After the article about his photographic work, Raghu was so kind as to grant us an interview. You can get a glimpse of his photographic work here.
Could you please tell us something about yourself?
Hello, I am Raghu, a passionate photographer from Chennai, India. I am a human geneticist by education, and now work with Frost & Sullivan as a research analyst.
Can you briefly tell us about your photographic background? When did you start taking photographs, how did you start?
Starting from a very young age, my parents ensured that we travelled to a new place in India each year. The images I would see in these places remained intact in my mind, and I still tend to recall every trip like I just travelled yesterday. Later, as I grew up, I started to capture those moments on my cell phone camera and my Sony Cybershot, trying out different perspectives. While I was in UK for my Masters, my interest in photography got deeper, as I would click random street scenes on my Sony Cybershot. I had the drive, but, I lacked direction in my work
I returned to India, got myself a Canon 550D, and joined a photography group ‘Chennai Weekend Clickers’, a highly active group of passionate photographers. Here, under the guidance of my friends, I learnt to handle camera by myself, and continue to learn every day.
What photographic style do you prefer? Would you like to specialize in a specific area, such as street photography or portrait / landscape photography?
In the last three and a half years of being actively involved with photography, I have developed a special interest for street and people photography. I like to click landscapes and do fashion portraits, but, my love for photography can be expressed only when I am on the street. The activity on the streets, different personalities, lots of children and a chance to interact with people motivates me. I am more inclined towards street and environment portraits, where I get a chance to tell a story through the eyes of my subject and the surrounding that the subject is present in. I am still climbing up the learning curve which is why I would call myself a street photographer in the making.
Can you tell us how your work flows from the moment you get the idea to the stage of final presentation?
Most times, I go out with a blank mind, open to any interesting subject that I could come across. Sometimes, I prefer to take it as a photo documentary, by researching about the event or place that I wish to cover, and then prepare myself to tell a story through a series of photos. But, the composition of my photos is mostly spontaneous, while on the field. I ensure that all my photographs are shot in the RAW format. Sometimes, the scene may get so interesting that I will wait in the same location till I capture the essence of that scene on my camera.
Could you possibly provide a tip to the amazing street photograph style, how much the pictures are processed afterwards, and what else one should take into consideration?
The most important tip that I would like to share is, keep your eyes open at all times. You never know what activity may interest you. Another important tip that I follow is, to try and connect with the surroundings and the people. This makes the subjects feel comfortable and allows us to capture their raw expressions with ease.
As I mentioned earlier, I click my photographs as RAW files. So, most of my post processing is done on Adobe Camera Raw. My post processing is generally moderate that involves some contrast adjustments, dodging and burning where required and color correction. I first do a trial run and check if a particular style of processing suits the image. If it does, I continue with it, else, I work out a new style. I give importance to post processing as a small mistake in it can make a great photo non-presentable.
In your opinion, what constitutes the art of producing extraordinary street photographs, and what are the characteristics of a good picture in this field?
In my opinion, presence of mind is an important need for producing good street images. An interesting scene can arise/disappear in a fraction of a second.
A good picture for me is one where the subject, the surroundings and the lights and shadows combine to tell a story. Many times, the eyes of the subject are enough to show how you connect with the subject. If the viewer of a photo can connect with the subject in a photograph, there is no better appreciation for the photographer.
What equipment do you use and what are your favorite focal lengths?
I use a Canon EOS 550D. Most times, I have the 50mm, f1.8 lens on my camera. It is a focal length that I cherish shooting it. I also use an 18-55 kit lens, mostly on 18mm focal length as it provides me a wide range. Some other lens I use are a Vivitar 135mm f2 lens and sometimes, a 70-300 lens.
What characterizes your work in comparison to other street photographers / landscape photographers?
Well, I am still a learner, and I believe I shouldn’t compare my work with others. Every photographer is excellent in his own way, and I am still searching for what my way of photography is.
Were there interesting incidents in your photo shoots, whether funny, embarrassing or sad?
There have been many incidents that I can say. There were times when I click a candid moment and then show the photo to the subject. The subject is thrilled, surprised, and happy. There was one time when I clicked a photo of an old lady. I walked up to her and showed her the photo. She was so excited; she immediately hugged me tight and said I made her look very beautiful. I felt a high, like it was an achievement.
There have also been times when you have to answer to many people why you are taking photos, and sometimes, the kind of assumptions people have while they question you can be extremely funny, and sometimes embarrassing.
What are the most important experiences you had during your photographic career?
Every shoot, every photowalk has been an important experience. Each time I am out shooting, I am learning something new, and it has allowed me to evolve and improve to what I am today. I believe it will continue to do so all through my life.
What advice would you give to a newbie for his/her photographic career?
Photography is not influenced by what camera you use, or which lens you own. Experiment with different styles. Try to learn everything, and keep your mind open. The more you learn, the better you get. You will eventually evolve with a style that would define you.
Were you inspired by other photographers, and if so, which ones?
There have been many photographers who inspired me. Steve McCurry is one of my biggest role models. I also gain inspiration from H.C. Bresson. I also follow the work of many photographers on the internet, and gain inspiration from any good work that I come across. There are a few other role models among my friends that I would like to mention, who have mentored me many times. Ashok Saravanan AY,
Mahesh Balasubramanium have always been open to guiding me when in need, and Bhoopathy Ratnam, a friend and photographer had provided me with interesting tips for post processing during my initial days with photography which have all helped me grow in this field.
Do you have a dream for photography that you would like to fulfill?
I have a dream to travel the world, capturing the essence of each place I travel to with my camera. I keep hoping for this dream to come true someday.
Would you like to tell us about something that is important to you?
There is a lot to learn before looking for new avenues. I think it is best when we go with the flow. The aim is not to be recognized first, the aim is to take good photos, and when the time is right, recognition would come by its own.
Thank you very much for this interview. We will follow your progress in photography and will continue to be inspired by it.
Thanks Phictures for featuring me and providing me with a chance to share my work and thoughts. All the best Phictures.
