Yash Sheth is a Mumbai-based multifaceted practitioner of audio-visual medium and leads immersive photography walking tours around the city exploring many areas, themes and ideas. His work is evocative and captures the spirit of the city beautifully. The following is written by Jerome White, an Urbanaut guest who joined one of Yash's walks last month.

For several years I’ve been proud to call Mumbai home. The city has so many layers, and so many subplots. It’s impossible to completely grasp, and impossible to live in without evoking some emotion.

I recently completed the Bombay Nights Photography Tour with Yash Sheth. It was an amazing experience that deepened my appreciation for the city, and my respect for street photography.

The tour started at Bandra West metro station. On arrival, Yash explained that two of the other attendees wouldn’t be able to make it, and the other would meet us later. I usually hate to hear about Urbanaut cancellations, but this evening I was chuffed: I’d get quality one-on-one time with a master craftsman.

After some introductions, Yash quickly ushered me through the station and onto the southbound local. The train was packed, but not overwhelming.

I was nervous, but Yash provided just the right guidance to ease my apprehension and get my shutter going. He brought his own camera – watching him work was soothing. He moved through the crowded space with ease, disarming strangers and capturing their candid moments. I did my best to imitate.

We got down at Grant Road to begin the rest of the evening on foot.

It was this point when the city started to come to life, presenting the various personalities we’d encounter throughout the night.

This bike, for example, provided the centrepiece for lively corner conversation among friends.

Hours later, and what seemed like more than a kilometre away, we would chance upon it again, nestled into its proper home for the night.

One of the big themes for the evening was just how much of Mumbai’s work gets done at night. Sometimes in tight spaces,

And often with impressive precision.

But it wasn’t all work. A local carrom club was a neighbourhood draw, complete with its own peanut gallery.

That the players were able to maintain their concentration was as impressive as their shot-making. For others, the evening was for respect and rememberence.

And for some, it was a natural time to unwind.

Regardless, the Bombay hustle is palpable. No matter which way you turn there was focus,

A task that needed doing,

And people who weren’t afraid of hard work at any hour to get it done.

Fabric dyers know better than anyone.

Garland makers stop at nothing to support the wedding season.

Market stalls do their best to cage the energy.

But it’s impossible, the show must go on.

Yet there is plenty of mystery in dark alleys.

And even a little bit of shady business.

As midnight approached, the city began to show its exhaustion – ready to nap for a few hours then do it all over again.

I signed up to shadow an artist, hoping to learn a few things along the way. I got much more. Over the six hours in which we meandered, I had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth: Mumbai. It’s a city that surprises you at every turn. Trying to frame it is like drinking from a fire hose. From the beginning Yash encouraged us to give ourselves to the city. When dealing with a force like Mumbai, that’s really your only option.

Urbanaut’s goal has always been to help people experience a city like a local. This tour went a step further, helping a local deepen his love.

Dr. Jerome White is a hobbyist photographer and an American who’s made India his home. He also happens to be married to our founder but he has no bias 😀

The link has been copied!