Dear Readers,
This time I am publishing interview of Sri Debidas Banerjee of Kolkata. Hope you wi
ll 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/
This time I am publishing interview of Sri Debidas Banerjee of Kolkata. Hope you wi
ll 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.
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.
