How do you photograph something that is so iconic that every shot will be a cliché

[neil_r]

I just fell into line and produced the cliché shots and a couple of experiments.

click on image for a larger version

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Agra_August_2009_NHR1478.jpg (http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1478.jpg)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Agra_August_2009_NHR1508.jpg (http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1508.jpg)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Agra_August_2009_NHR1511.jpg (http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1511.jpg)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Agra_August_2009_NHR1469.jpg (http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1469.jpg)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/pics/Old_India_003.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/pics/Old_India_004.jpg

[nightcat]

hey, chiche is ok!

[elysium]

Why not use a longer lens and capture something you do not see? Brickwork on the pillars o the carvings? I have seen many photos of the Taj Mahal (still have not gone myself) but nothing different to really set it off.

Would be nice to see. Either way I like how the clouds have helped to make it pop.

[neil_r]

Like so?

Note the wonderful addition of scratched graffiti from Uma and Nasir in the last one... aren't they just so clever.

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1447.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1450.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Agra_August_2009_NHR1449.jpg

[elysium]

Exactly that. Its the things you never see from photos. :)

[windpig]

You pose a good question. It's like going to Africa and taking a better picture of one of the many animals.
What did you think of the Taj Mahal? Was it a letdown or what you expected?
Ralph

[julianmonsta]

Good job on the processing of the last 2 images.

[RDKirk]

Go there at more unusual times of day--very early in the morning while the sun is still casting orange light, for instance.

On a night with a full moon, do a timed exposure lighted only by moonlight (I've never seen it at night, so I don't know if there is a light pollution problem).

Look into the reflecting pool and see if you can catch the building as a reflection from some angle.

Use a superwide to close in to some interesting foreground detail while still including the building in the background.

[Photon Phil]

How do you photograph something that is so iconic that every shot will be a cliché>


Shoot it with unconventional tools: Holga or a polaroid, or a camera from a dollar store then cross process it or shoot it on old or over heated film.

[neil_r]

You pose a good question. It's like going to Africa and taking a better picture of one of the many animals.
What did you think of the Taj Mahal? Was it a letdown or what you expected?
Ralph

Ralph, I have been there a few times, and it never disappoints. :-)