Photography In Mobile Era Still Needs Skills, Says Veteran Photographer
R.A. Dass Says Creativity, Patience And Knowledge Of Light Remain Essential For Good Photography
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...” The words of American photographer Aaron Siskind aptly capture the enduring significance of photography, which has become an integral part of human life since its emergence in the 19th century.
As the world prepares to celebrate World Photography Day on Wednesday, veteran Nilgiris photographer R.A. Dass, an octogenarian and former employee of Hindustan Photo Films, said photography remains a prized art that requires creativity, patience, technical knowledge and an understanding of light.
Respectfully known as ‘Dass Sir’ among photography circles in the hills, he said the Nilgiris offers an ideal setting for learning nature, wildlife and outdoor photography.
“Photographs not only preserve a legacy and allow us to revisit the past, but good photographs also carry messages and life. Photography is an effective platform to communicate and convey messages,” Dass said.
He noted that photography has evolved significantly since its early days, when bellows cameras were widely used to capture images. The subsequent introduction of film rolls and different types of cameras transformed photography into a profession, creating employment and livelihood opportunities for many.
Over the years, various forms of photography emerged, including studio, indoor, outdoor, nature, wildlife, industrial, press and war photography. These developments eventually paved the way for cinematography, videography and, later, digital photography, with artificial intelligence now also making its way into the field.
Dass said image-making before the advent of digital photography was a challenging and labour-intensive process. Photographers needed a thorough understanding of light, film speed and other technical aspects. Films had to be processed in darkrooms using chemicals to produce negatives, which were then converted into positive images.
The present generation, which can capture photographs instantly using mobile phones, should recognise the evolution of photography that paved the way for today's digital technology, he said.
“Despite the convenience offered by digital and mobile phone photography, where everyone can be a photographer in their own way, those who want to excel need a positive attitude, patience and passion, along with strong creative skills,” Dass said.
Photography, he added, is much more than simply capturing an image. It freezes moments, preserves history and legacy, and communicates emotions and ideas across language barriers.
“Photography saves memories, creates history, conveys stories and artistic expressions, records events, provides evidence, transmits ideas quickly and drives marketing,” he said, stressing its importance in helping future generations understand the past.
