While Kolkata is a great place to snap a picture of a famous landmark, Kolkata photography is best experienced as an observer of daily life: from flower-sellers, early in the morning, to trams, old mansions, book-stalls, ghats, rivers and bustling markets full of life. The mix and variety of people, texture, colour, old buildings and new, and everything else that makes up Kolkata’s unique mixture of old-world charm and new-world activity helps to ensure that nearly anywhere in the city can act as a stunning backdrop to your photographs.
This list will take you through the best places to take pictures in Kolkata, when to take them, what to expect in different seasons, how and where to take pictures of Durga Puja, and some other crucial pointers for your next photo adventure in the city.
Kolkata Street Photography: Why Kolkata Is One of the Best Cities in India
Kolkata street photography offers a great insight into the daily life of the city. Markets, rituals, artisans, rickshaws, food stalls, students, shopkeepers, and even the regular commute are all part of the ever-evolving street show that is Kolkata. In North Kolkata, this is combined with fascinating glimpses of the old city, its buildings, its streets, and its people.
Central Kolkata offers a similar, but more mixed look at the city with added markets, shops, and people. In Kolkata street photography, a 35mm or 50mm is good for capturing impromptu street portraits, while a compact zoom gives you more versatility. Most importantly, be patient. Learn to slow down and watch the world around you, and always ask before snapping that perfect portrait.
The 20 Best Photography Places in Kolkata
Looking for photography places in Kolkata? Think beyond the famous monuments and take a look at this list of 20 best street photography spots in Kolkata:
- Mullick Ghat Flower Market – for early morning colour, people, activity, and the chance to snap a picture of Howrah Bridge.
- Howrah Bridge – for the steel structure, people, traffic, and ferries on the river.
- Kumartuli – for a look at the potters who make the idols for Durga Puja.
- Sovabazar – for a look at old North Kolkata streets, mansions, and daily life.
- Bagbazar – for ghats, old buildings, and local market life.
- College Street – for bookshops, students, and people shopping for books.
- New Market – for a look at food, people, and street life.
- Burrabazar – for wholesale trading, handcarts, shopfronts, workers, and more.
- Bow Barracks – for interesting buildings and community life.
- Tiretta Bazaar – for morning trading in this largely Chinese quarter.
- Park Street – for street life, lights, and restaurants in the evening.
- Maidan – for open space, people walking, sports, and photography opportunities of all kinds.
- Victoria Memorial – for architecture, gardens, reflections, and more.
- Prinsep Ghat – for the view of the river and monument at sunset and blue hour.
- Babughat – for views of people commuting by ferry on the river.
- Dakshineswar – for architecture, the river, and people, while respecting the temple guidelines.
- South Park Street Cemetery – for the look and feel of this unique landmark.
- Girish Park – for old streets, rickshaws, and a look at North Kolkata life.
- Indian Coffee House – for a shot of the high ceilings in this local establishment, or capturing the people and the city around it.
- Rabindra Sarobar – for environmental portraits, walks, reflection, and photography of all kinds.
The Best Time for Street Photography in Kolkata
If there is one best time to do street photography in Kolkata, it is early in the morning, just as the sun rises. The markets are busy, but there is less traffic, and the light looks nice, especially in places like Mullick Ghat, ghats, Kumartuli, and many local markets.
Another favourite time for street photography is golden hour and the hour or so after sunset, which looks beautiful on buildings. Later on, after the sun has set, is also a good time to go street photography in Kolkata if you have a fast lens. Park Street, markets, and commercial districts stay open late and can be interesting at this time of the day.
The Best Season for Street Photography in Kolkata
The best season for street photography in Kolkata is in winter, as the cool weather makes it more pleasant to go out and take pictures. Another good time for street photography in Kolkata is on a cloudy morning, especially around the river and old parts of the city.
Monsoon season can also be a good time for street photography in Kolkata: the wet streets, reflected puddles, and dramatic clouds make for some interesting pictures. The clear morning light of summer can also help you get some nice shots. Finally, the time just before Durga Puja is also a great time for street photography in Kolkata, as Kumartuli comes to life making idols for the big holiday.
Kolkata Street Photography During Durga Puja
Durga Puja in Kolkata is one of the most spectacular festivals in India, and one of the best times to be in town for a photographer. You can look for portraits, nightscapes, illuminated pandals, and general street life and activity.
Know that some places can get very busy and try and keep your gear light and safe: Kolkata street photography is good, so use a small camera and keep your stuff close.
Kumartuli is great before the festival, as the potters make the idols for the holiday. Take pictures of the amazing pandals and their people, and capture this incredible cultural moment in your photos.
The Best Places for Night Street Photography in Kolkata
Some of the best street photography in Kolkata takes place at night. Park Street has some interesting lights, but New Market, Esplanade, and Central Kolkata are even better for night street photography in Kolkata. Howrah Bridge and the riverside are also worth a look if you want to try night street photography in Kolkata.
Use a faster shutter to capture people in the streets and play with the lights in the town. In night street photography in Kolkata, you can also try using a large aperture and a higher ISO if you need more light.
Remember that safety comes first if you are doing night street photography in Kolkata: don’t photograph alone in dark alleys.
Photography Checklist for Kolkata Street Photography
Use this photography checklist when you go for a South or North Kolkata photoshoot:
- A camera and a charged battery
- One or two lenses: a 35mm, 50mm, or a small zoom
- Extra battery and memory card
- A small bag
- A cloth to remove dust, humidity, and rain
- Water and comfortable shoes
- A power bank for your phone
- Protection from the rain during the monsoon
- Asking for permission to take portraits
- Having a visual theme for street photography in Kolkata
Most importantly, street photography in Kolkata means photographing people and not turning regular life into an exhibition.
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Conclusion
Kolkata photography gives you the chance to capture the city and its people as they live their daily lives. Whether it’s Mullick Ghat or Kumartuli, College Street or Burrabazar, the city offers loads of chances to take pictures.
Know the time of year and the time of day that you want to photograph, and have an idea of what you want to see. Be respectful of people, and you will get some amazing shots that look great in your album.
