Honorable Mention

2010-12-09T09:49:00.002-08:00

This image featuring Rajini, and her daughter, was given an Honorable Mention in the 2010 Atlanta Photojournalism contest. Rajni, 25, comes from a small village many miles from Bhopal, India, however, 8-years-ago she married Navneet and as is Indian custom, moved into his parents' house in the water-contaminated colony of Shivshakti Nagar near Union Carbide's solar evaporation ponds. These ponds

I am in a group photo show at the Panda Gallery in NYC- here is the program- open until the 18th of September- please visit if you can...

2010-09-02T19:18:00.004-07:00

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2010-07-27T14:38:00.006-07:00

I managed to find a ride out of New York, taking me to Albuquerque, where I visited with friends and then onto Santa Fe. I am now taking a few days in Colorado before heading north. I am busy editing and writing for a couple of stories, but I came across a few folders with images from New York that didn't seem to fit into any particular category, so I thought I'd post them here.

2010-07-04T12:36:00.005-07:00

I flew to New York on Icelandic Air and we had to detour further north because of the volcano. This afforded wonderful views of Greenland and northern most Canada. I have been going through various folders on my desktop, when I came across this folder of images and thought I'd post a couple.

2010-06-23T10:30:00.010-07:00

I have lapsed terribly with this blog- and I shall now, once again, attempt to make more regular posts....Since March, I spent a couple more months in London, working on several stories including getting to know some of the women who are asylum seekers and members of a great little NGO called Women Asylum Seekers Together- I hope to continue working with the women when I get back to London. I am

2010-03-15T05:36:00.005-07:00

The clocks may not have gone back yesterday in the UK, but spring seems to have finally sprung and so with the sun shinning, what better place to head than Trafalgar Square for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade? The area was teeming with people, most in various shades of green and many with silly hats and wigs... the parade was a little smaller than I expected, but from the Irish Hare Krishna's

2010-03-11T22:37:00.003-08:00

For those folks in London, I have a photo in a rather interesting photo exhibit at Somerset House- it's a curious mix of images, but I think it's worth a gander.If you're particularly interested in any of the images you can bid during the charity auction which will be held at Christie's on the 15th. of April.http://www.apositiveview.com/http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual_arts/1216.asp

2010-03-11T02:10:00.003-08:00

I woke this morning to see smoke billowing across the City of London as a fire was being brought under control by over 100- firefighters in the city. The fire started in an upscale restaurant on Tabernacle Street, on the border of Shoreditch and the City in the early morning, gutting the entire insides. The area was heavily cordoned off for many hours, causing much trouble for the morning commute

2010-03-05T11:14:00.003-08:00

Well, I've not been very good at keeping this blog up- apologies! I've been spending more time in London trying to sell my last couple of stories than shooting new ones. But that being said, I've still been keeping a toe in the water. So, here's a mix of stuff shot in the last week or two. At top is BBC radio man, Dave Monk learning to belly dance during a health event at the Lakeside Mall, I was

2010-02-15T07:02:00.006-08:00

Though London will hold official celebrations on the 21st, I popped down to China Town yesterday to see if anyone was celebrating the New Year, the Year of the Tiger. There were several Lion Dances going on throughout the area, and many children with firecrackers. The Lion Dance is believed to bring luck and happiness. Restaurants will hang greens, such as lettuce, as high as they can to test the

2010-01-25T01:10:00.005-08:00

'I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist' was the word spread during a mass gathering in Trafalgar Square, Saturday. About 1000 photographers were defending their rights to be able photograph on British streets and not get stopped and abused by police. This event follows a series of high profile detentions under section 44 of the terrorism act in the UK. Of course, what would happen at such an event?

2010-01-17T11:22:00.001-08:00

If any of you are in London this week:The Sony World Photography Awards global tour comes to London to coincide with the judging of the 2010 competition. The opening night is on 19th January 2010 at 7.30pm at ART WORK SPACE and runs until 29th January 2010 (see http://www.worldphotographyawards.org/globaltour/london.aspx).

2010-01-09T06:19:00.004-08:00

Took a few weeks off after the last story, if you're interested there's now a new edit on my website: http://www.amiranphoto.com/gallery.html?gallery=A%20Legacy%20of%20Suffering%2c%20BhopalHappy New Year to everyone!!!!

2009-11-25T04:59:00.007-08:00

Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), where caring is a way of life, is a multispecialty 350 beded superspecialty hospital supported by its mini units, aims to have a direct impetus to the health of MIC gas victim community of Bhopal.Reads the first paragraph of the BMHRC glossy, 38-page annual report. The hospital with its marble interior and luscious, green grounds began

2009-11-23T19:23:00.004-08:00

Radha rests on the staircase while supporting her husband, Hemant, together with her brother-in-law, Maheesh, they slowly make there way to the rooftop. All three are breathing heavily and they stop often, eventually lowering Hemant onto a blanket. Radha wipes her brow and pours her husband a cup of water. Just as she sits, a cry comes from a few feet away, and she jumps to attend her son, Karan.

2009-11-22T19:45:00.006-08:00

Hari Bai clearly remembers that night 25-years-ago. The coughing, the burning, the swollen eyes, the vomiting. Her husband finished his shift as an auto-rickshaw driver and raced home grabbing their two young boys and driving the family to Hamedia Hospital. "There were people everywhere, but no doctors, we waited and waited and then at 5am there was an announcement that everything was controlled

2009-11-20T20:56:00.005-08:00

Rajni, 24, comes from a small village many miles from Bhopal, 8-years-ago she married Navneet, 26, and as is Indian custom, moved into his parents' house in the water-contaminated colony of Shivshakti Nagar near Union Carbide's solar evaporation pits. When the factory was in use, two pits were created on adjacent land. They were lined with polythene sheeting and filled with toxic waste. The

2009-11-14T02:53:00.006-08:00

Mavis is six-years-old. Her mother, Rubina, was a two-year-old toddler when her father grabbed her and her sister from their bed in the middle of the night and ran with them up the hill, in an attempt to escape the lethal gas which had filled the air. "It was like chilli powder on our faces, our eyes were stinging," said Mavis's grandmother, Bivi Jan, of the night, 25-years-ago, "we were coughing

2009-11-12T20:38:00.005-08:00

I am back in Bhopal to continue my project on life in the city, 25-years after the worst chemical explosion in the world. Estimates of 10,000 people died within days of the explosion and another 10,000 in the passing years, due to illnesses caused by the lethal gases. A quarter of a century later and the factory is still standing, though in disrepair, the acres of land have never been cleaned up,

2009-11-10T19:41:00.006-08:00

From Pushkar I took a 15 1/2 hour train ride to Varanasi, wanting to get there in time for Dev Deepavali, a celebration of the first full moon after Diwali. This is a very auspicious time for Hindus to pray and bathe in the Ganges and thousands of candles are lit along all the ghats. It was amazing to see so many people trying to get to the river, both off the ghats and in boats. I went out on a

2009-11-09T02:33:00.011-08:00

While the Camel Fair is happening on the outskirts of Pushka, the town itself is filling with pilgrims. Both events happen during the holy Hindu month of Kartika, an especially auspicious time for believers to pray and bathe themselves in the holy waters of Pushka lake.However, this year, there is no lake. Apparently, the lake was so filthy that the local government decided to clean it. The lake

2009-11-08T04:20:00.017-08:00

I decided that since I was in the neighbourhood, well, 11 1/2 hours by sleeper train, I should attend one of the World's largest Camel Fairs, in Pushkar, Rajasthan. It was quite brilliant! Literally hundreds of camels and other livestock were brought from miles around by their owners to sell and trade. I was told that there were less this year than usual, possibly due to outbreaks of animal flu

2009-10-17T07:57:00.010-07:00

I am in Bhopal, India. The town that lost 1000s of lives 25-years-ago, due to a massive chemical leak at the Union Carbide Factory. The poisonous gasses killed many almost instantly and has proven to be the cause of continued suffering among the survivors and their children. The factory has not been cleaned up and the toxic waste that accumulated while the factory was in operation has seeped into

2009-10-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

A piece I wrote for The Oregonian Travel section ran today:http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2009/10/trekking_into_mayan_history.html

2009-10-07T20:58:00.010-07:00

Well, I'm back in India. I actually arrived several days ago, but I have been sick with some kind of flu bug.I'll be heading out of Bangalore by train, on Sunday, but I thought I'd post an image I made while flying somewhere over south Iran/Pakistan.

2009-09-28T13:51:00.004-07:00

Well, I'm off on a new adventure.But before I leave I thought I'd post a couple of images shot while walking around London in the last couple of days.

2009-09-14T01:17:00.010-07:00

Yesterday I started with a march and ended up watching fireworks over the river Thames. The march was Pro-Palestinian through the center of London, my interest was with a new far-right group called the English Defense League who were planning to also be in the center. The police were hundreds strong and controlled the entire event, walking with the marchers and corralling the protesters, keeping

2009-09-13T01:03:00.007-07:00

The sun set last night was pretty spectacular, and then when I walked around to the other side, there was a red slither of a moon- too bad it wasn't rising near St. Paul's!

2009-08-30T09:10:00.009-07:00

Despite the two-hour delay in the opening parade at the Notting Hill Carnival, there was a good turn out, and the rains held off. Tomorrow is traditionally the bigger day, but I won't be in town, so I popped down for a couple of hours this morning. It's all rather disorganised, but fun. Thumping music coming from every block and sweet smells of patties, stews and curries wafting from every corner

2009-08-24T06:15:00.008-07:00

Jet lagged in London, I watched a beautiful sunrise and then decided to take a trip to the seaside. The weather was quite brilliant as were the contestants for the annual International Birdman Competition. People came from all around wearing silly costumes whilst jumping off the Worthing Pier. Some folks were more serious and had specially made hand gliders, but with little wind, they were unable

2009-06-22T10:53:00.002-07:00

I've been absent from the blogging for awhile. I am in Ottawa right now helping my aunt as she recovers from a major surgery. It has caused me to slow right down, which is probably not a bad thing; to consider new stories, to write more and to just be with family. The picture is my aunt with her newest grandchild, Gwen.I'll be back on the road soon.

2009-05-22T13:56:00.003-07:00

2009-05-12T04:54:00.009-07:00

The Tamil supporters were outside the Houses of Parliament in force yesterday- disrupting traffic and causing the local constabulary great angst."This is the only way to make people listen," said Daniel Thamapaln, a British National, originally from the north of Sri Lanka, "we need the British government to step in." Thamapaln joined hundreds of other Tamil supporters as they shouted for a

2009-05-05T22:44:00.012-07:00

Kew Gardens in southwest London is a wonderful escape from the city- 300 acres of parkland and tropical glasshouses- right now the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom, there are bluebells everywhere and little chicks and goslings playing catch-up behind their parents.

2009-05-02T09:49:00.013-07:00

May Day; from traditional Morris Dancers dancing at dawn on Chanctonbury Bury ring, to a solidarity march through London, to drinking and partying outside of the Royal Bank of England in a bid to provoke the police- an interesting day!

2009-04-28T08:16:00.008-07:00

A few moments of down time and I thought I'd post a couple of pictures shot in Cannes before my camera failed me (it's now in the shop- argh!).What an experience! Hobnobbing with some of the most amazing photographers from Mary Ellen Mark to Bruce Davidson, to Tom Stoddart and Elliot Erwitt and of course all the award winners! Wow! Quite brilliant.The food was excellent, the conversation

2009-04-10T08:27:00.004-07:00

“I’d be there at five in the morning to collect the water- if I was late, the water would run out before my ration was filled,” said Singara Valli, 37, of Tiruchirappalli, about her days of fetching water when the water truck came.Valli joined a woman’s self-help group in her slum and the 20-member group, supported by the south Indian based NGO, Gramalaya, began to learn new ways to improve water

2009-03-29T06:07:00.008-07:00

Posing.

2009-03-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

It was made official today- this photograph (shot at Shanti Bhavan in the south of India) won a first place in the Music category of the Sony World Photo Awards 2009- pretty exciting for me, especially as they're flying me to Cannes for a 'Black-tie' gala event.... though goodness knows what I'm going to wear!!http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2009/mar/16/photography-sony?picture=

2009-03-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

I found a group of students in Bangalore today, creating their own version of 'Holi' by throwing raw eggs and colored powder on themselves and unsuspecting passers-by.The Hindu tradition of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the beginning of spring. It is a very big tradition in the north of the country, with huge celebrations, dances and music, but down here, I have only

2009-03-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

On the eve of International Woman's Day, several hundred people gathered in front of the Director General of Police's office in downtown Bangalore. They held signs reading "Respect Women", "Stop Moral Policing" and "My Friend was Attacked." Over the past few weeks, there have been a spate of attacks on women. Mainly women in western-style clothing, usually in broad daylight. Verbal and physical

2009-03-06T03:34:00.000-08:00

I was heading into town today when up ahead firecrackers were being let off in the middle of the road. Behind was an auto rickshaw decorated with garlands and a photograph of a man. The vehicle was followed by a band of musicians, and men dancing and singing.They were celebrating the life of a man now being carried, covered in flowers on the shoulders of family.As we waited for the procession to

2009-03-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday I was up early and joined some friends who wanted to take an organized walk through LalBagh Botanical Gardens. I am not a big one for tours, but this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The guide, Vijay Thiruvady, was particularly passionate about the gardens and knew its history well. From its beginning's in the 16th century as a rock to mark Bangalore's southern boundary, to the

2009-02-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

Back in Bangalore, editing and figuring out the next plan..... thought I'd post a few images from the last month that I like.

2009-02-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

Making rope out of Sabai grass is one of the primary activities in eastern Orissa. The grass is rolled by hand and eventually tree trunks are used as the rope gets thicker and longer. Every available space is needed to dry the rope and roads are perfectly designed for the long strands. Eventually the coils are sold and taken to market.

2009-02-07T05:01:00.001-08:00

I've been in Goa many more days than planned. It's that kind of a place. At first I fought it, kept thinking of places I should be, stories I should be telling... but the surf continued its lullaby and slowly, but surely my entire body has relaxed and my mind has slowed to a patter of ideas for another day. And today? A swim, a walk, a trip around town on a rented scooter, perhaps a little

2009-01-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

The municipal dump in Mumbai. A place where recycling is king. Day in, day out, families work the dump, living on the edges in temporary slums. It's hard, dirty work. Dangerous too, especially for the children, many working in barefeet. At the end of the day, the families head to their slums, where there is no running water or sanitation, sleep a few hours and then at it again. Picking,

2009-01-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to photograph a drug rehab center in the Dharavi Slums (Mumbai's biggest slum) this past week. Unfortunately it was a very short visit with the Kripa Foundation, so I hope I get a chance to go back and truly document things. The young boy is only 11-years-old and addicted to correction fluid- apparently children as young as 5 and 6 are getting addicted to various glues and

2009-01-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am back in Mumbai this week. I was here 7 weeks ago during the terrorist attacks. Then the streets were deserted, cracks of gunshots, booms of hand grenades, army and media.... if you were not aware of those days, you'd have no idea anything so violent as the deaths of over 175 victims had occurred or that the city was under siege for 60-hours. It's true there's heavier security at the hotels,

2009-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Orissa, which is a state close to Kolkata in East India. It is one of the poorer states and because of its coastline and layout it battles floods and cyclones almost yearly. In some areas, they are so used to bridges getting washed out they build two near each other!These are a few images I shot while on assignment for CRS- an NGO with many relief projects

2009-01-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

I just spent a week in Orissa which is East India on assignment for an NGO- it'll take a little while for the editing, but I promise to tell more later! What I have been editing now though, is a story I shot recently at a school south of Bangalore.Shanti Bhavan, which means haven of peace, is a residential school offering education to a select group of India’s lowest caste, the so-called

2009-01-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

I am on the road in Orissa, heading to Baleswar- and out of my window I see.... trucks.... trucks.... and a place to buy tea, coffee and baby snakes.... excellent!

2009-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of images I made today heading to the Bull Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to the Nandi Bull and houses a large bull carved out of a single stone and measuring 4 1/2 m high and 6 1/2 m long. It's pretty impressive, and for a few rupees you will be blessed. Since I'm a Taurus, I'll consider this a rather auspicious start to my week!

2009-01-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

Everyday I try and go for a walk if I don't already have places to be, and of course, I always have a camera in hand. I shall use this blog as a way to show some of what I am seeing as I travel, as well as a place to share thoughts (apparently I can't hide behind the photographs!)

2008-12-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

Well, the sun has set on 2008 here in Bangalore and soon a new year begins... I hope it's a brilliant year for everyone!

2008-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my foray into blogland! And a Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/holidays....

Passing Through

Honorable Mention

The Portland Jingle Bell Run

Just published in the Visual Anthropology Review:

The gift of flight....

Fashion Week in Portland

Portland's Downtown Nightlife

I am in a group photo show at the Panda Gallery in NYC- here is the program- open until the 18th of September- please visit if you can...