TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography

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The “Elephant Festival” Jaipur, India

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“Elephant Festival” – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Elephant Festival in Jaipur was meant to be meant to be an unmissable event. I love to document major festivals, therefore I’d timed my trip so I’d be in Jaipur on March 26th. Unfortunately, on the day before the festival, there was strange rumor being whispered around the city. By the evening, a piece of paper stuck to a hotel window confirmed our fears, this year the Elephant Festival would be elephant free.

I completely understand and applaud the organizers, if they believe that it is no longer appropriate to use elephants to celebrate a festival. If the elephants have to be conditioned into a state of docility and obedience by violence then I’d hate to condone the behavior by photographing, and therefore promoting, the event.

What was frustrating was that this decision had been taken weeks if not months previously, and yet it was only announced the day before the festival. This became obvious when, on arriving at the event, all the banners and printed materials called it a Holi Festival and there was no mention of elephants.

“Elephant Festival” – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Holi Festival turned out to be a bit gimmicky with foreigners taking part in a turban tying contest, and a race carrying earthenware pots. There was also a small parade with some locals dressed in Rajashtani folk costumes. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but at least I could get some portraits.

“Elephant Festival” – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

I didn’t stay for the tug of war or the fireworks, but headed back to the hotel. I’d get some food and an early night, so that I’d be ready for a more exciting, and far more colorful tomorrow.

“Elephant Festival” – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Life is Sweet by J Muzacz

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J Muzacz showing one of the pictures for his up coming book about sugar cane farming and life on Ishigaki

J Muzacz is an artist and a traveller. He’s spent most of the last year working as a sugar cane farmer on Ishigaki, and drawn his encounters with the island’s people, and wildlife in his sketch books. Very cool, inspirational guy. Check out his work here. I know J from his earlier project Japan 365 where he drew an image of Japan every day for a year.

Torii Gate & Sugar Cane

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Torii Gate & Sugar Cane – Ishigaki, Okinawa

Brian Hobson 7th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

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Brian Hobson 7th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

After photographing Seiei Nakaza sensei, I took a few shots of his senior student, Brian Hobson. It might seem strange to call a 7th dan black belt a student, but even those who have studied karate for decades often visit Okinawa to learn from the masters of the art.

Brian Hobson 7th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

Jantar Mantar – Jaipur

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Astronomical Devices, at Jantar Mantar – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Between 1728 and 1734, Jai Singh had a passion, if not an obsession, for knowing the time. The result was the creation of the amazing astronomical devices, at Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.

Astronomical Devices, at Jantar Mantar – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Seiei Nakaza 9th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

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Seiei Nakaza 9th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

Seiei Nakaza 9th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan, the latest local legend to be photographed as part of the Karate Masters Portrait Project.

Seiei Nakaza 9th Dan Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

Seiei Nakaza 9th Dan & Brian Hobson 7th Dan, Okinawa Shorinryu Kiyobukan

Pre Holi Celebrations

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Holi inJaipur, Rajasthan, India

On the day before Holi festival, some locals couldn’t resist opening up their bags of dyed cornflower, and making the world a more colorful place.This group of men were quite reserved with their pink / yellow combination. Things would be a lot wilder the following day.

Holi inJaipur, Rajasthan, India

Snow Dog

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Vivi the Siberian Husky

Feeling the heat? Take one white background, hit it with a bit of light, and you have a winter wonderland for a husky.

On Pink Streets – Jaipur, India

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Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Leaving the blue walls of Jodhpur, I headed east to Jaipur, the pink city. A few portraits of men on the street before the craziness of Holi begins.

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Andrea Conn – Location / Studio Session

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Bodybuilder Andrea Conn

Last week I did a location / studio session with bodybuilder and servicewoman Andrea Conn. Andrea has been training for the Pacific Muscle Classic Show on June 2nd, and wanted photos of herself while looking and feeling at her peak.

Bodybuilder Andrea Conn

After an hour on the beach we headed over to the studio and I shot both fitness portraits, and some softer beauty shots. This gave her a nice selection of images for both her own albums and to send to family back home.