Arindam Saha working in IBM as a senior IT consultant. Photography is his chronic addiction. Arindam’s favorite subjects are various aspects of mother nature such as birds and insects. His love for nature from his childhood days probably made him appreciate the beauty of nature more than anything else through the viewfinder. He believes birds and insects are the most incredible creation of nature and it has always been a pleasure documenting them through from his camera.
Thanks, Arindam for accepting our invite. Please read on.
Few words about you?
I am working in IBM as a senior IT consultant. Photography is my chronic addiction. Also, I have a passion for Martial Arts, and I have done a 4th black belt. Till date I practice this art whenever I get time.
Any childhood memories towards the arts?
In my childhood my hobby was painting and maybe this is the biggest point that keeps me pushing towards photography. Another aspect is my love for nature from my childhood days probably made me appreciate the beauty of nature more than anything else through the viewfinder.
How did you develop an interest in photography?
My first DSLR camera, Canon 1100D which was a gift from my wife, kick-started my photographic ventures. With my first Digital SLR, I graduated from being just another photography enthusiast to a serious photographer. Behind all these my biggest source of inspiration and support all throughout has been my wife, who also happens to be my biggest critic and my best friend. In my short venture until now as a photographer, my photographs have made some recognitions such as these provided me with the much-needed motivation to improve my craft and educate myself more about the nuances of photography.
How did you get interested in nature photography?
My love for nature from my childhood days probably made me appreciate the beauty of nature more than anything else through the viewfinder.
To what extent do you think photography has its say in conserving wildlife?
Photography can play an important role in conservation. Nowadays the world is connected through social/public media. In these fields, photography is playing an important role to convey the message of wildlife conversations and the latest news. Through wildlife photography/photojournalism the world is getting notifications about the issues/threats in wildlife photography. Also for conservation, awareness programs are important which is getting supported by various wildlife photographers around the world.
How important is mastering fieldcraft or animal behavior? How do you balance the two and avoid making a cliche image?
Animal behavior is important to understand to get a better story and moment. Always before going to actual filed everyone should know the basic behavior/nature of the species, so that they can understand the events in the filed and get the better way of documenting it.
I always try to educate myself before going to the actual filed. Sometimes my friends help me to get the proper information. Most of the time I experienced in 1st attempt I never get success to capture the best shot. It always took 2nd / 3rd try. So it is important to visit the same place, again and again, to get the best shots / to know the species in the field.
How do you think photography can change people’s attitudes towards a few endangered species/wildlife?
The attitude/human behavior depends on the education/knowledge/awareness towards the species or wild creatures. Photography is the biggest way of communicating the facts and truth about wildlife. In various social media nowadays playing important roles in this regard. People are getting information from socials media. Many times I have experienced that people start loving insects after watching my photographs. This is the real joy for me.
What were the biggest mistakes you made when you first started as a nature photographer?
When I started using DSLR for the very 1st time, I was unaware of various modes and settings in it. I started clicking in Auto mode :-)
One thing you have learned through photography, you would want to share with our readers?
Take this as a passion/joy and please do not enter into any rat race about photography.
Could you please share your post-processing techniques?
I am using Photoshop Creative Cloud and Canon Digital Photo professional as post-processing Tools. But honestly, I do not promote very extensive methods/workflows. I believe less is more / get the best shots in the field.
Your favorite photographers?
My mentor – Dr Krishnamohan Prabhu
Your Gear?
What is the best compliment you received so far?
National Geographic Best Shot.
How do you prepare yourself before a tour/safari?
- List down the expected species list
- Educate myself about the place and species behavior
- Find the best available guide
- Find the best time to visit and finally cross-check all my gears as a final round.
What’s your personal motto?
Enjoy life and nature :-)
Who are your real-life heroes?
Not any particular one. But I love the Indian Army a lot, they are my real-life heroes.
What is Love?
Most important emotion in life. Without love, we can’t live ❤️
Your hobbies and interests?
Photography is my chronic addiction. Also, I have a passion for Martial Arts.
Thanks again for providing 121 Clicks with this opportunity to interview you.
Thank you.
You can find Arindam Saha on the Web:
Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted Arindam Saha. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
