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Nature Through the Lens: An Interview with Mobile Photographer Rajnewton Sonowal

Nature Through the Lens: An Interview with Mobile Photographer Rajnewton Sonowal

How did your journey in mobile photography begin?

I started my mobile photography journey in Class 9 using my mother's Redmi 5A. What began as a simple interest gradually turned into a passion. I spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, learning photography techniques, and experimenting with different editing apps to improve my skills. Whenever I got the chance, I would compare smartphone cameras, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and try to understand what makes a good photograph. Through continuous learning, practice, and curiosity, I developed my understanding of mobile photography and learned how to capture better images using a smartphone.

What was the first photo you took that made you fall in love with mobile photography?

If I remember correctly, the first photograph that truly made me fall in love with mobile photography was a picture of a riverside in my hometown during sunset. There was something special about the colors of the sky reflecting on the water that fascinated me and made me realize how powerful a camera could be in capturing beautiful moments.

How has your photography style evolved since you started?

Since I started my photography journey, my style has evolved a lot. In the beginning, I used to take photos simply for fun and to capture whatever caught my attention. However, as I gained more experience and developed a deeper understanding of photography, my interests became more focused. Nowadays, I mainly concentrate on nature photography, wildlife, birds, and macro photography. I enjoy observing the small details that often go unnoticed and capturing the beauty of the natural world through my lens. Each photograph is not just an image for me but a way of expressing my appreciation for nature and its countless wonders.

What mobile photography tip would you give to someone just starting out?

One piece of advice I would give to anyone starting mobile photography is not to worry too much about owning an expensive or flagship smartphone. A good photograph depends more on the photographer's skills, creativity, and understanding of light and composition than on the device itself. Spend time learning the basics, observe your surroundings, and practice regularly. There are also many excellent editing tools available today that can help enhance your photos and make them social-media ready. Editing is an important part of the creative process and can bring out the best in an image. Even today, I don't use a flagship phone for my photography. I currently use a POCO F7, and it has been more than capable of capturing the kind of photos I enjoy taking. In my experience, the camera is just a tool—the real difference comes from the person behind it.

What photo best represents your current mobile photography style?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

These shots represent the direction my photography has taken over the years. I am fascinated by nature, animals, birds, and macro subjects because they reveal details that many people overlook. From the texture of a sheep's wool to the delicate patterns on a butterfly's wings and the tiny world of insects, every photograph is an attempt to capture the beauty that exists all around us. These are the moments that inspire me to keep exploring with my camera.

Tell us about a low-light photo you're proud of and how you captured it.

Reels and Frames

For this low-light shot, I used a long exposure of 16 seconds with the phone mounted on a stable surface to avoid any camera shake. The wide f/1.5 aperture helped capture more light, while keeping the ISO relatively low helped reduce noise and preserve details in the night sky. I also made sure to shoot from a location with minimal light pollution and later enhanced the image through careful editing to bring out the stars and improve the overall contrast. The key was patience, stability, and making the most of the available light rather than relying solely on the camera hardware.

What's the story behind your creative composition photo?

Reels and Frames

I chose this composition to make the sunrise look more creative and interesting. Instead of capturing the Sun in a conventional way, I aligned it between my fingers to create the illusion of holding it. I wanted to show how a simple change in perspective can transform an ordinary sunrise into a unique and eye-catching photograph.

Walk us through your editing process for a before-and-after photo.

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

I used the Xiaomi Gallery editor and Snapseed for this edit. The process involved adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance to bring out the details and make the image more vibrant while keeping it natural.

What's the story behind your photo that captures a special moment?

Reels and Frames

Survival of the fittest, captured in miniature. A fleeting, fatal dance between predator and prey among the leaves.

Contact and Follow

Email: rajnewtonsonowal@gmail.com

Instagram: the_poetry_of_pixels_, rajnewton_sonowal