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Through the Lens of Emotion: An Interview with Photographer Sleeva Bramanapalli

Through the Lens of Emotion: An Interview with Photographer Sleeva Bramanapalli

How did your journey as a photographer begin?

My journey began quite unexpectedly during my college days. I was surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and flowers, and one day I felt an overwhelming admiration for nature. I picked up my phone and started taking pictures. When I looked at the images later, I was absolutely astonished. I shared them with my friends, and their comments were incredibly encouraging—they said things like, "These are awesome!" and "They look beautiful!" One friend suggested I try adding filters, and I fell in love with the process. From that moment on, my phone became an extension of my hand, and I never stopped capturing moments. That's how my photography journey began, and I'm grateful for every step of it. Thank you! 😊

What was the first time you realized photography could express emotions and poetry?

It was when I captured birds flying in the sky in a pattern that reminded me of friends. The sky was painted in shades of orange, and the birds moved together in a synchronized dance. Seeing them, my heart swelled with admiration. I realized that even birds have friends, and nature shows love through its colors. The gentle breeze brought a sense of peace, and my heart was filled with joy. That moment made me understand that photography isn't just about taking pictures—it's about capturing emotions and poetry in everyday life.

How has your photography experience grown over the years, from phone photography to aspiring professional?

My growth as a photographer has been driven by a deep love for every image I capture. I take pictures with passion and admiration, finding joy in each frame. Now, I aspire to become a professional photographer, using a digital camera to explore more places, admire countless subjects, and share the beauty and emotions I see with the world. Every photo is a piece of my heart, and I want to continue learning and evolving.

What does a typical day look like for you as a photographer?

A typical day for me is heavily focused on capturing images—about 70% of my time is spent taking photos, and the remaining 30% is dedicated to editing. I love capturing the emotions behind every picture, so I make sure to always have my phone ready to seize any moment that moves me.

Which photo best captures growth or emotion in your work, and what story does it tell?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

The sky pictures I've taken show shades of pink, purple, and faded white like grey-white. The pinkish and purple sky evokes joy—you can't take your eyes off it, like a spring full of happiness. The whitish grey sky represents waiting love, as clouds prepare to turn dark for rain. It reminds me that to achieve something, we must first prepare. So the white-grey sky tells a story of patience and hope.

Can you share an image that expresses poetry or music visually, and explain how it reflects that?

Reels and Frames

Marriage is a big surprise, a great joy, and a beautiful transition for a woman. The image I uploaded shows the anticipation of a woman leaving her childhood home and family to start a new life. It captures her heart racing with excitement and nervousness for the unknown. I wrote a poem to accompany it: "I am in joy, waiting for the days coming towards me. My heart can't stop beating fast, as I imagine the days being with you, experiencing life with you. My tears won't stop, as I see my parents and sister leaving the child love to them. But I know I wait, I experience the love, the joy, and the family we build and grow."

Share an edited vs. unedited version of one of your phone-captured photos, and walk us through your editing process.

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

For editing, I primarily use Lightroom and Snapseed. These tools help me enhance colors, adjust lighting, and bring out the emotions I want to convey.

What draws you to wildlife photography, even though you haven't captured it yet?

I have never taken wildlife photos, but I am deeply fascinated by the idea of capturing animals in their natural habitat. I imagine how a lion traps a deer, how a tiger walks with regal grace, or how monkeys leap from tree to tree. I want to experience all that and share the raw beauty of wildlife with others.

Upload a photo that represents your dream style of photography using a digital camera, and what emotions do you hope to convey in that style?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

Photography itself is an emotion—that's what brought me here. In my dream style, I hope to convey the depth of feelings that every scene holds, whether it's joy, serenity, or anticipation.

Upload a series of 2-3 photos that show your growth as a photographer, and how do these photos reflect your journey?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

These photos reflect my passion and love for photography. Each image marks a step in my journey, showing how I've grown in capturing emotions and telling stories through my lens.

What gear do you most want to add to your setup?

First and foremost, I need a proper camera and other essential tools. So far, I've only used my phone camera and editing apps like Lightroom and Snapseed. I'm eager to upgrade to a digital camera to expand my creative possibilities.

Contact and Follow

Email: bramanapallisleeva@gmail.com

Instagram: beauty_._clicks_._