Read Sudipta Das’s interview, a photographer who celebrates the vibrancy of Kolkata and highlights the social and environmental issues that impact its residents.
Telling Kolkata’s Tales: An Interview with Photojournalist Sudipta Das
Since 2008, Sudipta Das has transformed his passion for photography into a powerful medium for storytelling. He has documented everything from daily life to the significant events shaping our surrounding world. He says, “For me, photography is a strong medium to tell a story, and I love to tell that through my viewfinder.”
At the beginning of his journey with a borrowed digital camera, Sudipta was inspired by local newspaper features and sports photos. However, his path took a significant turn in 2014 when he bought his first camera and started exploring street photography. And then a chance encounter with a professional photojournalist who introduced him to the world of photojournalism. “His vision and working pattern helped me a lot, and I learned from him,” Sudipta recalls.
Today, as a photojournalist with Nur Photo Agency, his work reflects the beauty and complexity of Kolkata’s everyday life. He believes in capturing the “unique beauty in the ordinary,” whether it’s a fleeting expression, an interesting interaction, or a play of light and shadow on the crowded streets.
Despite the challenges of freelance photojournalism in his area, including securing consistent work and lack of support, he remains committed to his mission. “Through my storytelling and lens, I hope to bring these issues more into the spotlight and encourage dialogue and action,” he explains.
Read Sudipta Das’s interview, a photographer who celebrates the vibrancy of Kolkata and highlights the social and environmental issues that impact its residents.
“Street photography allows me to capture authentic moments, emotions, and stories that unfold in the hustle and bustle of the city streets.” – Sudipta Das.
What first drew you to photojournalism, and how did you begin your journey in this field?
I started my work in 2008; at that time I didn’t have my own camera. I captured photos with a digital camera of my friend. I followed the local newspapers regularly where I saw the featured photos, news and Sports photos, and went out with my friend to capture like that.
In 2014 I bought my first camera Nikon Coolpix and started street photography, daily life, and exploring the city. Where I met Mr. Rupak De Chowdhuri a senior photojournalist at Reuters and learned about photojournalism. His vision and working pattern helped me a lot, and I learned from him. Then I got in touch with some agencies, where I learned the actual meaning of Photojournalism. After that, I started to send photos to a newspaper, The Times of India. A few years later, I became a Photojournalist at Pacific Press Agency, Kolkata, and started my journey there.
I have covered the Pandemic (COVID-19), and natural disasters. Those incidents helped me to learn many things about Photojournalism. Currently, I have been working at Nur Photo Agency for the last couple of years. For me, photography is a strong medium to tell a story and I love to tell that through my viewfinder.
You often capture the daily lives of ordinary people in Kolkata. Why did you choose to focus your lens on them, or in other words, on street photography?
I chose to focus my lens on the daily lives of ordinary people in Kolkata because I believe there is a unique beauty in the ordinary. Street photography allows me to capture authentic moments, emotions, and stories that unfold in the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Kolkata, with its rich culture, vibrant streets, and diverse people, provides an endless canvas for me to explore. Through my photographs, I aim to document the essence of everyday life in the city, celebrating the beauty in the mundane and the extraordinary found in the ordinary. Street photography allows me to connect with people and their stories in a way that few other art forms do. It’s my way of preserving the moments that make Kolkata the vibrant and dynamic city that it is.
Could you describe your typical process when you’re out on the streets? What do you look for in a potential subject?
When I’m out on the streets with my camera, my process is quite organic. I don’t typically plan my shots in advance; instead, I let the scenes unfold naturally in front of me.
Here’s a glimpse into my typical process:
I start by observing my surroundings, paying close attention to the people, the light, and the interactions happening around me.
I look for moments that resonate with me emotionally or visually. It could be a fleeting expression, an interesting interaction, or simply a play of light and shadow.
Once I’ve identified a potential subject, I focus on composing the shot. I pay attention to framing, perspective, and the overall aesthetic of the scene.
Timing is crucial in street photography. I often wait for the right moment to capture the essence of the scene.
Finally, I click the shutter, capturing the moment as it unfolds. In terms of what I look for in a potential subject, it could be anything that catches my eye—a compelling expression, an interesting gesture, a unique scene, or even just beautiful light. I’m drawn to moments that tell a story or evoke an emotion, no matter how small or ordinary they may seem. Ultimately, I strive to capture the beauty and poetry of everyday life on the streets of Kolkata.
What equipment do you prefer for street photography and why? Are there specific lenses or camera settings you find indispensable?
For street photography, I prefer to keep my equipment minimal and inconspicuous, allowing me to blend into the surroundings and capture candid moments without drawing too much attention. Here’s what I typically use:
Camera: I prefer to use a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera or a DSLR with a prime lens. Currently, I use a mirrorless camera like the Sony Alpha 7 III and a Nikon crop sensor DSLR D3500. These cameras are small, discreet, and produce high-quality images.
Lens: My preferred lens for street photography is a prime lens with a focal length between 35mm and 50mm (full-frame equivalent). A 35mm or 50mm lens allows me to capture scenes with a natural perspective, making it ideal for street photography. It also forces me to move around and engage with my subjects, resulting in more dynamic and intimate photographs. For big news events like- Political gathering, Rally, etc I use 27-70mm and 70 – 200mm.
Camera Settings: Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av): I often shoot in aperture priority mode, allowing me to control the depth of field while the camera adjusts the shutter speed automatically.
Wide Aperture: I prefer to shoot with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to isolate my subject from the background and create a pleasing bokeh.
Shutter Speed: I adjust the shutter speed to freeze motion and prevent motion blur, especially in low-light situations or when photographing moving subjects.
ISO: I keep the ISO as low as possible to maintain image quality, but I’m not afraid to increase it when shooting in low-light conditions.
Additional Gear: Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Since I often spend hours on the streets shooting and news assignments, I always carry extra batteries and memory cards to ensure I don’t miss any shots.
Lens Cloth: To keep my lens clean from dust and smudges.
Small Camera Bag or Backpack: To carry my camera and essential gear comfortably without attracting too much attention.
Overall, my goal is to keep my equipment simple and lightweight, allowing me to move freely and capture spontaneous moments on the streets of Kolkata.
How do you navigate the storytelling process in your field?
In street photography, storytelling is often about capturing moments that evoke emotions or tell a story within a single frame. Here’s how I navigate the storytelling process:
I start by observing my surroundings and looking for moments that resonate with me emotionally or visually. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, an interesting interaction, or a play of light and shadow, I look for scenes that have the potential to tell a story.
Once I’ve identified a potential subject, I focus on composing the shot in a way that conveys the story I want to tell. I pay attention to framing, perspective, and the overall aesthetic of the scene. I often use compositional techniques such as leading lines, framing, and the rule of thirds to draw the viewer’s eye to the main subject and create a sense of depth and visual interest.
Timing is crucial in street photography. I wait for the right moment to capture the essence of the scene and convey the story I want to tell. Sometimes, this means being patient and waiting for the perfect moment to unfold, while other times it means being quick and decisive in capturing a fleeting moment before it’s gone.
I look for moments that evoke emotions or tell a story within a single frame. Whether it’s joy, sadness, curiosity, or surprise, I aim to capture the raw emotions of everyday life on the streets of Kolkata. I also look for visual elements that help to enhance the narrative of the photograph, such as facial expressions, body language, and the surrounding environment.
Once I’ve captured the image, I may use post-processing techniques to enhance the storytelling aspect of the photograph. This could involve adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color balance to better convey the mood and atmosphere of the scene. Overall, my goal is to capture authentic moments that tell a story and evoke emotions, allowing viewers to connect with the people and the stories of everyday life on the streets of Kolkata.
Street photography often requires quick thinking and adaptability. Can you share one of the most challenging situations you’ve encountered and how you managed it?
Certainly! One of the most challenging situations I encountered while doing street photography happened during a heavy monsoon downpour in Kolkata.
I was out on the streets, hoping to capture the city’s vibrant monsoon scenes when suddenly a torrential rain started. The streets emptied quickly as people sought shelter, and I found myself struggling to keep my camera dry while still trying to capture interesting shots.
Here’s how I managed the situation:
Protecting the Gear: My first priority was to protect my camera gear from water damage. I quickly tucked my camera under my raincoat and covered it with a plastic bag to keep it dry.
I looked for nearby shelters to wait out the worst of the rain. I found an overhang near a street vendor’s stall and took refuge there while I waited for the rain to ease up.
While waiting, I used the time to observe my surroundings and look for interesting compositions. Despite the rain, there were still moments unfolding on the streets—a vendor hurriedly packing up his stall, people running for cover, and children playing in the puddles.
Once the rain began to subside slightly, I ventured back out onto the streets. The wet pavements and glistening surfaces created beautiful reflections and added a unique mood to the scenes. I adjusted my camera settings to compensate for the low light and continued shooting.
I had to adapt my shooting style to the challenging conditions. I slowed down my pace, took my time to compose each shot, and focused on capturing the mood and atmosphere of the rainy streets.
Despite the challenges, the monsoon downpour provided me with some of the most memorable and atmospheric street photography shots I’ve taken in Kolkata. It taught me the importance of adaptability, patience, and making the most of whatever conditions I find myself in.
You have also been capturing the environmental issues that people face in their daily lives, especially heat waves in India. Is this something you actively try to spotlight, or do these issues emerge naturally as a common problem?
While I primarily focus on capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people in Kolkata, I also believe it’s important to document the environmental issues that people face in their daily lives. Heat waves, especially in India, are a common problem that affects millions of people, particularly during the summer months.
While I don’t actively seek out these environmental issues, they often emerge naturally as a common problem while I’m photographing the streets of Kolkata. Heat waves, for example, are impossible to ignore during the sweltering summer months.
Here’s how I approach capturing environmental issues in my street photography: I pay close attention to the environment around me and the ways in which people are affected by environmental issues such as heat waves. Whether its people seeking shade, using fans, or trying to stay cool in other ways, these behaviors often provide visual cues that I can capture through my photography.
When I come across scenes that highlight environmental issues, I see it as an opportunity to tell a story and raise awareness through my photography. Whether it’s the impact of heat waves on daily life or other environmental challenges, I aim to capture these moments in a way that conveys the human experience and prompts viewers to reflect on the issues at hand.
Through my photography, I hope to shine a light on the environmental challenges that people face in their daily lives, whether it’s heat waves, air pollution, or access to clean water. By documenting these issues, I hope to spark conversations and encourage action to address them. While my primary focus is on capturing the beauty and diversity of everyday life in Kolkata, I also see it as important to document the environmental challenges that people face, as they are an integral part of the lived experience in the city.
How do you believe your work captures or reflects the nuances of society? Through your storytelling and lens, do you think these issues have been brought more into the spotlight and addressed?
Through my work, I strive to capture the nuances of society and shed light on the various issues that people face in their daily lives. Whether it’s the joys, struggles, celebrations, or challenges, my photography seeks to document the human experience in all its complexity.
Here’s how I believe my work captures and reflects the nuances of society: Kolkata is a city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity, and wealth coexists with poverty. Through my photography, I aim to capture the diversity of experiences and perspectives that make up the fabric of Kolkata’s society. From bustling street markets to quiet alleyways, my photos reflect the many layers of life in the city.
While I celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Kolkata, I also don’t shy away from documenting the social issues and challenges that exist within the city. Whether it’s poverty, environmental degradation, or social inequality, these issues are an integral part of the lived experience in Kolkata, and I believe it’s important to shine a light on them through my photography.
Through my storytelling and lens, I hope to bring these issues more into the spotlight and encourage dialogue and action. By capturing the human side of these issues, I aim to make them more relatable and accessible to a wider audience, sparking empathy, understanding, and, ultimately, change.
While I don’t claim that my work alone can solve these complex social issues, I do believe that it can play a role in raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and inspiring action. By documenting the nuances of society through my photography, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate, empathetic, and just world.
Could you tell us about one of your most memorable projects or photographs? What makes it stand out for you?
One of my most memorable projects was documenting Covid-19 Pandemic. My photography project documenting the COVID-19 pandemic stands out for me because it allowed me to capture a historic moment in time and document its impact on the people of Kolkata.
One of the most memorable photographs from this project is an image of a healthcare worker wearing PPE, exhausted but still dedicated to their work. The image captures the fatigue, the sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment of frontline workers who put their lives at risk every day to save others.
What makes this project stand out for me is its ability to capture the resilience, the solidarity, and the human stories behind the pandemic. From healthcare workers on the frontlines to families struggling to make ends meet, my photography aimed to document the human side of the pandemic—the fear, the uncertainty, but also the hope and the resilience of communities coming together in the face of adversity.
Through this project, I hoped to raise awareness about the impact of the pandemic on the people of Kolkata, to honor the sacrifices of frontline workers, and to document this historic moment for future generations. While the pandemic brought immense hardship and suffering, it also brought out the best in people, and I wanted to capture that spirit of resilience and solidarity through my photography.
What do you think is the most challenging issue for photographers in your area, especially for freelance photographers?
One of the most challenging issues for photographers in Kolkata, especially for freelance photographers, is the struggle to secure consistent and well-paying work opportunities. Several factors contribute to this challenge. One of the significant challenges for freelance photojournalists in Kolkata is obtaining press ID cards. Press ID cards are essential for gaining access to events, press conferences, and other newsworthy situations. However, obtaining these ID cards can be quite challenging for freelance journalists due to several reasons: Lack of Recognition, Bureaucratic Hurdles, Limited Access, and Safety Concerns.
Another challenge is low rates. Clients, particularly in the editorial and commercial sectors, often offer low rates for photography services. This makes it difficult for freelance photographers to earn a sustainable income and cover their expenses.
Also uncertain market. The photography market in Kolkata can be unpredictable, with demand for photography services fluctuating due to factors such as economic conditions, seasonal trends, and changes in consumer behavior.
And lack of support. Freelance photographers often lack the support and resources available to photographers working for established media outlets or photography agencies. This includes access to equipment, networking opportunities, and financial stability.
Is there anything else you would like to address?
One important aspect I’d like to address is the invaluable role that freelance photographers and photojournalists play in capturing the diverse and nuanced stories of the world. Despite their challenges, freelance photographers are instrumental in documenting the world’s people’s everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs.
Their work not only provides a visual record of the city’s, and country’s history and culture but also serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about social issues, advocating for change, and promoting dialogue and understanding within the community.
As consumers of media, we should recognize and support the work of freelance photographers by valuing their contributions, respecting their rights as creators, and advocating for fair pay and working conditions.
Furthermore, I believe there is a need for greater recognition and support for freelance photographers within the industry. This includes providing access to press ID cards, offering training and resources to help freelance photographers improve their skills and expand their networks, and advocating for fair pay and working conditions. By supporting freelance photographers, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their stories are told, and their contributions to the cultural and social fabric of Kolkata are recognized and valued.
“I chose to focus my lens on the daily lives of ordinary people in Kolkata because I believe there is a unique beauty in the ordinary.” – Sudipta Das.
“Kolkata, with its rich culture, vibrant streets, and diverse people, provides an endless canvas for me to explore.” – Sudipta Das.
“It’s my way of preserving the moments that make Kolkata the vibrant and dynamic city that it is.” – Sudipta Das.
“I’m drawn to moments that tell a story or evoke an emotion, no matter how small or ordinary they may seem. Ultimately, I strive to capture the beauty and poetry of everyday life on the streets of Kolkata.” – Sudipta Das.
