Self taught photographer since 1999.
The camera changed my life.
Atin was born and raised in Varanasi, India and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. His father died when he was ten years old, forcing him to become the main provider for his mother and two younger siblings. Atin began working in a factory, where he coiled copper wires for fans. This was the first of a long list of jobs that Atin did to support his family, up to and including the moment he picked up his first camera in 1999, and began taking photographs.
WED TO GOD
Every spring in the Koothandavar Temple in the village of Koovagam, Tamil Nadu, members of the transgender community from all over India gather to honor the Hindu deity Aravan, who is revered as the patron god of transgender communities.
As per legend, the devotees come each year to reenact the wedding of Aravan to Mohini, the female form of Krishna. Devotees take on the role of Mohini and are married to Aravan by the temple priest. The following day they mourn the death of Aravan through dancing and breaking their bangles.
This large celebration brings together members of an otherwise marginalized community across India. During the festival they participate in singing and dance competitions and beauty pageants. It is in the Tamil month of Chitrai every year in the Koothandavar Temple that this community is empowered to celebrate their identities as transgender.
