Hasta La Creative!

Born 1975 in Varanasi, considered to be the oldest city of the world. Super critical about his own work, enjoys driving long distances. Driving on highways is his stress buster. Believer of “You can’t learn photography, you just have it”. His works have been published in four consecutive editions of Luerzer’s Archive’s “200 Best Ad Photographer’s Worldwide”. He has been twice nominated for Black & White Spider Awards, Hasselblad Masters Semifinalist, received Honorable mentions in IPA and PX3 Paris Awards.

His most notable recent campaigns include Incredible India and J&K Tourism. His images for Incredible India have gone viral on the net and are being selected for various awards and publications.

Why are you a photographer?
GOD and my wife wanted so.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
Since childhood, I used to feel something special on just a mere sight of an SLR camera. Experience of holding an SLR was always an out of the world feeling. I started getting into darkroom in my college days. Developing prints in the darkroom used to be so thrilling in those days.

Though I don’t remember when it really caught me.. I guess I wanted something that was very sacred to me and something I should be remembered for; that something was photography.

Professionally, photography happened pretty late. I didn’t know how photography would work for me financially. Guess, time and destiny ruled and I started pursuing my passion as my full time profession.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Yes.. People who keep smiling, despite all odds.. They inspire me to see the beauty called Life!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
No one person in particular though there have been a couple of friends who have helped along.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
Yes.. Photography has changed. After digital, it became instant, quick access, easy. Now it’s not only about documenting events or capturing nice looking people or places, now it is something beyond this. A thought, a story or a message, an emotional appeal is important. These days execution or say delivery is more important.

Given a choice, no other constraints, film or digital?
Digital any day for crisp delivery.. Though the charm of the film and darkroom is still a magic feel.

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
Our advertising has evolved in the last few years. We are not very far from the global bests and good work is in the air. Yes, the appreciation for high-end quality work is delayed. To enhance the level of photography in print advertising, advertising industry needs to closely work with photographers. Photographers always come in the picture at the very end when the creative concepts, layouts and other major things are already decided. Photographer has to just shoot. After the shoot also, photographers disappear. I mean involvement of the photographer should be end to end to achieve high-end justified results.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Life of course..

Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
Hmm.. Can I breathe without photography? I can’t be so serious!!

Whats your dream project?
The next project..

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
My wife and daughter.

Whats on your iPod?
Gulzar saab and Pancham da.

Mac or PC?
Mac

The post Vikas Dutt: Interview with a Photographer appeared first on desicreative.