Take us back to the very beginning — what first pulled you toward photography?
What first pulled me toward photography was the idea of capturing moments that would otherwise disappear with time. I started photography just for fun, without really knowing where it would take me. But as time passed, my interest kept growing, and I started enjoying the process of capturing different moments, perspectives, and stories. Now, I want to explore this field more, keep improving my skills, and hopefully achieve something meaningful through photography.
Was there one moment out in nature when you knew this was the thing you wanted to chase with a camera? Tell us about it.
One fine day during my vacation in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), I started casually clicking pictures of the places I visited. The Borra Caves and the top view of the city especially caught my attention. I was just clicking for fun, but when I looked back at those pictures, I realised how differently a camera could capture the beauty of a place. That experience made me more curious about photography. Soon after, I created a dedicated account to share my photographs, and that’s when photography slowly started becoming more than just a hobby for me.
Is there a photographer, a mentor, or even a particular place that shaped the way you see through the lens?
My journey was shaped by my vacation to Visakhapatnam (Vizag). What began as just fun slowly made me more curious about photography and different perspectives. I also came across a quote by photographer Sam Abell that really stayed with me: ‘It matters little how much equipment we use; it matters much that we be masters of all we do use.’ It made me realise that photography is not just about the gear, but about the skill, creativity, and vision behind the camera. Since then, I’ve been trying to learn, experiment, and develop my own way of seeing through the lens.
Which frames from your portfolio would you call your signature shots, and what makes them stand out to you?
I keep coming back to these photos because they take me back to the moment when I was just beginning to discover photography. I remember capturing them during my vacation in Visakhapatnam, without overthinking the shots. Every time I look at them, I can still feel the atmosphere of that place and the excitement I had while exploring it with my camera. More than just being good photographs, they remind me of where my journey in photography started.
Can you share a wildlife shot that really tested your patience, and what was going through your mind while you waited?
I waited for a few minutes, trying to stay patient and capture the right moment. I was honestly quite excited because I never knew how the final shot would turn out. When I finally got the moment I was looking for, it felt really satisfying. Little did I know that moments like these would later encourage me to take photography more seriously and keep improving.
Tell us about a landscape or scenery frame you're proud of — where was it taken, and what drew you to capture that scene?
This photo was taken at a resort in Araku Valley, near Visakhapatnam. I was drawn to the scene because of the way the setting sun was framed perfectly between the tall trees. The warm sunset light, dark silhouettes, and the peaceful surroundings created a really beautiful atmosphere. I didn’t want to just capture a sunset—I wanted to capture the feeling of that moment.
What does your typical kit look like when you're out in the field, and which piece of gear can't you head out without?
The one piece of gear I can’t head out without is my phone—an Android phone, in fact. I don’t believe you always need expensive or professional gear to capture a great photograph. Of course, good equipment can be useful, but it’s not everything. For me, what matters most is my willingness to look for beauty, notice the little things, and capture them. So, my phone and my will to click—that’s the gear I never leave behind.
What's a shot that almost didn't happen, and what nearly cost you the frame?
It was really a matter of timing and luck. I noticed the cat unexpectedly and only had a moment to pull out my phone and capture it. If I had been even a few seconds late, I would have missed that expression completely.
When you're out there and everything finally lines up in the viewfinder, what does that feeling give you that keeps you going back?
It’s the feeling of seeing beauty in a moment that others might simply pass by. When everything finally comes together in the frame and I capture what caught my eye, it feels incredibly satisfying. That feeling keeps me looking around, exploring, and waiting for the next moment worth capturing.
Contact and Follow
Email: ayusmanpradhan2007@gmail.com
Instagram: @ayusman.pradhan.018
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