Enjoy The Process Of Clicking Photos, Don't Pressurise Yourself - Mohit Khetrapal (Photographer)

 

 

 

 Patience, Love and Respect for your art is what it is required to be successful in our life.

  

1. Tell us about your background and journey. 

 My name is Mohit Khetrapal and I am a photographer. I mostly do travel and Street photography and I have been doing it for more than 5 years now.

I am also a student of National  institute of fashion technology, Bhubaneswar pursuing my Bachelors in design.  Before coming into photography, I used to paint and sketch. 

 In 11th standard, I was representing my school in a national level competition along with my teammates. I was participating in the Graffiti competition, while one of my seniors was participating in the  photography competition and that's where I was introduced to a DSLR. 

 I randomly clicked a picture which surprisingly had the horizon straight, I was really appreciated by my senior since it was my first ever attempt. 

This was how I was introduced to this art form called photography.  From borrowing a DSLR for more than a year to getting one as a gift from my parents considering my passion and hard work, I never looked back.

 

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

 As I mentioned, in 11th standard I got into Photography and since then my passion for photography started increasing. Also I would like to mention that my city Varanasi has a major  impact on me when it comes to my passion for Photography. 

Varanasi is very dynamic, the city has a lot of energy. It is considered to be a Paradise for photographers. I started photographing  different people, their culture, daily life etc. 

I was really enjoying the process and that's how I realised my passion for photography.   

 

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

- Enjoy the process of clicking Photos, don't pressurise yourself. Photography is an art and an art form should satisfy you instead of pressurising you. 

 - Be patient. It may take years to master this art form. Just keep creating and learning. 

- Get inspired. Go through works of different Photographers and study their pictures. Homework is equally important. 

 - Don't take it as a rat race. Be honest to the art form. Recognition and fame will follow. 

 

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

1. Patience 

2. Staying true towards the art form 

3. Good communication skills 

4. Respect towards the surroundings

5. Consistency and hard work   

 

5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers? 

A photographer will be able to grab opportunities if he has a strong body of work and good experience. He or she can conduct workshops (online and offline), work for different brands, offer  educational tours to teach the field work etc. But a strong portfolio is must.   

 

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

 My favourite book is the Ganges by legendary Photographer Raghubir Singh. The photo Book has stunning work related to the holy river Ganges. Different mood and stages of the holy river, Interaction of people with it. 

Journey of the river from start to end is so beautifully depicted. His stories and compositions are great. Pictures of Varanasi with which I could personally  connect. 

The book has so much to learn and this is why it is my favourite. I strongly recommend this book to every Photographer.

 

 - Mohit khetrapal 

Interviewed by:- Swathi V        

Instagram ID -
https://instagram.com/mohit__khetrapal?igshid=14ezpmbfytw5g