INTERVIEW
January 22, 2021
FINDING NEW STORIES
Photography by Sandeep Kumar
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Sandeep Kumar is an Indian street and documentary photographer. Starting his career in photography as a hobbyist in 2019 while doing his Masters in Marketing, Sandeep tried all genres of photography in the beginning, and discovered that street and documentary work attracted him more than any other genre. Loving to travel and to find new places and stories, he identifies himself as a learner, trying to learn new things from everyone.
IN CONVERSATION WITH SANDEEP KUMAR
TPL: Sandeep please tell us about what you want to express through your photography. And what are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs?
SK: 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.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
SK: 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. Vision is in mind, equipment helps to capture the vision you had for that shot. 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.
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.