Journey of an autodidact

The art of producing an extraordinary image depends on how deeply passionate you are about it. This thought has been the driving force behind every picture of Srivatsan Sankaran, a self-taught Chennai-based photographer. Srivatsan, a qualified engineer, who left his high paying corporate job to start his creative journey, has learnt the art of photography through sheer passion.

The young photographer was listed among the top 10 Tamron winners in 2012, won the popular Shoot The Frame contest in 2012, and his travelogues were published in about 20 magazines including the National Geographic Traveller.

“I never plan my shoots during my journeys. There is always an element of unpredictability in my style. However, that always leads to a good shot,” says Srivatsan, one of the panel experts with DCP Expeditions, a Mumbai-based wildlife and travel photography training school.

The travel photographer believes that the best possible way to explore and experience a certain location is by blending with its culture and lifestyle.

Brimming colours is a significant feature of his works. “Colours mean bliss. Capturing colours at the right moment not only enhances the mood of a picture, it also depicts the labour of the man behind the lens,” he shares.

From being an amateur photographer, Srivatsan has now turned into an expert who holds photography workshops, which are immensely popular among Chennaiites. He plans to specialise in macro and landscape photography and conduct a solo exhibition of his travel documentary in the near future.