My love for photography began at the age of 18 and has only escalated ever since : Sheldon Santos

WallMag: Tell us a bit about Sheldon Santos

My name is Sheldon Santos and I'm a photographer born and raised in Mumbai, India. Major focus of my work is based on fashion but alternatively, I have an inclination towards portraits and portfolios. My love for photography began at the age of 18 and has only escalated ever since. I have a deep desire to someday explore the field of wildlife photography. My journey in this field has taken me to different parts of the world, some favourites being Mount Titlis in Switzerland and into the wilderness of Masai Mara in Kenya. Overall, I've always focused on allowing my passion for photography to dominate the decisions of my life.

 WallMag: What is your background and how did you get involved with photography?

I am a Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of Mumbai who dropped a year in the 1st year at college for not being able to clear a few subjects. This led me to be overtly disappointed and disheartened. But little did I know then, this drawback would have led me to discover the magnificence of photography. Being unoccupied with any college obligations or exams, found myself attending an outstation wedding ceremony of a relative. Being one of the youngest adults around and of less help otherwise, a relative handed over his DSLR camera and asked me to keep taking candid photos of the ceremony. This was when I held a professional camera for the first time and was instantly fascinated. As the day went by, I found a group of relatives and friends giggling at me. After questioning why they pointed out that I was much tantalized with the camera that I had missed quite a bit of the ceremony. This led me to introspect and realize that I had fallen deeply in love with this phenomenon of photography. Since then, the camera has intrigued me to such an extent that each time I find myself occupied with one, I feel content.

WallMag: When you’re working with a model, how important is communication during a shoot?

It may not be important that the model is comfortable in the tightly fitted jeans or wrongly sized shoes worn for the photo shoot. But it is vital that the model feels at ease and comfortable in the presence of the photographer. Only when both professionals have built the bridge of comfort around each other, the possibility of an excellent shoot arises. Because it is now that the model won't feel conscious and the photographer will be able to comfortably draw out better poses for the shot. Therefore, prior to the shoot, the photographer should initiate a conversation with the model to adequately understand each other. This not only creates a more comfortable environment but also allows the model to portray genuinely natural expressions while posing for the shots. Ultimately, the model ends up looking at ease, which in my opinion is essential for a thriving photoshoot. So yes, communication is remarkably important while working with a model.

WallMag: Tell us about some of the highlights of your career.

Began assisting Bollywood's prominent celebrity photographer Rohan Shrestha in the year 2013 and continue to do so even today. In the course of my experience, found myself enriched with opportunities of working individually with personalities like Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Karan Johar, Sonakshi Sinha, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Birla and many more. Have worked with eminent designers like Kresha Bajaj, Arpita Mehta, Kunal Rawal on several projects. Have also lead an Ad Campaign for the store chain Shoppers Stop that featured all over India.

WallMag: If you could be invisible for one day with your camera, what would you like to click? 

I've always loved shooting stray animal portraits. But when the opportunity arises, these animals either get excited and wiggle themselves towards me or some of them get scared and run away. Given the opportunity to become invisible with the camera, would want to find myself surrounded by these incredible souls in their natural and undisturbed habitation. I believe these street animals are the best models one can find, they don't require any form of clothing or makeup. All you need is to have them stay still for a few seconds and you'll end up with a cherishing photograph.

WallMag: One of your favourite shots?

WallMag: Share some images that are very special to you

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