How my camera helps me make the best of everything

When my partner and I planned to come to Candelim it felt like a strategic choice - we were in the most Southern part of North Goa which meant the journey to South Goa wouldn’t be too long, and we’d still have access to cool places like Arambol.

Upon the first impression I couldn't help but feel a slight touch of disappointment. The beach town felt built up to cater to British tourists, with restaurants offering English breakfast and lasagnas and pubs showing the World Cup.

However I always have on me something that makes everything worthwhile: my camera.

Capturing interesting scenes has slowly become a way for me to engage with a place and its people and find my bearings. With my camera I feel ready to go to the worst place possible because there will be a story to tell - and a beach town in North Goa doesn't exactly fit the description of “worst possible place”.

We found some yoga (with Rama from Lotus yoga) and settled in. The beach is crowded with tourists, overpriced shacks and vendors. We went on a sunset walk.

I am teaching photography to my partner and he kept exclaiming that people were coming in the way of his shot - but are they in the way, or are they part of the shot?

If we treat a beach walk the way we treat street photography, then everything and everywhere is a playground. Each person becomes a masterpiece. Crowds become texture amongst the sea.

I even muster the courage to ask some strangers to pose for me in the Sunset light - satisfying my craving for beautiful models in such a beautiful setting.

The sunset gave place to darkness. Amongst the tacky shops and Sunday roasts, plethora of Indians seem to be spending their holidays there - which meant we were able to find some excellent restaurants.

It was my first few steps in Goa and I was expecting tranquil beaches. We picked the wrong part of the region for secluded time away but the thrill I felt capturing the crowds and playing with my angles made it all worth it.