Travelling is often celebrated as a gateway to a photographer's creativity. The scenic landscapes, untrodden trails and captivating conversations make for picture-perfect moments. It's all about finding magic in the little things and seizing the moment. For art photographer Manoj Arora, his travels helped him carve a fresh perspective on life.
"My solo travels made me think out of the box. The unknown spaces helped me see the light, colour, texture and compositions differently," he said while speaking to OT.
Arora's trips across the country cultivated a deep sense of communion with Indian architecture in him. Thanks to the intricate details, the embedded narratives and the picturesque appeal of Indian monuments, his tryst with heritage and homeland was further bolstered.
"There's something almost timeless about how the design of ancient temples, forts, palaces, and even urban streetscapes in India carry centuries of tradition, mythology, and craftsmanship. The depth of symbolism in Indian architecture—the geometry of Mughal structures, the ornate carvings on Hindu temples, or the symmetry in Rajput palaces—provides endless opportunities for a photographer to explore," he reiterated.
For Arora, the depth of craftsmanship and tradition in the heritage structures is like a conversation between the past and present. Experiences like these have nurtured his work and helped him make memories across the country's diverse terrains.
He has seen everything from Madhya Pradesh's Sanchi Stupa to the iconic city of Hampi, Karnataka. However, the latter holds a special place in his heart. "A few years ago, a trip to Hampi shifted my photography approach. Its landscape is unlike any other—it's a surreal mix of ancient ruins set against a backdrop of massive boulders and lush green fields." With its towering gopuram, the Virupaksha Temple in this spiritual town mesmerised him.
The attention to detail in these picturesque places enhance the value of Arora's works. "The stones at the Vitthala Temple complex have this warm, weathered patina that tells stories and makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Early mornings, when the sunlight broke through the boulders and cast long, dramatic shadows across the temple ruins, I felt Hampi's real magic," he recounted.
Besides, Arora is drawn to the designs in Hindu temples and Mughal monuments for valid reasons. Like in Hindu temples, there is a lot to explore about antiquity. He believes that there’s something almost spiritual in how these temples are built—every sculpture and pillar seems to tell a story, and the more time you spend with them, the more details you uncover. His travels took him to temples like the ones in Khajuraho, Madurai, or Somnath.
While with the Mughal architecture, Arora is drawn to its elegance and symmetry. "The refined use of arches, domes, and jharokhas, and the emphasis on gardens and water channels show an incredible sense of balance and order. The Taj Mahal is an obvious gem, but even lesser-known sites like Humayun’s Tomb or Fatehpur Sikri have this understated grandeur."
These sojourns, however, come with their set of challenges. For photographers, the real test is capturing these sites without compromising their essence. "Access to some places can be difficult, especially in remote areas. Often, roads are poorly maintained, or there’s a lack of proper accommodation."
Many lesser-known sites are not as maintained as popular tourist destinations, so many a time, Arora has to figure out creative ways to work with the environment. "Something unexpected always pops up, whether dealing with deteriorating structures, unpredictable weather, or trying to photograph a location without tourist crowds."
But he tries to find beauty in imperfections and document the place as is, with its flaws, even if it means embracing the rawness of time and weather.