"Not every person with a camera is a Photographer"- Raj

How long have you been doing photography?

Well, I always had a camera with me as a child but it was in 2011 that I seriously developed an affinity for photography. Till 2010, I used to make use of my cell-phone to capture an image. But fortunately my Dad gifted a Nikon Digital SLR camera to my sister on her birthday in the year 2011. Without any hesitation, I stole that camera from her and my expedition for photography thus began.

Who encourages you in this form of art?

Honestly speaking, I'm very obsessed with my photography skills. Therefore, it wouldn't be wrong to say that I am my only source of inspiration. Actually, it's my obsession for photography that largely encourages me to keep doing better work. In fact, I religiously dedicate about 8 hours to photography from my daily routine. There have been many-a-times when I have been through sleepless nights just to edit my pictures proficiently. Nevertheless, I do appreciate loads of photographers for their good piece of work. Like for instance, I had been to a photography exhibition in the year 2010 in Mumbai, and the artistic master work at display motivated me to budge ahead with photography.

Have you had any photographic training?

Not really! I haven't been to any photographic training institution as such. But from past 3 years I have been learning and training myself with the help of internet. In fact, internet proved to be a boon to me by providing my the right mentors all under one roof. So after 3 years of keen interest and ardent research, now I feel as if I've passed my photographic schooling. 

What sort of cameras and films are in your photography collection?

Reminiscing my past, I used to make use of Nikon and Russian film cameras during my childhood. However, at present, I have two cameras – Nikon D31000 and Nikon D71000, coupled with 18-200mm zoom lens. Apart from these professional cameras, I also make the most of my cell iPhone 4S to click pictures. Furthermore, as my birthday is coming closer, I have my eyes on Nikon 10-24mm lenses. I just wish someone surprises me by gifting it, because even an average lens costs in lacs.

Which photograph has been your master click up till now?

According to me, distinguishing my work would be the most cliched thing as a photographer. I always believe that my every next click will be my master click.  

Can you share your most interesting, strangest and best photographic experience?

My most interesting and strangest, yet best photographic experience has been in Mumbai itself. Since I'm a street photographer, I tend to carry my photography kit everywhere. Once it so happened that while returning back from Oshiwara, I came across a group of South Indian people who were celebrating one of their festivals. Initially, I followed them for an hour and subsequently clicked few shots. Even though I had no idea about that particular fest, my street photography experience resulted in capturing some finest shots. Moreover, that bunch of photographs were displayed on some International Blogs and also conquered global rewards and admiration.

Like I said, since I'm a street photographer, I make sure that whatever I capture should be unique and the photograph itself should speak volumes. The very first thing I take into consideration is the exclusivity of the subject and later the technical aspects comes into being. But from a photographer's perspective, I usually don't prefer to shoot in India because being a poor nation, I would be doing an injustice by showcasing the poverty. So I prefer street photography in places like United States, whereby you are provided with clean frames and the subject to be focused stands out instantly.  

As you are associated with television, do you have any aim in photography?

Being a television artist, acting is my profession. While on the other hand, photography is my passion. I would never charge for my passion, as I put my heart and soul into it. The only aim I have with respect to this art, is to be truly recognized as a renowned photographer worldwide. 

As a photographer, how do you rate yourself?

Till last year, as a photographer I would have rated myself a 6 on 10. Having a glance at the current status, I would rate myself a 7.5 on 10 and I wish to improve in the near future. I believe that not every person with a camera is a photographer, what required is a good observation skill, innovation, high end perspective and true dedication towards photography.

Any photography tip you would like to give to the readers in general?

For those who are already a photographer or aspire to become one, always have your camera handy with you, no matter wherever you go. And since photography has become a democratic art now, with people displaying their photography skills all over the social media, please put up good work only. A true photographer should possess an ability to compose and pick up the right pictures from his collection. In addition to this, learn to edit your own pictures perfectly. A good editing is a key to a flawless photograph.

Monica Varma