How did your journey in photography begin?
My journey in photography began quite unexpectedly. One day, a friend told me that a photograph I had taken of a gift she gave me looked really good. That small compliment sparked my interest and made me want to explore photography further. At that time, I was in the 10th standard, and I started taking pictures of everything around me. I photographed flowers, toys, sunsets, and almost anything that caught my attention. As the years went by, I continued taking photographs and experimenting with different subjects. Through that process, I gradually realized that what interested me the most was documenting people, places, and everyday life. That is when I discovered my passion for street and documentary photography. I was drawn to the stories hidden in ordinary moments and to the idea that a photograph can preserve experiences, emotions, and realities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Since then, photography has become more than just a hobby for me; it has become a way of understanding and engaging with the world around me.
What was the first photo you took that made you feel like a photographer?
I don't remember a single photograph that made me feel like a photographer. For me, it has never worked that way. Every time I step outside with a camera, what stays on my mind is the opportunity to connect with people and build genuine relationships. Those connections often lead to meaningful photographs. If I had to choose one image, it would be a photograph I took of a woman at a bookstall, quietly gazing at her phone. It was a simple moment, but when I looked at the image later, I realized that I had noticed something others might have easily overlooked. That photograph made me aware of my ability to observe the small, everyday moments around me and find meaning in them. In many ways, it was the photograph that made me feel that I could see the world through a photographer's eye.
How has your experience and style grown over the years?
During the initial days of my photographic journey, I was more focused on aesthetics than on storytelling. Over the years, photography has taught me many valuable lessons, and those lessons have profoundly influenced not only the way I make photographs but also the way I see the world. It has been about one and a half years since I began pursuing street and documentary photography seriously. The streets have been my greatest teacher. They taught me to slow down, observe carefully, remain present in the moment, and build genuine connections with the people I engage with. Most importantly, they taught me that photography is not a contest. It is an art of preserving moments, emotions, and stories that might otherwise be forgotten. For me, photography is not just about creating beautiful images; it is about understanding people, documenting life, and giving fleeting moments a sense of permanence.
What or who inspired you to focus on street and documentary photography?
The idea of preserving moments has been one of the greatest driving forces behind my journey into street and documentary photography. What draws me to this genre is the opportunity to tell stories that often go unnoticed and to document lives, emotions, and experiences that might otherwise fade with time. Through photography, I try to create a visual record of everyday life and highlight the beauty, complexity, and humanity present in ordinary moments. The works of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Raghu Rai, Raghubir Singh, Sebastião Salgado, Punaloor Rajan, and many others have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Their ability to transform everyday scenes into powerful visual narratives has shaped the way I approach photography. They taught me that a photograph is not merely about aesthetics but about observation, patience, empathy, and understanding people. As I continue to photograph the streets, my goal is not simply to capture images but to preserve moments, document cultures and communities, and create photographs that carry stories and emotions beyond the frame. I believe photography has the power to connect people, spark conversations, and serve as a lasting testimony to the lives and stories that deserve to be remembered.
What's the story behind your best street photograph?
Kids by the stream. This photograph captures the everyday rhythms of childhood in rural spaces, focusing on the relationship between children, landscape, and companionship. Captured in Soulur, Kaveripattinam, Tamil Nadu, this image reflects moments of curiosity and play as children spend their day trying to catch fish from a village stream, accompanied by a dog that remains a constant part of their world. In the village of Soulur in Kaveripattinam, Tamil Nadu, childhood moves with the rhythm of the stream. A group of children spend their day trying to catch fish from the shallow waters, turning a simple corner of the village into a space for adventure and discovery. Beside them is their regular companion, a dog that follows them throughout the day, quietly becoming part of every journey. A small moment from village life, filled with curiosity, friendship, and the freedom of childhood.
Tell us about a documentary photo that tells a story.
This photograph is part of my long-term documentary project, Life by the Harbour, which explores the fishing harbours and coastal communities of Kerala. Made on a rainy evening at Valiyathura Shore in Thiruvananthapuram, the image captures fishermen pulling their boat ashore after a day at sea. It documents the intense physical labour that sustains their livelihood while reflecting the resilience, endurance, and collective effort that define life along Kerala's coast.
Walk us through your editing style with a few examples.
This question is somewhat irrelevant to my practice because my post-production process is very minimal. I rarely edit my photographs. At most, I might make a slight crop if it helps the composition, but beyond that I prefer to keep the image as it was captured. The photograph I submitted is also completely unedited. For me, the emphasis has always been on observing, connecting with people, and making the photograph in the moment rather than relying on extensive editing afterwards.
What was the context of that behind-the-scenes moment?
The photograph was taken while I was documenting a small local festival near the place where I stay in Bangalore. Throughout the festival, there were countless vibrant candid moments and stories unfolding.
Why did you choose black and white for this image?
This photograph was made at the Dhobi Ghat in Malleswaram, a traditional urban workspace where generations of washermen continue the long-standing practice of washing, drying, and ironing clothes in an organised open-air setting. The space stands as a reminder of a profession that has endured despite the rapid changes taking place around it. I chose to present this image in monochrome to draw the viewer's attention directly to the man folding the cloth and to emphasise the textures, gestures, and rhythm of his work. Black and white also felt appropriate for the subject, as it carries a sense of timelessness that reflects the history, labour, and enduring character of the place.
What makes this candid moment special to you?
The colours, gestures, and interactions between the people in this photograph are what make it special to me. I am often drawn to observing human behaviour in public spaces, and this frame captures a subtle connection between individuals within the rhythm of a busy street. The photograph invites the viewer to pause and explore the relationships, emotions, and fleeting moments that often go unnoticed in everyday life. The layered human presence and visual energy of the scene add depth to the image and make it particularly meaningful to me.
Contact and Follow
Email: ebinkurienmathews@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekm_._?igsh=MXRiOWg1Y2pkbHB2Yg==
