Interview with Street Photographer Jidhun MG | India | Guest Photographer

First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview.

RK : Please say something about you. What first attracted you to landscape photography? Do you have an educational artistic background?

Jidhun : I was born in Kerala. After schooling , I completed Bachelors in Engineering. It was during my college days , I got to handle camera for the first time.What started as a hobby later turned to be my passion.

RK : I couldn't get a professional training in photography, It was a journey of self learning from mistakes and trials what got me here.

Jidhun : I love to be in nature enjoying every bit of it, the colours,textures,golden light.

RK : How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph or series of photographs? Do you have any preferences regarding cameras and format?

Jidhun : I try to keep my framing and editing styles updated. Of course experiments are always fun. Getting to know about the place is important in Landscape photography,the usual spots,sunrise points,climate etc.Local people can help you get to unexplored areas .

I prefer to shoot in raw format or Raw + jpeg.

RK : How did you set about developing your own style?

Jidhun : Developing a style is the hardest part.Once you succeed in it,the next challenge is to try something different. It took me quite a time to develop a statisfying style.I kept trying, accepted criticisms and learned from mistakes.

RK : What do you like most about landscape photography?

Jidhun : Landscape photography gives me more happiness and freedom.I love the uncertainty in landscape photography, you wait to capture a beautiful sunset and it can turn out to be a cloudy evening.

Nature challenges you, makes you explore and test your dedication..

RK : What's the most exciting shoot you've ever been on?

Jidhun : Each and every shoot is exciting but shooting The Northern lights in Iceland was one of the best experience till date.

RK : You’ve taken thousands of photos over the years, but do you have a favorite?

Jidhun : Its definitely hard to pick a favourite one.But yeah, the one of Kirjkjufell,Iceland is close to heart. Got fortunate to capture too many elements in a single frame, The mountain Kirkjufell with aurora dancing above and its reflection in the lake near the waterfalls. It was a wonderful experience.

RK : What got you into shooting weddings?

Jidhun : Wedding photography is about moments and emotions.The vibrant colours, meeting new people, making new friends ,experimenting with the lights... I enjoy those small things..

RK : What do you think is the future of photography? With the rise of camera phones, mirror-less cameras and other new technologies, where do you think all of this is heading? Will DSLR still have a place in 5 or 10 years?

Jidhun : For this next 5 years mirror less is the future after that I can't predict what technology will come in the photography. nowadays camera phones are giving a better result, but DSLR have one position since mirror less camera lacking the ruggedness of the body and the battery backup etc, but definitely, these problems will solve.

RK : What’s the biggest challenge shooting at a wedding?

Jidhun : Handling the crowd is the biggest challenge.We cannot risk to miss any moments.There are no do overs so have to be alert always.We should have good concentration and observation.

RK : Taking nice photos of pretty people is a no-brainer. But how do you shoot flattering wedding photos for people who may not be conventionally attractive?

Jidhun : The problem is some may not be confident about their looks,not comfortable to pose.The best thing to do is make them comfortable,makr them smile,show them the clicks

I also light up according to their features, try different angles that would make them more photogenic.

RK : What’s next for you? What kind of projects would you like to explore in the future?

Jidhun : I want to travel more to explore the whole world.There are fascinating wedding traditions around the world, would love to capture all those different rituals.

RK : Do you have any tips for photographers to help them grow artistically?

Jidhun : Respect art, respect each other. Work hard.Don't copy others but get inspired from their works. Self-learning is one of the best ways to learn.Analyse interesting photographs,learn from them and think how would you have shot that frame.Identify what genre of photographs interests you and concentrate more on it.

RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.

Jidhun : It is a great initiative.I wish you all the success.Hope it would be a great platform for the beginners to learn and also get their works published.For all the photography aspirants out there..With each photograph you click your talent improves..Just don't stop..All the best..