Where do I start? I first visited India as a one year old, and since then I’ve been traveling back every few years. This visit was quite different than any previous trip to India, and I know each trip back will be its own unique experience in the future. Like any other foreigner traveling through India, I was worried about my health, and keeping my immune system up and steady. Besides the typical health stuff, I knew I had to adapt quite early on, both mentally and physically. That shift started on the plane ride for me, before even landing in India. You know when someone takes over your arm rest on the plane? What about when someone takes over the arm rest, coughs in your ear drum every 30 seconds, and throws their trash in your seat back area?  Anyways, for whatever reason nothing could bother me. I knew I had to adjust and that there was no such things as rules on proximity between people, or whatever standard we are used to here in the US.

The first stop was in GOA, where I’d be attending my friends wedding as friend/photographer. When I first received news of the wedding I thought that it wouldn’t be possible for me to attend. It was too far, I was too busy, blah and blah all that went through my head. About 15 minutes later I emailed my friend for a chat on Skype, and the rest was history! I knew if I didn’t attend this wedding, and didn’t go to India at that time I’d be regretting it forever. Indian weddings as most people know do not last a day, or 2, or 3, but this one was 4 days full of festivities. The couple was able to gather their friends from around the world to meet in GOA. They also mentioned a few times that it wasn’t just their wedding, but the entire group was getting married! I sound hippyish but the love was strong amongst everyone, there were no judgements whatsoever, and we all knew that this wedding and  entire trip would be something that nobody would forget anytime soon.

The collection of images here are from Hampi India. Hampi is a 6 hour train ride from GOA, and quite an entertaining train ride it is! I was worried about food for the ride, so I packed a bag of chips and water. A few minutes of being on the train I was snacking on a samosa and sipping on some of the best masala chai I’ve ever had. I think it cost me less than a dollar. Every time the train stopped at a different station, you’d have  new vendors on the train with fresh chai and a new assortment of snacks. These dudes didn’t stop! You could hear their voices echoing down the train cart for the entire 6 hours. I felt like Indian Forrest Gump by the end of the train ride, but me with my 13 masala chai’s instead of Dr.Pepper’s. Hampi also referred to as Vijayanagara, is surrounded by large stones which were used to make statues of hindu deities. So for the few days spent in Hampi, we traveled on mopeds temple hopping, checking out old ruins, and went hiking up these gigantic stones. One of the most memorable, and possibly transformative experiences for me was watching Hampi’s only elephant and her morning routine. Lakshmi the elephant would appear each morning, at the same spot, for breakfast and her daily bath. I can’t explain why, but watching this felt like some type of meditative experience. Maybe because normally at this hour I’d be at a bar out in NYC? Whatever it was, I won’t be forgetting Lakshmi any time soon. So our new friend Lakshmi was a treat to watch, some of the monkeys on the other hand were tougher to deal with. There was one monkey that had stolen a purse, hopped over a few big rocks in a higher elevated region, and decided to take out a passport from the bag and look through it. Who does that?

Here  are a few shots from Hampi and GOA, stay tuned for wedding images!

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IPHONE IMAGES

Here is something I normally do not do, but certainly plan on shooting several times a year moving forward. The idea is A Day In the Life. Whether it’s your profession, your hobby, or just another day in your life I’m here to help you document it.

I would like to introduce to you, a very talented singer/songwriter by the name of Han. We’ve been good friends for just about half of our lifetime. It was a true honor to have been able to capture moments before, during, and after the show. Han’s storytelling ability, song melodies, and overall song delivery is up there with the best of the best.  When people ask me what he sounds like, I tend to mention if Jack Johnson and 2Pac had a baby… it might just be Han! It’s truly remarkable seeing the progress Han has made over the years. The commitment to his craft, sacrifices, and all the ups and downs an artist faces day to day; all of which has led to the birth of 13 beautiful songs. Songs that have the ability to transport you back to youth, heartbreak, always empowering your imagination, and reminding you that you are always safe to dream.

I won’t say much more, but hope that grabs your ears attention. Enjoy this single Radio Flyers off the new album!

Tour  Itunes

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