What inspired you to seek a profession in photography? Could you please tell us a little bit about Harshith Dambekodi Photography?
As a kid I stumbled upon my Dad’s Canon AE-1 35mm film camera with 50mm lens and the photographs he had documented in his time spent in the States. The idea of capturing moments in a camera seemed mesmerising. This got me subconsciously hooked on to this beautiful medium. Moving forward, I got into a Fine art collage (Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishad), Bangalore, India. Here I had my first hand in dark-room technique exposures. Since painting (https:// www.harshithdambekodi.com/pencil-charcoal) was my main medium of expression, photography was just a hobby. I experimented with painting a lot but photography gave me a sense of myself and life I wanted to lead. In coming years, I worked as an art director in an advertising agency called Ogilvy & Mather from 2006 - 2008 and then the great recession hit and I was sacked (Reason - my boss comes up to me and says since I have a coffee plantation and financially sound compared to my colleagues please make the sacrifice needed). This opened up a whole new window to look into other career options and thus I took up photography as a main stream and rest is history. But now if I get to meet him I will definitely give him a big hug. The one person who truly guided me to in-depth of photography is my mentor Mr. Farrokh Chothia, one of the greatest photographer I have ever known.
Where do you find creative inspiration?
My hunger for beautiful photographs comes from the world around me, it’s full of beauty, emotions, feelings, stories and colours that drives me to create a photograph or an artwork. I always try to find beauty in everyone and capture it to show my subjects and viewers the truth. It’s magical.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LENS OF COURAGE
Photojournalism, especially in war and documentary photography, demands not just technical skill but deep empathy and courage. This genre captures history’s rawest moments, influencing public perception and policy by bringing distant conflicts into sharp focus. In this issue, we interview Claire Thomas, a renowned photojournalist whose work spans global political and military conflicts. Claire discusses her journey, the evolution of her work, and the challenges of capturing powerful imagery while respecting her subjects’ dignity. Her photography highlights the resilience of people in adversity, making her a compelling voice in contemporary photojournalism.
THE CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS OF WAR PHOTOJOURNALISM
In the realm of journalism, few fields demand as much courage, skill, and sensitivity as war reporting. Photojournalists on the front lines bear witness to conflicts, translating the chaos and human suffering into images that tell stories of unimaginable complexity. This article explores the evolution of war reporting, the ethical and legal considerations involved, and the impact of technology and collaboration in shaping this crucial form of journalism.
TIPS FOR CREATING A COMPELLING DOCUMENTARY PHOTO SERIES
Documentary photography is a powerful medium that tells stories through images, capturing moments that resonate with viewers and often convey deep emotional truths. A compelling documentary photo series can influence opinions, spark conversations, and bring awareness to issues that might otherwise remain in the shadows. However, creating a documentary photo series that stands out requires more than just technical skill with a camera it requires thought, planning, and a deep connection to the subject matter. In this article, we provide some tips that can help you tell a compelling story.
GETTING YOUR WORK PUBLISHED: HOW TO PITCH YOUR PHOTOS TO MEDIA OUTLETS
In the ever-evolving world of media, photojournalism stands out as a compelling and impactful form of storytelling. A single photograph can capture a moment in time, convey profound emotions, and provide an insightful perspective on global events. For photojournalists, getting their work published is a crucial step in advancing their careers and ensuring that their stories reach a wider audience. However, the process of pitching photos to media outlets can be daunting. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help photojournalists effectively pitch their work and increase their chances of getting published.
Sony India launches ZV-E10 II camera at ₹94,990
Sony India has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to its popular ZV-E10 camera, aimed at content creators, vloggers, and photographers.
Vivo India launches second edition of Smartphone Photography Awards led by Zoya Akhtar
In celebration of World Photography Day, vivo India has announced the launch of the second edition of the vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards.
FUJIFILM India launches the FUJIFILM X-T50 at ₹1,49,999
FUJIFILM India has unveiled the X-T50, the latest addition to its X series of mirrorless digital cameras. Priced at ₹1,49,999 for the body, the X-T50 combines exceptional image quality with a compact, lightweight design, targetting both photography enthusiasts and professionals.
Philo-Photo Photography Awards launched
The first edition of the Philo-Photo Photography Awards is now open, inviting photographers from around the globe to showcase their creative vision under the theme “Unity through Diversity.”
Nu Republic Cybotron SPIN Review
A Nu contender has entered the arena of electronic accessories! Nu Republic is a Delhi-based lifestyle technology brand with a variety of wearable technology and more. Today we're reviewing their Cybotron SPIN a compact MagSafe compatible wireless power bank with a fidget spinner on it! Because apparently it’s still a thing in 2024? Price on the box says ₹5499 but is ₹2499 on their website, which is more likely the actual price. Is it worth this price? Let’s take this for a spin and find out!
HOW TO BECOME A WAR PHOTOGRAPHER
War photography is one of the most challenging and demanding professions in journalism. Capturing the harsh realities of conflicts requires not only photographic skill, but also a deep sense of responsibility, courage, and resilience. In this article, we aim to guide you through the essential steps of becoming a war photographer, from developing the necessary skills to understanding the risks and ethical considerations involved.