Mastercraftsman
The masters of the craft share their insights and photographs
Srabanti is a school teacher by profession, with a keen interest in trekking, travel photography and travel article writing. She has trekked to Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas in India as well as Nepal in the last 12 years. She has summited 3 Himalayan base camps, namely, Mount Shivling and Mount Pannchachuli in India and Mount Annapurna in Nepal, which happens to be the world’s tenth highest peak. Srabanti’s travel photographs and articles have been published in a number of leading travel magazines and she has received several accolades recognising her contribution to the genre.
How did you venture into photography?
Photography came to me unexpectedly. I was in search of the beauty of the hills, but it came to me differently. Now, I can’t seem to stop myself from sharing what I got from the Himalayas, with the help of my lens and articles.
Seeing that your passion lies in landscape photography, what piqued your interest in this genre?
My passion for landscape came from my passion to explore the Himalayas.
Most of your pictures depict the Himalayas. How do you plan your trips and select your locations?
I always do a lot of study about the location, weather conditions and local surroundings. For photography, clear weather conditions and a clear sky is needed. I plan in such a manner so that I can be sure that all the aspects fall into place during my trips.
What are the common challenges that you face in this genre of photography?
There are lots of challenges to take care of, most important of which is the weather condition. No one can predict the weather situation while trekking. Another major concern is the oxygen level while trekking at higher altitudes. The higher you go, the thinner the air gets, which makes activities like trekking the path. As you might be already aware, it’s not so easy to reach base camps. I have myself faced severe landslides during our trips.
You have been pursuing landscape photography for quite some time now and have received a lot of recognition for your work. What motivates you to keep going?
The beauty of the Himalayas, ofcourse! Every time I plan my trip, I fall in love with the Himalayan range over and over again.
Apart from landscape, what other genre of photography are you interested in?
I am still exploring the Himalayas, still learning. Honestly, I am incapable of thinking about any other genre as of now.
Tell us about a unique experience you have had while shooting.
There have been many such incidents, but one among them is special. It was during my Tapovan
trek while I was moving towards Bhujbasa through Gangotri glacier. The setting rays of the sun were touching the river Bhagirathi from both the sides, creating a fantastic view. I immediately started shooting as I did not want to miss a single moment of the wondrous sight. Upon reviewing my photographs, it came as a happy surprise to me that I had unknowingly captured a Himalayan Monal into my frame. I was awstuck. That photograph bagged me many recognitions. Only Himalaya can do this magic.
A lot of our readers want to pursue this genre of photography. words of wisdom to give them a helping hand?
The only thing I can say to the readers who want to pursue this genre is to love whatever they are choosing as subjects, read about them and study the core elements of its beauty.|