Interveiw of Anup Sah

Master of Peaks, Anup Sah
Photography for him is the finest medium of expression


amailto:anupsah@yahoo.co.in Phone: 09412084513 )
“It is the skill of a photographer which gives amazing results. No camera or lens can alone create good pictures.” This is what famous mountain photographer of the country, Anup Sah thinks. Anup Sah is known as master of peaks. He has been associated with mountain photography for a period of more than 20 years. His Himalayan Pictures have been used in a number of reputed books, numerous greeting cards and posters. Anup Sah has himself authored a few pictorial books of photography. He is a regular participant in national and international level photo-contests and has achieved more than 300 awards and 1700 acceptances in these contests. He has been honoured with Associateship Honour of India International Photographic Council, New Delhi. The same council has honoured him by giving Diamond Grade Honour also. He is active member of different mountaineering associations of the country. He has successfully completed various mountaineering expeditions. He is one of the active founders of Florists League, India. He has been a Member of the Uttarakhand Wildlife Advisory Board, Chaired by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He was invited to China in 2006 for Pingyao International Photography Festival. He represented the delegation of Academy of Visual Media, New Delhi there. A simple and soft spoken human being, Anup Sah is always ready to click nature’s beauty with great zeal. He never hesitates to help and guide budding artists. Dr. Pankaj Sharma had a conversation with Anup Sah. Here are some parts of this conversation.
How did your photographic journey start?
As I was born in Nainital, I was deeply fascinated by the natural beauty of Uttarakhand since my childhood. I always wanted to capture the nature’s beauty in camera. My father, who was fond of photography, knew my interest and gifted me a camera (Agfa Isoly) in 1964. This added wings to my passion. I started clicking mountains. Initially I framed the pictures as my insight whispered. In those days there was no serious amateur in the field of photography in Nainital. There was a photo studio, named, Ratan Lal & Sons in my town. The owner of studio, on my request, taught me the basics of photography, i.e. composition, exposure, developing the film, making the prints etc. Later I came in contact of Col. Madhusudan ji, who was seriously associated with photography art. On his inspiration I, in 1985 participated in a national photography contest first time. Unfortunately all of my submitted photographs were rejected. But I did not feel disheartened and tried to improve my hand. In 1990 I had an opportunity to go for a trip to Kailash-Mansarovar. By now I had got a Nikon F-3 camera. I clicked a number of shots with great care during this trip. The same year I had a chance to project my images in a slide show in Moradabad. I was not aware of the presence of Great Master of photography art, Padmshree, Mr. T. Kashinath in this show. He, after the completion of slide show, met me and appreciated my pictures wholeheartedly. This moment was like a dream for me. On Mr. T. Kashinath’s suggestion I started participating in national level contests of photography seriously and never looked back.
What was the response of your family members towards your hobby?
My father and mother encouraged me since my childhood. They always appreciated me on my each success. In fact this is due to their blessings only that I have been able to take my hobby seriously. On the other hand my wife is also a source of inspiration for me. I find her with me at every step of success.
Who has worked as source of inspiration for you?
The work styles of Mr. Ansel Adams, Mr. O. P. Sharma, Mr. T. Kashinath and Kr. Shukdeo Singh have deeply fascinated and inspired me.
Apart from mountain-photography, which other branches of photography do you love?
I’m deeply interested in capturing wild life and flora. I like to click landscapes equally.
I think that pictorial value is the soul of every photograph. Whether it is a landscape or a wild life shot, I never compromise with pictorial quality of a picture.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a nature lover. Mountaineering and tracking are my passions. I have climbed various peaks of Uttarakhand and visited numerous remote places of the region. I regularly organise tracking tours. I have completed Traills Pass Expedition successfully in the year 1998. I have successfully completed the mountaineering expeditions of Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat, Panchchuli Peaks etc. On the other hand I’m seriously associated with horticulture. Colourful flowers have always attracted me.
Tell about your future plans.
I have to work a lot in the field of wild life of high altitude regions. Also I’m planning two books that will focus on Himalayan birds and animals.
Which equipments do you use?
I have a Nikon, D-80 camera. I have a sigma zoom lens of 10 mm to 20 mm which gives me dramatic results while shooting Himalayan landscapes. My other lenses are 24 mm to 75 mm zoom and a 75 mm to 200 mm zoom which I use as per the requirement. I use a Sigma telephoto lens of 500 mm for shooting wildlife. I’m very much satisfied with its results. But here I would like to add one thing - it is the skill of a photographer which gives amazing results. No camera or lens can alone create good pictures.
Where do young photographers stand in regard of their work?
Young artists are no doubt creating good pictures. They are much more updated with new technology in photo making. This is a good sign.
What message would you give to youth?
Today photography has made a vital place in the field of not only fine art but also in the field of employment. A skilled person in this art has a brightfuturwith a number of career options.

Interview of Debatosh sengupta

For you I have interviewed Mr Debatosh sengupta .His biodata and interview are given below. You can contact him on his email debatoshsengupta@hotmail.com for any further query. As always I am waiting for your mails.............Rajendra

Debatosh sengupta, B.Sc, M.A, PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, Diploma in Photography, an Associate of the Royal Photographic society, Great Britain, an Artist Federation International de ‘la Art Photographique, Belgium, and a Fellow of Federation of Indian Photography, Life Member of the FIP and PAD, is the Director, Photo Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, New Delhi. He was also the Registrar of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata. A former Museum Photographer, initiated photography in 1970, and exhibited interest to study MAN with divergent ethnic and cultural origin having Negroid to Nordic in this country, also developed interest for the study of Nature & environment and finally is involved in the Government as a press photographer with a special emphasis on the VVIP’s and documentation of changing scenario what the country sees. Traveled extensively to the remotest place from the North to South and East to West of the country for the ethnographic documentation and also visited the neighboring country and continent e.g. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Soviet Russia (Russia, Georgia and, Azerbaijan), Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Colombia, Cyprus, Oman, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Africa, Namibia, Turkey, China, Japan, Brazil, Maxico, Chilli and Mauritius for providing photo coverage’s of the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Ministers. He has a fantastic collection of works on Child and Women in India.
He is more concerned with Pictorial work, as will be evident from the acceptance of more than 200 of his works in the National and International exhibitions and also been able to contribute something positive for the promotion and development of photography as a visiting lecturer for a number of Government and Private organisations, Workshop-Guide and Trainer, organiser of Salons and seminars, Moderator and paper setter for the vocational institute and judges for many National and International exhibitions. He has earned laurels both at home and abroad. He is the winner of UNESCO/ACCU Award, Indo-Soviet Friendship award, Gronftsher Photo Award, UNESCO World Photo Award, Lalit Kala Akademi Award, UP State Lalit Kala Akademi Award and many more.
He has been conferred with life time achievement award by the Academy of Visual Media, New Delhi in 2007. He has just recently been conferred with the one of the highest honour ESFIA(excellence service Federation International de l’ art Photographique) for the service in photography by the UN recognized organization FIAP, Belgium.
As a Photo Journalist he has not only provided the main coverage for the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from the day he assumes office in 1984 till 1989, but also was the Photographer on behalf of the Government of India to provide the coverage of the historic visit of Dr. Nelson Mandela to India in 1990 and 1995 besides having the attachment with many foreign Heads of States. He has the experience of attending and covering the historic inauguration of the first black President of South Africa in 1994. He has the honour of traveling with the Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi to Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee for photographic coverage of their visits within the country and abroad. He is amongst few in the world who has attended the Non-Alignment Summit for five times and UN for three times as a media representative.
As Director Photo Division, he has taken up the job of complete digitalization of its collection with the state of art technology, and also made an opportunity for the cross referencing of the entire photo archives allowing the users from any part of the globe to access the materials. He has also recently conducted a unique training programme for the photo reporter and report of the Bakhter News Agency in Afghanistan to initiate their National Digital Photo Archive at Kabul.
His photographs are published in many National Daily’s, Journals, Regional Newspapers, Books, Catalogue, Govt. Calender etc. . He is the contributing author of the book Learn Photography. He has contributed/published many articles on photography.
Besides his involvement as photographer he is also significantly contributed in other form of performing arts as a playwright, Director and Actor for a number of plays. He is the author of at least 10 short plays and 2 full-length dramas. He is also a freelancing drama critic and News Reader (Bengali) with All India Radio. He has the passion of writing and reciting poetry and short story. He has received a number of Awards as best playwright and Director for Bengali short plays in Kolkata and New Delhi.
He has the rare honour of putting up ten solo exhibition of photographic Art at Bhopal, Indore, New Delhi, Kolkata and Santiniketan besides participating in more than 30 group shows in the country and abroad. He is a regular exhibitor of the National Photo Exhibition organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, Delhi Shahitya Kala Parishad etc.
Lalit Kala Akademi has sponsored one of his solo exhibitions in 1995 to mark his Silver Jubilee Year in Photography. Visva Bharati sponsored his solo exhibition in 2000 at the Nandan Art Gallery, Shantiniketan. Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture in Kolkata organised his solo exhibition in its Museum and Art gallery. That was a rare exhibition as it was supposed to be first ever solo exhibition put up by the Museum in RKMIC. Recently Chitra Kala Sangam of Delhi has put up his unique solo show titled “Planet Earth”
He has compiled and edited the Book MAHATMA GANDHI, A PICTORIAL ALBLUM brought out by the Photo Division to mark the celebration of 100 years Satyagraha.

To begin at the beginning… how did you get started?

I can’t say that it is a mater of chance, because my first love was theatre in which I was actively associated as a Director, playwright as well as an actor between my age of 19-25. But photography is hereditary. My father was keen in photography. Though not in profession, he had his hand made camera in the period of 1940’s. He has encouraged younger generation to work and create photographic work. As a result it was the birth of Photographic Association of Dum Dum in 1957 with Benu Sen, his elder son as one of the founder member with his next younger brother and friends/ associates. And the blood spread through all the five son’s of Manindranath to be associated with photography, Benu being the eldest.

However as my first love was theatre and wanted to take it as a profession I never thought of taking photography that seriously, excepting to hold the traditional torch. And that may also be a reason I initiated with photography little late i.e. after completion of Higher Secondary Exam i.e. 1969 and later actively associated since 1970. It was a matter of chance that I got my first offer of a government job in photography in 1975 in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and that’s the beginning and going on.

What equipment you currently using and why. Do you think costly equipments are necessary for good photography?

I have no passion of choosing a camera. Whatever camera I get, I like to shoot with that. First camera I used in brother’s studio was a folding camera with a cap as a shutter and individual negative plate. But with that I have also used Beatiflex Twin Lens Reflex camera. I possessed my first Camera Yashica TL a SLR that too sometime at the end of seventy.

However for official works I have started using Rolleiflex TLR as well as Rollei SLR , Leica, Graflex during my first two years in the new profession. After leaving Health organization I got associated with Museum of Man (presently known as the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manab Sangrahalaya) where I started using Nikon, Mamya, Canon as well as 16mm film cameras etc. I have used a various type of camera.

AT the moment I have been equipped with both D2X as well as D300 besides my conventional cameras like 90X, FM2, FG20 all Nikon brand. Though personally I feel as a creative worker it is not the camera which works it is the man behind the camera which works. But as a teacher in Photography I do emphasise that equipments play a very important role. And the requirement of camera depends not on trade mark but by the type of your work. As a pictorialist you can use any camera. If you are a sensitive photographer you can even create excellent photographs with a compact camera.
People discuss on the digital camera and think in terms of the mega pixel and decide the camera on the basis of its Mega-pixel. But I think mega pixel may be one factor but what is important is the sensor of the digital camera.

Camera has some special role to play. Like for fashion you need different type of cameras, for advertising your need again different one and simultaneously for Photo Journalism your requirement is further different. So it depends on your association and output.

Which medium you prefer, b/w, colour film, colour transparency and why? You like conventional or digital photography.

This is obviously a difficult question to answer for a professionals. Particularly when he involved in multifarious activities. As many of you possibly know that I grown up in a situation seeing only the creative work, ie pictorial photography as a whole. In my formative years I have no passion than the creative work. And that possibly comes automatically with most of the people that his world is the only world of work and that is final. But when you are in a broader world and see the sea changes in the fields with the passage of time, then you realize that your requirement is different. Now as a specific pictorial photographer I would definitely express my reflect that I do prefer the Black and White pictures and there is many reasons for it. But it does not necessarily mean that I don’t like coulour photograph. These are all the necessity for a professional as he has to produce something on order and needs. You can say it is like a bonded labour, because you have to fulfill the need of your client. But off course so far as the colour film and the transparency is concerned it is obvious the preference would be tp. The reason is the technology and reliability of the materials. Moreover it gives you to see the original effects what you wanted to presents. Which is missing in the colour films?
But the other question of spelling the liking of the conventional or Digital one, it would again be a vague answer. As the tools an the raw materials depends on what you would like to produce. Moreover you have to admit that with the change of time the technology is being changed. And with the change of technology and modernization the approach of the working is also being changed. Twenty five years back no one could visualize the revolution on the information technology. Infact all you know there was a tremendous political turmoil when Rajiv Gandhi tried to introduce the computer. When people shifted from the big format camera to miniature camera there was tremendous confusion amongst the user whether they would be able to produce a large size print out a picture taken with the 35mm camera. Similarly when digital camera came it was from minimum megapixels. Now it from one to two, two to five or six and people can think of even a fifty megapixel cameras. We were not aware of the technology and its handlings and the outcome. Things have changed. Conventional materials are being removed from the market. Naturally you need to depend on the new technology. Moreover one thing is very clear and that is you have many control in your hand.
I can site an example of the benefit of the digital technology or using the digital camera. I being a professional in the photojournalism also what I need is to dispatch my materials at the shortest time. In the eighties when we use to accompany the vvips like the Prime Minister or the President or any other visiting heads of states to provide the photo publicity of the respective vvips, your first and foremost work was to dispatch the materials to your headquarter or your country. Now when you take a photograph with a conventional camera then first you have to rush to the lab and process the films and make few prints out of your coverage. Then you have to rush your nearest overseas communication centre to radio photo the same. Once your dispatch is over then your headquarter has to be alert to collect the materials from the respective OCS for production in the newspaper or if you are in an agency then reproduce the same and distribute amongst the clients. This process on many occasions kills your deadlines as the entire process takes not less then three to four hours even more. Now with the present communication system you can send your picture directly from the venue to your users. Users can put the images directly for pagination. Many other possibilities are available.
Need of the equipments for Industrial work is different; similarly you need to have a different type of equipments when you are involved in advertising work. For easy creation and the manipulation for ad materials digital manipulation is obviously more supportable. Today IT has invaded globe, tomorrow technology may again be changed. It would not be wise to stick to one. Accept every new thing and as long as it is continuing let us also take the advantage of such medium if it is worth. Must not be surprised by many ifs and buts. This is obvious and has to survive on it. So it is better to be open to use the medium what you need for the outcome of your ultimate production.

Have you studied photography any where?

Yes I have a formal study of one year basics and after the successful completion of the same two years diploma course in photography.

Can you name few photographers who influenced you or you find that you consciously or unconsciously copy his style.

It is very difficult question to answer. But if you think in terms of influencing in my work in photography two names definitely comes ie i. Benu Sen, my elder brother and the living legend of Indian photographic art. and ii. Chandralekha my wife. But I can confidently state it is not the style of the work of Benu Sen which I ever thought to copy or imbibe the style which have been done by many next generation PAD’ ians, but I was influenced by his dedication for the medium and his style of encouragement which motivate and give support to do something creative. And my wife she has not only having a good vision and understanding she has a sense of DEKHA by which she can motivate one to produce more perfect work. But truly speaking I was never been influenced by any one’s work and tried to create the work of my own from my own understanding and sense. I can appreciate the work of Raja Deendayal, J Anuwala, Homai Vyarawalla , Benu Sen, O P Sharma, C Rajagopal, Waman Thakre or Bourne, Shephered, Methew Brady, Alfred Eisensteadt, Henry Cartier Bresso, Arther Rothstein, Alfred Stiegletz, Margaret Burkee White, Robert Capa, Ansel Adam, Yousuf Carsh, Wellington Lee, Pedro Luis Raota, Jerry Uelsmann or many more from England, Finland, German, Russia, China, Vietnam, Japan etc. but I was never been influenced by any legends ever. My feeling for my work is that what impress me as a good picture that is good. I always like to look something new. But one thing I would like to clearly mention that before I express such confidence I should be very clear about my work and should be able to spell out why I like that particular picture.

How would you rate Indian photographers with their International counterparts?

I can’t reply on such questions. Because I feel comparison in such professional field would be a foolish job. Every where you will find good worker. Each division of photography has produced many great workers. Indians are also not lacking behind. In the pictorials or creative field Indian photographers are in the steering seat. In the fashion and the advertising line Indian contribution is equally important. In photojournalism again there are many photographers who have a tremendous contribution.

What are the most important point to consider when you are photographing anything?

This is the most important question. There are many important points to be kept in mind. Firstly I would prefer to study my assignments. This is applicable for any kind of assignments. When one study his assignment he has to keep many things in mind. As par example what are the things are involved. It may involve the person, products, atmosphere, projects and many things. So before taking the actual shooting one has to go through each one of the things. Once this part is over then you have to take the technical aspect in terms of its presentation, contents, placement, quality of your final product, use of a proper lighting etc. Each of this has a different need and one has to fulfill the same to get a good product. But one important term we should keep in mind ie. BALANCE. Picture needs to be a balanced one. When one use this term balance it hast to be balance in all respect, means it has to be compositional balance, subjective balance, tonal balance, colour balance, and so on.

In the age of automatic cameras do you feel that basic knowledge of photography techniques is necessary for better photography?

Obviously yes. As without knowing the alphabet one cannot write a poetry and without knowing the grammar one cannot write a correct sentence, similarly without knowing the basic one cannot be a good photographer. Basic is the first step of your goal. One may ask what is necessary to learn about the basic starting from the conventional system. Reply is simple and you can make out if you can define it properly. Firstly what do we mean about photography. Photography is nothing but a scientific process of obtaining the sketch by a means of light. Where does it indicate whether it is conventional or it’s a digital. And secondly it does stand on two basic principles. For conventional it is the optical principle and the chemical principle and in case of digital it is optical principle and mathematical principle. So what does it mean is a type of camera and its technology. That is the practical aspect. One must try to go in depth on the basic of photography.

Which field of photography – Pictorial, Journalism, Nature, Fashion Still life or Advertising you like most.

I being a photographer associated with the Government and the department which is involved in multifarious activities, which involves everything. And also I am personally involved in multifarious activities. I do love pictorial work. But pictorial means is not the typical salon picture. Now style of work in all the areas have changed. As per example the news picture or the reference of photojournalism what we see this day major are pictorially excellent. Particularly the photo agencies are very particular in selecting pictures. I am involved in nature and photojournalism and other branches equally.

Is there anything in particular would you like to share with budding photographers?

I would like to mention one point that we need to be dedicated to our job. A sincere honest attitude only can help us in doing good work.

Interview of Threes Kapoor

Dear Readers,

This time I am publishing the interview of Mr Threes Kapoor. Basically a moutaneer and Landscape Photographer. He loves moutraines. Enjoy and learn from his interview and photographs.He can be contacted at ---threesh@rediffmail.com Rajendra

To begin at the beginning…how did you get started?
I was born in the hills of Utterakhand in Almora town.Since child hood I was interested in nature and art.I got my first camera a boc when I was in class sixth.Since then Iam photographing.
What equipment you currently use and why. Do you think costly equipments are necessary for good photography?
At present Iam using a canon 350d degital camera with 18-55 and 75-300 zoom lenses.Iam using this camera because I wanted to swith over from Nikon analog to Canon digital because of quick focusing and low noice.That time this was the cheapest camera.I dont think costly equipment are necessary for good photography therefore Ihave the basic model.But now I have started feeling that I need full frame body with some fast lense .
Which medium you prefer, B/W, Color Film or Colour Transparency and why?
Initially I was using B/W and than colour slide because colour printing was not available at my place and slides were easy to project for my social work and printing.
You like conventional or Digital phototherapy why?
I had a feling that no one can rplace film photography but when I could not get films of my choice I switched over to digital.It is having many limitations but lot of conveniance .Now I can shoot as many shots I like and get resonable qualit images.
Have you studied photography anywhere?
I am a self taught man and have not studied photographyany where.I feel that is my weakness.
Can you name few photographers who influenced you or you find that you consciously or unconsciously copy his style?
I was influenced by Shri Sharad Devare,Shri T.Kasinath,Kr Shukdeo,Anil Risal Sing,Shri Naresh Singh and Ansal Admas.
How would you rate Indian photographers with their International counterparts?
-Indian photographers are thebest in the world.
Photography is your profession or only your hobby?

Photography is my hobby though I have contributed ffor over 28 boods and many calenders ,diaries,greetings cards etc
Iam Chairman of Uttaranchal Gramin Bank on deputation from State Bank of INdia.IIam Dy G.M. of SBI.
Which field of photography-Pictorial, Journalism, Nature , Fashion Still life or Advertising you like most and why?
Iam basically a land scape photographer and that too of Himalayas .Himalayas are themost beautiful creation of the nature.
In your view which is your best photograph and why ?
Iam yet to shoot my best photo as i fel after that my creative thinking will stop.
Besides photography what are your other hobbies?
Iam a social worker and trekker and mountaineer.
You have got prizes in many completion please let us know about few of them.
Over 500 acceptances alover the country and abroad.Awards from MUMBAI,Calcutta,Lucknow ,Nainital,Bareilly etc places.
Please tell us how and when you got your different honors.
I got AIIPC some time in 1993
Have you written any book, discovered any process, then let us know about that?
I have contributed for over 28 books .Valley of flower and Kailash mansarover 1078 shiva chrome are my exclusive books .
Tell us about future of photography in India.
Iam from a small town ,no one efer taught me.Therefore when ever I get a chance Iarrange free workshops for remote places,give lecture to school and institute ,arrange slide shows and organise photography exhibitions.I have started first art gallery of Uttarakhand in Dehradun in my office and the place is available to all photographers free of cost for 15 days with all support.Iam building pressure on state Govt to start a art centre in the state.Iam also building a Himalaya study cintre at Kausani which will have 3 art galleries ,cinemascope and amphitheater.
What you did or whish to do for budding photographers.
Study light and do photgraphy.Taking photogrphs will make you god photographer.There is no substitute to hard work.

Interview of Rohinton Mehta

Dear readers,
I had gone Lucknow to attend the 24th FIP Convention of photography as a Facuty of advance digital imaging from 5th to 8th Decemner 2008. There I met Mr Rohinton Mehta, Technical Editor, Smart Photography. He gave a very good talk on Digital photography there. At the age of about 60 Mr Mehta is more energetic than me .He is called as uncle Ronnie by his lovers. Ronnie has over 30 years of experience in photography. In fact he has taught several thousand photo-enthusiasts in various institutions and through workshops, as well as judged many national and International photo contests including prestigious Photo Contest held at Colombo, Sri Lanka. Due too similar interests we soon became good friends . For your benefit I am publishing his interview. If you have any photo-queries, whether Conventional or Digital, don’t hesitate, just go ahead and ask Uncle Ronnie at sp@nextgenpublishing.net ....................Rajendra

To begin at the beginning…how did you get started?

During my childhood, I used to 'play with' my father's two box cameras. Due to very limited resources, I was allowed only one roll (12 exposures in the 120 size roll) per year. I was also very found of hunting. I had a air-gun and would use it to shoot birds etc. In 1972, my better half took a promise from me that I would not use a gun. She insisted that I shoot with a camera. So, I got my first Rangefinder camera from a roadside seller. The camera had a defect - the exposure meter was not working. The seller refused to take it back. My wife's words echo in my ears even now - she said, "how could you let a roadside seller fool you? I thought I had married an intelligent guy". This hurt me a lot and I decided to study photography so no one could fool me again.

As I gained knowledge, I realised that I was able to guide my friends and the attention I got made me feel very happy (I am human after all!).
I decided to study well and be as good as one of my 'gurus' - the late mitter Bedi (though I can never be as good as him), under whom I learnt Industrial Photography. His method of teaching was something I loved and today, I owe a lot to him (as well as my other 'gurus').

Do you think costly equipment is necessary for good photography?Photographers in the past made excellent images even though the quality of cameras, lenses, film-developing chemicals, printing papers and printing chemicals were nowhere in quality as we have them now. So one can conclude that the quality of the equipment is not as important as the person behind the camera.

Having said so, it would be hypocritical of me to say that good equipment is not important. I feel that in the present scenario, good equipment is very much a necessity. I know that some photographers will not agree with me but if you were to ask the same persons what equipment they use, you'll find that all of them use top-notch equipment. If good equipment was not necessary, then why do these same people, who want to hog the limelight (and claim that it is only the person behind the camera that is important) use sophisticated equipment? One such person I know mentioned that as a pro, he needed better equipment. Why the double standard? In my opinion, a beginner or an amateur needs very robust equipment because he is more likely to misuse the equipment due to his poor knowledge of handling. Moreover, with today's high-resolution digital sensors, it is imperative that you use the best possible lenses, if you need to get the most out of your equipment.

Let me also add here that without good knowledge of equipment and photography in general, the best equipment can do little. In fact, the more advanced your camera, the more you need to understand its working, and yes, in that sense, you could say that the man behind the camera is more important than the equipment.

Which medium do you prefer - B/W, Color Film or Color Transparency and why?When I was using films, my choice was Color Transparencies. Because TPs are projected (as opposed to seeing prints by reflected light), they provide greater brilliance.

I no longer use films. I prefer color images to black and white as we see in color. Not that I dislike B&W images; I just love color more.

You like conventional or Digital phototherapy - why?

I prefer digital as it allows me total control of what I want to achieve.
Can you name few photographers who influenced you or you find that you consciously or unconsciously copy their style?

Mitter Bedi, Ansel Adams, John Saxton, John shaw, Fred Picker and a few more.

How would you rate Indian photographers with their International counterparts?Indian photographers are just as good, if not better, than their International counterparts.

What are the most important points to consider when you are photographing anything?Content, Composition, Exposure and Presentation. I believe that the most important point is the Content of the picture. You may have a perfectly exposed picture of a heap of garbage; would anyone like to put up such a picture in one's sitting room?

Though I put a lot of stress on Exposure (which includes the final image quality), consider this scenario: If a UFO was photographed but the exposure was wrong, do you think any photo editor would dare not to print it in the next day's newspaper? If he did that, he would probably be without a job! So, in most instances, the Content is the primary importance.

A good Composition can enhance a not-so-good picture while a bad Composition could ruin a otherwise good picture. How you present your images is also very important. If a picture is dog-eared, or has dust-stops, scratches etc, I would hesitate to accept that image.

In this age of automatic cameras do you feel that basic knowledge of photography techniques is necessary for better photography?

Absolutely. You can have the best car in the world but if you don't use the recommended fuel...

Is photography your profession or your hobby?

My hobby is my profession!
Which field of photography-Pictorial, Journalism, Nature , Fashion, Still life or Advertising you like most and why?

As a photography teacher, I am conversant with all genres of photography but my personal preference is for nature photography, which includes wildlife and landscape photography.

In your view which is your best photograph and why ?

I love most of the pictures I create. I have never given it a thought to find which one is my best photo.

Besides photography, what are your other hobbies?
Reading, music, and anything else that has something to do with the human mind, human psychology. For example, I am very interested in knowing how the human mind works, the science of hypnotism, how things work (anything). I am also very interested in the art of public speaking. Note that I do not read novels but like to read comics. If a novel has something to teach me, that's a different story altogether.
Have got prizes competitions?Please let us know about few of them.

To be very frank, I do not have many prizes to talk about. The reason is that I stopped taking part in competitions a long way back. I was disgusted when a particular person (whom I do not wish to revel) maliciously removed my name from a shield (on pretext of cleaning the shield). I have also seen, time and again, how certain persons try to influence the judges before a photo competition. As hard as it may sound, I have known of some judges who have made the prints for the contestants and then selected the same images during the judging. Because of such instances, I had stopped sending my entries to photo competitions. And as such, I do not have prizes I can talk about.

Please tell us how and when you got your different honors.This has been another of my grouse. In around 1978 I was offered a certain photography honor by making some payment. How that person would have gone about this, is something I do not know. It made me feel very upset and hence I did not try for any honors. In fact, I was preparing for LRPS but after this incident, I gave up. The reader may want to know who that person is, but it is not my intention to lower someone's prestige (even though he may deserve just that). I am an honorary member of The Photographic Society of India.

Have you written any book, discovered any process, then let us know about that?

We all learn from books and magazines and from those who know their subject well. I do want to publish a book on photography (along with a very good friend from Hyderabad) but work pressure is not allowing me free time. When I do have the free time, the frame of mind is often not conducive to writing a book. I cannot say that I have 'discovered' any (secret) process as whatever I know has been from my 'gurus' and other authors. Sometimes, I may be able to take a part of one process/study and combine it with another, but that can not be called as something I discovered or invented.

Tell us about the future of photography in India.

Universally, photography is gaining in importance but I feel, here in India, a lot needs to be done. Photography should be taught at school level as a subject and not merely considered as a hobby. Even then the future for photography in India is bright but we do need our government's support and blessings to make it flourish as it has in developed countries.

What have you done or wish to do for budding photographers?I am happy that I am able to play an important part in teaching photography through Smart Photography magazine. I would love to conduct workshops on conventional as well as digital imaging all over the country and maybe, even abroad. I would also like to train the dealers of all camera manufacturers so that they are better informed about what they are selling. This way, the consumer as well as the manufacturers stand to gain.

Is there anything in particular you would like to share with budding photographers?

Certainly. Digital Imaging is something you have to live with, whether you like it or not. I notice that the younger generation (not everyone, fortunately!) does not want to take the trouble of studying the basics. They think that having a latest camera is more important than knowing what the camera is capable of doing. They do not even want to study the most important book they can find for their particular camera - the User Manual. Take it from me, that even if you are a wizard with your digital camera, you are only a "40-percent photographer". You need to be conversant with an image-editing program like Photoshop. Digital camera and Photoshop go hand in hand. One, without the other, will leave you lacking. With Photoshop in particular, you need to go over the same technique time and again or else you are bound to forget.

Interview Of Sri Debidas Banerjee

Dear Readers,
This time I am publishing interview of Sri Debidas Banerjee of Kolkata. Hope you will learn from reading his interview and seeing his photographs. For any question you can contact him directly on his email debidas_b@hotmail.com
If you like to see more photographs ckicked by himm please visi his blog
http://www.debidas.blogspot/

To begin at the beginning how did you get started?
Like all young people I was interested in photography at my young age. My father was a good photographer and a habit to use plate camera but he did not allow me to handle those and that is why I became more interested. Observing my keen interest on photography, on 15th August 1970 my office friends presented me a Yascia 635 camera as a gift in my wedding. I started photography seriously at my age of 32 in 1976 when I got admission in Free Evening Course of Photography conducted by Photographic Association of Dum Dum(PAD). I completed successfully the 2 years Diploma Course in Photography in the year 1978 from PAD.

What equipment you currently use and why? Do you think costly equipments are necessary for good photography?

Since 2006, I am using D70 DSLR with kit lens 18-70mm. I have bought another lens 70-300mm VR in the year 2008. In my early years I was mainly interested in Creative Monochrome Prints. In the process of creation I used to do everything from clicking the shot through my Nikon FM2 and finally producing the creative print through my enlarger in darkroom. Due to various reasons I did not click from 2000 to 2006. In 2006 I purchased D70 which was costly at that time and resumed my photography. I can only say if it was not a digital one I would not be in the line of taking of photographs at the age of 62+. I feel costly equipment, if handled judiciously will give better result.

You like Conventional or Digital Photography why?

Though the large span of my photography life is covered by Conventional Analog Photography but if I could not match myself with Digital Photography, I am afraid I may not be in a position in producing Creative Pictures. I feel Digital Photography has brought comfort in the field of Photography.

Have you studied photography anywhere?

Yes, as I mentioned already that I have studied Photography in PAD and completed successfully their Diploma in the year 1978.

Can you name few photographers who influenced you or you find that you consciously or unconsciously copy his style?

My father Late Sailen Banerjee was the main inspiration behind my development in the field of Photography. Every member of my family, my wife Smt Bithi Banerjee, my two daughters namely Smt, Bornali Bhattacharyya and Swarnali Banerjee and even my son in law, Shri Abhijit Bhattacharyya inspiring me to be in the field of photography. When I started participation in various salons I came to see works of many photo artists of our country and abroad. Shri Benu Sen is my teacher and till now I am getting his valued advice in developing my carrier in photography. During my course of photography I was impressed by the works of Shri Susanta Banerjee, , Shri C. Rajagopal, Shri O.P.Sharma and Padmasree Shri Kasinath.

How would you rate Indian Photographers with their International Counterparts?

With the limited available gadgets Indian Photographers are doing well and keeping their place in World Photography.

What are the most important points to consider when you are photographing anything?

Most important point is to get prepared in advance to catch the right moment at the right time.

In this age of Automatic Cameras do you feel that Basic knowledge of photography techniques is necessary for better photography?

Yes, basic knowledge will help to use the camera according to the need to get the desired results.

Photography is your profession or only your hobby?

It is not my profession. As a profession I used to serve Reserve Bank of India, wherefrom I retired in May 2004. Photography is my hobby.

If it is your hobby then what do you do for your survival?

I used to work as an Officer in RBI. Since retirement in 2004, I am getting my pension. Thus I can carry out my Passion without any hesitation.

Which field of photography-Pictorial, Journalism, Nature, Fashion, Still Life or Advertising you like most and why?

I am interested in Pictorial Photography with special interest in human activities. Man is the most valued creation of Nature and its representation in photography will able us to get the knowledge of its various behavioral pattern.

In your view which is your best photograph and why?

One of my photographs titled The Lonley Shepherd, I consider the best creation of mine. It was made with 4 negatives and application of Photogram process. I visualized a thought and brought the presentation through Picture Creation. In 1995 Ruis, Spain organized a competition salon with only the last 4 years Award winning photographs where the above mentioned Picture was awarded. I was the only Indian entrant with the Award.

Besides photography what are your other hobbies?

I am interested in games and music also.

You have got prizes in many competitions-please let us know about few of them.

I have so many Awards, but it is a long list. Recently in 2006 I got Award in Howrah International, in 2007 in Lumen2007 international and in 2008 in 5th Adana Rotary Club, Turkey and with FIAP Silver Medal in Sri Lanka International.

Have you written any book, discovered any process, then let us know about that?

I have written various articles on photography. My article on Infra Ray Photography was published in PSA Journal. I took active part in publication of text books in photography published by Chhayapath. My articles are also there.

As far as discovery of process is concerned I can say that I am the pioneer in producing of Pictures of straight shoots in conjunction of Photogram process.

Tell us about future of photography in India.

Future of Indian photography is very bright. My only request to the senior photographers is to help the younger generation to put them on the right path which may remove time barrier and help them to secure a place in the world of photography.



Is there anything in particular would you like to share with budding photographers?

I like to say that one should not spoil their precious time. Take photography after a deep thought and then go ahead seriously. What I like to say to the young photographers that work sincerely and success will automatically come.

As a result of my work I was invited abroad twice in the year 1995. Once in Suwon in South Korea to take participation in 200th year of Suwon Castle Fortification and again Hongkong and Macau as a Guest lecturer in FAPA Convention.