How did your journey into black and white photography begin?
My journey into black and white photography didn't begin with a physical camera but with a mobile device—the OnePlus 7. I still don't own a camera and shoot all my photographs using only my mobile device. Though colorful photos look awesome with captivating nature colors like blue skies, green fields, and golden sunrises and sunsets, the beauty of black and white photography is very different. When I used to see black and white photos taken by professional photographers, I would see the emotions, expressions, and storytelling behind them. To me, monochrome images seem to carry emotion in a deeper, richer way. I would say partially, the lockdown in 2021 was a blessing in disguise for me as I could find some time, and that's how I started my black and white photography journey.
What was the first black and white photo you took that made you feel proud?
My first black and white photo was a close-up, black-and-white photograph focusing on two weathered hands of a granny next door clasped together against a dark, featureless background. The deep-set wrinkles and prominent veins are not presented as imperfections but as a detailed map of a long life. The skin resembles a weathered landscape or the bark of an ancient tree, suggesting a connection between the human body and the enduring elements of nature. The reason I felt proud is that this picture brought a smile to her face when she was going through some illness due to age.
How has your experience and style in black and white photography evolved over the years?
My black and white photography style has evolved from capturing everything to focusing purely on essential stories. In the early days, I relied heavily on high contrast and dramatic light to make simple scenes look impactful. Over the years, I learned that less is more. Today, my style is softer, prioritizing natural light, subtle gray tones, and genuine emotion over flashy editing. Earlier, I used to chase intense, high-contrast black and whites, but now I seek balance. I focus on smooth gradients and texture, allowing the subject's quiet details to guide the story. Also, I used to spend a lot of time heavily editing images in digital software to achieve a specific mood, but now I try to get the lighting and composition right in the camera, capturing the raw, honest truth of the moment.
What draws you to black and white over color photography?
The beauty of black and white photography lies in its ability to strip away color distractions and distill an image to its core. By focusing solely on light, shadow, texture, and form, it transforms everyday scenes into timeless, emotional, and highly expressive works of art.
Which black and white photo best represents your style, and what does it mean to you?
These photos represent different aspects of my style. The first is an adult fist gently bumping a tiny newborn infant's hand—a photograph that represents protection, strength, and the bond between parent and child. The second shows two weathered hands, where deep-set wrinkles and prominent veins are not imperfections but a detailed map of a long life. The third is a traditional domed gazebo at Nehru Garden, Udaipur, where high-contrast black and white emphasizes the textures of the stone and silhouettes of palm trees. The fourth captures water droplets on a feather, highlighting how bird feathers naturally repel water. The fifth shows a trio of majestic elephants wandering through a sun-dappled woodland, evoking a profound sense of peace.
Can you share a black and white portrait that captures a strong emotion, and tell us the story behind it?
This striking monochrome portrait captures a man whose face is a roadmap of a life deeply lived. Weathered by time and experience, every wrinkle and line tells a silent story of resilience and character. His eyes, framed by the textured landscape of his skin, hold a gaze that is both weary and profoundly wise. A prominent, snow-white mustache provides a bold contrast against his dark skin, lending him an air of distinguished authority. He wears a traditional turban, its fabric wrapped with meticulous care, symbolizing heritage and quiet dignity.
What makes the composition of your landscape or street shot stand out to you?
At the heart of the frame sits an elderly boatman, his face etched with the wisdom of many seasons, steering his wooden vessel through a mirror-still river. The play of light and shadow turns the simple act of rowing into a poetic journey between the shores of the known and the mysteries of the forest beyond. It is a portrait of endurance and peace, where every ripple tells a story of time moving slowly.
Walk us through your setup or process for a black and white shoot.
I use only my OnePlus 7 mobile device, as I don't own an actual camera. The key is to get the lighting and composition right in the camera itself, capturing the raw, honest truth of the moment.
What was the biggest challenge in capturing a technically or creatively challenging black and white photo?
The primary challenge in capturing a macro photograph like this is managing an extremely shallow depth of field while ensuring precise focus. I had to recheck focus repeatedly after placing droplets. External elements like wind are major enemies, as even a faint breeze can cause the subject to shift enough to ruin the shot. The fleeting and dynamic nature of water drops makes them difficult to capture before they fall or evaporate.
Tell us about a series of black and white photos that tell a story or show a theme.
This series explores themes of fragility, majesty, precision, and resilience. The first image shows water drops on a web, highlighting nature's patient and meticulous artistry. The second captures the monochromatic symphony of the Himalayas, evoking sublime isolation. The third is a study in precision and texture, with a slender silver needle poised in a moment of intent. The fourth is a portrait of a woman whose smile feels both generous and timeless, a tribute to the quiet strength and enduring light of the human spirit.
Contact and Follow
Instagram: @camerawali_pharmacist, @capturemoments1984
