I see in tones and shapes, stripping away distractions to capture my black-and-white street photographs

Black-and-white image of a man holding an umbrella while sitting in the back of a van, wearing a COVID mask.

This thought-provoking street portrait was captured in Guwahati's Fancy Bazaar by street and documentary photographer Richard Barman (AKA @richardbarman). Fancy Bazaar is one of the busiest markets in the city, but Richard tells of how the hustle and bustle of this once-thriving location was quelled during the pandemic. He told me: "People were locked in their homes, but essential workers continued to operate, ensuring food and supplies were delivered across the city."

Richard explains that the photograph depicts a vegetable supplier taking a brief moment of respite in the back of his van – using an umbrella as a shield against the relentless sun.