‘This book is a reflection of our own selves’: Ajay Jain

Indians is a collection of black and white portraits that writer, photo artist, traveller and speaker Ajay Jain has shot across the country. He identified portraits from over one lakh images clicked while road tripping across India since 2007 and self-driving over 1,00,000 km. The author of nine printed and 50 e-books says, “What started as a desire to travel became a journey of enchantment. I discovered that India is truly the most amazing country to travel in.” He talks about the selection process and more.

What led you to this book?

Indians is an attempt for our country’s citizen to realise the richness in our diversity and to appreciate and embrace it. If we want to make India a better place, we need to know our country. For that, we need to travel and meet Indians. This book is a pointer to get you going and a reflection of our own selves.

The images span 10 years. What were the criteria while selecting them?

It was not easy. For every photo I finally selected, dozens had to be left out. Eventually, it was about showing as much diversity across geographies as possible. The book has about 100 photos. The first 60-70 were easier to choose. The task became a bit more agonising as we approached our limit; we had to select and reject many close contenders.

What made you choose B&W photography even though images of Christmas, Dusshera, Rajasthan, etc could be a riot of colours?

All my earlier work had been in colour — so choosing B&W was a bold step. With B&W, the images got a certain timelessness. By eliminating colour, I chose interpretation over factual narration. I left a lot to the imagination, allowing me to inject more emotion and meaning to the image. Technically speaking, B&W photography is ideal for portraits. The play of shadows, skin textures and imperfections tell their own stories. B&W photographs have a quiet, intimate feel and it’s also a medium that works in most conditions. It works well anytime; poor or low lighting, also sets the right moods sometimes.

How did you break the ice with the locals?

With a smile. And an open heart. Approach any human being with friendly intent and they will welcome you into their lives. They will let you into their homes, offer you a meal, allow you to take their photographs. Some may have reservations about being shot — respect that. The other person is a stranger only in your own mind and heart.

Are you working on another book?

Yes. I undertook a mega journey by road across the Himalayas from Kashmir and Kibithu, the easternmost motorable point in India on the Chinese border. I’m working on a pictorial depiction of that journey, in black and white.

Your next trip?

Delhi. I am going to explore my own city with a fresh perspective and paint its portrait through its people.