Relatively inconspicuous, photographers at the Gateway of India have found a unique way to earn their livelihood.
The Gateway of India is one of the largest tourist attractions in Mumbai. Besides the employment it generates for maintenance and security, the Gateway provides a special livelihood to almost two hundred and fifty men — photographers. As you enter the area nearing the attraction, you are accosted by almost twenty of them, inviting you to have your picture taken. If you move further in, you will see a few hundred more.
These men truly are proficient at their job. They carry huge backpacks, housing camera equipment, photo albums and a printer. Their cameras are not the cheap, digital ones; but professional DSLRs. One even paused to converse with our photographer, regarding her camera equipment and how much it cost. They quietly take your picture, ask you to wait aside for a few minutes, and deliver it to you in a plastic pack.
Several refused to be interviewed; the thought of appearing in a newspaper terrified them. And ones who agreed requested that their names be withheld.
dna speaks to these men about their extraordinary line of business, and whether it truly makes for a good career.
How did you come into this line of work?
It is hard to find a good job today. We work extremely hard, and only few of us do other odd jobs. We earn enough from this job alone. Some of us have prior experience from shooting occasions like wedding etc.
How much do you earn per day?
Around a 1000 people visit Gateway every day, and we charge Rs. 30 per copy. As we deliver fast, people are pleased with us. Because of so many people visiting, each one of us earns enough.
What are your working hours?
Most of us work from 8 am to 10 pm. You never know when the number of visitors may increase.
How long have you been in this line of work?
Majority have been here for approximately 7-8 years; some have been here longer. New people come in everyday, but yet everyone earns enough to sustain themselves and their family.
The photographers are by no means earning the easy way. The Gateway can be a crowded place where the sun is almost always blistering hot. But they do their work innocuously, and capture memories in a frame for their customers. It might not be a conventional 9 to 5 occupation, but it certainly benefits the men. And, according to one of the men, at the end of the day — “We make people smile,” .
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}