One of the most dynamic photographers of our time Joydeep Mukherjee who believes in "Living life to express, not to impress" is a person who breathes photography. We present our chitchat with him for your knowing about this eminent photographer from Kolkata. Here is a link to his work for your further exploring him...
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Tell us about you… I am a person who lives photography. Since my early days, I have been interested in various kinds of sports, trekking and travelling but it was only in 2003 that I stepped into the world of photography. During a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp – Nepal I got interested in photography. From this time forth this passion became an integral part of my life.
I believe that an artist's work must be good consistently to be considered as an art. I also strongly believe on my abilities and on the fact that I have a lot to give to the world of photography. I do not practice this form of art just for the sake of aesthetics; I do it for a cause. I take each shot to make sense, bear sense and hit the sensible viewers. I try to portray the moment that would tell a story of the time to the time to come. I always work for a cause, not applause.
I have do service in a private sector company to feed my family. I have been denying promotions, losing on increments for years, for I just complete the hours at office and rush back to pick my gear and devote the rest of the time to ‘my job’- photography.
When did you start photography…
I stepped into the world of photography in 2003 during my trek to the Annapurna Base Camp – Nepal. It has been a Long journey of about 13 years.
Yours gears - then and now…
I started in 2003 with a Nikon F 65 - Film Camera and 28-85 lens. In 2006 I got my first DSLR - Nikon D70S with 18-35 mm. Then I got a Nikon D 7000 with two lenses - 18-105 and 18-35 mm. My first FX Body I got in 2013 – a Nikon D600 with 18-35 mm and 24-85mm lenses. Now I own a Nikon D750 with 18 – 35mm and 24 – 70mm
What do you love to photograph…
According to me a photographer must be technically competent to use the various techniques to change a photograph from a mere snap to a snapshot of time and life. Photographs can be used to narrate a story, and thus have more to it than just being a work of art. I want to show the world the hard face of Life, the Environment and the People. I live life to express, not to impress’!!
Why do you love this genre that you practice…
I want to show the world the reality of life, the people around me, their environment and its effects on them – both physical and emotional. Generally people avoid facing such reality or do not want to discuss these issues. I refer to this particular genre as Zindagi Ki Tasveer (Photographs of Life).
Your most loved photo and why do you love it…
I love all my photographs like every author loves their creations. So that way I cannot pick just one.
Your journey so far…
Just one line – LONG WAY TO GO
Difference in ‘photography then’ and ‘photography now’…
When I started photography, the field was predominated by photographs weighing much in pictorial sense. I also followed suit but my POV totally changed and I gradually turned to photograph facts, document truths of life. I am now more interested in Photo Journalism / Documentary where I can convey some strong message to the society.
Your future plans…
Working on long term documentary projects; on some essential issues of society / environment
Your suggestions for the budding photographers…
Be it in any field, if anybody wants to succeed they need to put hard work. Short term success can be achieved easily but staying in that position for years is very tough. I believe that an Artist's work must be good consistently to be considered as Art.