INTERVIEW
January 22, 2021
FINDING NEW STORIES
Photography by Sandeep Kumar
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Sandeep Kumar is an Indian street and documentary photographer with a unique way of capturing life's most precious moments. His journey began in 2019, when he decided to take photography as a hobby while pursuing his Masters in Marketing. It wasn't long until Sandeep realized that street and documentary photography was his true passion. He loves to explore new places and tell stories through his photographs. For Sandeep, photography is a journey of learning, and he seeks to learn from all the people he meets along the way. With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Sandeep is sure to capture life's most inspiring moments.
“I always want to capture the uncaptured moment from our day to day in my own style which is generally ignored by us and forgotten. The candidness of the moment is one of the main things I tried to include in my work. I also try to compose my shot that enhances the subject of the photograph and makes it more expressive.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH SANDEEP KUMAR
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
SANDEEP KUMAR: A friend showed me the Ted Talk Episode of Sebastiao Salgado's "The Silent Drama of Photography" which made me a fan of his work and ideology. And recently, I also got to know the amazing photographer Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh. I just love his documentary work.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length?
SK: I don't think the equipment does anything to improve vision. I use a Sony A7 III. I have only one lens that is Sony 28-70mm and I use it at 28mm most of the time.
Vision is in mind, equipment helps to capture the vision you had for that shot.
TPL: What are some of your goals as a photographer? Where do you see yourself or hope to see yourself in five years?
SK: Well, I never thought of it...I am more likely to live in the present. I want to a become a well known photographer and inspire people through my work.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about?
SK: Currently, I'm working on a project on Bricks Klein labourers and trying to get to know them and get an understanding for their stories and struggles.
TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
SK: I love to travel, hanging out with friends and sometimes I play video games.
Sandeep Kumar's journey of learning more about street and documentary photography and capturing life's most precious moments is something we can all learn from. We can take inspiration from Sandeep's willingness to explore new places and use photography as a way to tell stories. His ability to capture life's inspiring moments shows that he has an eye for detail and a passion for what he does.
