Photography has always been an
integral part of my life, shaping my perspective and kindling a passion that
has grown stronger with each passing year.
My journey began at a very young age, and believe me, it is a
story worth sharing. I want to share my journey not just for its milestones but
for the pure joy and wonder that photography has brought into my life.
I was only five years old, or perhaps a little younger, when I
first held a camera in my hands. It was a simple children's camera, which was
my prized possession.
I still vividly remember our trip to Bishnupur. The quaint
terracotta temples looked beautiful, and I couldn't resist capturing their beauty.
My family was truly taken by surprise when they saw the pictures. I remember my
parents talking amongst themselves about how, at such a tender age, there was a
spark and a keen eye for detail in all the pictures I clicked. I guess those
aspects set me on my path.
As I grew older, I didn't have my own camera, but that didn't stop
me. My family had an ordinary camera, and I would use it whenever I could. I
have countless memories of capturing moments, big and small, with that camera.
One particular memory stands out: when I was ten years old, we were flying back
to Kolkata from North Bengal. As the plane soared through the sky, I managed to
take stunning pictures of Kanchenjunga without anyone even noticing. My parents
were amazed when they saw the photos. They understood that my love for
photography was more than just a hobby; it was becoming a part of my formative
years.
Throughout my school years, I continued to capture moments
whenever I got the chance. But it was not until after my ISC exams that my passion
truly began to grow.
During the lockdown, I took up some challenges and decided to
learn how to drive. Driving empowered me and liberated me to pursue photography
the way I wanted. Around that time, I took a bold step and submitted one of my
photos to The Telegraph. It was a picture I had taken during our trip to
Kashmir. To my surprise and delight, it was published in the T2 section.
I still cannot forget the joy and happiness I experienced seeing
my work in print, and it happened not once, but three times in T2.
After my ISC exams, I finally had the chance to showcase my work
in a more formal setting. I participated in my first exhibition, which was a
significant milestone. My photos were selected, and this recognition fueled my
passion even further. I started participating in more exhibitions, and soon
enough, I began winning awards and trophies for my work. Each accolade was a
testament to my dedication and love for photography.
Workshops became a crucial part of my journey. I sought out
opportunities to learn and grow, connecting with fellow photographers and
gaining invaluable insights. The network I built was entirely my own, and it
was through these connections that I discovered more exhibitions and workshops.
My parents didn't know anyone in this world of photography, so
every step forward was a result of my own efforts and determination, with, of
course, unstinting support, endorsement, and cooperation from my parents.
With each exhibition and every award, my confidence grew.
Eventually, my parents suggested that I should consider a solo
exhibition. The idea was both exciting and daunting. My first solo exhibition
took place at ICCR, and it was a defining moment in my journey. It was a
celebration of my growth as a photographer and a reflection of the hard work
and passion that had brought me this far. My exhibition was well-covered by all
the leading press, including The Telegraph, Times of India, and Anandabazar
Patrika. FM channels also took my interviews, which motivated me further to start
my own gallery, Rupkatha’s Snapscape.
Looking back, my journey into photography has been filled with
moments of wonder, challenges, and achievements. From a young girl with a
children's camera to a photographer with multiple exhibitions and awards, it's
been an incredible journey.
Photography is more than just a profession for me. It is a mode of
expression of my perception of the world, capturing its beauty, its challenges,
and other burning issues, sharing and communicating with others. And this is only
the beginning. There are many more stories to tell, many more moments to
capture, and many more issues and topics to communicate.
Inspired by the famous two lines of Robert Frost:
“But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep,”
I am enjoying every bit of my journey, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
