Blue waters of the Arabian Sea breaking on the sun-kissed sands of Seaview beach in Clifton, Karachi, paint a range of colours that fall across the beach like a rainbow river. Accentuated by man-made structures, the display is mesmerising and ever-changing.

If one loves colours, (s)he will definitely find inspiration from the colours of nature — and the sea will never disappoint in offering that. Looking at the water one can spot every colour from inky blue-black to misty lavender-greys and pelagic teal greens.

The colours and sounds of the sea inspired me to capture some epic moments. I’ve collected images of Seaview beach, its elements, objects and the sea itself in its many semblances with live subjects that resonate each image. From the dress of the elegant woman on the beach, the rose-blush of a seashell, jewellery-bedecked camels, the lights of a dune buggy to the blue and pink hues bursting out of nearby structure, there are countless tones and moods to be found in the environment. The variation is so evident that one can draw — or perhaps dream of — replicating projects based on the themes of favourite tones.

A photographer draws out the hues of Seaview Beach in Karachi

The beach is bustling with activity for most of the day till late hours of night. Camel men, horsemen, buggy drivers, vendors and joggers live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun. It’s a paradise for vendors, horse and camel and dune buggy (beach buggy) owners, and unfolds the stories of uncountable people who seek nature’s refuge to ensure their survival in the city of Karachi.

Camel tours are one of the significant pleasure-riding activities here. These camels are professionally decorated with indigenous accessories. Colourful swag, tassel and mirror ornaments display a kaleidoscopic conflict with the orange-gold sunlight that shines through silvery clouds.

From the dress of the elegant woman on the beach, the rose-blush of a seashell, jewellery-bedecked camels, the lights of a dune buggy to the blue and pink hues bursting out of nearby structure, there are countless tones and moods to be found in the environment.

As night falls, the busy beach with scant lighting arrangement wears an enigmatic ensemble of colours borrowed from the surrounding structures (eateries) and pale streetlights.

The beach strip has a number of coffee and snack kiosks to entertain the visitors who are also being wooed by horse and camel owners and drivers of the brightly-lit buggies for a ride.

Artists and poets may portray the moods of the sea in their poems and paintings or by singing about the magnificence and splendour of the ocean. But photographs can never capture what you actually experience, I believe.

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 17th, 2017