“I hope that when people look at my photos, they feel a connection to the subjects —an understanding of their lives, struggles, and joys…”
The 1st Prize winner of our 2023 Open Call Award, Mahendra Bakle is an Indian photographer whose images capture the rich cultural diversity of his home country and beyond.
Bakle discovered his passion for photography back in 2001, when he purchased his first digital camera. However, although he photographed occasionally, he was so focused on his business that it wasn’t until 2016 that he truly rekindled his passion during his travels, a turning point in his journey.
Southeast Asia is the focus of much of his work, and it was here that Bakle realized photography was his true calling. He first visited Vietnam in 2017, where he was struck by the country’s rich cultural heritage, the warmth of the people, and the breathtaking landscapes. Myanmar followed in 2018 and again in 2019, where he experienced what he describes as stepping back into the past.
“It was like stepping into a time capsule, where tradition and culture are preserved in a way that’s becoming rare in the modern world. It was a truly magical experience, from the golden pagodas that dot the landscape to the warmth and hospitality of the people. Myanmar’s serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere gave me the opportunity to photograph moments that felt timeless.”
It was this trip that ultimately inspired him to turn his passion into a professional career. Much of his work focuses on people, their cultural practices, and their environments. From women producing soy sauce in Vietnam to the Intha fishermen of Lake Inle, Myanmar, Bakle captures everyday moments of life during his travels across Asia, documenting age-old traditions and cultural practices that still endure against the rising tide of globalization.
“I find this subject fascinating because it allows me to tell stories that are deeply rooted in tradition, everyday life, and human connection.”
Bakle deliberately avoids well-trodden tourist routes, venturing into lesser-known areas to seek out authentic stories and moments often missed by casual travelers. He has spent time in West Sumatra, Indonesia, documenting the blue-eyed people who suffer from Waardenburg syndrome and the Mentawai tribe, highlighting their profound connection to nature and the preservation of their ancient customs.
Like many photographers who naturally capture such intimate moments, Bakle credits the rapport he builds with the people he photographs. He spends time getting to know them, chatting and being honest about his intentions, ensuring the photographs reflect “authenticity, warmth, and a deeper sense of connection.”
His mastery of light heightens the power of his imagery. He seeks out the ideal times of day—early morning or evening—when long shadows adding further depth and drama, imbuing his images with a cinematic quality that positions the subjects as the stars of the show.
Ultimately, Bakle aims to convey the beauty and diversity of humanity. To capture the elegance of everyday moments, quiet, often overlooked details of life that reveal the profound depth of the human experience.
“I hope that when people look at my photos, they feel a connection to the subjects—an understanding of their lives, struggles, and joys. I want viewers to be curious about the world, to feel empathy for the people I photograph, and to appreciate the richness of their cultures. Ultimately, I hope my images inspire a sense of shared humanity and respect for different ways of life.”
All images © Mahendra Bakle