Photo Country - Inspiring Stories of Photographers Around the World – Details, episodes & analysis

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/

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 

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

 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.

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!