Tell us about how your journey in photography began.
My journey in photography began in childhood. I have always loved painting, travelling, exploring villages, and discovering the stories of people and places around me. Movies and series also inspired me to understand the power of visual storytelling. I started creating videos, taking photographs, and editing everything on my mobile phone. After completing my 10th grade, I bought my first Nikon COOLPIX camera, which helped me explore photography more seriously. In 2019, my father brought me a Nikon D7500, and that became a turning point in my journey. Photography gradually became more than a hobby—it became my passion. Today, my aim is to visualize stories through photographs and create images that connect people with real moments, emotions, and stories.
When was the first time you felt a strong connection to photography?
I felt a strong connection to photography right after completing my intermediate studies, when I gained the time and perspective to explore visual storytelling and document the world around me.
How has your experience and style grown over the years?
Over the years, my work has evolved from capturing basic, candid snapshots to purposefully composing stories with a focus on lighting, mood, and depth. As my technical understanding grew, my style became more deliberate, allowing me to shift from simply taking photos to crafting meaningful visual narratives.
What inspires you to keep exploring different genres like street, fashion, wildlife, wedding, and editorial photography?
I am inspired by the rich visual storytelling found in classic cinema, nostalgic village life, and narrative-driven films like 3 Idiots. Seeing how every genre—from street and wildlife to weddings and fashion—captures a unique slice of life keeps me curious to experiment across different styles.
What does your best street photography work look like, and what story does it tell?
This photo series captures the unfiltered essence of rural India, highlighting both the quiet beauty of everyday life and the harsh realities faced by the elderly. It tells the story of an older man striving tirelessly for his family's livelihood—from enduring the rain on country roads to patiently sitting in local markets—reflecting the deep resilience, sacrifice, and dignity embedded in the struggle for survival.
Which fashion photograph best showcases your unique perspective, and what makes it stand out?
What stands out is the creative use of warm foreground lens flare and soft bokeh, which adds a dreamy, modern aesthetic to a classic saree look. The clean, minimal backdrop keeps the focus entirely on the subject, effortlessly blending traditional styling with a contemporary photographic feel.
Can you share a wildlife photograph you're most proud of and the story behind it?
While visiting a zoo, I set out to capture raw, authentic moments of these magnificent animals by focusing on tight compositions, natural lighting, and patient timing. By carefully framing out background barriers and focusing on raw expressions—like the roar of a tiger or the piercing gaze of a leopard in the rain—I aimed to honor their untamed spirit and tell a compelling story within a managed environment.
What makes a wedding or editorial shot truly successful in your eyes?
Eyes as the Anchor: Focus sharply on the subject's gaze to convey depth and vulnerability, letting catchlights reveal real emotion rather than posed reactions. Low-Key & Directional Lighting: Use controlled, directional light to sculpt the face, creating soft shadows that draw attention directly to facial expressions and eye detail. Rich, Moody Color Grading: Preserve deep, velvet shadows while enhancing warm jewel tones like crimson, gold, and deep amber to build a cinematic, painterly atmosphere. Tight, Intentional Framing: Crop out ambient distractions so the narrative centers purely on the subject's subtle posture, gaze, and personal presence.
How do you approach post-processing, and what decisions go into your edits?
Exposure and Shadow Control: Overall exposure was lowered and shadows were deepened to eliminate harsh highlights and create an intimate, low-key ambiance. Color Grading & Saturation: Deep greens and greens in the canopy were desaturated and shifted toward dark, earthy tones, while warm tones (gold, red, and yellow attire) were isolated and enhanced for vivid contrast. Selective Dodge & Burn: Radial masks were applied to subtly brighten the subjects' facial features and eyes, guiding the viewer's focal point directly to their expressions against a dark backdrop. Black & White Conversion: For close-up portraiture, converting to monochrome removed color distractions, maximizing texture and emotional impact in the subject's gaze.
What does a behind-the-scenes moment from one of your shoots reveal about your workflow?
It shows my hands-on approach to capturing raw, immersive details. I focus heavily on getting precise camera angles and precise framing on location, ensuring the texture and story of the subject are captured authentically.
Contact and Follow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawmyaranjan?stkn=M3V3MDdrNjBkaDhm
Email: soumyaranjanmaharana867@gmail.com
