Dressing up is a chore. Well, I mean there is a big difference between being tidy and dressing up. And the later is a chore. Especially if it’s a Sari! I have come to a phase of life where this feels like a chore. Who would concur with me on this? By the time I am done, I am tired!
Having said that…it doesn’t feel the same when it comes to buying a few. I love Sari shopping. Now, who is with me on this one.? What can you do, Indian Sari is such an amazing attire. It does that to you. The colors and the variety. It is my favorite too!
Every state has its own ethnic sari to boost about. Each one as special, and alluring, as the previous. Recently, it was Onam…and I did miss having a Kerala saree with me. Still recall the year, with such fondness, when we all friends had worn a Veshti Mundu for Onam and Vishu, in college.
So, most times when I do dress up in a Sari, Hubby dear will make sure to record it! To mark it. To let me know that I should be dressing up as many times, in a Sari, as many as I shop for them,
These pictures of me taken recently reminded me of a lot of things.
1. Posing feels awkward for me..I’m never ever going to get comfortable about being photographed, even if its Hubby dear clicking. Also, its cumbersome, in the sense, that every pic he takes, I need to check it and suggest changes he needs to do. Its not easy because only, he knows what he’s looking at…How would I know .. this angle suits me?! So,Its better to be on the other side of the camera.
2. As I looked at my hair, it reminded me of the advice my youngest daughter R, always gives me.
“Mama , you look like a boy…if you tie your hair up. Let it down!”
When ever she is with me…she will make sure to open my bun and let those few strands I have left, hang down.
3. It reminded me, how the angle of the camera can make you look bigger or slimmer than you actually are.
These shots have been taken, by a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens. On the outset, it is not the most appropriate lens for shooting a portrait. Longer focal lengths are good for portraits. Ideally an 85mm. But, I chose the 50mm here, for the space available in the room, and the 1.4 aperture that it allows, for high key shot.
Some angles make the midsection, looks wider and in some they look slimmer. The nose appears bulged or longer in some and in others it doesn’t. It all depends on the angle you hold the camera, the focal length of the lens and how far you are from the subject.
Perfect time to echo this from Calvin and Hobbes.
So, if all you seek is the truth, in a photograph….You are not going to find it.
4. Recently, we had a Sari Tying workshop at one of our GNO. I was wondering … How much I would have gotten out of 10 for this?
Actually, the point made was very good that I concur with. To some, Sari tying is an art, it comes naturally, while to others, it’s a skill. It needs to be developed.
It’s a sin to just wrap a beautiful Sari without giving the respect it deserves.. You got to take your time..to wear it proper. It can highlight your curves..make you look slimmer than you are. Otherwise, all that effort the weaver puts into making that beautiful fabric is LOST!
(Having said all these..there are many Opinions on the right way of wearing a Sari, isn’t there? Myself, I like hanging the Pallu carelessly over the shoulder, looking like a women I am today, a mom of 4 children.)
All this talk about wearing a Sari to look slimmer, reminded me that its no different from the concept that Calvin made clear about Photography! Its how you hide and how you show.
Now, if this is the point, then, I have a point too, as a photographer. It’s a sin to not take a good picture of a woman who has taken the pains to wear a beautiful Sari, perfectly! All you spouses and photographers who are going to take pictures, of your wives…learn to take it right.
So, Did my Hubby do a good job here. Sure!
And this picture…it has a story of its own.
I’ve been careless about my Phone. All summer I had my kids with me and Hubby dear could reach me on our Home #, if needed. So, I never needed to have my mobile on me. I lost my phone umpteen times. Turned out misplaced..every time.
At one point, when it was more than a month that I was without a phone..we bought a new one, the Samsung S5. Cool pics it takes uh!!
If you find a white Samsung with a Message permanently beeping on it..
”This phone belongs to Gayatri. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx. You can be sure, it would be mine and do give me a call back at the number mentioned, to return my phone. 
Its September, the festival season is on us..I’m already planning to shop for a few Saris. I don’t know if I will wear them..but, shop I will. What will you choose to wear this festival season?!
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