkened background. The clarity of detail, the hues and tones, and the imagery are all first rate. First rate work...later.
John

sayat (2941) 2007-02-14 11:46

Excellent details. Nice diagonal framing. Good note. TFS,
Sayat

Photo65Net (43084) 2007-02-14 12:47

Bonsoir Sabyasachi,
I like how you emphasized this beautiful and minimalist gesture.
Your title and note work nicely with the beautiful picture.
Regards,
JB.

prezntime (3945) 2007-02-14 20:44

Hello Sabyasachi.
A touching shot so perfectly composed. The very ornate hand of the wife contrasts so with the more subdued man...it is very beautiful. Also adding to that beauty obviously is the henna tatoo. Good handling of the exposure to get nice colors from what looks like a dark environment...then again, judging from the camera specs it wasn't that dark. Very well done and an unusual and worthy shot of an Indian wedding.
Regards,
Chris.

jhm (81817) 2007-02-15 12:42

Hi Sabyasachi,

The hand to the left is very specially, the decoration is extraordinarily, a very beautiful depiction of the wedding, totally other than in Belgium, very well done!
Thanks for sharing.

Regards,
John.

sebinho342 (18726) 2007-02-15 13:54

Hi Sabya, i wanna be the one to make reach 3 digit for this excellent picture that i was showing to a friend this afternoon who loves india .... you know what ? He loved your gallery ... no surprise here ;))
What an impact here sabya, you caught the best of the best, the most emotional moment in that shot, i aplause you with my 2 hands
I love that shot

sanalytis (1634) 2007-02-16 0:33

Hello Sabyasachi,

A very colorful, nicely composed symbolic image. Well done.

Spiros

AiresSantos (41468) 2007-02-16 4:56

Excellent POV in this symbolic capture. Very good colours, quality and note.
Have a nice weekend

plimrn (19558) 2007-02-19 18:49

Hi Sabyasachi,
I love this photo. The man's hand firmly grasping his bride's more delicate one tells me that that his vow is deeply meant. HLJ, Pat

evanrizo (456) 2007-02-20 13:47

Just great, a wonderful capture.
Have a nice time Sabyasachi.
Evan

sayan (2609) 2007-02-22 5:26

Hi Sabyasachi,

I can not stop myself from being quoting a famous song of Denver- "Follow Me"-

Follow me where I go what I do and who I know
Make it part of you to be a part of me
Follow me up and down all the way and all around
Take my hand and say you'll follow me

Wonderful post!

Regards,

Sayan

savask (1803) 2007-02-24 2:39

excellent shot which says so many stories....

designsoul (21394) 2007-03-02 12:22

In my mind, I walk 7 steps with you. This is beautiful. What a lovely henna, jewels, everything so suffused with tradition and beauty... we should keep to them. A super capture, this is, Sabya, you focused on the most important part of this ceremony with exquisite details...
From a snowstorm up north :(
:-)
sasa

marietom (31782) 2007-03-30 16:18

Pleine de symboles, encore une très belle image...
Marie

riclopes (32869) 2007-05-27 12:05

Olá Sabyasachi, they say that hands can be so expressive as faces and that's why they can be the main subject in many images. This is a very original capture with a strong diagonal composition. Also impressive the rich colorful decorations on her hand and arm. A lovely poetic image of this important ritual, along with the usual excellent note. Congratulations, once more.
With greetings from Lisbon,
ricardo

Photo Information

Copyright: Sabyasachi Talukdar (sabyasachi1212) (19528)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-01-23
Categories: Event, Decisive Moment
Camera: CANON EOS 400D, Canon 18-55/3.5-5.6 EF-S USM EOS Digital, 58mm UV filter
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): mains [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-02-12 5:45
Favorites: 1 [view]