The Art of Composition: A Conversation with Ravishankar

In the opening episode of Photo Country Season 4, host Rajiv interviews veteran photographer Ravishankar, also known as the 'Wrong Side Rascal' on Instagram. The conversation delves into Ravishankar's journey in photography, which began in 2004, his love for visual composition over technical details, and his experience in street and landscape photography in Singapore. The discussion also explores the influence of cinema on Ravishankar's photography and his transition to portrait photography. Throughout the episode, the two photographers reflect on the importance of serendipity, intent, and the subtractive nature of photography. They conclude by emphasizing the therapeutic and transformative power of the photographic process.

00:00 The Beauty of Composition

00:47 Welcome to Photo Country Season Three

01:03 Introducing Ravishankar: The Wrong Side Rascal

01:41 Ravi's Photography Journey

04:44 The Influence of Visual Arts

13:20 Challenges and Discoveries in Singapore

17:52 Exploring Portrait Photography

24:20 The Importance of Composition

35:08 Capturing the Unexpected

36:55 The Constraints of Fixed Lens Cameras 39:39 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Check out Ravi’s work here:

https://www.instagram.com/rongsiderascal/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantaphilosophy/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

EP. 56 - Motivation and Photography with Julian Mather

In Episode 56 of the Photo Country Podcast, host Rajiv interviews Julian Mather, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and former professional magician. Julian shares his remarkable journey from being a chronic truant to becoming a successful cameraman on ABC. He delves into his passion for photography, his stint as an army sniper, and his extensive travels documenting stories around the world. Julian discusses the transition from analog to digital media, and the importance of storytelling, building trust, and simplifying complex subjects like science for lay audiences. He also reflects on his career transition into motivational speaking and offers invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Tune in to be inspired by Julian’s captivating stories and profound insights.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:51 Meet Julian Mather: From Truant to Filmmaker

02:11 Julian's Early Life and Photography Passion

03:30 Joining the Army and Becoming a Sniper

05:15 Transition to Filmmaking and ABC TV

06:32 Traveling the World as a Documentary Cameraman

08:50 The Shift from Analog to Digital Media

13:40 Documentary Filmmaking Techniques and Challenges

19:38 Simplifying Complex Scientific Concepts

21:30 Building Trust and Simplifying Performances

22:37 The Art of Storytelling

25:00 Transitioning Careers: From TV to Magic

27:03 The Turning Point: Embracing Change

31:02 Becoming a Motivational Speaker

37:24 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

40:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

Get in touch with Julian Mather on www.julianmather.com 

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Episode 47 of Photo Country Podcast: Exploring the World through Photography with Mr. Vivek Patwardhan

In episode 47 of the Photo Country podcast, the host has an in-depth conversation with guest Mr. Vivek Patwardhan, a guru in the HR and learning profession who also has a passion for photography, writing, and poetry. Mr. Patwardhan shares his journey in photography, which started with capturing images using his phone on Facebook, and the importance of active hobbies like writing and sketching. He talks about the unintended discovery of passion in different fields such as podcasting and provides insightful thoughts about the corporate world's perspective towards imagery and symbolism. The episode ends with a teaser for the next episode featuring a wildlife photographer, Dev Anand Paul.

00:10 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:27 Getting to Know Mr. Vivek Patwardhan

00:50 The Art of Photography and Its Importance

01:17 Starting the Conversation with Mr. Vivek Patwardhan

03:57 Exploring Mr. Vivek Patwardhan's Artistic Journey

07:21 The Role of Creativity in Mr. Vivek Patwardhan's Life

10:47 Mr. Vivek Patwardhan's Introduction to Photography

11:56 The Art of Street Photography

15:58 The Intersection of Coaching and Creativity

19:40 The Importance of Having a Hobby

20:30 The Importance of Active Hobbies

20:49 The Constant Pursuit of Perfection

22:02 The Misuse and Abuse of the Word 'Passion'

22:39 Indications of True Passion

23:21 The Power of Spontaneity

27:00 The Joy of Storytelling

27:17 The Discovery of Passion

27:58 The Role of Talent in Passion

28:30 The Journey of Photography

32:06 The Power of Imagery and Symbolism

32:55 The Potential of Podcasting

33:38 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Don’t forget to check out his blog - www.vivekvsp.com or his Instagram handle - vivekpatwardhan

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Episode 46: The Magic and Future of Analog Photography with Sasikanth Somu

In this episode, Rajeev chats with Sasikanth Somu, a practitioner and teacher of analog photography from Auroville, Pondicherry. Sasikanth shares his journey of discovering photography through an old Kodak box brownie, his passion for analog processes, and how he teaches photography. He discusses the unique aspects of film photography, the effect of digital fatigue, and how analog and digital mediums can coexist. Discussions also touch upon the revival interest in analog photography and experiments within the field, like cyanotype. The future of analog photography and the accessibility and affordability of the medium are among the topics explored in the episode. Finally, Sasikanth advises those interested in exploring analog photography.

00:05 Introduction and Welcome

00:10 Introducing the Guest: Sasikanth Somu

01:15 Beginning the Conversation with Sasikanth

02:31 Sasikanth's Journey into Photography

06:59 Sasikanth's Experience with Analog Photography

07:45 Teaching Photography in Auroville

11:05 The Future of Film Photography

17:23 Sasikanth's Personal Photography Style

24:51 The Relevance of Film in Today's World

31:42 Advice for Aspiring Film Photographers

36:05 Conclusion and Wrap Up

Photographs by Sasi SomuHis Instagram - www.instagram.com/sasisomu/

Tor Eigeland’s Instagram and websitehttps://www.instagram.com/toreigeland/https://www.toreigeland.com/

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode. Please subscribe and leave a comment to support this podcast or you can buy me a coffee!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Ep. 45 - Nikki Clendinning: Documenting the Banality of Everyday Life

In this episode of the Photo Country podcast, host Rajeev chats with Nikki Clendinning, an urban and street photographer. Nikki shares her unique approach to photography, finding beauty in everyday scenes that others might overlook. She talks about her experiences and techniques, discussing her journey from analog to digital photography, the influence of lateral architectural studies on her work, and her love for plants and music. Nikki provides valuable tips for budding street photographers and shares her experience using a Fujifilm camera.

01:09 Starting the Band: Struggling Drummer Search

01:37 Dual Instagram Accounts & Nightshade: Landscape Architecture & Photography

03:34 Music, Planting & Photography: Nikki’s Three Hobbies

04:18 Landscape Architecture: Misunderstood Profession

05:21 Urban Photography: Capturing Cities & A Vancouver Experience

06:51 Critical Comparison: Between Vancouver and Auckland City

08:57 Fujifilm & Street Photography: Technique, Challenge, & Camera Settings

09:21 Influences & Homage: Inspired by Vivian Maier and Robert Mapplethorpe

14:31 Digital Practice: Development from connections

25:02 Assumed Identity: Using Initials Instead of Name

08:51 Photography Future: View of Photography Role Post Landscape Architect Training

You can check out Nikki's work on her Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/njc.photographic/

Do like, share and subscribe to this podcast on Substack or whichever platform you listen to for your podcasts. Till the next episode, stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Ep. 44 - Conversation with Tatiana Harper: A Passionate Photographer's Journey

In episode 44, Rajeev interviews Auckland-based lifestyle photographer, Tatiana Harper. The conversation explores Tatiana's journey from being an accountant to a professional photographer, her choice of genres, and her transition into the photography industry. Tatiana opens up about her love for lifestyle and event photography, preferring DSLR technology over mirrorless, and her experiences shooting film and digital. She further discusses the challenges of working in a saturated photography market and shares insights from her experience on how to survive in this industry.

00:01 Introduction

01:02 Early days in Photography

03:00 Type of Photography

08:09 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Photography

13:22 Building a name in Photography

28:35 Gear and Lens Choices

32:51 Future plans

33:05 Closing thoughts

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. You're listening to episode 43 of the Photo Country podcast with yours truly Rajeev. I caught up with Kartik Chaudhry, the creative mind behind Inscape Media for this episode. I first met Kartik as a filmmaker when I was working with an advertising agency in Goa India.

He was part of a production house in Mumbai. For some reason, our wavelengths synced up and we have been creative collaborators ever since.One of the reasons probably is that we have both big-time comic book fans since childhood. Anyway, I have been after Kartik to get him on the podcast. And finally, he relented. The reason I wanted to talk to him is that he started out as a photographer before making the transition to become a filmmaker in the Hindi film industry. So that's a perspective that I wanted to explore.

I personally feel that in every creative person's life, that is a. there is an ah-ha moment. When a light bulb goes off in your brain. Your eyes fly wide open. And you realize that holy s**t, this is something that I can do really well. And this is something that I can do for the rest of my life. For Kartik, it happened during his journalism course when he had his first run-in with the camera.

I have always believed that photographers are one frame away from becoming filmmakers. As photographers, we're always capturing moments in life and putting them in a narrative sequence to tell a story. That is not far from converting them into 24 frames per second. So, this is exactly what Kartik did. For him, there was always this drive to explore and expand his creativity. And that led him to filmmaking.

I hope you enjoyed listening to this conversation with Kartik Chaudhry. Photo Country is a passion project of mine. Please do leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcast. Or you can do one more thing. You can buy me a coffee. That's right. Go to buymeacoffee.com/photocountry and show your support.

Photo Country with Rajeev is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. After a bit of a break, I'm back with episode 42. And this special episode, we feature Masban Pereira from Mumbai. Whose lens captures the essence of East Indian weddings and events like no other. But before we dive into this episode, let's set the stage with a touch of history.

The East Indians are a community with a rich and storied heritage.

Their roots trace back to the days of colonial India. They descend from the original inhabitants of the seven islands that make up Mumbai.

These resilient and vibrant people known as East Indians have a captivating history that unfolds like a tapestry of cultures. Their story intertwines with the Portuguese, British, and Indian influences resulting in a unique blend of traditions and customs that are still cherished today.

Originating from the historic seven islands of Mumbai, the East Indians have left an indelible mark on the city's cultural mosaic contributing to its unique charm. Read on as we unravel the tapestry of east indian culture through the lens of the talented Masban Pereira.

I was introduced to Masban's work by his brother, Neil. A very good friend of mine who's also a photographer, based in Auckland. He was one of the very first photographers that I interviewed for this podcast. Masban and his brothers were introduced to photography through their father. Masban Pereira is unique in the sense that he is someone who exclusively focuses on the Catholic East Indian community. This is a community that has a rich and storied history. His photography reflects the community that he is a part of.

You can check out Masban’s work on his website www.flashbacks.in or on his Instagram - flashbacks.in

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Masban Pereira. Photo country is a passion project of mine. Please do leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcast. Are you going to do one more thing? You can buy me a coffee. That's right. Go to buymeacoffee.com/photocountry and show your support. Thank you so much for your support.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

 Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to episode 41 of the Photo Country podcast. And I'm your host Rajeev. In this episode, I talked to a photographer and business owner. Amanda King from, By The Horns. I actually got really fascinated with the cattle shots that were popping up on my Facebook feed sometime back. And I have been following her work ever since. Her work is distinguished by the larger-than-life, imposing images of these majestic Highland cows.

I have never seen anything like that before. Because they are framed, on a black or white background. And it's got a singular focus. These cows really look at you.

You can't miss them. If you put them up on the wall. So that's what really got me curious, and I have always wanted to, invite Amanda to the show and talk to her about her process.

You're going to take away a couple of things from this conversation.

* What goes into running a photography business, and

* How do you keep reinventing yourself in the face of an ever-changing marketplace?

Plus a whole bunch of nuggets of some amazing insights into how you can turn your passion project into a thriving business. You can follow Amanda on her Instagram feed by.the.horns. Or buy some prints from her website bythehorns.co.nz

Before we get into the conversation, a shout-out to all the amazing listeners of the show. I have one request for you all: Leave a review on Apple or Spotify. And tell me why you like the show and who is your favorite photographer. And I will definitely feature you on the show.

Amanda started off as a school teacher and found her passion for photography through a workshop that the school sent her to learn the craft to teach at school. That serendipitous moment took Amanda on a journey that she never expected to go on.

Raising a young family on a working farm while managing a growing business brought its own set of challenges. From flakey internet to managing printers across different geographies around the world, Amanda has made this work. Her prints hang on walls in Australia, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and the UK to name a few places. Her story is truly remarkable and a great inspiration to upcoming photographers.

She has also brought out a coffee table book - a compilation of her images, called A Load of Bull, published by Penguin Book New Zealand. This is a book that you would want in your collection! Such an amazing set of images showcasing the majestic highland cattle.

She has now diversified her imagery into botanicals too. She also has plans to extend her offerings through textiles and furnishings as well. It is a great way to repurpose the portfolio.

Thank you so much, Amanda. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights into running a business and following a passion.

Amanda King’s Links:

* Instagram - by.the.horns

* Website - bythehorns.co.nz

I hope you guys liked this episode as much as I did putting it together for you. Don't forget to leave a review on why you like the show and who your favorite photographers are. And who your favorite photographer is on Apple or Spotify. You can also email me at rajeev@photocountry.co. And I will feature you next time.

Big thank you to my pal Niloyd Pereira for the music. You're amazing. Go show him some love on Instagram, vintagelensshooter .

That's all for me this time. Till the next episode, stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello Beautiful People!

In this episode of the Photo Country Podcast, we are delighted to feature an insightful conversation with Selvaprakash Lakshmanan, a distinguished independent photographer hailing from the vibrant cities of Bangalore and Chennai, India. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey through the world of photography and his captivating work that has left an indelible mark on the global photographic landscape.

📸 Guest Profile: Selvaprakash Lakshmanan

Selvaprakash Lakshmanan is not just a photographer; he's a visual storyteller who captures the essence of life, culture, and emotions through his lens. His portfolio boasts an impressive array of international publications, including The New York Times, Der Spiegel, Forbes, and Fortune, among others. A contributing photographer at Redux Pictures and Getty Global Assignment, Selvaprakash's work has graced the pages of esteemed publications around the world.

🏆 Recognition and Achievements

Selvaprakash's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades and acknowledgments. He was honored with the 2007 Paris Match Award, a testament to his exceptional talent and unique perspective. His involvement in workshops and exhibitions across the globe has further solidified his reputation as a photographer of distinction.

🌍 Exhibitions and Impact

Selvaprakash's work has transcended borders, connecting with audiences from different corners of the world. His photographs have been exhibited at prestigious venues, such as the World Photojournalism Festival in China, Singapore International Photo Festival, Angkor Photo Festival in Cambodia, and many more. Through his captivating visuals, Selvaprakash sheds light on diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding among people.

📷 From Newspapers to Global Recognition

Selvaprakash's journey began in the world of journalism, where he served as a staff photographer for prominent newspapers like Dinamalar and Dinakaran. His transition from newspapers to international recognition speaks volumes about his ability to capture powerful narratives in single frames. Chief Photographer stints at DNA and TimeOut Magazine further enriched his repertoire.

Join us in this episode as Selvaprakash Lakshmanan shares his experiences, insights, and the stories behind his lens that have captivated audiences around the world. Discover the magic that unfolds when a talented photographer combines passion, dedication, and a keen eye for detail.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Photo Country Podcast and explore the world through the lens of Selvaprakash Lakshmanan. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that offers a glimpse into the life and work of an exceptional photographer.

Listen on any of your favourite podcast platform. Be inspired by Selvaprakash's journey, his unique perspectives, and his commitment to visual storytelling that transcends boundaries. 🎙️📷

If you want to get a list of the best podcasts on photography in the world right now, then make sure to check out https://podcasts.feedspot.com/photography_podcasts/ - Don't forget to check out Podcast no. 75 on this list. You will find a familiar name!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. This is episode 39. And in this episode, I caught up wiht Madhavan Palanisamy. Friends call him Maddy. He is a photographer from Chennai, India. He brings various art forms together - Writing, drawing, photography, and moving images.

He's fascinated with magic realism. And through his work, he attempts to interpret the strange world that we live in. Through his playful images, he asks those profound questions that we all face - Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we here? And how are we connected? So without further ado, let's get into this conversation with Maddie.

"What I'm feeling in my head, I'm seeing a picture, I'm like remembering some conversation. I'm remembering some images immediately. So it's your mind, like when you talk to somebody about your experience, you'll be thinking all that. But in a picture just comes as one image. So like in most of these personal projects, I see the image as the entry point and not the exit point. And then you kind of construct some things around it and make the experience your own." - Maddie

He started off his career in the advertising world as a client servicing exec and soon gravitated toward the creative side of the business and his exploration has taken him in a direction that you would never have expected in the beginning.

His work - “Appa and other animals” - was displayed as part of a group show by Lens Culture in New York in 2022. It has also been featured in many magazines and awards around the world.

"I've been drawing, had difficult ideas about like, you know, how to draw. Then I didn't have proper anatomy. Sometimes I do like copy drawings, so, but I used to scribble a lot in my early school and college and you know, even when I started working, but only when I kind of advertising started drawing." - Maddie

One of the photographs that I liked was the juxtaposition of two images linked by line drawings. The lines were a graphical and stone age rock art feel to it.

It was a fascinating conversation that I had with Maddie. I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did bringing it to you. Many thanks to Ravindran Solomon for suggesting that I talk to Maddie for this episode.

You can find Maddie’s work on his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madhavan.palanisamy/

His website - https://madhavanpalanisamy.com/

As always, I appreciate each and every one of you who listened to this podcast. Please do share this podcast with someone, you know, who loves photography. Like we do. You can also visit www.photocountry.co and subscribe to my newsletter and be updated with all the latest episodes.

I have some great photographers, who will be coming on the podcast in the next few episodes. So stay tuned. Till then stay safe. And keep clicking.

Thank you for reading Photo Country with Rajeev. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello beautiful people!

It’s been a while since I posted an episode on my podcast. I have been away on a visit to my homeland of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. I had a wedding to attend. And boy was it hot! I was sweating buckets and I had buckets of fun too!!

I managed to catch a local festival and I had great fun shooting it. You can check out my photo essay on this. Head on over to my blog and have a look.

https://www.photocountry.co/posts/madurai-temple-festival

And now to Episode 38. Avondale, the neighborhood that I live in, has a lively community presence to it. As part of the local art space, All Goods, I have run many photo walks and workshops. One of my popular walks was to the Oakley Creek Waterfall - the only waterfall within the city limits of Auckland.

Rebecca Ronald, the guest on this episode, had participated and it had a significant influence on her photography practice. It’s gratifying to note that the work that I do has a positive influence on people!

Rebecca’s feed popped up on my Instagram when I noticed her work next to the Avondale Train Station, as part of a community art walk initiative by Whau The People, a local community organization.

Her work celebrates nature. They are all about the greenery that surrounds you. They are plants that we take for granted. And she is on a mission to educate the public about them.

They are beautiful close-up shots of the leaves. If you get a chance, walk by the Avondale Train Station to have a look. They even have little QR codes which lead you to more information on the plants.

Greeting cards featuring Reb’s work are currently stocked at:

Hereford 'n' a Pickle, Colville, Coromandel* Side Storey Gallery, Colville, Coromandel* Upstairs Gallery, Titirangi, Auckland* The Women's Bookshop, Ponsonby, Auckland* Ecomatters Store, New Lynn, AucklandCheck out her feed on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rebsleafylens/Or Reb’s website - www.rebsleafylens.co.nz

Thank you for reading Photo Country with Rajeev. This post is public so feel free to share it. Do have a look at my photography blog - www.photocountry.co for interesting articles on the art and poetry of photography.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Chasing Light and Adventure with Vivek Chugh : Ep. 55

In episode 55 of Photo Country, host Rajeev Nedumaran speaks with veteran photographer Vivek Chugh (VC) about the true essence of photography. They discuss why the vision behind the shot is more critical than the gear used, and explore Vivek's journey from Goa to the remote landscapes of Scotland. They delve into his opinions on photographic equipment, his foray into filmmaking, and his take on the solitary yet fulfilling nature of photography. Vivek shares insights on the significance of having a hobby and how his passion for photography complements his profession. Listeners are also treated to an engaging discussion about the subjective nature of art and the challenges of capturing perfect moments in travel photography. The episode rounds off with advice for aspiring photographers to practice persistently and not give up.

Vivek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivekdchugh/

00:00 Introduction to Photography Philosophy

00:32 Meet the Guest: Vivek Chugh

01:32 Photography Fundamentals and Simplification

04:44 Gear Talk: Cameras and Lenses

09:26 The Joy of Photography

15:36 Venturing into Filmmaking

18:38 Storytelling in Photography

22:26 The Emotional Impact of Photography

23:09 The Rajasthan Motorcycle Adventure

24:07 The Thrill of the Hunt in Photography

24:33 The Lifestyle of a Photographer

26:43 Balancing Hobby and Profession

27:25 Photography as a Creative Influence

28:39 Challenges of Group Photography Trips

30:47 Memorable Photography Experiences

37:47 Future Photography Projects

39:16 Advice for Aspiring Photographers

40:09 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to episode 37 of photo country.

I took a wee bit of a break from the last episode due to work commitments. But I'm back with an episode with a good friend of mine, Juliano Baby. He's an award-winning photographer from Brazil, currently based in New Zealand. Landscapes, products, action. You name it, he has done it all. He used to be a professional volleyball player before his transition into photography.

I found him, funnily enough at work. Believe it or not, he is a colleague at SCG where I have my day job.

So after a lot of back and forth in between his shoots and work, we got together for an interesting chat.

You can find Juliano's work on this website - www.julianobaby.com or follow him on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/julianobaby_photographer/

Don't forget to check out www.photocountry.co for the video version plus the transcripts.

Till the next episode, stay safe and keep clicking!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello beautiful people!

Welcome to Photo Country and I am your host Rajeev. This is Episode 36 and I have a very special guest for you. He is none other than Kavi Arasu, an old mate of mine from Madurai, my hometown. 

He is a story teller and using stories he helps organizations become better at what they do. Both of us pretty much grew up together right from school and I don’t think both of us imagined that life would take such directions for us. But it did and here we are. I recorded this conversation long time back when I was starting out in podcasting. And I thought it was time I dusted out some of my old conversations and revisit them.

You can read Kavi’s stories on his blog - kaviarasu.com or follow him on instagram https://www.instagram.com/kavi.arasu/

To tell you the truth he is an amazing writer and you will definitely enjoy his stories on his blog. Keep doing what you do, Kavi. Looking forward to more stories from you.

In the next episode, we talk to a rocking photographer from Brazil, Juliano Baby. He is based in Auckland nowadays and he is a good friend of mine.

Don’t forget to have a look at photocountry.co - our brand new photography publication, for great stories on photography.

Meet you in the next episode.  Till then stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Photo Country Episode 35: Exploration of Photography with Sanjeev Hirudayaraj

In this episode of 'Photo Country,' host Rajeev discusses the photographic journey with photographer Sanjeev Hirudayaraj. Originally from Madurai, Sanjeev is currently in New York state but works and resides mainly in London. He expresses his fondness for capturing events, festivals, wildlife, and people from around the world, using photography as therapy. Sanjeev talks about his journey from impulsively buying a camera to creating remarkable portraits. The episode also delves into the ethics of street photography, Sanjeev's inspirations, and his future photographic aspirations.

00:00 Introduction to Photo Country00:40 Meet the Guest: Sanjeev Hirudyaraj01:11 Conversation with Sanjeev Begins02:01 Sanjeev's Journey into Photography04:13 Photography as Therapy04:48 The Art of Photography07:12 Photography as a Profession vs Hobby15:25 The Influence of Gear in Photography21:48 Sanjeev's Travel and Photography Experiences25:09 The Ethics and Challenges of Street Photography28:56 Sanjeev's Inspirations and Future Plans32:04 Reflections and Regrets33:03 Wrapping Up the Conversation33:30 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode

Check out Sanjeev's work on his Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sanjeev_hirudayaraj/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. It's great to be back with the new season for a brand new year 2023. Welcome to photo country. And I'm your host Rajeev. I brought in the new year at an iconic, and historic location in Tamil, Nadu. My home state in India. It was at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the temple built by King Rajendra Chola, The First, to commemorate his conquest of the river Ganges. It is here that I caught the last sunset of the year. You can read all about in on the Photo Essay that I did on this temple.

While I was in my hometown of Madurai, I met a young photo blogger. Rexstane Nissi. He runs a photo blog called Discover Madurai. And through him, I was lucky to see a different side to my hometown, which I have not seen before.

He has been featured on the BBC website and the national newspaper of India, the Hindu. What better way to start off the new season with a chat with a homeboy from Madurai, Rexstane Nissi. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Episode Number 34. Let's get into the conversation.

Discover Madurai: https://www.instagram.com/discovermadurai/Nissi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nissirex/Full unabridged interview on Youtube coming soon!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to episode 33 of photo country with Rajeev. This is usually the podcast, where I chat with photographers from around the world. And then occasionally I do talk to artists who straddle different mediums. One such artist is Manuela Mendonca Gomes. She is an artist from Goa India. I met her when I was working there. Her work is full of nature. It's very reflective of Goa where she lives. It's culture and its architecture. So I sat down to talk to her about her art. And her journey from being a tennis player to a successful commercial artist.  Thanks Manuela for coming on the Photo Country podcast.

My favorite memories of Goa, is during the monsoons. I really love Goa when it's raining and when it's really green. My wife and I used to to jump on a scooter and ride through the quaint Goan villages. Manuela has beautifully captured this beauty of Goa in her paintings - from the houses, the lush green foliage to the distinct colour palette of Goa. I could go on and on about her work. But it is best you have a browse through her instagram feed. Her work is available on sale and Manuela is open for commissions as well.

Her instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manuelarrrtista/

Thank you, Manuela, for coming on the show. It was inspiring to learn about your work ethic, in your artwork. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Thank you so much for tuning in. Do sign up for my newsletter on substack.com and be informed every time I release an episode. Till the next episode, stay safe and keep clicking. Thank you for reading Photo Country with Rajeev. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Photocountry.substack.com

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

You're looking at something within, within a box, and what you see is what you get, right? So if you want to be thinking differently, then look within that lens and see how you can see something different that nobody else has seen. That is the only thing. Otherwise, there's nothing else. It's all about kindness. It's all about love for the world which gives you happiness.

-Ravi Solo

Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to episode 32 of photo country. This is the show by a photographer for photographers. And I'm your, host Rajeev. I have been talking to artists, image makers and creators around the world. And it is really fascinating to me how each individual approaches the art in their own unique way.

Our guest today is no different. He's a writer, poet, ad man and an iPhone photographer from Chennai India. He is none other than Ravindran Solomon. Ravi solo to all his friends. He is a visual poet, weaving words with pixels.

My association with Ravi go back to when both of us were students. I was in the final years of high school, while he was a graduate student of English Literature at The American College, Madurai. Incidentally, he was my father’s (Prof. R. Nedumaran) student as well. In some ways, he has been my mentor as well. He gave my first break into the creative world, when I interned at Mudra Communications, an ad agency where he was a copy writer. I have been following his journey as a creative person and I am a big fan of the verses he writes along with his photographs. I have attempted my own sometimes, inspired by his feed!

Thank you Ravi for coming on this podcast. I think no one has ever put it so eloquently on why photographers do what they do. Thank you for that awesome closing monologue.

You can follow Ravi's words and imagery on his Instagram feed - Ravisolo. I hope you all liked this conversation, as much as I did bringing it to you. Please do share this podcast with someone, who you think will enjoy it as well. Do consider subscribing to this little podcast of mine! As always thank you for listening. Till we meet in the next episode, stay safe, be kind and keep clicking.  

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Before I start my day, I go around taking photographs and then again I have a favorite cafe there called Mirror by the river. A river. And I sit there, start editing the photographs I took in the morning by Sun Rice. Now I find using the Lightroom to edit them is very therapeutic. I'm editing, I'm also preparing my day, I'm thinking about the things that I want to do and so on. So I find taking photo photos and also editing them on Lightroom is very therapeutic and it helps me to unwind and also focus. - Karuna Muthu

Hello, beautiful people! You're listening to Rajeev. And this is episode 31 of photo country. If you love photography and want to discover new photographers to follow, this is the podcast you need to listen to. Do consider signing up for my sub stack channel.

In this episode, I caught up with Mr. Karuna Muthu, a lawyer, investor and an ardent photography enthusiast from Wellington, New Zealand.

He also happens to be related to me, but that's not the reason I am talking to him today. He is the quintessential modern travel photographer, armed with his trusted iPhone and occasionally using a Sony mirrorless. He captures the places he passes through and uses Lightroom to edit and to unwind.

Thank you, kiwiyogi2, for coming on this podcast. Incidentally that is his Instagram handle. You can catch all the Zen like photos on his feed. Incidentally that is his Instagram handle. Talking about episode 32, I caught up with Ravindran Solomon, a creative director from Wunderman Thompson based out of Chennai, India. He's a visual poet, capturing slices of life on his iPhone and complementing them with a few lines of poetry. I had great fun catching up with an old friend. So make sure you're subscribed to my substack channel and not miss any of my episodes. Till then stay safe and keep clicking.

If you are enjoying this podcast, please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that inspires me to keep going. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at photocountry.substack.com

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people! Welcome back to photo country with Rajeev.  You're listening to episode number 30.  It's been a while since the last episode. My last episode was in September. I took a month’s break to catch up on a few things. I've been hard at work, refreshing my website. Now both my photography folio and my workshops all have one common home. So do visit www.photocountry.co

Get on my email list and join me on one of the photo walks that I'll be doing in the coming summer months. Do consider subscribing to the podcast, if you have not done already.

In this episode, we talked to Mr. Sundar Vembu, from Los Angeles, California. He's an accomplished film photographer. He's known for his images of the vast landscapes of the national parks of the U S. forgotten city of Machu, Pichu, and such wonderful natural sites of the world.

He shoots in medium format and loves to capture the natural vistas of the world. Many of his photographs display forgotten towns of the American West, US national parks, and sites like Macchu Picchu and Patagonia in South America.

I really love his almost infra red like to his imagery and have been wanting to get him on the podcast for a while. Finally, the stars aligned and here we are.

Thank you Mr. Sundar Vembu for coming on the podcast. I learned a lot about enjoying the process of taking the photograph and to slow down before I click the shutter button.

You can follow his work on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sundarvembu/

Thank you, Mr. Sundar Vembu, for your time. I learned a lot about slowing down and enjoying the process of photography. I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did bringing this to you. If you think there is another awesome photographer out there that I should be talking to, then please email me at rajeev@photocountry.co.

As always share, like, and subscribe to my substack channel. I hope to meet you on the next episode with another interesting conversation on photography. Till then stay safe and keep clicking.  This is Rajeev signing off.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello Beautiful People!

Welcome to Episode 29 of Photo Country. And I am your host Rajeev.

This is a very special edition of Photo Country. For the first time in I am talking to an art historian and author about another photographer. This episode is about the iconic photographer Ansel Adams and his early work. I had the privilege of talking to Dr. Rebecca Senf, the author of the book - Making a Photographer - the early work of Ansel Adams. it is an unprecedented and eye-opening examination of the early career of one of America’s most celebrated photographers.

Ansel Adams’ early photographs are crucial to understanding Adams’s artistic development and offer new insights into many aspects of the artist’s signature style that he later developed in hls career.

You can get this book on Amazon.com or you can visit the website https://www.rebeccasenf.com/ for more details. I highly recommend this book as must read for aspiring photographers.

I hope you liked this episode. Do share this episode with your friends. Do like us on apple podcasts or spotify. In the next episode I chat with film photographer Sundar Vembu. He is an accomplished nature and landscape photographer from California. Stay tuned for another interesting conversation on film photography on the next episode. Remember to sign up for my substack newsletter on photocountry.substack.com

Till the next episode keep clicking and stay safe. This is Rajeev signing off.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello beautiful people,

Welcome to episode number 28 of Photo Country with Rajeev. As photographers, we have all heard of the zone system but I have always wondered how to implement it in the digital age. As I was researching this subject, I stumbled on a video by a photographer called Gary Ray Rush. Gary is based out of Toronto, Canada. He is not only an accomplished portrait and commercial photographer but a great mentor and educator in photography as well. So, I really wanted to talk to Gary about his experiments with the zone system.  Are you guys ready? Let’s get into the conversation.

You can get in touch with Gary through his website -https://garyrayrushphotography.com

or on instagram - his handle is garyrayrush. He offers courses and mentorship programs on photography. Do get in touch with him if you are keen to improve your photographic skills.

Continuing with a focus on Ansel Adams and his work, on the next episode features a conversation with Dr. Rebecca Senf, a leading authority on Ansel Adams. Dr Senf is the chief curator of the centre of creative photography, in Tucson, Arizona. She has authored a book on the early work of Ansel Adams - MAKING A PHOTOGRAPHER

That’s all I have for you in this episode of Photo Country. Do share this podcast with your friends who love photography as I do. You can also sign up for the newsletter at photocountry.substack.com - until the next episode, this is Rajeev signing off.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Ep. 54: Capturing Africa’s Beauty with Kyle Goetsch: A Journey from Biochemistry to Landscape Photography

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Goetsch, a former biochemist turned landscape photographer, shares his inspiring career transition story. Kyle discusses his passion for landscape photography, especially around Cape Town, and his approach to capturing unique, natural scenes. He elaborates on the challenges of leaving a secure job for a dynamic career in photography, emphasizing the importance of planning and persistence. Kyle also touches on his workshops, his fascination with astrophotography, and his commitment to showcasing Southern Africa's beauty. This episode offers valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned photographers.

00:00 Introduction and Early Morning Start

00:14 From Biochemist to Landscape Photographer

01:28 Transitioning to a Photography Career

02:16 Iconic Shots and Locations

03:51 Challenges and Unique Perspectives

05:10 The Thrill of Landscape Photography

14:37 Workshops and Teaching

23:41 Future Plans and Advice for Beginners

26:44 Conclusion and Contact Information

Kyle’s Instagram: kylegoetschphotography

Note on Magic Mind: the sponsor for this episode. Right now you have a limited time offer where you can get up to 48 percent off your first subscription or 20 percent off your one time purchase if you use the code RAJEEV20 and they ship internationally to 65 countries all across the world. Go to magicmind.co/photocountry to claim your discount.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. Welcome back to photo country with Rajeev. I took a bit of a break for this set of new episodes. I have a great new group of photographers, curators, and artists that I will be talking to over the course of the next few weeks. And I can't wait to share those conversations with you.

The first amongst this new set of artists that I spoke to is Ivo Ivanov. A commercial and still photographer by trade, and a motorcycle photographer by passion, he is originally from Bulgaria. Now based out of London. I first came across his profile, while I was researching how to light paint a friend's motorcycle.

His portfolio of automotive images is just breathtaking. His images scream details and I really love his compositions. You should definitely check out his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imagefactorystudio/ and have a look at his work.

I had a great chat with him about his work and the way he approaches motorcycle photography. And I also asked him about some of the images that I liked from his work and how he shot those images.

Do have a look at the extended portfolio on his website, which is imagefactory-studio.com. His work is available as gorgeous photo books that you definitely need to check out.

In our next episode, we talked to Gary Rush. A photographer, educator and curator from Toronto, Canada. Gary is an expert on the zone system. And is passionate about photographing cameras. Sounds interesting, right?

I will catch you on the next episode. Till then stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello beautiful people. How's it going? This is your host Rajeev with episode 26 of photo country. What a journey it has been. I have met so many wonderful artists who have been so generous with their time, sharing their journey with me. I feel truly honoured to bring their story to you. For this episode, I met with a French photographer, Valentine De Villemeur based in Dublin, Ireland.

Valentine is a keen observer of everyday life. She has an amazing talent to freeze that moment in time and make it into a timeless piece of art. Valentine is a film photographer and she has a passion for collecting cameras. I had a great time chatting with her on all things street photography. So let's get into the conversation.

Website: https://www.valentinedevillemeur.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragmentedstreet/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. This is Rajeev and welcome to episode number 25. It's been a hectic few weeks with work and school. So I took a bit of a break between episodes. Anyways, we're finally here and I'm stoked to bring you this conversation with one of my favorite artists, Matt Herring. He's a mixed media artist based out of London.

His work is a mix of photography, illustration painting, gold foil, and much, much more. There's a lot of nature in his work as well.

Don't forget to check out his work on his website https://www.mattherringart.com/
or an Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mattherringart/.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. It's great to be back once again on photo country. This episode has taken forever to complete. Things got really busy at work and going back to school means far less time for editing this episode. But here we are. And I can't wait to share this conversation with you. I met with Parag Gopale.

A photographer who travels between Mumbai and Paris. He's the founder of The Moment, a creative photography studio that specializes in capturing candid elements of any form. There is an interesting quote on his FB page, Photography is not about depth of field. But it's about the depth of feeling.

Interesting, right? So let's meet Parag Gopale.

Check out his work on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themoment.pg/

Thanks, Parag. It was lovely chatting with you. Thank you once again for coming on the show. So friends as always, thanks for tuning in. I enjoy putting together this podcast for you. I hope you like listening to it too. Please do share this podcast with someone who loves photography as we do. See you in the next episode. Till then be safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. I am back with episode 23 of photo country. What a journey it has been so far. I never thought I would reach this many number of episodes and meet so many wonderful artists from around the world. For this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Kunal Kumar, a landscape and action photographer based in Auckland.

He's also a long distance trail runner, and combines his passion for running, with his love for photography.

Check out his work on
www.kunalkumarphoto.com

or follow him in instagram @kunalkumarphoto

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. Welcome back to photo country with Rajiv. So photography. Podcast for photographers, where we talked to image makers and artists every week, trying to pick their brains on why they do what they do.

I'm really interested in how they approach their craft. So for this episode, I had the privilege of talking to Alisha Lovrich, one of the few women photographers who specialize in sports and action photography. A pole vaulter herself, Alisha is the official photographer for Athletics New Zealand.

And has covered everything from the Commonwealth games to the Olympics and everything in between. She's also a Canon Ambassador. So let's jump into the conversation.

You can find her work on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alishalovrich/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. This is episode number 21, of photo country. And I have a very special guest for you. Tor Eigeland. A veteran photojournalist whose work has been published, on the Life magazine, National Geographic, Aramco, and many other international publications. He was there in Havana when Castro made his victory speech after winning the revolution. He has traveled with the Bedouins of Arabia and drank tea with the marsh Arabs of Iraq. Here is a photographer, witness to some iconic moments in history. It was truly an honor to talk to him. His book, Stuff Happens - the far from humdrum life of a photojournalist, is available now for purchase. You can get it from https://www.browndogbooks.uk/. You can see Tor's work on his website, https://www.toreigeland.com/ or follow him on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toreigeland/Appreciate all your listeners to support this podcast. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Until next time, stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

So, after a break, I am back with Ep. 20 and the first episode for 2022. I had great fun talking to Annupam Singh, an editorial, fashion and portrait photographer from Auckland, NZ. Interestingly, he is from one of my favourite cities, Goa, India. His images are classic and timeless - a style that echoes the inspiration of the masters like Peter Lindbergh and Steve McCurry.

You can see his work on his website - www.annupam.com
or follow him on is instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annupam/

As always, thanks for listening and follow this podcast if you love photography like me!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Hello, beautiful people. I had taken a bit of a break and now I'm back with the last episode for the, year. Thanks for supporting this podcast for the past year. I appreciate all those who have tuned into this podcast. You guys really keep me going. And this episode, I had a chat with Matt Evans - a film and solar can photographer from Wellington, New Zealand.

Solar can photography is a very experimental and probably the most interactive genre of photography. Because by its very nature, It physically interacts with the environment that the camera is trying to capture. It was a very entertaining and informative chat.

There's certainly an entertaining and informative chat that I had with Matt. So let's dive into the conversation.

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/mattevansphoto/
https://mattevansphoto.nz/
https://www.instagram.com/shootfilmwellington/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

In this episode, I caught up with a good friend of mine from back home, Devang Singh Thukral. He's one guy who wears many hats photographer, filmmaker, director. Creative entrepreneur. I like to call them a photo preneur. If there's ever a word like that, I just invented it!

An ex-marketing professional from Dell, he followed his passion for photography and co-founded Studio Fry (www.studiofry.com) after finishing his photographics studies at Light and Life Academy, Ooty, India.

In this conversation, I explore his journey from being a marketing pro to co-founding Studio Fry. I pick his brains to see how he manages the many roles as a creative director and as a business owner.

You can find his personal work on https://www.devangsingh.in/

If you like this episode and podcast, you can buy me a coffee!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry

Enjoy!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Ep. 53 - Capturing Life's Moments with Joshua Shelton: A Journey in Photography

In this episode of Photo Country, host Rajeev welcomes acclaimed photographer Joshua Shelton to discuss his multifaceted career in still photography and television production. Joshua shares his passion for photography, especially family and children's portraits, and talks about the creative process behind his Hello Stranger series. The conversation also delves into his extensive travel experiences, his work in reality TV, and the challenges of balancing artistic pursuits and business. Joshua emphasizes the importance of personal connections in photography and offers advice to aspiring photographers. The episode also features a discussion about the benefits of MagicMind's mental performance drink.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Fatherhood

00:18 Meet Joshua Shelton: A Journey in Photography

00:48 Sponsor Break: Magic Mind

02:00 Starting the Conversation with Joshua

02:18 Joshua's Podcast Experiences

02:45 The Hello Stranger Series

07:00 Joshua's Photography Beginnings

09:00 Balancing Family and Work

10:09 Television Work and Reality TV

13:46 Astro Portraits and Techniques

17:52 Challenges and Styles in Photography

28:19 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Photographers

31:43 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and captivating photography insights. Don't forget to check out Magic Mind using the code RAJEEV20 at magicmind.com/photocountry for your special discount!

Happy photographing!

Joshua’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelton_pictures/

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

On this episode of The Photography Podcast, I sit down with Auckland-based photographer Tom Williamson, who captures gritty, in-your-face images inspired by legends like Irving Penn and Juergen Teller. We discuss Tom's unique, NSFW style that goes against stereotypes and can be a bit abrasive and controversial. As Tom puts it: "I don't like upsetting people. It's not like that, but you know, it's the style. It's a bit abrasive. It's different. Hopefully it has a bit of staying power." See more of Tom's photography on Instagram @mrtwillis. I appreciate him taking the time to chat candidly about his approach. Stay tuned for more conversations with inspiring photographers - and in the meantime, keep clicking!

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

In episode 16 of The Photography Podcast, I have a fascinating conversation with Christchurch-based visual artist Paul Petch. As Paul describes, "Being outside amongst nature is my biggest inspiration. I’m an analogue photographer/visual artist motivated by societal influences, our interactions with digital technologies, and the environment. My work is bipolar in nature exploring both negative and positive contemporary narratives." We discuss Paul's unique analog approach in a digital world, his creative inspirations, and the winding path that led him to his current work. Tune in to hear the stories behind artists' evolutions.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

For this episode, I caught up with Auckland-based film photographer, Kieran Lowe. He is passionate about shooting portraits on his 4x5 large format camera. He has recently started a new Instagram feed - @the.redlight.district to showcase the process of taking photos on film and darkroom printing. He is old school with a love for classic watches, cars, and bikes! Kieran shares about his journey into film photography, his preference for film over digital due to its tangible, organic nature, and his reluctance to turn his passion into a job. He also discusses his travel photography experiences, the challenges and expenses of shooting with a large format, his inspirations, and future plans.You can check out his work on @kdotlowe and https://www.kieranlowe.com/Hope you like this conversation, as much as I loved chatting with Kieran. Music Courtesy - Para Victor by Eduardo OrtizIf you liked this podcast and want to show your support, just buy me a coffee. Head over tohttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry. Appreciate each one of you listening to this podcast. You really keep me going. I will catch you on the next episode. Till then stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Kalpesh Tailor - Storyteller | Photographer

This is Rajeev and you're listening to photo country. This is the show where we talked to image makers who are making a difference here in New Zealand and around the world. That's one thing I love is talking about photography and to photographers.

For this episode I met up with Kalpesh Tailor. An Auckland based graphic designer who loves telling stories with his images. He is a former Pro Gear Photographer of the Month in 2019.

He grew up like most of us taking ownership of the family camera during vacations. Later on after going through art school and becoming a graphic designer. He rediscovered photography. And this is his journey.

Music Courtesy - Para Victor by Eduardo Ortiz

If you liked this podcast and want to show your support, just buy me a coffee. Head over to
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry. Appreciate each one of you listening to this podcast. You really keep me going. I will catch you on the next episode. Till then stay safe and keep clicking.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Ep. 13 - Jess Wawatai

In this episode, Rajeev interviews photographer Jess Wawatai, who specializes in capturing slice-of-life moments. They discuss Jess' journey in photography, from starting with a phone camera to transitioning to film photography. Jess also shares her love for documenting small towns and the impact of gentrification on communities. They delve into the importance of natural light and reactive shooting to capture the decisive moment. Jess mentions her current projects, including documenting A-frames in New Zealand and preserving the unique character of communities through photography. They conclude by offering advice to aspiring photographers to shoot every day and find their own style. Check out Jess' work on Instagram (@Jesswawatai) and her website (jesswawatai.com). If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for weekly episodes.

00:44 Introduction00:52 Shifting from Phone to Camera03:22 Why Slice of Life Photography?07:37 Photography as a Serious Hobby11:57 Equipment and Shooting Style18:41 Influences and Inspirations19:59 Current Projects20:58 Favorite Locations to Shoot22:24 The Impact of Gentrification26:10 The Decisive Moment in Photography28:21 Advice for Young PhotographersIf you like this episode, do buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Insights from Travel Photographer Susan Blick: An Interview with Rajeev on Photo Country

In this episode, Rajiv interviews Susan Blick, a travel and landscape photographer originally from Australia and New Zealand but currently based in Istanbul, Turkey. She shares her experiences in the field pre and post onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, touching on challenges, transformations, and future perspectives of travel photography. Susan relates how she has had to transition and experiment in her career due to changing circumstances, now including travel writing and social media content creation into her photography work. She also emphasizes the impact of social media on the field of photography and shares her concerns about the evolving digital landscape. Towards the end, she provides advice to budding photographers and encourages exploration and discovery in the field.

00:02 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:56 Conversation with Susan Blick02:06 Susan's Journey into Photography03:13 Transition into Travel Photography and Writing04:05 Impact of COVID-19 on Susan's Career04:23 Moving Out of New Zealand06:25 Living and Working in Istanbul, Turkey07:15 The Joy of Being a Travel Photographer09:59 Challenges and Excitements of Shooting in Different Countries11:10 Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic11:10 The Story Behind the Iconic Mount Cook Photograph12:59 Planning and Vision in Landscape Photography13:36 Scouting and Research in Photography14:20 Impact of Climate Change on Travel Photography14:38 Future of Photography: Mobile Phones and Social Media15:33 The Dilemma of Social Media for Photographers16:08 The Shift in Instagram's Algorithm and Its Impact16:52 The Struggles of Being a Professional Photographer16:56 The Role of Post-Processing in Photography18:43 The Influence of Hardware and Software on Photography19:39 Advice for Aspiring Photographers|20:12 Connecting with Susan Blick20:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can see her work on https://www.susanblick.com/ and follow her instagram on phomadic. Catch her travel videos on girls on the loose on youtube.If you like this podcast and would like to say thanks, then buy me a coffee! That's right! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Photo Country: The Art of Finding Perfect Balance in Street Photography with David Ingraham

In this episode of Photo Country, host Rajeev interviews Los Angeles-based iPhone street photographer, David Ingraham. David shares his photographic journey and his love for the balance between light, timing, and composition in his shots. He talks about his experience with mobile photography, particularly the iPhone, and how he developed his distinctive gritty monochrome style. David discusses the role of social media, specifically Instagram, in his work, and his thoughts on the importance of artistic consistency. The episode also delves into David's concerns about the 'traps' of having a recognizable style and the challenges of evolving as an artist. Ingraham offers advice for aspiring photographers, emphasizing the importance of persistence and love for the craft.

00:00 Introduction and Show Opening

00:33 Guest Introduction: David in Graham

00:56 Interview Begins: Impact of Pandemic on Music Industry

01:50 Personal Impact of Pandemic and Reflections

05:00 Photography Journey: From Hobby to Passion

06:01 Transition to iPhone Photography and Instagram

08:23 Developing a Unique Photography Style

10:17 The Decisive Moment: Capturing Perfect Shots

12:48 Embracing Harsh Shadows in Photography

13:44 Favorite Places to Shoot

14:24 Hitting a Wall with LA

14:59 Exploring New Locations15:06 Evolution of Style

16:07 The Trap of Style

17:25 The Challenge of Evolving as an Artist

19:35 The Influence of Post-Production

21:30 The Transition from Film to Digital

22:20 The Struggle of Mobile Photography Workshops

22:20 Advice for Aspiring Photographers

23:40 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

You can find his work at https://davidingraham.com/ and follow him on Instagram @dayzdandconfuzdIf you like this podcast and would like to say thanks, then buy me a coffee! That's right! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/photocountry

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

I stumbled upon Tim's work while walking through the main street of Avondale, Auckland - the neighbourhood that I live. They were dynamic portraits of Avondale locals, captured on a 4 x 5. Tim is passionate about his work, greatly influenced by New Zealand photographers who have come before him and also his early years as a skateboarder & graffiti artist. Do check out his work on www.timdfilm.com .

As always do share this episode with someone who loves photography, just like I do! If you like this show, you can support my work by buying me a coffee - just go to buymeacoffee.com/photocountry and buy me a coffee! I appreciate each and every one of you who listens to this podcast.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Dean Treml is an accomplished sports photographer who has covered everything from the Olympics to New Zealand Rugby. His photographs have been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic amongst many other top publications around the world. Such an accomplished. Photographer. And it was my great honor to talk to him. You can find him on instagram as @deantreml

Please do subscribe to this show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/photo-country-with-rajeev
lqZZxpcCqeJGTuv4ogxY

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Episode 8 - Chris Feichtner AKA no camera bag - The artist that I hold as the benchmark for mobile photography. He's a travel photographer and educator using just the iphone. He loves shooting abandoned places and has even traveled to Chernobyl. By now i'm sure you must have guessed why he goes by the moniker no camera bag. You can find him on instagram and facebook as @nocamerabag. www.nocamerabag.com

Please do subscribe to this show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/photo-country-with-rajeev

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Creative Storytelling with Purpose: Bryce Groves on Activism and Art Direction

In Episode 52 of the Photo Country podcast, Rajeev welcomes Bryce Groves, a purpose-driven creative and experienced art director with two decades in advertising. Bryce shares his journey of aligning his career with his passion for activism and environmental causes. The episode explores Bryce's work with Greenpeace, the Green Party, and his approach to combining creativity with science communication. Rajeev also discusses Bryce's event photography, nature photography, and unique storytelling projects. Additionally, the episode features a segment on Magic Mind, a mental performance drink that sponsors this episode.

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Creativity

00:17 Welcome to Photo Country Podcast

00:22 Introducing Bryce Groves

00:42 Magic Mind Sponsorship

01:58 Bryce's Journey and Activism

03:52 Bryce's Creative Beginnings

04:43 Photography and Art Direction

06:45 Green Party and Environmental Advocacy

07:41 Challenges in Green Storytelling

23:30 Event Photography and Personal Projects

28:34 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts

32:08 Outro and Contact Information

You can explore Bryce's work and connect with him through the following links:

* Bryce’s Main Website: bvg.nz

* Event Photography: bvg.photography.squarespace.com

* Dendrophile Prints: dendrophileprints.squarespace.com

Don’t forget to try out Magic Mind, the sponsor of this podcast. You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code RAJEEV20 at checkout you can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/photocountry

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Judith Webster is an accomplished mobile photographer, with a signature minimalistic style. She loves capturing the urban built environment as she wanders around Auckland, Dublin or any city which she visits. All her work is captured, edited and published through her android smartphone. I have been wanting to get her on the podcast for quite some time. So here is Judith Webster. She is on instagram as judith.webster.54

Please do subscribe to this show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/photo-country-with-rajeev

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Welcome to Episode 6. After a bit of a hiatus, I am back on track! For this episode I spoke to Gary Ashton, who owns photoprints.co.nz - a printing and framing shop in Ponsonby, Auckland. Gary is also an accomplished astro photographer. He actually started off in shoe repair before pivoting to photography & printing. Listen to his interesting story in episode 6. Thanks for listening.

You can get your photo printed and framed at photoprints.co.nz, if you are in Auckland!
Please do subscribe to this show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/photo-country-with-rajeev

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

Welcome to Episode 5.
In this episode, I talk to Eduardo Ortiz, a classical trained guitarist turned street photographer from Valparaiso, Chile. He is travelling across the world right now and currently he is in Turkey. We catch up with him at a camp where he works as a chef. Forgive the poor audio quality as this was recorded outdoors.

Subscribe to this podcast on: https://www.spreaker.com/show/photo-country-with-rajeev

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe

In Ep. 4, I talk to Judy Hancock Holland, a minimalist photographer from Vancouver Island, Canada. Her artist mission is to create luscious, soulful photographic art that invites you to rest in a moment of awe at the beauty of creation. I stumbled upon her YouTube video on minimalism which inspired me to get in touch with her. In my view, as an educator, she has broken down minimalism that no one else has done - simple and straight from the heart.

Get full access to Photo Country: Inspiring Stories of Photographers at www.photocountry.co/subscribe