Tribal Photography Tour India Odisha

My Tribal Odisha Pictures

See my pictures of Tribal Odisha in better resolution here .

(for computer users)

Odisha, has always been an underrated state in terms of tourism. It has everything that a photographer can wish for, but due to less information and infrastructure, it is not popular.

It is definitely one of the most rewarding places in India for tribal photography.

Travelling in Odisha, you will get a glimpse of the the unique tribals in scenic locations and beautiful villages. 

Tribal photography in Odisha gives us a great opportunity to document and share the unique  traditions, lifestyles, and environments of these people. Apart from showing you my pictures here, you will also get some information about the places where you can go for tribal photography.

The Diversity of Odisha's Tribes

Odisha has more than 60 distinct tribal communities, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. They look different and wear differently. 

Some of the prominent tribes include the Kondh, Bonda, Gadaba, Santal, and Dongria Kondh. These tribes are primarily concentrated in the hilly and forested regions of the state, particularly in districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Kandhamal. The rich culture of these tribes can be seen in  their unique rituals, art forms, clothing, and daily activities, making them fascinating subjects for photography.

Preparing for Your Journey

Before embarking on a tribal photography tour in Odisha, it is crucial to do some preparation.. Research the tribes you plan to visit, understand their customs, and learn a few basic phrases in their language if possible. Building a rapport with the locals is essential for gaining their trust and capturing authentic moments.

Equipment: 

The equipment you are going to take depends on the places you are going to. I have gone to many villages which are accessible only on foot in the mountains. I had to carry my own food and tent. In a similar situation, you will have to carry light. 

A lot of times, I carry just my 35mm lens.

I'm more liberal in places which can be accessible by a vehicle. I have a big bag full of lenses. I carry, the holy trinity, 15-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm along with 35mm, 50mm and 85mm. I also carry a portable flash unit which I don't use most of the time.

Permissions and Respect: 

The tribals of Odisha are quite different from other places and they are aware about it. Many visitors from overseas come there and give liberal tips to the subjects. That has set their expectations quite high. So, thats what they expect. 

One thing that always works is to smile at the subject. Even if we dont know the language, we can use our guide as the translator and talk to them. It is good to know about their lifestyle and the issues they are facing. 

Always ask before you take a picture and after taking, show it to them on the lcd. That will make them happy. 

If you show respect to them, you will get it back and it will reflect in your pictures.

The Art of Tribal Photography

Portraits: 

I love taking portraits. The focal length depends on what I want to cover. Sometimes the face itself is very interesting and expressing. In that case, an 85mm will do the job well.

In cases where I want an environmental portrait, I will use either a 24-70mm or sometimes even wider.

Its about your style and what you want to capture.

I always pay attention to the light. Most of my pictures are shot in natural light. In most cases, since my shots are more impromptu and less arranged, I don't have time to set up a flash. In some cases, when we shoot indoors, where I feel the light will less, I carry a portable flash. 

Daily Life: 

I love to document the daily life of people. Unfortunately, their lifestyle is also affected by modernity. Most places now have access to mobile phones. They keep scrolling through Instagram reels like we do.

My most favourite subject is to shoot mother and child. 

If you spend time with them, you will get to see many activities like farming, weaving, kids playing,etc. You just need to hang around and spend time with them.  

Festivals and Rituals: 

I have been to some tribal festivals. It is relatively easy to shoot during the festivals. The people are dressed in their best attire and are happy. 

They sing and dance and carry on various rituals which can be a good subject for documentation. 

Events such as the Chaitra Parab of the Gadaba tribe or the Dussehra celebrations of the Kondh tribe are perfect occasions to capture the cultural richness of Odisha’s tribes. However, these events can be crowded and chaotic, so plan your shots in advance and be respectful of the participants.

Landscape and Environment: The natural environment in which the tribes live is as much a part of their story as the people themselves. The forests, hills, and rivers of Odisha provide a stunning backdrop for tribal photography. Use landscape shots to contextualize your portraits and daily life images, showcasing the harmony between the tribes and their surroundings.

Photography Ethics

Ethical photography is of utmost importance when documenting tribal communities. Here are some guidelines to ensure your work respects and benefits the people you photograph:

Consent: Always ask for permission before taking photos. Explain the purpose of your photography and how the images will be used. If language is a barrier, use gestures or seek help from a local guide or interpreter.

Respect for Culture: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid disrupting rituals or ceremonies. Some tribes may have specific taboos or restrictions on photography, particularly during sacred events.

Fair Compensation: If you are photographing for commercial purposes, consider compensating your subjects in whatever way you can. I dont like giving money, but bring chocolates for kids or prints if I go back to the places.

Privacy: Be sensitive to the privacy of individuals, especially children. This is common sense, but unfortunately it is not very common. Many photographers walk into people’s houses without permission without taking off their shoes. Disrespectful behavior not only spoils your name, but it brings disgrace to the whole fraternity of photographers.

Where to go for Tribal Photography in Odisha

Most of the tribal areas are around Ragada, Balliguda, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj district to name a few.

Tips for photographers

Note:  If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

Thanksgiving

Thanks to all the participants of my Photography Tour for joining me for this tour.

Share with others