5 Photos, 5 Colours – The Colour of Travel

Capture the Colour Contest - All colours

One of the things I love photographing the most when I travel is colours, be it subtle or vibrant. Colours have a unique way of setting the mood of a place like no other element. So when I heard that Travel Supermarket were holding a travel photo competition called Capture the Colour, it sounded like my kind of thing. The prizes also happen to be amazing. They are offering each five colour category winners an iPad 3 and the grand prize winner will receive £2,000 to spend on travel. There have been some amazing entries so far, so I know my chances are pretty slim but I might as well try. So here I am entering my first competition as a blogger (coz no one nominated me…cue sympathy from the judges…no? Ok.).  So without further ado, here are my 5 travel photos that capture the colour of travel.

White – New Delhi, India

WHITE - The keeper of Purana Qila (Old Fort), New Delhi, India

This man works at Purana Qila (also known as Old Fort) in New Delhi, India. He prides himself on his job and makes sure to keep the place spotless also ensuring that no tourists enter with their shoes on. I’m usually too shy to ask people for their portraits, but his face had so much character and history that I just went for it. I’m glad I did, I love this photo.

Yellow – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

On a recent trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, I was blown away by the towns beauty and old charm. This crumbling yellow wall and old wooden door particularly drew my attention. I have a slight obsession with taking photos of decaying painted walls and this photo had everything I love about them. I feel that the textures, character, history and colour of San Miguel are exemplified through this shot.

Red – Mompox, Colombia

RED - Dying roses in a cemetery, Mompox, Colombia

Travel never stops educating us. While in Mompox, Colombia, a man told us ‘You cant know a towns people until you see how they bury their dead”. This is not meant in any way derogatory in light of the above picture but as a way of gaining insight into a culture and their current state. In fact it opened my eyes alot to the poverty that exists in some places. This cemetery was a beautiful and sad place all at once. The family members of this person have carved the name of their loved one into this cement wall, as they probably couldn’t afford a headstone. The dying red roses, tumbled over in their vase, gives the photo a bittersweet feel.

Green – Coffee Park, Colombia

GREEN - Bamboo forest - Parque del Cafe, Colombia

They say that Ireland has 40 shades of green…well if thats the case, then Colombia has well over 100! This photo was taken in the colourful and famous National Coffee Park, Colombia. One of the things that stood out to me about this beautiful country was how lush and green it was. Before visiting Colombia, I don’t think I had ever  touched the silky smooth surface of bamboo trees. I love how bamboo is covered in a rough brown casing as it grows. Eventually and gradually it breaks free, as the layers fall away and it emerges; perfect, bright and beautiful, much like the Colombian people today; breaking free of stereotypes, bad press and a troublesome past to show the world their true colours.

Blue – Kathmandu, Nepal

BLUE - Water falling over a statue, Kathmandu, Nepal

This is actually a fountain and not rain but I love how it looks almost like a monsoon shower. Here, a statue sits peacefully showered in the light drops of cool water. This photo has such a calming effect on me. It was taken just outside the Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddist Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal; a place of peace, worship and reflection. Like the water in this fountain, it is a place that is constantly moving, as worshippers circle the stupa multiple times in prayer.

As part of the entry, you have to nominate 5 other Travel Bloggers who you would like to see entries from. So my nominations are:

Expert Vagabond

Always Twirling

1 Dad 1 Kid

Anglo Italian, Follow Us!

One Step 4Ward

So there are my 5 photos that capture the colour of travel. I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below! Good luck to all the participants!

***UPDATE: This competition is now closed***

However, if you want to learn more about travel photography, I recommend you check out the fantastic Transcending Travel e-book from Digital Photography School.

If you buy this e-book, I will receive a small affiliate commission from the sale, at absolutely no extra cost to you, but you would be making a world of difference in helping me to continue living my dream! Thank you!