Kieu-Hanh Vu
April 2025 - Hawa Mahal
About the Image(s)
This image was taken in Jaipur, India last year. Hawa Mahal, also called ”Palace of Winds”, was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It is considered to be unique as it has many small windows and balconies that seem like a honeycomb. This building is located in a busy market area with narrow streets. So, I decided to capture it at an angle to avoid distortion.
10 comments posted
Kieu-Hanh, Wow! Until I read your description I thought this was a model structure. What time of day/night did you take this? It almost looks like night with lights on it. It is sharp and colorful. The perspective you chose is interesting and intriguing. Did you take any from other angles that might give it some perspective? Posted: 04/03/2025 19:51:57
Thanks for your comments, Mary Ann!
Yes, the image was taken at nighttime. Luckily, it was Diwali (festival of lights) during that time. So, the whole market was illuminated by decorated lights. I had another side view picture of the building taken through the bus's window when we passed by the market again on another day (see attached). As you can see that the building has a fence and a narrow walkway next to the busy traffic. Posted: 04/05/2025 15:43:23
Yes, the image was taken at nighttime. Luckily, it was Diwali (festival of lights) during that time. So, the whole market was illuminated by decorated lights. I had another side view picture of the building taken through the bus's window when we passed by the market again on another day (see attached). As you can see that the building has a fence and a narrow walkway next to the busy traffic. Posted: 04/05/2025 15:43:23
(Group 32)
Very original rendering of this famous building. Well done.
Maybe just a bit too bright. Posted: 04/05/2025 04:17:33
Maybe just a bit too bright. Posted: 04/05/2025 04:17:33
Thanks, Stephen, for visiting our group and for your comments. Posted: 04/05/2025 15:44:32
What an interesting history. Not many buildings still survive from the 18th century and this one is extremely interesting architecturally. I like how there seems to be light shining on the structure and that you changed the BG to black. Really makes it stand out. My first reaction was the tilt of the building, but you explained why you had to do that. The tilt does give it a dynamism that otherwise would be missing. I like the way you really filled the frame and make our eyes appreciate its splendor. Posted: 04/07/2025 18:57:26
To add one more thing. The lower windows which we can see in your other photo are so interesting, it was too bad that you couldn't include then on the lighted segment you sent us. This must be an iconic place for tourists in Jaipur. Posted: 04/07/2025 19:04:02
Thanks for your comments, Joan! The black background of the image because we were visiting this area at nighttime (possibly to avoid the crowded market and to see the decorated lights during the Diwali (Hindu festival of lights). Posted: 04/09/2025 04:48:40
Beautiful shot. Everything is spot on - the colors, the textures, the angle, and especially the lighting. Nicely done. Posted: 04/08/2025 02:17:03
Thanks for your comments, Andres! Posted: 04/09/2025 04:49:31
Kieu-Hanh, thank you for your explanation of this unique building and the second picture. The lines and colors really pop, since your photo was taken at night. The angle of your shot adds a feeling of movement with the diagonal lines. Visiting during Diwali must have been a magical time. Posted: 04/12/2025 13:15:06