My journey in photography

Volume 11 Issue 9 September, 2021

As a child and beyond, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to various parts of the country and abroad. I was conscious that I wanted somehow to capture these experiences in a way that could be re-lived later. I was also drawn to books and magazines with tales of adventure and faraway lands. Thus photography was a natural point of interest for me. However, for many frustrating years, photographic equipment was expensive and cumbersome. I suppose it was a happy chance that, in my case, economic liberalization (that meant easier access to imported photographic equipment), cognitive expansion (through higher education) and some financial independence (following getting a job) coincided. This is when I could afford to explore photography with diligence.

My journey in photography is now more than a couple of decades old. Photography has evolved from an exotic and expensive hobby to a ubiquitous activity. Personally, my interests in photography have developed and are now an eclectic mix which probably reflects my varied interests. From trying to make beautiful photographs, I realize that photography is a vital historical record, and much of my work reflects that realization. The advent of social media has meant that the production and consumption of photography are now like a tsunami and is equally indiscriminate. In such a scenario, it is important to be able to develop your own voice and style. My message to all photographers is to read a lot, be compassionate and interested, but above all to not worry too much about equipment. Photography is a gift that keeps giving and the rewards are richer if you keep trying.