“As photographers, we get a real privilege to experience different walks of life,” begins British photographer, Ron Timehin. Recently, Ron visited India to photograph Holi - the Hindu festival of colour. It’s an incredible spectacle and celebration of joy that marks the start of spring. “I find a lot of enjoyment from visiting places completely different to the world I live in; it’s educational and gives you a perspective that informs how you go forward into the world.”

Rather than going to the main central Holi events visited by countless tourists, Ron headed to the more rural parts of Jaipur instead. “I really wanted to be amongst it and get in the mix. It can be a bit intimidating, but it’s always important as a photographer to put yourself out there and dive in.”

To shoot the festivities, Ron used the Sony Alpha 7CR, paired with the FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Series lens. “This was the perfect setup as the camera is full frame with the same high-resolution 61-megapixel sensor as my Sony Alpha 7R V, so it made perfect sense for me to use it. The 24-50mm G lens gave me the versatility that I needed, and it was small. When I was in tight places and there were lots of people I needed to capture in a frame, I had the 24mm focal length, but then I had the 50mm end for individual portraits. It was great.”

Besides the practical shooting features of the camera, there was a more important reason Ron wanted to use the Alpha 7CR. “The kit became a vehicle for connection,” he says “if I had a bigger camera and a lens, it could have been quite intimidating for the people I was photographing, which in turn can change their behaviour. Having something smaller, becomes less of a barrier between you and the person.”

There was something else Ron needed to consider when capturing the Holi Festival: the festival involves throwing coloured powder paint. “I wrapped the camera in plastic wrap and a waterproof housing to ensure paint and dust wouldn’t get near the sensor. I had to keep the front lens element exposed, so I was constantly wiping the front of my lens.”

The other key feature that Ron valued, was the camera’s autofocus capabilities, particularly the Eye-AF. “Imagine my camera wrapped in a whole abundance of stuff, so much that I couldn't see the screen or look through the viewfinder too well. And yet, I still had complete faith that the autofocus would get me the shot, and it did. The Eye AF is amazing, and I didn't miss any shots. I just had complete trust in the system.”

One standout image - a top-down shot of the colour-drenched crowd - epitomised the experience for Ron. “I think that image encapsulates the essence of Holi Festival - the busyness, the vibrancy, people dancing, it was electric.”

Amidst the excitement and energy, Ron used the Alpha 7CR to capture genuine human interactions. “I observe a lot before I start shooting. I like to see how things are moving and how people are behaving, because that informs how I will approach and photograph the scene.”

The camera actually helped the London-based photographer to break down barriers. “Essentially, I was a tourist wanting to learn more. But I realised there were no other black people there at all. People were so inquisitive about why I was there, I don’t think they had met many black people before. There was this lovely exchange where I was taking photos of them, but they also wanted to take photos of me. It became a learning exchange between two different cultures. People might find it intimidating to constantly have eyes on them or to be photographed, but for me, it was a way to connect and hear their stories.”

As discreet as Ron was, there was one way that the spell was often broken. “I showed them some of the photos I was taking as I like it to be a collaborative process. However, after you show them the genuine moment you have captured, people become hyperaware of themselves and start posing. Sometimes you have to guide them back into the moment and capture them as they really are. I always then take their details and email them or share photos on Instagram with them. That part has been nice as I have had some great conversations with people, even when I’m back home.

“That is what travel photography is all about. People like to photograph the big landmarks, but going off the beaten path and putting yourself in the shoes of local people and the real culture will give you not just interesting photos, but a real connection and learning experience.”