KASHMIR FILES

Documentary photographer Rana Pandey Is all set to explore the Valley through Project Bismillah that captures Kashmir's soul, rich tradition, culture, and natural beauty, says Jaideep Pandey

- Jaideep Pandey

Blurring the lines between passion and profession, Kolkata-based documentary photographer Rana Pandey, 31, believes that the real beauty of a moment lies in its raw essence. After a successful work exhibition in Gurugram recently, Pandey is all set to revisit his great work interest - the Kashmir valley - and to explore it through 'Project Bismillah' of which he is a core member.

As the abrogation of Article 370 marks its third anniversary this August, here's a recent conversation with the young photographer who is making news for all the right reasons.

How do you look at documentary photography as a profession and process?

Documentary photography demands a lot of dedication, as a profession research and experimentation. You have to constantly explore new areas and domains and have to have constant awareness of what the subject is saying. The process and professional part are quite integrated for a documentary photographer, one might say that following the artistic documentary process is 80 percent of the profession. Other than this, there are other aspects of networking with other photographers, seeking better work and getting your work published in the right forums.

What is your creative inspiration?

Capturing the story of the moment in a still photograph and doing justice to it is my creative inspiration. It forever captures the moment that will never come again. As a photographer, I am constantly searching for these bits of time and it gives me immense creative satisfaction that through my work I get to immortalise never occur again.

Tell us about your method of approaching a project and drawing a plan?