Photography: Aashish Chandratreya
Winter’s Ethereal Touch: Captivating Images from the Majestic Landscapes of Ladakh
Ladakh, the mountainous region nestled in the northernmost part of India, is known for its rugged terrain, breathtaking vistas, and extreme weather conditions. In winter, when the mercury dips to bone-chilling levels, the landscape transforms into a surreal wonderland that is a feast for the eyes. The snow-clad peaks, frozen rivers, lakes and barren valleys take on an ethereal quality, evoking a sense of awe and wonder in even the most seasoned travelers. As a photographer, capturing the essence of Ladakh in winter is both a challenge and a privilege. The stark beauty of the landscape demands a certain finesse, a sensitivity to light and composition that allows the images to convey the sheer magnitude of the place. Every photo from Ladakh in winter tells a story, a tale of human endurance and the power of nature. It is a place that demands respect and reverence, a place that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the world we live in. I went with my father to explore this surreal place in the winters when the temperatures were -30F, and our experience was unforgettable!
Aashish Chandratreya was that kid in the family who always had a camera on him. Every occasion, celebration, festival and vacation to him, meant an opportunity to capture those memories forever. His first stint with professional photography was at the age of 15 when his grandfather gifted him a DSLR camera. He began freelancing as a photographer soon after, teaching himself everything he possibly could at the time. He acquired a Diploma in Photography from the well known FX school, India. Before he knew it, his work had garnered a massive following of hundreds of thousands of people on Instagram. In 2019, he moved to New York to do a Conservatory Program on Photography from the New York Film Academy. It was then that Aashish’s love for short roll clips and time lapses gave birth to his Youtube channel Vlogging was his effort as documenting his journey as a foreign student in the United States of America, he hoped it would help many more aspiring students like himself. Three months and few videos in, he received his Silver Play button along with a hundred thousand subscribers to his channel. Since then, there’s been no looking back for him. His ability to adapt to different environments, growth, consistently innovative art and willingness to learn brought him multiple collaborations with huge brands like Samsung India and Apollo tyres. His photographs depicting the impact of COVID-19 on New York city were published in National Geographic Travel. It’s his obsession with travel that led to his love for cars and bikes. These obsessions are what keep him motivated and are the source of his innovations. Aashish branched out and photographs all kinds of subjects now but travel and automotive photography remain the closest to his heart and his forte.
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