Milind A Ketkar is a Mumbai based professional photographer. After doing post graduation in Chemistry from university of Bombay, he decided to take up his passion for photography as a profession, after winning a few awards as a beginner. Due to strong attraction towards stock photography, a new concept at that time in India, he did a lot of work in travel, people, still life, festivals etc. Proficient in handling various types of assignments, Milind is equally comfortable with industry, interiors, food, product shots and more.

You shifted to photography after doing your post graduation in Chemistry. How did this shift happen?
I did my M.Sc. to learn Perfumery from my father, since I was not interested in joining any other Chemical Industry. Photography was my father's hobby in his college days. When I was doing my B.Sc., he said we should buy one camera and I was first to oppose the idea, since it was a costly hobby even in those days and except my father, no one knew anything in photography.

When did you realise your inclination towards photography and what was the first object you shot?
Finally my father purchased an Agfa Isolly II. My first roll was wasted in this and I realized the need to learn photography properly. I did a small part time basic course in photography at Mahim. Due to good feedback from some of my relatives and friends, I felt that probably I can do it.

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor who showed you the ropes?
My first award was a Certificate at "Photographic Society of India" member's competition in beginner's section". Then I won an award in Transparency section in another contest. After this, I got an opportunity to assist the renowned photographer Mr. Wilas Bhende.

How did you develop your passion for stock photography?
I always wanted to be an all-rounder and wanted to shoot almost everything. Stock Photography was a new concept in India in those days. To be a successful photographer in stock, one has to be good at Still life, Photojournalistic style, landscapes and shooting people etc. In short, these needs were matching with my wish to become an "all-rounder". Also, I was aware that as a newcomer, I was lacking in experience and "top of the line" equipment.. For me, it was learning and earning at the same time when I started shooting stock.

“I always wanted to be an all-rounder and wanted to shoot almost everything.”

You have extensively shot people, still life, festivals, landscapes, weddings…the list is endless. Which genre amongst these attracts most and why?
Actually, each of it has different challenges and I love doing all, but I found that shooting good or outstanding images in weddings is most challenging just because the photographer has almost zero control on all important parameters like lighting, decoration, venue, sitting arrangements and movement of couple and the guests, timing, make up, costumes etc. and even then the wedding photographer is expected to give outstanding results with one flash on camera! No one even consults the wedding photographer before all the wedding arrangements.

Talking of people, when you shoot them, do you feel some sort of emotional exchange?
Yes, most of the time. I always try to be a family member and feel the joy when I am shooting a wedding.

People like to talk about their 'lucky breaks' but I think it's more hard work and passion that leads to a breakthrough to becoming a professional photographer. When was your breakthrough?
For me, my passion is my profession and I am very happy about it. I started as a wedding photographer and once I noticed that I am not making any progress beyond a certain point, I stopped doing it and started shooting more for stock. Since I did a variety of shooting for stock photography unknowingly, I thought of applying the style of stock photography to wedding photography when excellent quality 800 ISO film was introduced. I think that thought was a breakthrough for me. Even at that point of time, I was very successful as a stock photographer but I knew that due to the introduction of digital cameras, stock photography will not be enough for any photographer for his bread and butter.

As a photographer, do you find that you see photographically all the time or do you turn it off and on when you are shooting with a camera?
I think I am 100% photographer when I am holding a camera. I am 50% when I do not have camera in my hand.

“More the difficulties / uncertainty in shooting, more is the satisfaction of creating good images and more the spontaneity in the thinking, more I like the image.”

Looking back at your works, which of your pictures make the strongest impression on you and why?
More the difficulties / uncertainty in shooting, more is the satisfaction of creating good images and more the spontaneity in the thinking, more I like the image.

Could you provide a word of advice to the young budding photographers of today?
Clicking has become easy but shooting very good images consistently, will always be difficult for everyone-- a beginner or a pro. World's best batsman can get out for zero, many times; it is accepted but for a professional photographer "100" is a must; for each assignment!

	Quick6: Favourite Camera:  Nikon Preferred location: Any good Beach. Favourite photographer: All who shoot great images. Most memorable story:  A stock library owner, not able to notice difference between a photographer and a mill worker! Current photographers you like: All newcomers who shoot outstanding images. Toughest day at work: Three weddings in a day!

More Photos by Milind A. Ketkar / Fotosocial