Rajagopalan Sarangapani was introduced to the world of photography by his friend in 2011. He learnt the tricks of the trade when he bought his own camera. Not limiting himself to a particular genre, Rajagopalan travels the country for mesmerising shots. When he's not capturing moments, he is busy being a bank manager. In a chat with Anila Kurian, he shares his experiences one shot at a time.
Tell us about your journey so far.
Ibought a DSLRafter one of my friends showed me his one day. Iwas so fascinated by it that Iknew I wanted one to call my own. But I didn't know how to shoot, what to shoot and what I would get with each click. So Ispent the next month learning about it through the internet and experimenting. Ijoined a photography club that goes out for weekend shoots. That's where I've learnt most about photography.
Ibought a DSLRafter one of my friends showed me his one day. Iwas so fascinated by it that Iknew I wanted one to call my own. But I didn't know how to shoot, what to shoot and what I would get with each click. So Ispent the next month learning about it through the internet and experimenting. Ijoined a photography club that goes out for weekend shoots. That's where I've learnt most about photography.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I enjoy capturing moments with people; one would call that street photography. It's easier to connect with people. I have an interest in learning about different cultures and the history of a place, and this helps me know my subject before I click the picture.
I enjoy capturing moments with people; one would call that street photography. It's easier to connect with people. I have an interest in learning about different cultures and the history of a place, and this helps me know my subject before I click the picture.
How do you find time between work?
Being the senior manager of a bank, it is quite difficult to get a day off. I plan my holidays in such a way that I get about four to five days off. I also go on treks every second and fourth Saturday of the week. I wake up around 4.30 am and trek with my friends for 30 to 40 km.
Being the senior manager of a bank, it is quite difficult to get a day off. I plan my holidays in such a way that I get about four to five days off. I also go on treks every second and fourth Saturday of the week. I wake up around 4.30 am and trek with my friends for 30 to 40 km.
Your favourite travel destinations so far.
Ilove going for 'Holi' to Mathura, the 'Pushkar Festival' in Rajasthan, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
Ilove going for 'Holi' to Mathura, the 'Pushkar Festival' in Rajasthan, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
Any memorable moments?
Going to Rajasthan was always my dream. It was absolutely amazing seeing about 60,000 camels in the desert. But I think North India is always a dream destination for many photographers. I love going back toVaranasi because it always gives me something different to capture.
Going to Rajasthan was always my dream. It was absolutely amazing seeing about 60,000 camels in the desert. But I think North India is always a dream destination for many photographers. I love going back toVaranasi because it always gives me something different to capture.
Tell us about your all-time favourite picture.
It was a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild when I was visiting Kolkata. After a tiresome shoot in the morning, my friends and I stopped at a house for some water. That's when I noticed the two talking to each other. The light was streaking through the roof and it fell right on them. It is always a feel-good picture for me.
It was a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild when I was visiting Kolkata. After a tiresome shoot in the morning, my friends and I stopped at a house for some water. That's when I noticed the two talking to each other. The light was streaking through the roof and it fell right on them. It is always a feel-good picture for me.
Your plans.
I want to travel as much as possible. When I started using the camera, I never knew that I would love it so much. I initially thought purchasing a Rs 35,000 camera was too much. Now I understand the value of it.
I want to travel as much as possible. When I started using the camera, I never knew that I would love it so much. I initially thought purchasing a Rs 35,000 camera was too much. Now I understand the value of it.
Which camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D700. Irecently purchased a Sony DSC-RX10 Mark 2for my street photography. It is easier to carry around and feel invisible with while taking pictures. Ialso have a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 which I use to take portraits of people.
I use a Nikon D700. Irecently purchased a Sony DSC-RX10 Mark 2for my street photography. It is easier to carry around and feel invisible with while taking pictures. Ialso have a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 which I use to take portraits of people.
Rajagopalan Sarangapani was introduced to the world of photography by his friend in 2011. He learnt the tricks of the trade when he bought his own camera. Not limiting himself to a particular genre, Rajagopalan travels the country for mesmerising shots. When he’s not capturing moments, he is busy being a bank manager. In a chat with Anila Kurian, he shares his experiences one shot at a time.
Tell us about your journey so far.
I bought a DSLR after one of my friends showed me his one day. I was so fascinated by it that I knew I wanted one to call my own. But I didn’t know how to shoot, what to shoot and what I would get with each click. So I spent the next month learning about it through the internet and experimenting. I joined a photography club that goes out for weekend shoots. That’s where I’ve learnt most about photography.
I bought a DSLR after one of my friends showed me his one day. I was so fascinated by it that I knew I wanted one to call my own. But I didn’t know how to shoot, what to shoot and what I would get with each click. So I spent the next month learning about it through the internet and experimenting. I joined a photography club that goes out for weekend shoots. That’s where I’ve learnt most about photography.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I enjoy capturing moments with people; one would call that street photography. It’s easier to connect with people. I have an interest in learning about different cultures and the history of a place, and this helps me know my subject before I click the picture.
I enjoy capturing moments with people; one would call that street photography. It’s easier to connect with people. I have an interest in learning about different cultures and the history of a place, and this helps me know my subject before I click the picture.
How do you find time between work?
Being the senior manager of a bank, it is quite difficult to get a day off. I plan my holidays in such a way that I get about four to five days off. I also go on treks every second and fourth Saturday of the week. I wake up around 4.30 am and trek with my friends for 30 to 40 km.
Being the senior manager of a bank, it is quite difficult to get a day off. I plan my holidays in such a way that I get about four to five days off. I also go on treks every second and fourth Saturday of the week. I wake up around 4.30 am and trek with my friends for 30 to 40 km.
Your favourite travel destinations so far.
I love going for 'Holi’ to Mathura, the 'Pushkar Festival’ in Rajasthan, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
I love going for 'Holi’ to Mathura, the 'Pushkar Festival’ in Rajasthan, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
Any memorable moments?
Going to Rajasthan was always my dream. It was absolutely amazing seeing about 60,000 camels in the desert. But I think North India is always a dream destination for many photographers. I love going back to Varanasi because it always gives me something different to capture.
Going to Rajasthan was always my dream. It was absolutely amazing seeing about 60,000 camels in the desert. But I think North India is always a dream destination for many photographers. I love going back to Varanasi because it always gives me something different to capture.
Tell us about your all-time favourite picture.
It was a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild when I was visiting Kolkata. After a tiresome shoot in the morning, my friends and I stopped at a house for some water. That’s when I noticed the two talking to each other. The light was streaking through the roof and it fell right on them. It is always a feel-good picture for me.
It was a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild when I was visiting Kolkata. After a tiresome shoot in the morning, my friends and I stopped at a house for some water. That’s when I noticed the two talking to each other. The light was streaking through the roof and it fell right on them. It is always a feel-good picture for me.
Your plans.
I want to travel as much as possible. When I started using the camera, I never knew that I would love it so much. I initially thought purchasing a Rs 35,000 camera was too much. Now I understand the value of it.
I want to travel as much as possible. When I started using the camera, I never knew that I would love it so much. I initially thought purchasing a Rs 35,000 camera was too much. Now I understand the value of it.
Which camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D700. I recently purchased a Sony DSC-RX10 Mark 2 for my street photography. It is easier to carry around and feel invisible with while taking pictures. I also have a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 which I use to take portraits of people.
I use a Nikon D700. I recently purchased a Sony DSC-RX10 Mark 2 for my street photography. It is easier to carry around and feel invisible with while taking pictures. I also have a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 which I use to take portraits of people.