INTERVIEW
May 13, 2020
EVERYDAY EXPLORATIONS
Photography by Vajradhar Acharya
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Indian photographer Vajradhar Acharya is now based in the United Kingdom for university studies. Describing himself as "a lover of good light and a clicker of pictures", Vajradhar is an explorer of the mundane and admirer of common people living their daily lives.
IN CONVERSATION WITH VAJRADHAR ACHARYA
TPL: Vajradhar, when did you start getting interested in photography?
VA: I was always a creative person and almost went on to study art professionally. I still love woodworking and painting and they are something that I try to regularly do besides photography, but photography has been my main hobby ever since my dad bought me my first camera for my 15th birthday, six years ago.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
VA: My favourite artists have to be Edward Hopper, Van Gogh and Saul Leiter and they have influenced my photography the most along with all the numerous artists I follow on Instagram who have impacted my work in one way or another.
TPL: Describe your style of photographing? Where is your favourite place to photograph?
VA: I haven't quite managed to get a signature style I can call my own and it is very much in flux at the moment and it does change slightly every day and I look forward to see where it takes me.
I don't have a favourite place because I haven't travelled a lot, but my home town called Miraj in India and South Bank in London have to be on top of my small list!
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone just starting out?
VA: I think equipment is important in the sense that it shouldn't hinder your creativity but I find that most modern cameras are pretty good in that regard, so it doesn't matter much.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography?
VA: I have very much been into art since childhood and painting landscapes with oil pastels has been one of my favourite hobbies for a long time now.