Lights, camera, but no action at Vidhana Soudha

It was 1.30pm. Ramiah H was pacing up and down the road opposite Vidhana Soudha waiting in the scorching sun, trying to see if there are any tourists coming his way. Nearly after half-an-hour of wait, he sat on the pavement, but hoped for tourists to pass by.

The alternative route in front of the Vidhana Soudha for the construction of the Metro station has caused a great fall in earnings for photographers who depend on the city’s heritage buildings, Vidhana Soudha and high court, as the backdrop for their pictures.

Ever since the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) made an alternative road passing in front of the high court, barricades have been put up, completely blocking the view of the high court for photographers.

“There was a time when I used to get at least over 300 tourists every day. Now since the alternative road has been formed, the vehicles are on the move and they do not stop. Hence most of the tourists just want to have a glimpse of these buildings and don’t click pictures here,” said Ramiah.

Lokesh N, working here for the last 20 years, said, “There has been an 80% loss in our business. We have to now click pictures at the road-end. However, even the tourists like to have the Vidhana Soudha or the High Court buildings in their backdrop. But now it is not possible. Hence tourists who take a walk on these routes refuse to click pictures.”

Ramesh N, another photographer, said, “Earlier we used to earn about Rs500 or more a day. These days, we hardly make Rs100. The photographers who use digital cameras carrying a machine to get instant picture charge Rs40 per photograph. We were able to support our families then. But now, things have become tough.”

The photographers also tried moving to Cubbon Park or Lalbagh to explore the possibilities of good photography. “But it is not permitted by the horticulture department officials,” added Lokesh.
Sadanand Ganesh, who has been earning his livelihood through photography since 1984, said: “I have started taking orders for photography for private functions now. “If I continue to depend on clicking tourist photographs, my family will have to starve.” There were about 20 photographers surviving on clicking pictures of tourists. These photographers used to lure customers by showing albums of photographs taken opposite the landmarks. Ever since the Metro work started, there are only 5 to 10 photographers left. Most of them have gone in search of better prospects.