June is the month for photography and keeping the creative month in mind, we though why not have a tete-a-tete with one of the creative photographers of the bay area RAAJ DHANJAL of IMegastar Studios. In a candid chat with Janyaa, Raaj tells us what motivates him and what he loves to do.
1) What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?
I always loved some form of an art and could relate myself being a very visual person. So I chose photography. I started photography as a hobby. I was pretty good and pictures fascinated me since childhood but still wanted to get better at it. I joined well known photography associations to keep myself abreast with new photography techniques and trends. Till date, I encounter something new every day which strive me to learn more and more.
2) How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?
For me, photography is another form of meditation to create unique artistic images. The most important quality to be a good professional photographer is to be passionate and involved about what you want to get out of the person or the subject. Photography is my conversation with someone. If the subject is caught well, the photograph will communicate in the same way to the viewers as well. The camera is the least important aspect of photography. There are a couple of important things like the lens and the subject matter. Shooting beautiful images, one needs to practice the technical experiences as well as the artistic side too.
3) Working with so many different organizations, are there any trends you see in photo philanthropy?
As a professional photographer I think there is a lot you can do with your camera. Clicking the right picture from the right angle can present a beautiful story. I would like to give back to my community and help non-profit organizations raise awareness for issues all over the world. Not only can photography help people in need, but the right photo taken at the right time can advance a cause by presenting an issue in a completely new light.
4) What is your advice for the upcoming photographers?
Keep Clicking! Photography is like poetry: it is enough to make a few rhymes, but that’s not a good poem. If you like something, shoot it. You might get depressed at the beginning but that should be the motivation to do much better and hone your skills. Interact more with your camera and you will find your calling. GOOD LUCK!
It is no wonder then that even in today’s slam-bang world of digital shoots Raaj’s photos and unique style are still much sought after. On behalf of Janyaa, we wish you the very best in all your endeavors.
Janyaa 