On World Photography Day today, lensmen Vipin Gaur and Rishabh Agarwal tell I Kaur about changes in photographic sensibilities over 174 years and the role of social networking sites in the profession
From negatives and dark rooms to Photoshop and HDR, photography has come a long way since its inception. There was a time when one would need excessive skill and money to get their hands on the cinematic device. A lot has changed in last 174 years.
Fashion photographer Vipin Gaur feels that change in sensibilities towards photography is both good and bad. “Earlier you needed to be technically strong but today that’s not required, which is good. People can experiment because a number of shots can be taken and good images can be filtered. However, less pay attention to the subject today. There is one good picture among 100. I feel there should be a balance between technical knowledge and creative skills.”
Gaur added that even a man with a four megapixel camera on his phone can create wonderful pictures, “Creativity is most important. You don’t need to care about what camera you have. A brilliant picture just needs a thought. I have met people who have clicked beautiful pictures only with their phone cameras. I have also met people who have high class cameras but have clicked terrible pictures.”
Wedding photographer Rishabh Agarwal thinks otherwise. “There are professional and amateur point of views. For professionals, photography still remains the same. It is important for us to get it right in one go. We didn’t get a second chance earlier and we gave excellent results. It works the same way now. If we get lethargic how will the results comeIJ One has to study to become a good photographer and be sure about the creative and technical aspect. People can experiment today as they can see what they are clicking, but people are now relying on Photoshop and clicking trash. If the photo is bad nothing can make it better. It may be easier to take to photography now, but you need to be able to create something out of nothing.”
However, both the photographers feel that social media is doing more good than bad to the profession. “It is a lot easier for people to get feedback. We can reach people across the world and ask for suggestions,” said Rishabh and Vipin added, “Social networking sites play a major role. People click good images only to post online. One needs to have a basic camera and an eye for subject.”