Mahendra Bakle: Photographer and Cultural Explorer

Mahendra Bakle likes to capture life as is. Best known for his photographs of rural backdrops and people from the Indo-China region and south east Asia, Bakle’s strength lies in exploring and highlighting the cultural depths of the people and places he captures through his lens. In his own words “Travelling to these countries has changed me significantly. It has helped me grow at a personal level where I have become more flexible and developed patience. These countries have rich cultural values. My photography is inclined more towards showing different cultures through my photographs.” A resident of Maharashtra, India, Mahendra is the recipient of the 2019 Eyewin Awards Gold and has been awarded by China tourism.

Myanmar — The golden catch in a golden light

Myanmar — As the water mirrors the sky, so does the mind reflect the true image of self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.

Myanmar — Where there is darkness, let there be light

Thailand — Every tattoo has a story to tell

Myanmar — The mind is like an umbrella. It is most useful when open.

Thailand — “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart”

Thailand — The true joy of nature

To me, photography is the medium to communicate with the world and capture the true essence of life. It is also an art of observation that allows me to find something interesting in an ordinary place. Life is beautiful and photography can capture that beauty. Photography freezes moments to cherish it forever. As Helmut Newton said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” –Mahendra Bakle