Shooting still life isn't perhaps glamorous or fulfilling to some. But when you hear Sandeep Mhatre talk about it, it's difficult not to want to start off! One of India's leading commercial and still-life photographers, Sandeep has carved a niche for himself in an ultra-competitive environment. And when you look at his photos, you know why. In a candid chat with Fotoflock.com, he tells us what he likes, dislikes and simply can't live without!

When did you decide that photography was what you wanted to do professionally?
It was in my final year of my applied art college, I realised that I loved advertising photography more than graphic designing and it was only then I started pursuing it seriously and started assisting professional photographers. A little later, I also took up a specialised photography course abroad. 

How were your first few years as a photographer?
The initial years were full of trials which most young professionals face while breaking into a new market. Lack of good equipment and working capital also added to it.

Did you have any trouble finding clients and starting off?
Not entirely… It was slow, uphill task, but I was armed with a good still-life portfolio, which paid dividends since it helped me carve a niche in still-life and product photography. Some art directors were tough and some supporting but in the end, I learnt a little from each and every one of them and I’ll always be grateful to them.

Was it an easy decision to make a career in photography?
The decision-making was easy; very easy in fact! I had fallen in love with photography! Fulfilling my ambition wasn’t as easy because I realised that I had to learn to fall in love with each and every assignment that came my way.

Did you receive good support from your family when you decided to take up photography as a career?
Total support. May be it helped that my father himself had a commercial designing studio.

Any particular reason why you are fascinated with product photography?
Product and still-life photography has always fascinated me because every assignment throws up new challenges. Each product is unique in its properties as the dimensions vary varying as are the colours, textures, reflectivity, features etc. They are mute subjects and only good photographic treatment can breathe life into them.

Do you find that shooting products over and over again can become tedious and if so how do you combat that?
Yes it can get tedious at times, but then everything you do regularly can get tedious or rather, boring at times. In my life, there exist many compartments and my professional life is just one of them. In simple words, photography is my profession and not my hobby!

Can you describe the first photograph you took that made you – or someone else – think that you might have a calling as a photographer?
I can’t think of single picture that has helped made a photographer out of me or anyone else. Anyone can shoot a million pictures and still not qualify as a good professional photographer. You’re only as good as your last picture or assignment. Consistency in delivering quality is essential if you’re a professional and I only live by that rule. Sudden bursts of creativity are okay only for amateurs who can go through life feeding their own natural urges and egos.

You rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or do you rely on dark room/computer manipulation?
Almost all my work relies on artificial light, which is not only consistent and predictable but also offers vast scope to be manipulated and shaped to meet all demands of still-life work whether it is subtle, dramatic or even fast-action freezing.

Do you recommend re-touching and enhancing your photographs digitally?
Why not? Digital retouching for enhancement is now a norm and not an exception. However digital retouching is not an alternative to good photography.

Do you enjoy your work? What are the best and worst things about it?
Tremendously! Because I’m adequately qualified to meet most challenges that arise in my area of specialisation. The best thing about my profession is that everyday I shoot, I not only accomplish what I is expected of me but it also gives immense satisfaction which comes from being in total control of my actions. It also gives me enough stimulation to innovate and discover better techniques too. The are no worst things about it for me since I’ve chosen this profession and not the other way.

What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
Clear and stimulating visual communication.

What advice do you have for budding photographers?
Train your eyes to see the picture before you shoot it with your camera.

Photos by Sandeep Mhatre | Fotosocial