Retro Kolkata : Your journey as a self-taught photographer is quite inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your passion for travel photography?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: My photography journey commenced during my college years, beginning with my Samsung S6 and later transitioning to an iPhone X. It took a significant turn when my friend, Kadali Vijay, gifted me a Canon 700D camera. As a dental student, my days were primarily occupied with college, but I made the most of my evenings by venturing out into nature to capture moments with peacocks and various bird species. The more I explored, the more diverse birdlife I encountered.
Retro Kolkata : You describe photography as having a love affair with your soul, reflecting your inner thoughts and feelings. How does this intimate connection with photography influence the subjects and scenes you choose to capture?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: Initially, most of my evenings were dedicated to capturing nature's beauty. After long and tiring college days, photography became my solace. It's like a love affair; when you're deeply connected to your camera, you cherish and care for it like a precious companion. It demands nothing from you except a charged battery, yet it always brings happiness, expressed through the photographs it captures. I believe nature encompasses every emotion humans experience; when I'm sad, a sunset brings solace; when I'm joyful, a peacock dances to my rhythm. In moments of sorrow, nature cradles me in its embrace, and in times of anger, I observe contentment in simplicity. Every emotion is already there, but through my camera lens, I began to notice and appreciate them more deeply.
Retro Kolkata : Your work has been recognized by prestigious platforms such as BBC Earth and Nat Geo India. How do you prepare for a shoot knowing your work might be featured on such significant platforms, and how has this recognition impacted your career?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: Every photographer aspires to be featured on esteemed platforms like BBC Earth and Nat Geo India. During my early days, I never anticipated such recognition; I simply reveled in capturing candid moments. As I neared the end of college, my parents urged me to pursue a master's degree in Canada, but my heart longed for a career in photography. Caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, I struggled to earn their trust. The day before Nat Geo's feature, I contemplated deleting my social media accounts out of frustration. However, waking up to a message from Nat Geo offering a feature filled me with indescribable joy. The surprise was shared by my astonished friends and family. Yet, the euphoria was short-lived, as I realized the need to continuously prove myself and garner more recognition.
Retro Kolkata : Winning awards and being a finalist in competitions like the Agora Worldwide Awards must be incredibly rewarding. Can you share the stories behind the winning and finalist images and what these accolades mean to you?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: Winning awards serves as validation for my photography, especially to those who doubted my abilities. I entered the Agora Worldwide Awards and conducted an experiment by submitting a black and white photograph from the vibrant Holi festival. Despite Holi's vivid colors, I opted for monochrome, and became the finalist in it yet it didn't garner much attention or exposure.
Retro Kolkata : Being featured in various magazines and exhibited internationally is a testament to your talent. How do you select which images to submit or exhibit, and what do you hope viewers take away from your work?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: Before submitting to contests or galleries, I meticulously examined previous photographs and delved into the mindsets of galleries. Analyzing the works of contest judges proved invaluable. Trusting your gut feeling is crucial; if you sense a picture possesses something special or winning potential, have faith in it. While it's wise to heed advice from senior photographers, always prioritize following your heart. Your heart's decisions, whether resulting in victory or not, will never lead to regret.
Retro Kolkata : Your photograph winning first prize in the SWMRT Photo Contest focused on "Portraits of People In Waste". What inspired this particular work, and what message were you aiming to convey through this powerful image?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: During my first travel trip outside my comfort zone, I found myself wandering the streets of Ajmer. Despite the children playing nearby, the overwhelming presence of waste and odor prevented me from fully immersing myself in the scene. I couldn't help but question how these children managed to live in such conditions. Intrigued, I ventured into the street and engaged with them. My heart urged me to document the impact it had on me. I began capturing images of a child amidst the waste, struggling to breathe. After returning from the trip, I stumbled upon a contest titled "Portraits of People in Waste." Without hesitation, I submitted my powerful images. Though I couldn't directly assist these children, I hoped that my photographs would spark change in their community.
Retro Kolkata : As a travel photographer based in Telangana, how does your cultural background and the landscapes of Southern India influence your photographic style and subjects?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: As a travel photographer rooted in Telangana, I embarked on my journey by capturing the Medaram Jatara festival as my inaugural project. Witnessing the profound beliefs and fervor of the people ignited a desire within me to document more festivals across India. Inspired by the diverse landscapes, I ventured forth, selecting subjects that resonated deeply with my heart and brought me joy.
Retro Kolkata : The transition into NFTs and digital exhibitions marks a new era for photographers. How have you navigated this space, and what opportunities do you see for photographers in the digital art world?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: Many photographers lack a passive income, prompting me to explore alternative avenues. Intrigued by the concept of NFTs, I enlisted my brother's help to create an account and dive into this new realm. I dedicated myself to learning about NFTs, participating in Twitter spaces and forging connections within the community. After four months of perseverance, I secured my first photography sale. Initially, I believed this income would sustain my travels, but market fluctuations led to a halt in sales. It's uncertain if we can rely on digital art in the future; while art holds value, photographs still struggle to find a solid footing in the market akin to traditional art sales.
Retro Kolkata : Being addressed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is a significant honor. Can you share the context of this recognition and how it has influenced your perspective or approach to photography?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: I was honored to receive the Grand Finale Award in the Mela Moments Photography contest, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Lalit Kala Akademi, specifically in the category of Mela Portraits. The moment Narendra Modi mentioned my name during his program "Mann Ki Baat" on All India Radio, I was overcome with goosebumps. His recognition deeply inspired me, motivating me to strive to become one of the top photographers in India.
Retro Kolkata : Looking ahead, are there any specific projects or destinations you are passionate about exploring next, and how do you plan to approach these new ventures in your photographic journey?
Arun Kumar Nalimela: I aspire to document the lives of tribal communities across India, focusing on their traditional ways of life amidst modernization. Having already documented a few tribes, my next ventures will take me to Orissa, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, and beyond. I also want to capture the impact of climate conditions on nature.
