How did your journey in photography and writing begin?
Starting to like photography was never a conscious or thoughtful decision—it simply grew with time. The more I came to terms with the reality that time doesn't wait for anyone, the stronger my urge became to capture certain moments and memories before they passed. Writing came alongside it. I never thought I was particularly good with words or had a strong vocabulary, so I didn't believe I could write. But over time, I began putting down whatever thoughts came to me. When I looked back, I realized that what I wrote felt personal—it reflected who I was. That's when writing started to feel like something that belonged to me.
When was the first time you realized that expressing your emotions through words and images was your calling?
Losing a loved one makes you reflect in ways you never have before—it leaves you thinking, 'I wish I had captured more moments, more smiles, more of their presence.' I first felt this when my grandfather passed away. That experience made me realize the value of preserving moments, especially in a world where we have the ability to do so so easily. At the same time, I found that expressing such deep emotions verbally wasn't always easy. Writing became a space where I could put those feelings down—not for anyone else, but for me.
How has your experience in photography and writing grown over the years?
Earlier, I focused more on making everything look or sound perfect, both in my photos and my writing. Over time, that perspective shifted. I began to focus more on what felt real and personal to me at that moment. I've come to understand that photography isn't always about perfect framing or lighting—it's about the emotion being captured and the memory it holds. Learning to embrace imperfections in my work has made it feel more honest and more like my own.
What role does storytelling play in your photography?
Every photograph carries a story—sometimes it's clear, and sometimes it's hidden. Often, these stories exist right in front of us, but they go unnoticed. For me, the beauty lies in either discovering that hidden story or imagining what it could be. I like leaving space for interpretation, allowing the viewer to think beyond what is immediately visible. The fact lies in observing moments, and turning them into something that carries a deeper idea or feeling.
What are some of your favorite photographs from your portfolio?
Referring the 1st photo : This photograph was taken during my visit to the Sundarbans for a rural medical camp. At first glance, it may appear visually calm and even beautiful—the warm tones of the sky, the stillness of the water, and the quiet movement of people across it. But to me, it captures something much heavier beneath that surface. The image reflects the everyday reality of the people living there—where crossing vast stretches of water is not a choice, but a necessity. For many, this journey is part of their daily routine, undertaken just to reach land, earn a living, and sustain themselves. What stayed with me was the contrast: how something that looks so serene through the lens carries stories of struggle shaped by nature's unpredictability. The harsh climate of the Sundarbans, especially during monsoons, makes even these routine journeys uncertain and difficult. This photograph, for me, is not just about the scene—it's about that contrast between what we see and what exists beyond it.
Can you share a piece of writing that complements one of your photographs?
The poem and the photograph were created in different moments, but they carry a similar emotion. The image captures a sense of age, experience, and quiet vulnerability, which is what I tried to express through the poem. Even though they are not from the same situation, they connect through the feeling of human connection, memory, and the idea of finding comfort in brief, meaningful interactions.
What was going through your mind when you captured that behind-the-scenes moment?
When I was taking that picture, I wasn't overthinking it. I just wanted to capture the moment as it was, without interfering with its natural flow. I've realized that keeping my approach simple allows me to stay honest to the scene, and that often results in images that feel more genuine and original.
Tell us about a time you experimented with a new technique or style in your photography.
I tried experimenting with monochrome editing instead of keeping the original colors. The first photo shows a quiet city street at night, with an old taxi and a cyclist passing by. I edited it into a blue monochrome to give it a calm and still feeling, like the city is quiet but not really asleep. The second photo is of a child running freely in a small street, surrounded by everyday life. It feels more raw and real, and the monochrome helps focus more on the moment rather than the surroundings.
What editing choices did you make for a particular photo and why?
For this photo, I chose to edit it in black and white instead of keeping the natural colors. I felt that the colors were taking away from the actual mood of the forest, and removing them made the image feel more bold and focused. The black and white tones bring out the silence and emptiness of the woods, especially with no people in the frame. It makes the scene feel more still and real. To me, it also reflects a sense of timelessness—days pass and time moves on, but the forest remains the same, almost like a black and white frame that doesn't change.
What makes a particular image-and-word pairing significant to you?
For me, the image and the words complete each other. The photo shows what is visible in that moment, but the words express what I felt but couldn't fully capture through the lens. Writing it makes me understand it better and feel it more. Together, they make it more meaningful and memorable for me.
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Email: suhaani.das0606@gmail.com
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