In the era of the selfie, the ‘old fashioned’ photographers offering a portrait in front of Bengaluru’s most famous structure are fading into the background.
More than a decade ago, the photographers standing in front of the Vidhana Soudha were in high demand. In two clicks, tourists could get their picture taken in front of the neo-Dravidian structure, or the red Graeco-Roman edifice of the Karnataka High Court.
Now, however, they say families would rather huddle in front of their smartphone than engage a lensmen. Nearly 25 of them operated in the area in the heyday.
“Earlier people used to come to us for photos. Now, we have to plead with them to allow us to take their photos,” says Anand, who has been working for 12 years on Ambedkar Veedhi.
He said it was only the occasional tourist from rural areas who seek his services now. Consequently, the photographers have seen a big dip in their earnings.
Ten years ago, they would get up to Rs. 200 – when the price of photographs was Rs. 10 – while now, they earn around the same or even lesser, even after charging Rs. 30 for a photograph. It is only on Sunday, when hordes of tourists throng the area, that they can earn around Rs. 500. Devraj said he is looking for alternative jobs.
“We are slowly becoming unemployed. We can’t get enough money to feed the family,” he says.
Along with smartphones, the start of the metro construction – which saw barricades put up between the Vidhana Soudha and the High Court – hit their business.
However, as Metro work ends, a few photographers are optimistic that they can continue to earn a living through instant snaps.
‘Restore gardens’
Jagadeesh M., who has been a photographer at the spot for the past 20 years, said the speedy restoration of gardens in front of the Vidhana Soudha, as well as relocation of the statues of Dr. B.R Ambedkar and Lady Justice can make the area “picture-perfect”.
Photographers in front of the Vidhana Soudha earn the same amount a day they earned ten years ago
