Q&A

What do you think is special about your chosen photograph?
The Rajasthani wall mural and the colorfully dressed girls sharing a laugh while the leader strides forward forcefully make for an interesting composition. There is a striking resemblance between the characters in the mural and the girls. I like the image because it is a candid shot and how the girls have been caught in different poses. 

How and where did this particular photograph happen?
This was taken in Pushkar, Rajasthan in 2009. I caught these girls having a good time on the stage which had the Rajasthani mural painting the background. I just had a 50mm lens on me and so I started walking towards the stage to fill the frame with the mural. Just when I had the perfect view of the wall, the group of girls suddenly split and started moving out of the frame. Right at that moment I released the shutter and got this shot which went on to win the Grand Prize of $10000 in the Lonely Planet International Photo Contest On 2nd Sep,2010. I also got 10 more international acceptances this year.

Which if any other photographs do you like in this year’s POTY?
I respect all contenders and all other 47 images stand a chance at winning.

Tell us briefly about you photography journey. How you got started and where you are today?
I started my journey as an event & wedding photographer in year 2000 and I continued working on it till 2007. To further polish my skills I completely stopped my routine photography sessions and joined India's leading commercial photography school, Shari Academy in Mumbai. I completed the course in Sep, 2010 and it has taken my photography to a whole new dimension. I am grateful to Shari Academy specially Girish Mistry, Rohinton Hirani, Vishal Bende & Fawzan Hussian for all their help.

What does your ideal day with a camera look like?
Any day with the camera is an ideal day for me.