WallMag: How did you first get into Photography?
Initially, I took normal pictures like others. Later, I thought it was not unique and started focusing on the macro theme. For trying macros, I started collecting gears for my smartphone and learned them in depth. I have also created some own techniques and ideas that helped me a lot in taking perfect pictures. In today's world, everyone takes pictures I just thought of being more creative and innovative from other photographers which helped me a lot in getting more reach.
WallMag: We come across single subjects in your photographs. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes, that's right. I maintain the same concept of macro throughout my feed on Instagram. I do capture all types of photography with my smartphone yet I post only macro pictures as I want to showcase the beauty of the tiny things in nature to this world and I found that people do change their perspective towards the insects, now they have started to love insects instead of hating them.
WallMag: What type of equipment do you use to shoot the photograph? Is it the same for all photographs?
I use a macro lens externally with the smartphone for magnifying the tiny subjects and various magnification lenses for different sized subjects.
WallMag: What made you interested in macro photography?
I used to explore a lot of things on Instagram. In that way, I discovered many great pictures, captured by various Photographers all around the world. During my 2nd year of engineering, I got very much interested in photography and decided to capture the photographs with my smartphone camera. Initially, I clicked all types of photographs, later I got very much attracted by macro and started developing passion towards it.
WallMag: What is your area of specialty within macro? What are the biggest challenges you face within that specialty?
Macro can be done with any tiny subject, but I especially focus on insects which requires a lot of practice and patience. Clicking insects requires a lot of patience since the insect won't be steady for a long time. One should be prepared to handle all kinds of circumstances during photography like bad weather, harsh wind, etc. By the time I find a subject, I should calculate which lens will be suitable for this subject and also the frame, composition which matters a lot.
WallMag: In macro photography, it is quite difficult to get your subject completely in focus as you get closer. Is there a specific technique that you use to get as much of the subject in focus as possible?
Yes, getting proper focus is the main thing in macro photography and for achieving this it requires much practice. For getting proper focus you must understand the lenses properly that how they work, whats the focus distance, etc. I usually get support with any static object for getting more stability while clicking macros.
WallMag: Can you tell us a bit about your photography process?
My photography process is a planned one. Firstly, I plan a location like a field or any specific place and then visit those places in the morning before sunrise. Later, I search around for some specific subject, if I find any subject then I observe them for some time as what they do, how they are doing, are they looking for some predator, etc. I also plan for the composition & framing at the same time then and the next step is to approach them for photographs.
WallMag: Do you usually make any further edits/post-processing onto your photos? If so, what software do you use?
Since I take the pictures in a planned manner, I don't need much post-processing. I just use Lightroom and Snapseed for some color correction and detailing.
WallMag: How important do you think composition is in macro photography?
After spotting the insects, I always observe the activities of those insects whether they are in rest, stalking, or a hurry. Then I slowly move towards them calmly so that they do not move away. I pan my smartphone steadily and slowly towards the insect. Patience is the key in macrophotography. For a crisp and detailed shot which requires more stability, for that I get to support my hands towards the ground or any static object which acts as a tripod for me.
WallMag: Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?
Patience is the key to success in macro photography. It’s not easy like human portraits, humans will understand our commands but these tiny creatures can't be handled. It’s a time-consuming art. When we use a macro lens, we have to go much closer to the insect, so the trick is to pan slowly towards the insect without any hurry. Do a lot of experimentation with the camera and include your creativity in your picture.
You can follow Sasi Kumar on Instagram to stay updated with his work.
