Take us back to the beginning — what first pulled you toward photography, and how did portraits in particular become the thing you kept coming back to?
My journey into photography began with the birth of my first son. My husband gifted me a simple point-and-shoot camera, and I found myself captivated by the art of capturing moments. As I started clicking photos, I discovered a growing passion for photography, and the positive feedback I received only fueled my enthusiasm further.
There was something profoundly intimate about capturing a moment that reflected their emotions and stories. This fascination ultimately led me to focus on portraits, where I could delve deeper into the essence of each individual, telling their story through the lens.
Do you remember the first portrait that made you think 'this is what I want to do'? Tell us about that moment and who was in front of your lens.
The first photograph I took was in Mumbai. I captured two people with the reflection of the sun on the ocean. The beach next to our home is one of the attractions where the sea during low tide allows visitors to walk on the sea bed. In some places, the trail of seawater and the reflection of the setting sun prompted me to take that photo.
Was there a mentor, photographer, or even a single image that shaped how you see and shoot people? Tell us about that influence.
While I didn't have a mentor or a specific photographer who influenced my journey, I found inspiration through the process of capturing images that truly bring people to life. The ability to convey emotion and tell a story through a single photograph is what drives my motivation.
How would you describe your style of portraiture in your own words — the mood, the light, the kind of feeling you want a viewer to walk away with?
I prefer soft and natural light that allows a subject's personality to shine through. I strive to capture moments that feel authentic and unposed, giving viewers a sense of connection.
What portrait do you consider your signature work, and what makes it stand out?
I focused on her beauty which is inside of her and her polished attire, prioritizing realness over perfection. She is a friend who offered me the chance to click her pictures.
Which subject or session meant the most to you, and what made it so memorable?
The boy with the parrot — he's my son and my pet conure bird. They were best friends. That day they were playing together, and suddenly I captured their eyes while my son was talking with me. My heart stopped to take that shot. I loved that shot.
What's happening in this behind-the-scenes moment, and what does a typical shoot day look like for you?
That moment I was preparing for Diwali celebrations. Actually, I don't have shoot days. But whenever I roam on roads with friends or family, when I see something unique, I picture it in my mind, then I'll take a picture. Even if it takes a lot of time, the final picture will be perfectly beautiful.
Tell us about your go-to setup — what camera, lens, or lighting do you rely on most for your portraits?
I use an iPhone 17 Pro Max for my photography. The ideal setup relies on using the Telephoto lens, leveraging Portrait Mode, and using soft, directional lighting. The iPhone uses computational depth mapping to separate the subject from the background. Keeping the virtual aperture around f/3.2 creates a realistic blur (bokeh) that looks like a high-end DSLR camera.
Looking at your earliest portrait compared to a recent one, what has changed the most in how you shoot people — and what has stayed exactly the same?
Yes, changed a lot. I got to learn new angles, new styles, new portraits, and different exposures. What remained the same is my thoughts of taking pictures — where to take the shot and how to promote my picture into unique art remains the same.
How do you help someone relax and feel like themselves in front of your camera? Share a moment where that trust really showed up in the final image.
I never start with the camera. We talk first — jokes, what makes them nervous. I tell them, "You don't need to know how to pose, just be here." I shoot through the awkward and keep talking, so they stop performing and start being themselves. That trust — when someone feels safe enough to forget the camera — is what I chase in every image.
What excites you about your next direction, and where do you hope your portrait work takes you from here?
I am excited to shoot this picture very soon. Mostly, I like to click pictures in monochrome. I hope my pictures will make printing high-detail portraits for public gallery shows and community spaces.
Contact and Follow
Email: Penumakabindu1981@gmail.com
Instagram: penumakabindu06
