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Through the Lens of Youth: An Interview with Photographer Charu Rathi

Through the Lens of Youth: An Interview with Photographer Charu Rathi

How did your journey in photography begin?

My journey as a photographer began a few years ago when I started taking pictures with my phone just for fun. I enjoyed capturing sunsets, nature, and everyday moments. Over time, I became more interested in learning about composition, lighting, and editing. As I practiced and experimented with different styles, photography grew from a hobby into a passion. Now, I love using photography to tell stories and preserve memories through my own perspective.

What was the first photo you ever took that made you feel like a photographer?

A beautiful sunset sky with dark clouds, soft light near the horizon, and the city skyline in the background. That moment made me realize I could create something meaningful with just a camera.

How has your photography style evolved over the years?

It evolved a lot, to be honest. At first, I was just clicking pictures randomly, but now it's about setting the frame, getting the composition right, and then definitely editing a little bit—adjusting clarity, brightness, and all that. I've become more intentional with every shot.

Which genre of photography resonates most with you and why?

Mobile photography resonates most with me because, as an 18-year-old, I never got the chance to use a professional camera before college. So it all started with clicking pictures on my phone, and I've learned to make the most of it.

Tell us about a photo that best represents your street photography style.

Reels and Frames

This photo feels like a story of nature quietly taking over a busy city corner. Amid the tangled electric wires, old buildings, and streetlights, a wall of vibrant pink and white flowers blooms freely, bringing color and life to an ordinary street. I just took this randomly on a weekend while having a walk with one of my friends.

What techniques did you use in your portrait shoot?

Reels and Frames

I took this portrait while on a city walk with the college's photography club. For this shot, I rotated the camera to vertical and clicked from a distance while zooming in. For further perfection, I edited it a little to enhance the mood.

What was the most memorable moment while taking your travel photo?

Reels and Frames

This photo was clicked while I was on a family trip. This place holds the core memories of my life. My last school trip was at this place, and revisiting those memories on a family trip made the old sweet moments rush through my mind like the wind.

What settings or apps did you use for your mobile photo?

Reels and Frames

I used the normal mobile camera on a Samsung A16. I used the night mode to capture this shot, which helped bring out the details in low light.

How did you approach shooting your event photo differently from other genres?

Reels and Frames

I approached this event by focusing on candid moments and emotions. My goal was to capture the atmosphere and tell the story of the event rather than just taking posed photos. It's about feeling the energy and translating that into images.

Walk us through your editing process for a before-and-after shot.

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

I used the app Canva for this editing. I cropped it a little, focusing on the streetlight surrounded by pink flowers. Then I adjusted basic factors like brightness, contrast, saturation, and clarity to make the image pop.

Contact and Follow

Instagram: Charu_rathi11