# Spiritual Sadhu Portraits This Holy Man Photo Series is Candid and Striking By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-04-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-man-photo-series References: [vice](http://www.vice.com/read/holy-men-of-varanasi) & [lynzybilling](http://www.lynzybilling.co.uk) Capturing candid portraits for her holy man photo series, London-based photographer Lynzy Billing travels to the most holy of Hindu cities to show the audience the men behind the title. Choosing Varanasi and its spiritual sadhus --holy men -- as her subject, the photographer traveled to India to get a closer look at these godly figures. Billing was able to fulfill her holy man photo series and show the world a raw and human look at these private and selfless sadhus. Looking a lot like headshots, the series doesn't need any embellishments to add flair: the striking faces of the sadhus is enough to give the images a hauntingly beautiful pull. "These are headshots, simple and impersonal, as the sadhus may view themselves: alone with their spiritualism, set apart from any worldly context," says Billing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Candid Spiritual Portraits:** The trend of capturing raw, unfiltered portraits of spiritual individuals can disrupt traditional religious photography. - **Non-traditional Religious Imagery:** Creating religious imagery that deviates from traditional iconography can appeal to a more modern, diverse audience. - **Photography of Holy Figures:** Capturing intimate portraits of revered individuals can create new opportunities to connect with and appreciate different cultures. ### Who This Affects Most - **Photography:** Photographers can offer unique, candid portraits of spiritual figures for religious or cultural purposes. - **Religious Art and Decor:** Artists can create non-traditional religious imagery to appeal to a wider audience and provide alternative forms of spiritual decoration. - **Cultural Exchange Tourism:** Travel companies can offer cultural tours that go beyond tourist spots, providing the opportunity to connect with spiritual individuals and learn about different cultures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Temple-Inspired Striking Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abin-design-studio.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [AI-Powered Portrait Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-portrait-studio.md) - [Spiritually Inspired Artisanal Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triris.md) - [Virtual Faith-Based Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sri-mandir.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md)