A Career in Photography Is a Blend of Technical and Artistic Acumen - Viraj Ghaisas

I was always a nature admirer since school times, I used to go for treks and observe nature and animals in their natural habitats, as my town is already blessed with beautiful nature spots. So, while capturing the natural beauty in my very first small camera I realized my intense love for photography.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am born and raised in Badlapur, Mumbai. Since my childhood, I always admired nature and different types of animal behaviour. Though I completed my degree in accounting and finance as my family always asked me to get a professional degree first and then to pursue my passion.

Along with college, I was doing my photography side by side and after getting the degree I got my masters in commercial photography done from Udaan institute and ultimately I turned my passion into my career.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

I was always a nature admirer since school times, I used to go for treks and observe nature and animals in their natural habitats, as my town is already blessed with beautiful nature spots. So, capturing the natural beauty in my very first small camera I realized my intense love for photography.

A stint with an animal rescue group brought me in close contact with animals, cementing my compassion and hunger to document wildlife. As I was a college student at that time yet I used to spend most of my time obsessively photographing, learning and honing my skills.  

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

Photography is an art and it needs a lot of practice and perseverance. A legendary American photographer Ansal Adams said-" You don't take a photograph, you make it". So a photographer should know the purpose of clicking a particular picture which should come within.

At initial stage instead of running after big-budget cameras you can do your best with whichever equipment you have, but do it with fierce dedication, passion and handwork. At the beginning don't run after being a social media influencer just keep on working and making your skills better and better.

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

I might be a younger person to answer this but I can suggest a few important tips. Photography is both skill and passion. If you desire to be a successful photographer, you have to commit to self-improvement and never ever settle for just good enough.

You should love capturing moments. Diligent work, passion and proficiency are the mandatory factors in photography which will help an individual to build a successful career.

5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

A career in photography is a blend of technical and artistic acumen. Today, there is a multitude of diverse careers in this field, each choice offers different opportunities, but your opportunity depends on your work and selection of your genre.

There are numerous opportunities you just have to explore. Talking about wildlife, there are many agencies, NGOs, magazines, wildlife tours and travel companies always looking for new and fresh talent so you just have to make your work perfect and opportunities will knock your door.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

I am fond of reading Jim Corbett books. Among them, one of my most favourite books is Man-Eaters of Kumaon. As the book is about wildlife and the human-animal conflict. Which depicts the story of beautiful big cats shot by Corbett – who later became one of the first animal conservationists in India.

This book encouraged me a lot. It explains what does it mean to save “wild nature” when most of the natural world has been deeply influenced by human impact.

Viraj Ghaisas

Photographer | Nature | Wildlife

Instagram - @viraj_ghaisas

Interviewed by - Shruti Kaval