Delhi is a city of contrasts, a city that beckons street photographers from around the world to capture stories. In this guide to street photography in Delhi, I invite you on a journey filled with personal anecdotes, tips and places that are most rewarding if you are travelling to Delhi.

I have a special connection with my birthplace, Delhi. My passion for capturing the essence of Delhi’s streets goes beyond just photography; it’s a love affair with the city’s soul. My childhood memories, experiences, and deep-rooted connections with the city have inspired my photographic vision.

I remember sitting on my uncles shoulder while watching Dussehra, and visiting fairs at Red Fort. My photography journey started with a Hot shot camera which my father gifted me when I was a teenager. That camera travelled with me wherever I went. Over the years, I have tried to find beauty in the chaos, capturing the rhythm of the city through candid moments. For me, street photography is one of the purest forms of photography.

Exploring Delhi’s Street Photography locations

• Old Delhi – Jama Masjid and the narrow lanes of Old Delhi are a street photographers paradise. Jama Masjid, a monumental jewel, is hard to miss if you are in Old Delhi. The courtyard in Jama masjid is usually packed with people in mornings and evenings, which is also the best time to shoot there. Best way to get there is taking the subway. The lanes of Old Delhi offer a glimpse into the bygone era. The chaotic atmosphere can be overwhelming at times but this place is a must visit for street photographers and should be the first spot you visit.

• Chandni Chowk – Chandni Chowk (not too far from Jama Masjid) is a sensory overload for someone visiting for the first time. Go in early, before the markets open and you can see the crowds build up slowly. The morning light is beautiful in both summers and winters. You cannot possibly cover the entire market in one life time. The shops include, clothes, wedding wear, jewellery, books to anything that you can think of. You will also come across the camera market, a very resourceful place. Evenings are chaotic but still present great opportunities for photography. What gets me here is the endless potential of discovery.

• Yamuna Ghat – Yamuna Ghat is a more picturesque place. Early mornings at Yamuna Ghat offer a serene respite from Delhi’s frenetic pace. In the winters you will get to see the migratory seagulls hovering over the river looking for food. Yamuna Ghat offers great opportunities for capturing those quite moments, silhouettes and a more peaceful side of Delhi. Sundays, its busy with local photographers and pre-wedding shoots. Don’t forget to take a walk along the lane here.

• Sadar Bazaar – Being one of Asia’s largest wholesale market, this place is a riot of colors, scents, and textures. A great place to visit and it offers unique opportunities for street photographers. This market has less tourists and is often more crowded than the Chandni Chowk market. It’s close to Chandni Chowk so if you are running low on time, you can do both the markets on the same day. Market is closed on Sundays, but the streets still bustle with the road side shops that come up only on Sundays. I personally prefer to go here on Sunday mornings around 10 am.

• Lodhi Art District – The Lodhi Art District is not just about vibrant murals, it’s a canvas where Delhi’s soul finds expression. It’s not as crowded and the best time to go here is mornings and evenings. This place is more of a mixed bag really, some days you might find a lot of people, kids playing and on other days it can be completely deserted. Still worth a visit with all the beautiful murals on the buildings, make sure you walk the various lanes.

• Connaught Place – Connaught Place or as locals call it, CP, is one of the largest markets in Delhi. The colonial architecture and the modern shops presents a unique juxtaposition of heritage and modernity. It’s a must visit for street photographers trying to capture modern Delhi. Do visit Janpath and Agrasen ki Baoli (a historical landmark) if you are in CP.

• Nizamuddin: At the heart of Nizamuddin lies the Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a revered Sufi shrine that draws devotees and seekers from far and wide. Adjacent to the shrine is the market and bazaar that buzzes with life. Thursdays are the most crowded and also the best day to visit this area. You can see the kids running on streets, residents engaged in daily rituals and the various shops selling their merchandise. I have spent a lot of evenings here in pursuit of finding balance in my life and photography.

• Qutab Minar : As a street photographer, exploring the Qutab Minar area can be very rewarding. The minaret’s red sandstone facade works well as a captivating backdrop for capturing human interactions. Pay attention to how light falls on the surface of the building, highlighting textures and creating dramatic shadows. Best time to visit is 9:00 am in summers and 11:00 am in winters.

Tips for Street Photography in Delhi by Rohit Vohra

• Embrace the Unpredictable: Embrace the unexpected, for within chaos lies beauty waiting to be discovered. Delhi is exciting and chaotic, come without any preconceived notions and you will be pleasantly surprised.
• Capture Emotions: Look beyond the surface; try to capture the emotions that define Delhi—resilience, joy, contemplation, and celebration.
• Be Respectful: Respect privacy. A genuine smile and a moment of connection can lead to memorable photographs. People of Delhi are usually ok with their photographs being taken but if someone says no, respect that and move forward to another spot.
• Play with Perspectives: Try to experiment with angles, reflections, and framing. Delhi has been shot by street photographers from around the world, try to find your own unique perspective.
• Stay Curious: Every corner of Delhi has a story. Stay curious, enjoy the walks even if they are not photographically productive. You can always come back the next day and make the shots.
• Timing is Key: Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft, flattering light and a relaxed atmosphere for photography. Summers are best avoided during midday due to harsh sunlight.
• Small Camera: Carry a lightweight camera to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
• Blend In: Dress comfortably and blend into the crowd to capture candid moments without disrupting the natural flow of life on the streets. Black and people won’t notice you as much.

Delhi is not just a city; it’s a living, breathing narrative waiting to be told. As you navigate its streets, remember that the true essence of street photography lies in capturing the soul of a place—the fleeting moments, the human connections, and the stories etched in every frame.

You can also read Power of unlearning a street photographers guide

You can see more of Rohit Vohra’s works at https://www.instagram.com/rohit_apf/