Sat Feb 09 03:14:05 UTC 2008

Capturing "Ashura"

The word Ashura, simply means "tenth" in the Arabic language. The Day of Ashura is commemorated by Shiite Muslims on the 10th day of Muharram. Each year, this day is one of extreme sadness and mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn bin Ali - grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who died at the Battle of Karbala in AD 680.

I photographed Ashura recently, as it unfolded in a mosque in the Old City of Kabul, Afghanistan. As part of this observance, young men participate in a scene of self-flagellation, striking themselves in cadence across the back with knife-tipped chains. The ritual is in tribute to this historic event and to the suffering this man endured. The event is followed by a steam-bath for participants and a communal meal served to all in attendance - men, women and children, included.

For a photographer, religious situations like this one are at once fascinating to capture and difficult to cover, in terms of logistics and the whole privacy aspect involved. I try to address both of these issues by gaining as much forehand information about just what will happened and where I should position myself, when it does. In terms of the privacy issue, I take every precaution to respect the rights and beliefs of others. This is particularly important where other cultures and religions are concerned. One obvious way of attending to this, is simply to watch around you - see how others are acting, reacting and interacting and proceed accordingly - from the standpoint of cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity, that is. The moment I receive the message - verbal or intuitive - that I'm "crossing boundaries," I take another tack - assume another perspective, in order to get the type of photos I want without anyone feeling offended.

A final point is "light." In places like these, it's often quite low or of poor artificial quality. Most times it's both. Under such circumstances, digital cameras and digital photography can't be beat. You immediately see what you're getting and can adjust in any way you need to to get the shots you're after. This digital functionality is of optimum value when photographing events and occasions just like the ones represented in the photo lay-out below. There are many differing variables represented here - both cultural and photographic. And - these are just the kinds of practical photography issues explored and practiced - online and in depth - in photography and video courses offered at The Compelling Image.