Eyes that tell stories – Kashmir, India 1988

by Robert Jan Smit

Sometimes a single glance is enough to make a photograph unforgettable. This poignant black-and-white portrait was taken in 1988 in Srinagar, the distinctive city in the Indian region of Kashmir. The man is looking out of a window. His face, his posture and the way he leans against the window frame transform this fleeting moment into a portrait brimming with personality.

The deep lines on his forehead, the creases around his eyes and the subtle expression on his lips each tell their own story. His gaze seems to combine a sense of curiosity and life experience, with perhaps even a touch of humour. We never learn his name, nor do we know what he was thinking at that moment. It is precisely this that makes the encounter so special: the photograph leaves room for the viewer’s imagination.

The black-and-white rendering lends the image extra power. The light accentuates the texture of his skin and the coarse knit of his jumper, whilst the dark background naturally brings his face to the fore. The diagonal lines of his arm and shoulder create a strong composition. It’s all about the encounter between the photographer and the subject.

I took this photograph whilst travelling, at a time when photography was primarily about looking closely, being patient and pressing the shutter at just the right moment. The photograph was originally captured on analogue film and later digitised, whilst retaining the atmosphere and character of the original shot.

This portrait is not only a memento of Srinagar in 1988, but also an ode to human expression. It shows just how fascinating an unfamiliar face can be and how much character can be captured in a single moment.

A special choice for lovers of black-and-white photography, characterful portraits and travel photography with a story. A timeless image that catches the eye in an interior without fully revealing its secrets.