23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A Life in Lines

The Subject: He has a profound presence. His most defining features are his long, thick, white beard (some strands appearing matted or locked), and his highly-textured, deeply-lined hands resting prominently in the foreground. He is wearing a dark, traditional outfit and a turban. His expression is intense, direct, and seems to gaze right out of the frame. He wears several strings of prayer beads (mala) on his wrists. The Setting: The background suggests an outdoor, urban setting, likely an old city or a narrow alleyway (gali), possibly near a ghat or temple complex in a city like Varanasi. The architecture is old and crowded, with stone or brick structures and steps leading up and away from the subject. Secondary Figures: There are two other figures in the background: One young man is seated to the left, leaning forward with his head resting on his hand, appearing contemplative or perhaps tired. Another figure is seated further to the right, mostly obscured. Composition: The photograph uses a low-angle perspective, emphasizing the subject's size and presence, making him loom over the viewer. The stark black and white treatment enhances the contrast and texture, particularly on his hands and face, adding to the dramatic and timeless feel.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: varanasi, India
Camera: NIKON Z5_2
Copyright: © Debasis Paik