A talented artist and dancer, 12 year old Suruthi was a natural with a camera in her hands. "Leading lines, Aunty" she explained when showing me this image. She quickly became aware of changing light and would arrange subjects in her photos.
I was surprised to learn that photography is regarded as a male occupation in India. Wedding photography in particular is a very big industry, which is understandable given how many took place during my visit alone. With no female photographers at all in the local region (they told me this was the same across all of India) I hope some of the girls might now at least consider this as a possible career.
Although Suruthi's ambition is to be a doctor she could easily use her talents in the arts. However, sadly it seems that artistic careers aren't a desirable choice, and children aim to be doctors, engineers or "work for the government".
