In a world dominated by visuals, photography has become more than just a hobby. It’s a powerful medium for expression and storytelling. As we commemorate World Photography Day, we delve into the world of Ananya Das and Gaurav Rai, two prolific photographers hailing from Calcutta. Their keen eyes for the mundane, love for deep contrasts and the stunning portrayal of Calcutta’s charm are all beautifully evident in their photographs. Ananya and Gaurav’s steadfast dedication to the photographic world has garnered them numerous national and international awards, standing as a testament to their exceptional talent. We sat down and got to know about their profession, their craft, and their journeys.
Q. Today is World Photography Day. As such a prolific photographer, what significance does this day hold for you?
Ananya says that this day has been significant for her since childhood. “Being a daughter of a photojournalist & photography enthusiast, I was always taken to exhibitions and workshops around the city from a very early age. I believe looking at art, physically enriches a person and I consider myself privileged to be able to have done that from so early at life. WPD has always been one of the holidays for me, where I either conduct Photowalks, attend them or be at exhibitions with like-minded people of the community. It’s an excuse to connect, learn and get inspired.”
Gaurav shares, “World Photography Day has always been about capturing good photographs, connecting with fellow photographers, and discussing the art form. However, as time goes on, I believe that beyond sharing our passion within our community, it’s crucial to spread awareness about the significance of photography to the broader public.”
Q. How has your journey been as a photographer in a city like Calcutta?
Gaurav thinks Calcutta, as a city, is a photographer’s dream. “Coming from a small town in Bengal, where my photography revolved around wildlife, I had no concept of street photography. The streets of Calcutta became my classroom, nurturing me as a novice photographer overwhelmed by the endless subjects around me. I met incredible photographers in this city who generously shared their knowledge, becoming lifelong friends. I believe no other city offers a better environment for street photography. Looking back at my early photos from when I first moved to Calcutta, I am filled with gratitude towards this city and its people for shaping me into the photographer I am today.”
Ananya says that she has always considered herself lucky to have been born and brought up in a city like Calcutta which has been such a support for artists of all kind. “You take a wrong turn in this city and yet you’ll stumble upon a “gaan-er school/aanka-r teacher/nach-er didi” (art schools). It is genetically imbibed within us to be at one with art. As a photographer, it was always the same. I draw a lot of inspiration from my city Calcutta and that has most certainly shaped my journey so far as a photographer.
Q. How did your passion for photography develop? What or who were your inspirations?
Gaurav shares, “A very dear friend of mine, who started his photography journey with me once told me “Everything has a literature, try to learn the literature of Photography”. I started to save my pocket money and buy books of photography. I remember my first magazine subscription was Better Photography, I still have all my magazines at my home. So, studying photography helped me a lot, the more I read about something, the more I wanted to practice it. Apart from books and magazines, I have learnt something from everyone I have met in this photography journey.”
Ananya finds it difficult to pin-point when she developed it but she remembers being in school at that time. “I was aware about “photography” because of my father’s profession but never thought about it so much. Every year, my family would plan a trip to some part of the country and that is when I would get a hold of our digi cam and click pictures of my surroundings – I think that is how it all began. I realised I liked documenting life around me and someday I would love to have people look at my photos in exhibition halls. I have found my inspiration from a lot of people around me. To begin with, it has been my father. I have gained the understanding of discipline, resilience and courage from him. And I’ve acquired the knowledge of framing and spontaneity from Vineet Vohra. I’ve understood the evolution of life, nature and people through looking at the works of Sabastio Salgado. I’ve enriched my knowledge on the Indian culture and its street life from the documentation of Raghubir Singh. The learnings are endless and so are the inspirations.”
Q. In recent times, mobile photography has seen a rise amongst our generation. How do you feel about that?
Ananya says, “When you see a sketch by an artist, you don’t try to figure out, which pencil was it drawn with – the medium doesn’t matter, your expression does. I don’t feel anything about it as it really doesn’t matter to me, personally. Both my mobile and camera clicks have been exhibited nationwide, so I can say that your gear is just there as your tool to document what you wish to document. Whatever gear you own, take care of it, learn it’s mechanisms, use it to the fullest, love it and be proud of it.”
Gaurav believes that photography is the art; camera is just a medium. “Mediums keep on changing, from analogue cameras to SLRs to DSLRs to Mirrorless to mobile phones. Though I don’t have a very good smartphone camera, I love to give my camera a little rest and shoot with my smartphone.”
Q. To the young photographers just starting out, what advice would you give them?
Gaurav shares, “Dwell into the literature of photography. Photography is not just taking a camera and shooting; it is way beyond that. Don’t be a part of the crowd, create your own style. Shoot for yourself, not for the Instagram, not for competitions, not for awards. And finally, understand your responsibilities as a photographer.”
Ananya also comments on how it’s important to be responsible and respectful. “You can click any frame you want, document anything you like, travel wherever you want. But try to nurture the innate ability to be responsible and respectful towards your surroundings, be it life or nature or even inanimate objects.”
Q. Lastly, what is your message to the city that has nurtured your artistic journey?
Ananya wishes for Calcutta to recover. “As proud I am to belong from where I do, I deep down know that we are losing that charm. Hold on to your roots, and work towards the improvement of the community that has or will shape you.”
Gaurav feels deeply grateful to this City and its wonderful people for shaping his journey as a photographer. “Calcutta is facing challenging times, and I urge the people of Calcutta to hold onto their roots. The city has a rich history intertwined with art, a connection that must be cherished. Let art be a source of healing for the world.”
To see Gaurav and Ananya not only excel in their craft but also actively contribute to society is truly commendable. Their dedication to their art, coupled with their sense of responsibility, makes them exemplary role models for both Calcutta’s and our nation’s youth. It is our hope that both Ananya and Gaurav will dutifully position Calcutta as a significant force in international photography.
