Aneesh Bhasin, a much celebrated photographer, gets candid with Fotoflock about his love for photography. It is not just the practical aspect that intrigues him but he attaches as much weight to theory. A strong background in Photoshop helps him to continue to be enterprising in his approach. He not only uses it in his day to day work but also shares and imparts this knowledge through various seminars and tutorials.

How and when did you start photography?
Photography for me started as a serious hobby when I was 16 years old. I started with an old Yashica SLR and then got a Kodak 1mp digital camera in 2001. That time digital cameras were not at all common and the ability to see images instantly really got me more interested in photography.

Have you had any formal education in photography?
I am a self taught photographer and learnt a lot under photographer Rohit Suri and did small courses and workshops.

You work in quite a few genres of photography, which one do you prefer the most and why?
I prefer travel photography and that’s why I am doing more and more now. Travelling and exploring combined with photography is the one thing I could have ever asked for.

What is it that catches your eye when shooting?
Lots of things catch my eye. I like my images to be simple, especially with travel work. The key for me is framing, so a good frame essentially catches my eye.

You have won a number of awards for your work, what do awards mean to you?
Awards are always encouraging and are a good, feel good factor.

A memorable shoot you would like to share with us
Last year I was commissioned to write and shoot a feature on luxury hotels and spas in the Philippines. One of the resorts I was staying at and had to shoot was on a private island and I had to be flown there. I had an amazing villa to myself and had an awesome time shooting there.

You have been featured in the Limca book of records 2007, your thoughts on that.
This came as quite a surprise. I got a call from my assistant telling me about the inclusion in Limca book of records. It was a pleasant surprise and I didn’t know that there was a photography section in the book!

You not only practice photography but also share your knowledge, your thoughts on the same through your workshops and seminars. How did you get into that?
I was lucky to have a very solid Photoshop background and then photography shifted to the digital medium, so for me it was very easy to adapt to. I realised that a lot of people, right from professionals to amateurs weren’t getting everything right so I started to take workshops. Since 2006, I also take seminars at Photokina (Germany).

Does theory interest you as much as the practical?
Oh yes, theory for me is very important. I feel a very solid theory can help the practical aspect a lot. A lot of times people don’t care about theory that much, but I think it’s as important as the practical side.

What would you have been if not a photographer?
Probably a chef

What is Aneesh doing when not behind the camera?
I also do consultation for the photography industry so that keeps me busy. Apart from that I like a relaxed lifestyle.

Can you name some Indian or international photographers who have inspired you?
Atul Kasbekar, for sure, brilliant photography skills teamed with brilliant business sense.

Andy Katz, who’s a good friend now, is based in the US and does amazing travel work.

What are your thoughts on printing in photography?
Printing is very essential. I exhibited in Mumbai and Pune this year and have printed a lot of large canvas prints. Printing images, especially big ones, makes you see a lot more detail. I would advise everyone to make at least a few big prints of your favourite images.

Quick Four:

Your Favourite Camera
Nikon D3x

Your Favourite Shoot
Shooting in Guangxi Province, China

Your Preferred Location
Germany

Your Ideal Day
A good relaxed shoot, a good gym workout and a nice movie with friends and family

Photos by Aneesh Bhasin | Aneesh Bhasin's website | Fotosocial