Before you read the rest of this special interview-cum-feature, it is highly recommended you see this video :
Now, if we asked you to list 5 adjectives that first come to your mind now that you have seen this video, you would predictably veer towards words like breath-taking, awesome, mind blowing, oh-my-God, or you would be just stunned into silence like many others.
This has definitely been the reaction of over 500K people who have seen this video made by none other than our Uncommon photographer Dr.Sandip De.
“It is our extreme delight and pleasure to feature Dr Sandip in our Be Inspired section, because his story of following twin dreams is as inspiring as it gets.”
Inspiration is definitely Dr Sandip’s middle name!
Some of his recent notable achievements include publication of an aerial image taken by him in National Geographic magazine and in a book containing works of world renowned aerial photographers. His work on Yoga day celebration at the United Nations some time back went viral on Twitter and was appreciated by several people including the Prime Minister of India.
He is the founder of “Lausanne Photographers and videographers” meetup group which holds regular meetups with the vision of creating a strong interactive photography community in Lausanne, Switzerland. He also leads the Lausanne chapter of international photography events, like 500px or Scot Kelby’s global photowalk.
“And oh yes, did we forget to tell you he is a successful scientist based in Lausanne, Switzerland!”
We caught up with him amidst his busy schedule and shot off our queries, which were answered with much patience and zeal.
The Interview
(Well, we just could not resist asking this as our first question!)
TUB: That amazing aerial video of Kolkata- tells us how you managed to pull it off?
Dr De: Well! I just wanted to see my city from bird’s eye view. I wanted to see how the city look from the top of Shaheed Minar, climbing on top of which was a childhood dream but never happened. I am sure most of the people from my city will be able to relate to this emotion. The aerial video was the result of that dream.
“At the same time, I wanted to show the world how beautiful my city is. Kalyan De who is my childhood friend and a constant source of encouragement of my work, was my companion during the shooting. It would not have been possible without him.”
The video is pure love! Even if you are not a Calcuttan, this video will make you fall in love with this city with views which were never seen before this! What an amazing accomplishment!
TUB: How did this journey begin?
Dr De: My photographic journey began in 2004, when I first got my mobile phone with a very primitive camera attached to it. I remember shooting hundreds of images every single day back then. It was the time when I just finished my school and went to college for mybachelor’sdegree in Science. I still have all the images and videos I shot of my friends, family and almost anyone I came across. The intention was to store the memories and share with other people.
I did not really start thinking about the artistic aspects of photography yet back then. But very soon, photography became an integral part of my life and it became a comfortable way for me to interact with my surroundings. Constant support and appreciation from my friends encouraged me to focus more on photography.
TUB:What are your sources of inspiration for your work?
Dr De: Nature and people around me!
I draw inspiration from nature and capture what fuels my imagination.
Meeting interesting people and telling a bit of their story through my work, keeps me happy.
TUB: What are some of the challenges you have faced during this journey?
Dr De: Photography has been my passion since my college days. It was a pure source of joy without any intention or objective of any form of material gain or recognition. So naturally I did not feel or face any challenge. I did what I liked and learned myself when I wanted to try something new. I think having a scientific background helped me grasp the basic of the technical details instantly which I know can be a big hurdle for many.
TUB: What are some of the goals you have set yourself for your future?
Dr De: I would like to travel more to exotic locations, exploring Nature and cultures across the world. I am also trying to take one step further from the “just beautiful” works to something more meaningful and impactful for our society.
And in the course of all this, a few more publications on National Geographic would not be bad!
Luckily, I don’t have to depend on photography to earn my living. Having a successful career as Scientist, I am not faced with any practical constraints to do any kind of photography project which I don’t want to. Every project I undertake, is a result of my personal interest and dedication. I do take professional assignments from time to time as it gives me opportunity to explore new things, help others and learn immensely from the experience.
I am frequently asked if I have plans to take up photography as a full time profession. Well, maybe not as full time, as I do enjoy my research in physics equally but I do intend to continue photography professionally on a part time basis so that it can become a self-sustainable hobby, which is by the way very expensive one!
TUB: What would your advice be to the individuals who wish to pursue their passion?
Dr De:
- Just keep following your heart.
- Don’t let the instrument be the excuse. I started with a mobile camera having 640X480 resolution. The camera in your mobile is better than many of the professional camera used a decade ago.
- Learn to take advantage of what you have. If you want to learn how to use your camera first start with the manual!
- 99% people don’t read the camera or lens manuals.
- I learned all about the technical details from the manual mainly.
- Don’t think too much about competition and prizes. The numerous competitions now daysthat are being conducted on Facebook groups or in your local club are good as long as it inspires you to do better. But don’t take those prizes too seriously.
- You see … you are reading my interview because of my works which I never submitted in any competition, not the numerous prizes I won.
Simple truths but truths nonetheless.
Dr Sandip De comes across as an affable individual who is committed to his two passions – physics and photography. It is a testament of his temperament that he has handled and is handling both commitments with flair and expertise.
His body of work is prolific and blows one away with their sheer brilliance.
We are indebted to him for taking out time for our interview and sharing his thoughts and work with us.
You can follow him on:
His website: www.sandipde.com
His Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sandipdephotography
His Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/sandipde_photography/
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