What first pulled you toward photography, and how did the streets of Kolkata become the place you kept returning to with your camera?
From the very beginning, I've always loved capturing moments. I don't really remember when it exactly started, but slowly taking pictures became something I genuinely enjoyed. At first, it was just a hobby. I used to take pictures of random things, places, people, sunsets, streets, basically anything that caught my eye.
Back then, I used to shoot everything on my iPhone. I wasn't really thinking about photography in a serious way, I just liked keeping moments with me. But as I kept taking more pictures, I started getting more curious about it. I started noticing light, compositions, different perspectives and how small changes could completely change a picture.
Last year, I finally bought my first camera. I still remember how excited I was about it. Since then, I've honestly become more and more addicted to photography. Now whenever I'm outside, I automatically start looking around for something to capture. Sometimes it's a beautiful view, sometimes it's just a random moment on the street that probably nobody else would notice.
I'm still learning a lot and I know I have a long way to go, but that's what makes it fun for me. Every time I shoot, edit or look back at my old pictures, I feel like I'm learning something new. What started as a small hobby has slowly become something I genuinely enjoy and something I can see myself doing for a very long time.
Do you remember the first street frame that made you feel like a photographer? What was happening in it, and why has it stayed with you?
During my recent trip to Delhi, I shot Qutub Minar during the blue hour. There was something about that moment that felt so calm. I just stood there, took in the surroundings, and somehow got completely lost in the atmosphere.
I've been in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend for years, and being there made me miss her a lot. While I was walking around, I came across a stranger couple and captured them, just like we usually do when we're out shooting street photography.
Looking at that picture later, it somehow reminded me of her. It's funny how sometimes a completely random moment, a place, or even a photograph can make you think about someone you love. That blue hour at Qutub Minar became more than just a photograph for me. It became a little moment where I felt close to her, even though she wasn't there.
Whose work shaped how you see light and shadow on the street? Tell us about a photographer, film, or moment that changed the way you shoot.
I'd say Divyanshu Verma @street_ashh (Instagram)
What's the story behind this signature street frame from Kolkata, and what made you press the shutter at that exact second?
The lighting, the immersive frame and the atmosphere, always love to shoot Kumartuli, pre durga puja days
Walk us through the morning you made this golden-hour sunburst shot, from the light you were chasing to how you found your position.
I shot these recently in the evening, around 5:30 PM actually 😅. I was just walking around and shooting the flower market beneath Howrah Bridge when I somehow came across this frame.
Ohh man, it looked so gorgeous straight on the camera screen. I knew I had to get the shot. Later, while editing, I colour graded it a little warmer to give it that perfect sunset feel.
But honestly, without that sunlight, I don't think the shot would have had the same feel. The light was doing most of the magic here. Sometimes you just happen to be at the right place at the right time, and this was definitely one of those moments.
You shoot a whole monochrome world under @abhi.jxl.bnw. What does stripping away colour let you say about Kolkata that colour hides?
For me, stripping away colour lets me focus on what Kolkata really feels like. The people, old buildings, shadows, chaos and quiet moments all start speaking louder. Colour can sometimes distract, but monochrome brings out the mood and stories hidden in the everyday Kolkata we often overlook.
What drew you to this quiet corner of Kumartuli, and what did you want to preserve about it in this frame?
There's nothing particularly special about this frame, but one thing really caught my eye. On the left, the idol is being handcrafted. On the right, it's being packed by the shopkeeper, ready to be sold. And in between them, another craftsman is guiding both sides.
It's just a simple everyday scene, but somehow, the whole process of making, guiding, packing and eventually selling comes together in one frame.
How long did you wait or watch for this candid street moment, and what tipped you off that it was about to happen?
Haha i was shooting the train and the platform, it was creating a nice leading line but in editing i cropped the photo a bit and spotted that man crossing the tracks, it was pure luck, i didn't even thought of this shot, holding the camera
How does shooting a new city like Delhi change the way you work compared to the streets you know by heart?
Delhi is a little different for me because my mom lives there, so I'm not completely unfamiliar with the city. I know a few places and streets, but every time I visit, I still end up noticing something I hadn't seen before.
That's what I like about shooting in Delhi. You can know a place and still be surprised by it. The dog sleeping peacefully in front of Humayun's Tomb was one of those moments. There was nothing planned about it, I just happened to notice the scene and the contrast felt right, so I stopped and took the picture.
What are you trying to capture with this current project, and where do you want it to take you?
For me, it's not just about the idol, but the people behind it. I wanted to capture the craftsman at work, the people around him, and that simple everyday moment. I want to keep exploring these little stories that show the culture and everyday life of Kolkata.
When you're out at dawn with your camera and the city is just waking up, what feeling are you really chasing?
Haha, I'm probably the wrong person to ask about dawn. I mostly shoot in the evenings and during blue hour. That's when I really enjoy being out with my camera, when the light gets softer and the city starts feeling a little calmer. On weekdays I have college, so I'm definitely not waking up early for photography 😅.
Contact and Follow
Email: Abhimanyusharma2306@gmail.com
Instagram: @abhi.jxl
