"I see something special and show it to the camera. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs." – Sam Abel
Someone once told me that to find your passion in life is to truly find yourself. Speak to Raj Singh Arora about his passion and you know here is a person who has truly found himself. He comes across as a reserved, grounded person but there is so much more to Raj than meets the eye. A talented actor, avid reader, passionate photographer armed with the most charming smile. As an actor, he stood in front of the camera and we saw the many shades to him but today we share with you the many shades of life captured by him…as he stands behind his camera. A journey with Raj Singh Arora – the photographer…
What or who first got you interested in photography?
I had gone to see an exhibition. An image by Henri Cartier Bresson caught my attention and I remember, I just froze, kept looking at that one image. That is when I realized that I wanted to start taking photographs…it was an inspiration.
Can you tell us a bit about the camera you shoot with?
I use a Nikon camera
Do you prefer shooting live subjects or inanimate objects?
Basically, I am a street photographer. I can pick up my camera and walk around the streets for hours taking photographs of people.
A moment when you realized this was not just a hobby any more...rather a passion
I don't think there was ever a moment as such. I feel that I have always had the photographer in me and it was just a matter of realization. All I know is that it has become my passion. For the past 4 years, I have lived and breathed photography. Believe it or not, I spend all day and night just thinking about it, reading about it, taking photographs and of course editing them
What gives you ideas or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people and of course life. Every moment is an inspiration of some sort.
One person (male/female) you would love to take photographs of?
I like taking photographs of people in general…anyone who catches my fancy. Currently, I am obsessed (if I may), about photographing a dwarf. I had seen him 3 years ago on my way to a shoot and I just recently spoke to him. He told me where he lives and hopefully, I'll be taking his photographs very soon.
Did you take any formal training in photography?
I have no formal training whatsoever! I am extremely proud of the fact that I am completely self taught. I suppose some credit does go to the internet for being my teacher.
Tell us about your most memorable shoot
I was in the UK to shoot for a film and that is where I took some of my most memorable photographs. It was my first exposure to the West so my heart, mind and eyes were wide open, looking through the viewfinder of my camera. I think I became a photographer in the true sense out on the streets of London and Nottingham.
Tell us about one of your most challenging shoots so far
Recently, a close friend asked me to shoot her portfolio. I have never considered myself to be a fashion or glamour photographer but that shoot was a revelation…a blessing in disguise. I learnt so much through that shoot, probably more than I ever had since I first started taking photographs. The best part was that a lot of the photographs were really well appreciated, some even got published. So all in all, it was challenging to just shoot one person but it was a fantastic learning experience and gave me a new direction of sorts.
Do you follow the work of any particular photographer? A mentor?
I follow a lot of photographers. Masters from the past such as Henri Cartier Bresson, Elliot Erwitt then the more contemporary photographers like Theo Gosselini, Lara jade. I also follow the works of my friends and contemporaries in Mumbai
Talent / Hard work / an eye for detail, color / creativity / what do you think makes a good photographer?
Talent – yes, hard work – lots of it, eye for detail – obviously, creativity – a must. I think as a street photographer the thing that counts the most is LUCK and the ability to get your camera out of the bag just in time and pray to God that you actually manage to capture the moment you just saw!!!
What is the worst criticism you have received about your work?
Not really received much criticism though I have experienced some jealousy.
What is the best compliment you have received about your work?
I have received quite a few compliments but in all honestly, I am still waiting for the best one!!!
Can you tell us what you carry in your kit? The most important piece of equipment apart from your camera for you?
My kit is very simple and basic. I use a 50mm 1.8 n and 18-200 all purpose lens. I do not use any sort of artificial lighting because I prefer to shoot in natural and ambient light.
How do you choose whether to shoot a subject in Black & White or Color?
Well, in digital photography you always shoot in color and then as you edit, you decide whether to keep the image as it is or convert it to Black & White. I suppose it is all about perception and your perspective.
Every creative person / artist has a muse...do you have one too?
Well, my muses keep changing. I remember when I started photography, my girlfriend was my muse but now she is just tired of posing for me so she no longer chooses to be my muse
Can you share your most favorite photograph (one that you took) and tell us why you like it so much?
I don't know how to explain what I like about the photograph…it is hard to find the words to describe it but this is my current favorite photograph
What is your dream buy (in terms of equipment / gear, camera)?
Ahhh….dream equipment….well pretty soon I am going to pick up the Nikon D7000 and a wide angle lens. Oh, also a second Mac book pro. Personally, I believe that the gear should be basic and light, so less is more during the shoot.
Does Raj Singh Arora - the photographer have a particular style? What is the lasting impression you want to leave in your images?
I don't know whether I have a particular style and actually I hope I don't have one. I just hope to evolve as a photographer. I want to leave a lasting impression of joy – when I photograph regular people on the streets, their moods, and the happiness…that is what I want my images to portray.
Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?
As an actor, I love being in front of the camera but to be honest, nowadays, I prefer being behind my Nikon
Do you prefer to manipulate your images to make them look perfect or do you prefer to leave the image raw - as it was shot?
"You do not take a photograph you make it" – Ansel Adams. So basically, I do use Lightroom and PhotoShop but very minimally and very cautiously. I don't want to change the basic structure of my photographs so what you see is exactly what I saw when I shot the image. When I edit, it's only for the tones and to give the photograph a feel as per my sensibilities. This is when I decide whether the image should be left in color or changed to Black & White but I don't use any complicated PS applications…
"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence" – Ansel Adams. Well, there you have it…an inspiration to all those of who are trying to find our passion. We wish this young photographer all the best and hope that every time he looks through his viewfinder, he finds the story he would want to share with us!
If you would like to see more of Raj's work, visit his facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/rajsingharoraphotography
Photo credit: Raj Singh Arora
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