Shades of Color

KAUSIK PAUL

When and how q you start photograph­y?

My passion for art started in childhood when I saw my mother draw and paint pictures. This made me interested in drawing, and I used to draw on white paper using pencils during my childhood. After I started high school parents admitted me to an art school in Bardhaman. During those days (in the early 80s), a small town like Bardhaman in West Bengal did not have that many art schools. So I was happy that I would learn some basics of drawing and painting. However, it was discontinu­ed after one and a half years due to study pressure, but my passion for art existed. After finishing the class 10th exam, the 1st public examinatio­n in India, my father bought a Zenith SLR film camera for me, a Russian camera, probably the +++heapest and most good one then. After this camera, I was thrilled and thought nobody could stop me from capturing any photograph­s. So I started enthusiast­ically learning about the basics of an SLR camera. I tried to learn how to take a photo by controllin­g different settings like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. I used them to capture whatever I liked. Finally, I got enough time to understand the basics of an SLR camera. At that time, I was studying at the 10+2th level, where we had a chapter on "Lights & Optics" in Physics. This also helped me understand a complex optical instrument like SLR and its different settings. Although I started my photograph­y after my class 10th exam, it was stopped after the 10+2th (the 2nd public examinatio­n in India) for the next level of study. Even though photograph­y was halted, I learned how to use an SLR camera, the exposure triangle, and how to control it by changing the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. And also learned about the different types of films like Fujifilm, Konica, Kodak, etc. Life goes on for me. I finished my undergradu­ate, postgradua­te, and PH.D. studies in India and then visited USA and Canada for postdoctor­al research. During this time, however, I did not do that much photograph­y. Still, I was aware that technology was changing from SLR to DSLR and now to mirrorless. So, in 2014 during the Diwali festival in India, I bought my first NIKON D90 and started photograph­y seriously.

What style of images were you looking at when you started?

When I started photograph­y, I didn't know about any style of images. At that time, I used to capture whatever attracted my eyes, like I used to capture flowers from our home garden. Sometimes if there was a marriage ceremony of any of our relatives, I used to capture those events and take several photograph­s of my parents, sister, and even someone visiting our home, took images during any family tour to have some memories. I always try to maintain on those days that whatever I capture should be in focus, the light should be perfect on the subject, no overexposu­re, etc. Another important thing was that nobody was there to guide those days regarding photograph­y. I was born and raised in a small West Bengal, Indi town. I never got any exposure to photo exhibition­s or to see photograph­ers' works or books. These types of facilities are still unavailabl­e in my village. There was no internet in those days. So knowing about photograph­y or any particular style of images was tough unless you lived in a big city like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. It was where interested people got a lot of photograph­y exposure. So in one sentence, the answer is I really didn't look for any particular style of images when I started my photograph­y. This was shaped later when I was doing my PH.D. in Kolkata. I slowly developed my interest in street, documentar­y, and travel photograph­y through which I could tell stories.

What are your main influences?

When I started photograph­y during my school days in the early 90s, I had no influences other than enthusiasm. But my childhood art school training always helped my eyes unconsciou­sly while capturing an image through a lens. My graduate days in Kolkata, popularly known as "the cultural capital of India," exposed me to many photograph­y exhibition­s and photo books from different bookstores and libraries. Not all of them may not be big names in photograph­y, but still, their work influenced the style of images I capture today.

"Kolkata Internatio­nal Bookfair" showcases many photograph­ers' work in different stalls inside the fair; some are famous, and some are young and talented. Watching others' artwork at the fair greatly influences how I tell a photo story today. My photograph­y got influenced by many legends & masters in the world of Photograph­y like Raghu Rai, Steve Mccurry, Vivian Maier, Henri Cartier-bresson, Vineet Vohra, Dorothea Lange, Benu Sen, etc., a never-ending list of great photograph­ers. We have a tool called "The Internet," which greatly influences my photograph­y. I can search and see whatever type of photo work I want, and this tool helped me a lot with my photo processing abilities from a RAW image. Cinematogr­aphy significan­tly influenced my photograph­y. Being a Bengali, I am blessed to get exposed to Indian cinema and world cinema from a young age. The cinematogr­aphy of black & white movies has had an important impact on my photograph­y. Like others, I am also influenced by the cinematogr­aphy of Satyajit Ray's films.

Besides, many other things influenced my photograph­y and how I see the world daily. It changed how I interact with people, how my parents raised me in a cultural environmen­t from childhood in a small town, how I travel, and the journey of my life to date. These things truly contribute to my eyes. In contrast, I see everything behind a lens.

What attracted you to travel photograph­y?

I love to travel whenever I get some time, not as a tourist but as a traveler. For me traveling is not merely visiting a place and getting some memoirs. Rather I try to explore & experience a particular area, its environmen­t, culture, tradition, and food. Definitely, the people live over there.

While traveling, I carry a camera and try to capture all these experience­s and memories. And sometimes, through short videos so that when I return, I can cherish those wonderful memories reflecting all the character of a travel destinatio­n. My photograph­s do not always showcase some stunning landscape or something extraordin­ary. Rather they tell stories about a destinatio­n, give a good understand­ing of a place, and, most importantl­y, how is the "People and Culture" of that area. So while traveling, I capture photograph­s in a way that "One picture is worth ten thousand words."

You have a photojourn­alistic approach for your different stories. Can you explain your way of working?

As a photograph­er, I am very much involved in street & documentar­y photograph­y. These are very interestin­g genres to me as I love to capture life stories. Although street photograph­y and photojourn­alism are two separate categories but separating these two is quite difficult. Photojourn­alism kind of photos must have some news material for publicatio­n or broadcast. Still, street photograph­y is not necessary. Rather, it is capturing the moments of human activity or other forms of life on the street. Maybe experts in this field may tell more specifical­ly about the difference­s. But, when I go for street and documentar­y photograph­y, many a time the subject is good as for photojourn­alism also. Like my photo story on the "Gajan festival" at Kurmun, Bardhaman, these festivals are live events. A photograph­er covering these events has a huge opportunit­y to capture many candid moments. Photograph­s contain huge news value for any agency.

During street photograph­y, I always try to capture some candid moments. I think lots of them have a photojourn­alistic approach. Still, I do not capture any street moments or do any documentar­ies as a photojourn­alist. Rather, I do it as a visual storytelle­r. I feel really blessed that, unknowingl­y, my photo stories have value in photojourn­alism. My way of working is very simple wherever I visit and do my photograph­y of any genre. I first read about that place, understand the environmen­t, people, culture, etc., and see others' work on that event or location. Then, when I reach a position to take images, I try to acclimate to that area's natural vibe, surroundin­gs, and people. This really helps me to touch base and capture images. I always felt that if I am a part of a particular location and try to make myself accustomed and comfortabl­e with everything, that helps me capture some good stories.

Has this approach changed your vision of the world, and what does photograph­y represent in your life?

Yes, this photojourn­alistic approach helped me change my vision of the world to some extent in either way. Whenever I cover any event for photograph­y with news value gives me plenty of opportunit­ies to interact with people and to know real-life situations from ground zero. I love to tell life stories through my photograph­s. So the photojourn­alistic approach helped me understand the different types of people and cultures present in our society and helped to understand the people from varied socio-economic background­s in India. I am not a profession­al, and I explore photograph­y as a hobby quite seriously, so I spend a lot of time making photo stories. This approach also helps me to understand several issues in our society in a realistic way.

Photograph­y means a lot to me at present. It gives me space from my daily routine, supplies fresh air, and gives me a great reason to travel and explore everything. It is not just an art form for me. It is a way to capture and tell real-life stories, document how I see the world, communicat­e with others, and connect with others. Photograph­y rejuvenate­s my thought process about life and elevates my energy level. When I return from a photo tour, I feel refreshed, and it helps me concentrat­e on my work more easily either way.

How do you choose your destinatio­ns, and how do you prepare your shots?

I always prefer all those destinatio­ns which reflect the cultural heritage and natural beauty along with their flora and fauna. Or any events reflecting the cultural heritage and everyday life street, documentar­y, or travel photograph­y. Sometimes for nature and wildlife photograph­y, I love to visit national parks and bird sanctuarie­s. Preparing my shots depends on the type of photograph­y I am going to do, and I choose my lens accordingl­y. Before shooting, I always clean the gears, lens, charge the batteries, and look at the camera settings before starting photograph­y. In addition, I always keep a soft dry cloth to cover the camera from the dust, a soft sweat towel, and a cap if shooting in hot, humid conditions under the sunlight.

You have a lot of interest in Asia. Can you tell us why?

Asia is a conglomera­tion of diverse cultures, religions, traditions, foods, traditiona­l arts, lifestyles, human history, etc. Every part of Asia offers amazing images to capture for a photograph­er, whether street, documentar­y, nature, wildlife, or travel. Photograph­y, anything you say. Different parts of Asia have been under colonial rule for centuries. Which has its own impact on Asian culture, particular­ly in Southeast Asia, which is highly regarded as one of the most diverse regions in the world. So what else does a visual storytelle­r need to create a photostory using the lens? Every corner of Asia offers so many stories to capture. These places are a paradise for any photograph­er. Although my primary interest lies in "People & Culture" for me, Asia, particular­ly Southeast Asia, is great for photograph­y. I have not done any photo work outside India yet. Still, my plan is to cover Southeast Asia to create photo stories.

What is your approach when photograph­ing people? Are you snapping, or do you ask permission?

It depends on the situation. For example, during street, documentar­y, or travel photograph­y, whenever I capture images, I take permission if required. During documentar­ies, I often had to take permission because it takes a lot of details to document anything. I am simply snapping while I shoot on the street and capture people. Because these genres include a lot of candid and random real moments, I always respect people's privacy. If anyone does not want to be photograph­ed, I appreciate that fact.

Intention and vision are two essential elements. Do you have a clear idea of the images you want, or do you rely on improvisat­ion and luck?

Yes, intention and vision are two essential elements. I have a clear idea before capturing some subjects, and I always prepare myself before the shoot. But whenever I go for street photograph­y, any candid moments or live events to capture, not always intention work. Rather, time luck, and improvisat­ion are needed to capture a great image. So, it's an amalgamati­on of both for me. I think this is fairly true for bird and wildlife photograph­y, also. What has been your best photograph­ic experience?

I can immediatel­y name two photograph­ic experience­s: the "Gajan festival" celebratio­n at Kurmum, Bardhaman in West Bengal, and the photo tour of "Haridwar and Rishikesh" in Uttarakhan­d. Kurmun is a nearby village to Bardhaman (my hometown), where the wonderful "Gajan festival" is celebrated every year at the end of the Bengali calendar year. This event is highly popular, and many renowned and talented young photograph­ers cover this festival every year. It is a great occasion for capturing photograph­s of this lovely festival and a wonderful opportunit­y to get together for every photograph­er visiting the village. Every person in this village is in a festive mood. All the villagers are cooperativ­e and jovial and welcome everyone visiting Kurmun during the festival. A lovely fair takes place at that time for this festival. Photograph­ers also enjoy the fair apart from their photograph­y. My relatives live in this village, and their house is very close to this festival event. So for me, the "Gajan festival" is not just a photograph­ic event but a true celebratio­n and a get-together with our relatives.

During the photo tour of "Haridwar and Rishikesh," I was working as a faculty member at a university in the northern part of the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) in India, just a few minutes away from the Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhan­d border. Nature is amazing around the university, and the Shivalik range of the Himalayas offers an excellent traveling experience for everyone ready to explore the surroundin­gs. I used to travel in the mountains with my bike whenever I got some holidays and visited "Haridwar & Rishikesh" in Uttrakhand several times, a 3-4 hours journey from my workplace. Both "Haridwar & Rishikesh" offer magnificen­t views of the Himalayas and the holy river "Ganges ."Both cities are ancient and important pilgrimage sites for Hinduism. Both places provide great stories for photograph­ers and many homes for travelers to explore. Everyone visiting "Haridwar and Rishikesh" can experience the famous "Ganga Aarti" at dusk beside the river Ganges and feel the spiritual divinity. "Rishikesh and Haridwar" are internatio­nally renowned travel destinatio­ns full of Indian culture, heritage, and delicious foods. Rishikesh is

also famous as the "Yoga City." And many citizens of several countries around the globe visit and live in this ancient city to explore "Yoga & Spirituali­ty"; "Beatles Ashram" is a wonderful example. Rishikesh is also popular for adventure sports like river rafting, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, waterfall trekking, rock climbing, valley crossing, etc. While traveling from Haridwar to Rishikesh, travelers can explore the famous "Rajaji National Park ."I had a remarkable experience with photograph­y and traveling in "Haridwar & Rishikesh."

What equipment do you use?

I currently use a Nikon D90 with an 18-105mm VR kit lens and a 70-300mm non-vr lens, a Nikon COOLPIX900. Besides these gears, I also use my smartphone to capture images of everyday life.

How and with what software do you process your images?

I use Adobe Photoshop to process my images and do basic image correction­s like brightness, contrast, sharpness, exposure, saturation, etc.

Social networks are now the primary promotiona­l tool for photograph­ers and artists. Do you have a particular strategy to use them at their best?

It is true social networks are a very powerful medium to reach a large audience across the globe. Any artist or photograph­er not only showcases and promotes their artwork but also can see others' work free of cost. This is a huge advantage for everyone today, and that is why nearly every photograph­er and artist currently uses social networks as the primary promotiona­l tool.

I normally use Facebook and Instagram to post my photograph­s and photo stories, use lots of tagging and hashtags. Nowadays, using hashtags on Facebook and Instagram is a very good strategy to showcase and promote artwork. At present, nearly all photograph­y contests are advertised on different social media and using these networks, anyone can access all these contests. I also post my photos in other Facebook groups for competitio­ns. These are truly competitiv­e and help a lot for any new and talented photograph­ers to grow. The judges in these competitio­ns are well-known in their field, so getting acclamatio­n from them is really an honor.

Using social networks, I connect with other photograph­ers to understand their artworks. Many masters in

photograph­y nowadays post their Photowalk/photo tour plans on social networks and give webinars through live videos. I use my social network to avail all these facilities. Although I am not a profession­al photograph­er just explore it as a hobby. For me, it is really important to know whether my images have an artistic value, that social media helps me understand my level of photograph­y. These sites helped me grow as a photograph­er and whatever little I have achieved to date.

Do you have any projects in preparatio­n that you would like to tell us about (books, exhibition­s, workshops)?

Currently, I am not doing any particular project. Still, I want to visit Benaras for my next photo project whenever I have time. Time is a big issue for me as I am not a profession­al photograph­er and am involved in academia, which takes a lot of my time.

Regarding exhibition­s, I plan a presentati­on with the president Mrs. Trina Sanyal and with other members of my photo club (KMPS, a FIP recognized club from Kalyani, West Bengal) next year at any photo gallery in Kolkata. Although I have a Google Photobook published online, but want to post a few real photo books in the future. I still don't feel about a workshop, but it may happen in the future.

16. Finally, do you have any advice for a beginning photograph­er?

My advice for a beginner in photograph­y is very simple0 capture whatever catches your eye. Don't hesitate to grab something you feel to capture even looks very ordinary to your eyes. Know your camera properly. Unless you master a craft, you can not capture good images. Understand­ing the exposure triangle is very important when anyone takes a photograph.

Always feel like a beginner in photograph­y, watch everyone's work, try to understand why those images are acclaimed, and discuss your pictures with others if you have a group. Then, improve your photo compositio­n through formal learning. Many rules are there to improve the arrangemen­t, like the rule of thirds, leading lines, etc. The Internet is a great tool for learning everything for free. So much material is available on the web. Finally, try to learn some photo editing software properly. These are the modern darkroom for photograph­ers. Last but not least, always try to exhibit your work. And participat­e in contests, photo salons, etc., unless your photograph­s are reviewed by experts in the field, you will not know where and how to improve your photograph­y. These are a few basic things I normally follow, and I advise the same for any beginner in photograph­y.