Letters from my Grandfather

Since letters travel several miles and through many post offices, a close-up of the stamp assumes a lot of significance. Photograph/Bhumi Ahluwalia

Bhumi Ahluwalia uses simple compositions to focus on words that portray her bond with her grandfather.

This article was originally published in February 2012.

My Assignment

• Description: To convey my relationship with my grandfather.
• Duration: Three months of shooting.
• Notes: When shooting extreme close-ups and multiple views of the same subject, the sequencing and manner in which you present your images is key.

While I was studying for my Masters in photography in England, I regularly received letters from my grandfather, a retired IPS officer. My surroundings were new and the place where I stayed was quiet. Hence I looked forward to these letters that connected me with my home and family.

My Perspective

The word ‘Blessings’ reminds me of our traditions and guides me to be a better person. Photograph/Bhumi Ahluwalia

These letters, penned in his impeccably stylish handwriting, were a source of inspiration. My grandfather’s words of wisdom, affection and humour expressed the same ideas that I was learning through the medium of photography. I followed my instinct and took whatever that I had learnt to transform his words into images.

The Process
The idea came to me one afternoon, when I was lazing around in my room and noticed that the light from the window had created a design on the wall. Intrigued by these patterns, I took a plastic water bottle that lay next to me and placed it between the light and the wall, and saw some amazing patterns. Since the letters were lying nearby, I decided to use the patterns, light and colour to create an aura around the words.

Signoffs are the perfect end to any letter and make sure that the memories of the words remain in your head. Photograph/Bhumi Ahluwalia

Typically, I would photograph words that I was intuitively drawn to as ideas and concepts, but also kept in mind that the photographs must portray my affinity towards my grandfather.

I chose to keep the pictures simple because the ideas they propogate are simple as well. Photograph/Bhumi Ahluwalia

French photographer and painter Jacques-Henri Lartigue echoed a similar idea when he said photography was about learning how to look and how to love. Through this project, I too discovered some of the things I cherish and love the most.

My Equipment: I used a Nikon D80 camera along with a 105mm Micro lens. The choice of optics allowed me to focus only on the words and bring the texture of the paper and ink to life. I also used a lot of cellophane papers and other odds and ends to create effects.

Words like ‘Your voice sounded’ reinforced the warmth of the occasional telephone conversation we would have. Photograph/Bhumi Ahluwalia

Keep These Points in Mind

• At Home: Home is where the heart is. Look around and go through various things kept at home, to find those that you share an emotional connection with.
• On Familiarity: Photographing a familiar place can be challenging. Try to create a series where the images do not end up looking repetitive or dull.
• Getting Feedback: It is a good idea to get feedback from an external source who does not share the same emotional baggage that you do.

Tags: 105mm Micro lens, Bhumi Ahluwalia, cellophane, close up, February 2012, focus, letters, nikon d80, On Assignment, optics, words, writing