A Portrait Is Not Made in the Camera but on Either Side of It

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1. Tell us about background and your journey.

I come from a small middle class family of three. Familywise, I don't have a media related background. My love for clicking pictures and wanting to major in art made me take up photography. Shortly after my graduation in Visual Arts from Amrita university I joined a wedding company at Cochin as an intern. Later they hired me full time there. Gradually, I resigned and started photography by myself. Things have been good after launching my label on instagram ; ANJANA ANNA PHOTOGRAPHY. I had to struggle a lot to get work when I started off. My family provided me with all the support I could ask for during this phase. Day by day, photography makes me look at life from another angle, that's the beauty of it.

2. How and when did you realised your passion for photography?

Honestly, for me it just came with the flow. I have always had this passion for photography and eventually all this had to happen. Art and photography go hand in hand. I always make sure that every frame of mine constitutes this art in it.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

If you really love doing this, If you have a passion for it you will succeed one day or the other. Brush up yourself by taking references and learning more and more about this. Always be patient and humble towards this art. Never ever take yourself to be Mr. know-it-all because there will always be more to it. Keep practicing and find your own style in photography. Always try to be distinct from the rest.

4. What are some important skills one should have to be a successful photographers?

I got only three things to say about this, from the extend to which I myself got exposed to the art

Learn about the frames
Learn about the lighting
Flawlessly edit the pictures

5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

When it comes to the field of art there is an ocean of opportunities which does not remain much alien to the public But I would personally suggest and opt for maternity and kids shoots. This genre has been my dream and I am at present working in this field. It is really a cent percent satisfaction when you get to capture these beautiful moments.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

I am not much of a bibliophile but from what I've read I like fantasy themed books and also movies. I think of this category as magical, something which makes use of imagination and art to the fullest. Going by this, I'd pick Harry Potter anyday.

- Anjana Anna

Interviewed by- Harsha