"Being Sikh" - Charles Meacham's Online Gallery

great work mr.charles i appreciate your efforts.

First, let me say thank you for your good words on my work. The appreciation from the Sikh community is a huge motivation for me. Over the last 2 years, I have done a lot or research on Sikhism, and I am learning more all of the time. I am far from an expert, it often seems the more I know the less I know. As a photographer, Sikhism offers me a subject that to me seems almost untouched. There are thousands of photographers who focus on images of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. But why not Sikhism? Here is a culture with history, both past and present, as welcoming and colorful, if not more so, than these. Sikhs are very diverse, offering many different photography opportunities. As a photographer, Sikhism is a gold mine. On a personal level, photographing Sikhism has given me the opportunity to experience a culture that few westerners know about. I come from a small town outside of Philadelphia, I had no idea about Sikhism until I was about 28 years old. But here I am spending my days at the Golden Temple, with my good friend Shera Singh's family in Amritsar, or with Nihang Warriors. I would never of imagined any of these things growing up. Having photographed several other religions, I was always depressed by their seclusion, the constant asking for bakshesh, or their pursuit to convert me. Sikhs are just the opposite. Sikhs welcome, Sikhs give, and Sikhs only wish you to know about their culture. I don't know if I can put it into words, but Sikhism has given me a lot of peace. Sincerely, Charles Meacham

you are wonderful photographer , GURU bless you with love ,light and happiness .