I took this photograph on my Nikon FM2 in 2000, I’d just won the Observer Outdoor Photographer of the Year, and part of the prize was a trip to India.

We arrived at sunrise, the soft light, diffused through the mist, gave the intricate marble and architectural detail a luminance and iridescent quality.  As I framed the image and prepared to make an exposure I became aware of the tourists moving and milling about and I realised the composition was about to become more refined, something more than a souvenir snapshot of the Taj Mahal.  And sure enough, all the tourists did fall into position - it could not have been orchestrated any better.  A genuine moment, and of course shooting on film - no instant review or play back, but I had a feeling I had something special.  I only made two exposures on the day - which seems remarkable now in these days of digital, rapid-fire disposable imagery.

You can see both the exposures on the original contact sheet. The light and general scene is impressive enough in the first exposure, but in the second, all the figures fall into place, punctuating the image with a sense of rhythm, balance and scale. As you study the image further you get a sense of their interactions and relationships, a deeper narrative unfolds, adding depth and refinement to the composition. A once in a lifetime moment.

Meticulously printed on Hahnemühle museum-grade cotton rag paper using archival pigment inks, this fine art limited edition print preserves every nuance of the original scene with exceptional tonal depth and clarity. 

Limited edition fine art print in three sizes (select size from drop-down menu).
Hand signed and numbered.

420 x 325mm (edition of 100 prints)
550 x 415mm (edition of 75 prints)
700 x 520mm (edition of 50 prints) 

Dimensions are actual print size. To accommodate signature and edition numbering, prints have a 25mm border all round (image size is therefore 50mm less).

UK delivery included.

Contact for overseas rates.

Please note this is print only.
Framing options are also available (as illustrated) contact here for a quote.