Anindya Vasudev - Don't Ever Make Your Art A Private Journey, At Least In The Start (Photographer)

The visual experience is now perhaps the most pertinent, eye-grabbing and persuasive real estate in the digital age. I would think that the need to speak my own truth and do it authentically is why I have chosen this profession.

1) Tell us about your background and journey.

A graduate of The Doon School and University of London, my journey includes diverse places and people from the very beginning. Before I dove into work, I was a traveling journalist, writing for a small Indo-French magazine and had covered over 32 countries - a decisive experience that informs my view of the world even to this day.

I currently run a marketing and design agency by the name of The Digital Omnibus, now in its seventh year. I have a keen interest in the visual medium (design or illustrative), but photography has been one that I have always wanted to dabble in, but have started only recently. The journey so far has been thrilling!

2) What led you to choose this as your profession?

I haven't officially launched anything to do with my photography yet (unless spamming people on Instagram counts as a full time job), but it is certainly on my mind. What started as an anthology of my travel photos is now being recognized by peers - there's no better feeling.

3) What are the challenges you face and how do you overcome it?

The time management. Omnibus is my first child, so to speak, and one would think I would get the hang of it over seven years but it still keeps me on my toes. Taking the time to compose, shoot and edit while juggling work has been taxing. But the rewards outweigh the troubles if you persevere.

Another challenge that I think all photographers face is acceptance - fortunately or unfortunately, most creative avenues are erroneously bound to social media for some sort of validation. Less likes? That probably was a bad photo. No shares - was my video not good?

This is a huge inhibitor when it comes to creative expression. Do your own thing and in time, you shall surround yourself with friends and followers who appreciate you on merit.

4) What are the career opportunities available for amateur photographers?

The world is your photogenic oyster! Start small and use social media to popularize your work. If you're ready to offer services, get the word out there. If you're interested in portraits, make sure your profile or portfolio has a couple of good shots. Shoot with your friends or family to gather this in the start, if you haven't got any gigs. If you're into creative artwork - sell it.

Only you can truly value your talent before anyone else does. My agency is in need of photographers all the time for client projects - approach such avenues unabashedly and you can yet make a career out of this.

5) How do you define a perfect shot?

There's no such thing. Everyday I am awed by some of the work that my peers from all across the world put out. Each of them perfect, each of them transcendent. If I were to instill in myself a sense of perfection for my work, that would eventually be limiting my growth.

How can a macro flower shot compare to a nighttime cityscape? Every aspect of the picture changes in comparison. But yes - there are some indicators which help. Framing - how have you composed your shot? The light - what is it that you're illuminating and more importantly, what are you not? The angle and perspective - why is this POV 'the' POV? And finally - its spirit. What does the shot in its entirety say?

6) Where do you see yourself in further future?

Hopefully with a bagful of gear, somewhere in the remote savannas, capturing truly incredible drone footage of the grasslands! I think for me, my interest in photography is intrinsically linked to my yearning of seeing more of the world - sort of a polaroid of my journeys.

So long as I want to continue seeing the world and meet its truly remarkable inhabitants - my interest in photography shall endure. I do see myself keenly working sustainable and more environmentally friendly technology. More or that later!

7) What advice would you like to give to the future and aspiring photographers?

Don't ever make your art a private journey, at least in the start. I can't stress how much you learn and you all may learn from everyone else around you - other creators who are going through this very same process.

Be inspired, keep looking things up - don't feel shame in asking photographers or editors - how did you do it? What equipment do you use? Learn the tools of editing early on - it will serve you well.

8) Who has been your role model?

They are too numerous to mention. From Tolkien in literature, the entire team behind the Voyager Mission and Cassini, Michelangelo in art, Novo Amor in music to Mrs. Dutta, my history teacher in school, all have left an indomitable mark on me.

There is a saying, 'You are the sum total of all the people that you meet' and never has this been true or more humbling for me as a photographer, entrepreneur or a citizen of the world.