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Varanasi Through the Lens- A Realistic Journey by Street Photographers

Varanasi street photographers stand out by moving away from trends, capturing the city’s real beauty, architecture, rituals, streets, and culture. Their unfiltered, authentic photos reveal the true spirit of Banaras in today’s curated visual world.

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Aishwary Raj
New Update
Street Photographers Of Varanasi

Varanasi, a city full of life with its busy streets, sacred rituals, and old buildings, is being captured in a new way by street photographers. These photographers are moving away from the usual edited, perfect pictures and focusing on the city's true spirit. They are showing Varanasi's real beauty, its people, rituals, and lively streets. Every photo tells a story, showing the soul of Banaras in a way that connects with both locals and visitors. It’s a special moment where photography goes beyond art and becomes a real, living story.

Shivang Shekhar Singh

Shivang Shekhar Singh

Shivang Shekhar Singh is a passionate photographer based in Varanasi who has been exploring the art of photography since 2014. Having studied Tourism & Travel Management at Banaras Hindu University, Shivang discovered his creative spark along his career journey. His work is deeply connected to the essence of Indian life, and he enjoys exploring new places, with a special focus on capturing the lives of the people around him. 

He describes his photography as honest, sincere, and intimate. He believes that the true soul of a place lies in its people. For him, it’s not the place itself but the people who bring life to it. This curiosity about people is what drives his work. He sees the faces of everyday people as special, each one telling a unique story that just needs a little observation to unfold.

Shivang believes consistency is key to growth as a photographer. Rather than following a strict practice routine, he focuses on being genuine and consistent in his art. His ability to connect with people has played a significant role in his success, as he believes that 90% of the work is getting people to trust you, and the rest follows naturally. 

While social media has become a powerful tool for artists today, Shivang emphasizes that it should never overshadow the art itself. He believes that social media can help artists reach a wider audience, but their work should always come first. There will be times when an artist might feel lost or disconnected from the material world, but Shivang advises you to hold on to your path. He believes in living authentically, staying true to your values, and letting your art speak for itself. For Shivang, photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling the raw, undisturbed stories of life.

Mohit Khetrapal

Mohit Khetrapal

Mohit Khetrapal is a photographer and designer from Varanasi, India, with degrees in Design. He has been practising street, travel, and documentary photography for over eight years. His interest in photography started during an interschool competition in the 11th grade when he picked up a camera and discovered a natural talent for composition. Since then, photography has become a way for him to capture raw, real moments and emotions.

He is inspired by artists like Radha Swami Sir and continues to develop his style, focusing on emotion and beauty. As a local of Varanasi, he finds endless inspiration in the city's energy, especially at places like Manikarnika Ghat and the stretch between Scindia Ghat and Panchganga. He enjoys capturing the different moods of the city, from the peaceful mornings at Manikarnika to the reflective atmosphere at Scindia Ghat.

To handle difficult lighting, Mohit shoots in RAW format, which gives him flexibility in editing. For him, street photography is about capturing spontaneous moments that show the true essence of a place. His work aims to make viewers think, remember, and feel connected to the scene. He doesn’t follow trends but is inspired by photo books, photography communities, and people he follows on Instagram.

Currently, Mohit is working on personal projects focused on Varanasi and hopes to create a photo book in the next five years. He also plans to try videos and explore "moving postcards" as a new way to share his work. Even though he doesn’t know exactly where his path will take him, he’s passionate about telling the unique stories of Varanasi through his photography.

Nikhil Singh

Nikhil Singh

Nikhil Singh is a talented Travel and Documentary photographer from Varanasi, whose work focuses on capturing different cultures, languages, and lifestyles through his lens. He is deeply passionate about photography and believes in showcasing the essence of everyday life, especially the daily rituals along the banks of the Ganges. His day typically begins during the blue hour, when he sets out in search of meaningful moments to photograph with patience and dedication.

Nikhil’s photography journey began in 2010 during his college days in Indore, MP. Starting with an entry-level camera, he spent countless hours perfecting his skills, shooting thousands of frames to capture that one perfect shot. As a Documentary photographer, Nikhil follows a step-by-step process, placing high importance on ethics, perspective, and storytelling in every photograph.

Being born and raised in Varanasi has played a major role in his work. He has witnessed the city’s transformation over the years and strives to capture its timeless beauty and preservation of rituals and traditions through his photography. The narrow streets, the vibrant culture, and the spiritual essence of Varanasi are all reflected in his work, which captures not just the city’s appearance but its soul.

Anubhav Gupta

Anubhav Gupta

Anubhav Gupta is a passionate photographer and artist based in Varanasi, known for his unique storytelling through visuals. He specializes in street photography, travel, FPV, documentary, and cinematic visuals. As the founder of 3manstudios, Anubhav combines creativity and leadership to bring powerful stories to life. His work has received international recognition, with prestigious awards like the 6th 35awards and Siena Awards 2021, highlighting his skill and dedication.

For Anubhav, photography is more than just art—it’s a tool for telling stories that make a positive impact. He believes every image carries a purpose, and this belief shapes his creative approach. His versatility across different genres, from street photography to cinematic visuals, reflects his depth as an artist and storyteller.

Anubhav encourages photographers and artists to create meaningful work instead of following short-lived trends. He values practical storytelling that adds real value to the world and urges people to use technology responsibly. To him, the essence of art lies in inspiring change and influencing people positively.

A strong supporter of collaboration and community, Anubhav believes that artists and storytellers can grow together by sharing ideas and creativity. With his international achievements and grounded values, Anubhav Gupta continues to stand out as a thoughtful artist who combines talent, purpose, and social responsibility to inspire others.

Piyush Singh

Piyush Singh

Piyush Singh is a photographer and filmmaker from Varanasi, known for capturing the true essence of people, culture, and traditions. His work speaks to those who appreciate the beauty in life and human emotions. With a relaxed yet passionate approach, Piyush finds meaning in the simple moments that hold deep significance.

He offers photography tours that combine his storytelling skills with hands-on experiences, allowing others to explore India’s rich cultural heritage. His photos feature iconic places like the rituals on the Ganges, ancient temples, and colourful festivals, capturing both grand and intimate scenes.

Piyush values authenticity and human connection, focusing on moments that celebrate culture and dignity. His work highlights the beauty of tradition in today’s fast-changing world, with great respect for spirituality and community. As a photographer, he documents and shares the vibrant heritage of India. Through his photos, Piyush encourages his audience to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

VNS

These photographers are changing the way we see Varanasi. Through their photos, they show the true spirit of the city in a simple and real way. Their work goes beyond the usual tourist pictures and social media trends, giving us an honest look at Varanasi’s streets, rituals, and more. By focusing on the raw beauty of the city, they let us experience Varanasi as it truly is, helping us appreciate the depth and charm of its daily life.

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