WallMag: How did you get started with photography and when you decide that you want to pursue photography as your career?

My early dream was to become an actor, but due to some personal issues, I could not pursue this career. So, then I decided to stay back in my home town and started figuring out various options to pursue my career. Photography was the first movie that came to my knowledge to step up the ladder. I began my journey in this field, and then I started capturing my thoughts, ideas in the form of Photographs. My Photographs are my way of expressing my thoughts and portraying my imagination in the form of art that displays a true picture of society and human psychology.

WallMag: How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of feel do you try to create in your photos?

My vision is to agnize people with the other side of the situation that people know subconsciously but refrain to accept. I want my pictures to display a sense of belongingness and connectivity with real-life situations. My pictures are a way of expressing my thoughts and feelings towards a particular situation/instance through this amazing form of art.

WallMag: What’s one quality that you possess as a photographer that sets you apart?

Every artist is creative in their own way. What makes me stand apart from the crowd is that I can see stories in those things which people fail to imagine.

Although, I’ve won exhibitions and awards and have recently been awarded the 1st Prize by Wallmag Creative Photography and I’m really grateful for all of them. But, in my opinion, following my passion is my biggest achievement and a blessing. Also, the love and appreciation that I have received from people from all walks of life has been very overwhelming and is the cherry on the cake.

WallMag: How do you prepare for your projects? Do you picture beforehand in your mind the images you take?

My projects are my thoughts. So, before capturing them I read about the subject, study the concept, feel the essence, and imagine it and sometimes I support my imagination by sketching the idea first.

My choice would be ‘Mark 5D’ with an 85mm lens. It is because this lens helps us in capturing our subject both in portrait and semi portrait with perfect sharpness and bokeh.

WallMag: Can you talk us through the process of capturing your images? what preparation or equipment is involved in the photography of this type, and how much planning goes into each project? Can you tell us about your gear and drone setup?

My shots are dependent on my idea that I want to portray so, all my planning & preparation is formerly dependent on the Idea. In the case of outdoor shoots, time & light are the important factors and then the props. Once time & props are decided then I choose a relevant location in sync with my subject line. At present, my Gear Setup consists of Canon 80D with a 50mm lens, and this is my favorite combination. But in the future, I would love to use the combination of Mark 5D with an 85mm lens.

WallMag: What have been your top 3 creative photographs so far and why do you consider them as your best images?

So, talking about the first picture, It is one of my best images because it passes on the message that everyone believes that truth should prevail but, nobody dares to listen to it. People expect others to speak the truth all the time whereas they'll only listen to what they want to. Nobody is 100% honest, and that is a harsh truth.

The reason why I like the second image is that it clearly shows how we’re being pushed deeper into the trap laid by the media. Even after witnessing the truth first hand, we still believe what we are shown by the media. As we can see that the truth is burning right in front of our eyes but, it’s being camouflaged by the lies that are wrapped around us.

So, the third picture is quite relatable as it resonates with almost everyone. It conveys the message that parents should not feed their children with the same lies that they were fed in their childhood their brains should be unlocked to the truth. So that they never repeat the lies of yesterday” instill the right knowledge.

I have been so weak in my early days. I faced a lot of failures, even got beaten up by some guys on the road when I was in class 9th.

But I am still moving forward Instead of crying or complaining. I must say life is not easy for everyone. We are all going through difficulties in life that we cannot tell or discuss with everybody. And then some people always try to put you down. Whenever you try to do something, they stand in your way and make fun of you. You don't need to worry about those people instead of crying, you must believe in yourself.

Then comes the question of how?

Persistence and Improvement are the keys. If you think you're physically weak, go train like a beast. If you think you are not skilled enough then give your 100% to learn a skill set. If you have low confidence, go get outside of your comfort zone and try to achieve a goal that you feel content with. Talk about yourself and never feel shy to show your personality, we all are simply unique. Just embrace the uniqueness.

You have one life, live like a lion. Remember, what people think of you doesn't matter, what you think of yourself is all that matters.

Never sell yourself short and always remember if I can change my mind to become a better person than everybody can.

WallMag: As a photographer, how far do you think participating in awards/contests is important for a photography career?

I think they are a good way to learn from brilliant artists and embrace their skills. I think contests can be a good platform to showcase our skills/art to the masses. These also help us to assess our worth. Also, we learn so much from these contests, whether we lose or win them.

WallMag: What are your thoughts on raw images vs images that have been worked on (Photoshop)?

When I think about an idea, I visualize the final edited version of it in my mind. Then I start working on bringing this idea to life. The raw image is the foundation of my expression, once I get that, I start editing the picture the same way I had visualized it. So, in my opinion, both raw and edited pictures are a part of the process of creating an image.

WallMag: What would you say to the newbie photographers who want to build a career in photography in one line?

Be practical with your passion, Have clarity in your thoughts, and don’t be reluctant in experimenting.

WallMag: Where do you get your creative inspiration from?

I’ve been brought up with a certain set of values, and I try to communicate them through my photographs, and striving to contribute towards bringing a substantial change in society has always been a constant inspiration for me.

WallMag: What tools do you use for editing? What element makes an image so creative that it can be differentiated from ordinary ones?

I use Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop for editing. I think color themes and lighting differentiate from the ordinary ones.

WallMag: Could you please describe your experience of participating in WallMag Creative photography awards 2020 and marking your presence as top 1st winner? What tips would you like to give to upcoming participants?

I had a wonderful experience during this journey by sending entries to winning the contest. I think WallMag is an amazing platform to showcase the skills and meet talents. This contest has contributed to my imagination, and it persuaded me towards enhancing my skills and taking a step forward towards achieving my goal.

I would like to incline my tips towards the technical parts of the camera, like the choice of lens & composition. Make sure you have conceptual clarity of your idea that you want to portray and consider light as a crucial part of the arrangement.

You can follow Anurag Narula on Instagram to stay updated with his work.

You can also have a look at his Winning Photography Submission at WallMag Creative Photography Awards 2020.