INDIVUE – travel & art

(Updated the original photograph with the text 8/2023)

The digital era ushered in an age where sharing experiences and images from across the globe became as simple as a click of a button. In the year 2007, blogging was gaining momentum, and travel blogs like mine were becoming a popular way to explore and share the beauty of diverse places and cultures. India, with its rich heritage, attracted many bloggers and at least one from Finland, me.

A Glimpse into the Blogging Landscape of 2007

In 2007, blogging was still a burgeoning platform. The internet was rapidly spreading across India, and more and more people were starting to share their lives online, but still mostly emails and text chatting was done in Indian netcafés, as the connections were slow and cutting down often. Blogging platforms like Blogger and WordPress were making it easier for individuals to create and share content for unknown people, but patience was required.

This blog post in question – a photocollage of photos from Taj Mahal, had a relatively simple layout, reflective of the web design aesthetics and technology of the time. I blogposted only a photo with a headline, and even doing that took at least 30 minutes of my time. On the road I could only dream about high-resolution images, detailed formatting, and sleek designs.

Capturing the Taj Mahal in Extreme Heat

The photographs featured in this blog post captured the Taj Mahal under the harsh sun, with temperatures soaring to +42°C. Such extreme weather cast the monument in a different light, both literally and figuratively.

The intense heat in Agra in June might have deterred many visitors, resulting in pictures that captured the Taj Mahal in a more solitary and serene state, free from the usual throngs of tourists.

Photography Technology of the Time

In 2007 digital photography was becoming more accessible, but the quality of images was somewhat limited compared to future standards. Cameras on mobile phones were still in their early stages, and dedicated digital cameras were more commonly used by serious photographers.

The images in this blog post were captured with a digital compact camera, possessing moderate resolution and limited post-processing capabilities. Nonetheless, they were more than sufficient to convey the grandeur and elegance of the Taj Mahal, albeit with a certain raw and authentic charm.

The Impact of the Blog Post

A blog post from 2007 featuring pictures of the Taj Mahal in +42°C temperature serves as a fascinating time capsule. It reflects the blogging and digital photography landscape of the time, offering a glimpse into a world that was just beginning to connect and share in new ways.

The extreme weather conditions under which the photographs were taken add to the allure, presenting the Taj Mahal in a unique light and capturing a moment that transcends mere aesthetics. It’s a testament to the enduring fascination with this monument and a reminder of how technology and personal expression have evolved to allow us to share and celebrate the wonders of our world.

Useful links:

• Video of Taj Mahal in one minute

• Visual travel guide INDIVUE – Trip to India