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? How did you get started, your first camera
I had interest in photography from very early days. In fact, I grew up handling the old Ross-Ensign’s Fulvueflex, and later the Agfa Click III cameras. Later my first serious photography began with the Zenit TTL and then with the Nikon FM.
? Who are your favorite photographers?
Raghu Rai was the prime influence throughout my life behind the camera. Also Steve McCurry, Sebastiao Salgado have major influences on me.
? What books on photography, which should be read
I was a self taught photographer. I never had access to very good books during my starting days. But off course Monsoon of Steve McCurry always influences me. And Genesis of Salgado is like The holi Bible to me.
? Tell me one or a few tips for beginners.
Even after almost 15 years into the field of photography, I still consider myself to be a beginner. So its difficult for me to teach anything to my fellow counterparts. But as a whole, it can be said that the genre of photography that I am in, i.e. People, here you’ve no shortcut to success. You have to mix with your subjects, be a part of their community and then only u can get the best expressions out of them.
? What is most important for you in your work?
Off course nothing is as important as light. As I don’t use any kind of artificial source, light is the single most important factor during my work.
? What the most memorable episode or event?
There were many memorable events during my photo trips. But being in China for receiving the prestigious Documentary Award in The Humanity Photo Awards was a really great experience.
? Do you have a treasured mascot?
I don’t have any such mascots and I believe my camera is the most prized one.
? What do you like to photograph the most?
People, People And People.
? Your plans for the future?
Right now I have no big plans for the future. But may be, some day I would look forward to publish some books on the vanishing tribal cultures of India.
? What cameras and lenses do you use today?
I am a minimalist in my approach to the art of photography. I use the Nikon D750 and 24-120mm kit lens. Also sometimes I use the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens to get good bokeh in the backgrounds.
? Tell the story of the creation of the winning photo in the contest 35Awards
I stay in Southern part of West Bengal, which receives high amount of rainfall. So jute is cultivated here as a major cash crop. But use of jute cloth as gunny bags and other packaging materials has greatly decreased with the advent of plastics in the industry. But that’s causing a havoc on the eco system. I was working on such a project and was travelling in the countryside, when I found these two kids playing among the stacks of dried jute stems.
? What are your impressions about the photo contest 35Awards? Why photographers need to participate in photo contests?
The 35 Awards is a great contest to participate. Actually as I work independently and mostly as a hobbyist, sometimes I wish to know as to the ratings of the experts in the industry regarding my work. Participating in such a contest does that work greatly.
I wish all success to the participants in the future 35Awards contest.
