Interviews “My camera is an extension of my being. When I feel the camera in my hands, it’s magic.”
Anand S. Sharan is an internationally renowned professional photographer based in Bengaluru, India. His photography which ranges from fine art to commercial has received global acclaim.How did you get interested in becoming a photographer and what was the first object you shot?
The seed to become a photographer was planted in me as a young boy, by my father. He was an intellectual and had a wide circle of associates who were writers, artists, photographers and theatre personalities. One of his closest friends was the legendary photojournalist T S Satyan.
I was a very young school boy when my father first introduced me to Satyan. His black and white images are still etched in my mind’s eye. Little did I know as a child, the impact this influence would have on my decision to become a professional photographer. His philosophy of the importance of recording history, unconditional respect of his subjects and the desire to relay a meaningful message, has been interwoven in the fabric of my daily life, as a student, a professional and a teacher of photography.
As an adult, I was the Managing Director of a large advertising agency. Although I tried, my heart was not there; “images” kept going through my head. When I ultimately made the career change to photography, it was much to the chagrin of all around me - except my father. He intuitively knew I had talent and he encouraged me to pursue my dream.
Interestingly, the first image I shot was for an advertising agency. It was a liquor bottle. I had only to shoot one picture, but because of the bottle’s reflective surface, it took me a whole day. I was shooting with film and with no computer to make corrections later, I had to get the lighting perfect at the shooting stage. Even though it was not a great shot, I was thrilled to see my assignment in a printed brochure and I was captured!
In spite of being a successful commercial photographer, you have also spared some time pursuing your creative passion for photography. How do you balance both?
During my professional career, commercial photography has allowed me to access avenues that may have been closed to me otherwise. Although I am grateful for having had these experiences, the pull is more and more towards fine art expression.
At this stage of my life, fine art photography seems to be taking precedence over commercial ventures. In India, there is an urgent need to photographically document ancient monuments, tribes, folk dances and other indigenous cultural traditions. In the name of progress, sprawling urbanization is destroying these national treasures. I like to think of myself as a man of conscience and as a protégé of Satyan, I want to continue in his footsteps.
Incrementally, as time and opportunity permit, I am cutting back on commercial assignments and devoting more energy in the pursuit of my passion - fine art photography.
Have you at any point of time felt that in commercial photography, you need to sacrifice your creativity to meet the demands of your client?
Indeed, in the realm of commercial photography there are many challenges and often it is a balancing act. In my earlier years, it was distressing to me when I sometimes had to make concessions, which did compromise and sacrifice my creativity. As I got my sea legs and my confidence grew, I was able to better focus on my raison d’etre and the rewards and personal satisfaction grew. Today I am very discriminating as to how a project “feels” to me. I try to stay attuned to my instincts.
“Since I was a young boy, I always wanted the freedom to roam and capture images that would move people, communicate a message and elicit emotions.”
You have worked extensively on black & white images. Is there any particular reason behind it?
I have a fascination with black and white photography due to its simple, classic form. Unlike colour images, the viewer is dramatically drawn to the artist’s intention and the subject is intrinsically centre stage.
In black and white photography, the varying shades of greys and contrasts, whether subtle or stark, create a pure and unpretentious medium for the discerning eye. The seemingly timeless aspects provide an elegant quality, unlike other forms of art expression.
Your work has led you to travel to many places across the world. Which has been your favourite till now and why?
My work has brought me to some intriguing places, but I have to admit that Europe holds my interest by far. There is a plethora of well preserved historical monuments and practiced traditions which have kept me spellbound on each visit. I am like a kid in a candy store. I would love to shoot anywhere in Europe again & again!
Besides shooting, you are the Director of the Bengaluru School of Arts & Photography and also teach the art of photography. How do you manage so many things at the same time?
As I conduct classes only during the weekends, my teaching schedule does not interfere with my regular work week. I offer hobby courses for beginners and I am proud to say that my students have received many international awards. Some of them have become highly successful professional photographers!
Regardless of my schedule, I will always find time for my students. I love to teach. It gives me a chance to interact with young minds and encourage latent talent.
“I have a fascination with black and white photography due to its simple, classic form. Unlike colour images, the viewer is dramatically drawn to the artist’s intention and the subject is intrinsically centre stage.”
You were invited to be a member of the Academy of Professional Photographers’, New York, in recognition of your work. Could you share your experiences with us regarding the same.
On September 12, of 2007, the Director of the Academy Of Professional Photographers (New York) Richard Drayton, saw my website (anandsharan.com) and invited me to be a member of this prestigious group. His letter stated:
“We've been looking at some of your excellent work and were hoping you would accept our invitation to become a member.....Membership is by invitation only, and offered only to the very best photographers throughout the English-speaking world.....we....highlight photographers of the highest standard to the public and business sector...........”
I have been a member ever since and from March, 2011, up until the present time; I have been the Featured Photographer on their website.
Which is the latest project you are working on? Could you brief us on the same?
I am presently planning to take my students on a photo-guided tour of Bali, the Island of the Gods. This photographic expedition will involve demonstrating how India’s rich artistic history has impacted the Balinese in their use of ancient monuments and cultural traditions and the parallels that exist between these two nations.
“Through my lens, each and every photograph I capture makes an indelible impression, not only on photographic paper, but on my soul.”
The students will get a chance to shoot undulating rice fields, seascapes and tropical foliage in environs of mystical beauty. As the Balinese observe hundreds of religious ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year, there will be many opportunities to shoot the colourful and dynamic activities of Balinese daily life. As this will be my first trip to Bali, I am personally looking forward to shooting impressive imagery alongside my students.
Looking back at your work, which of your pictures make the strongest impression on you?
My camera is an extension of my being and when I feel the camera in my hands, it’s magic. I intuitively start clicking. Through my lens, each and every photograph I capture makes an indelible impression, not only on photographic paper, but on my soul.
I am passionate about my art and it is difficult to pick one special image over all the others that have such great meaning for me. I am happiest when I am free to express myself through my photography. 
If you could turn back time, what is the one thing you would like to change in your life and why?
If I could turn the clock back, I would like to have been a photographer right from day one of my professional career. A 9 to 5 job with its confines, never allowed me to develop my innate talents. Today, I realize that the maturation and varied experiences have made me a more self-confident, knowledgeable teacher and for that I am grateful.
Since I was a young boy, I always wanted the freedom to roam and capture images that would move people, communicate a message and elicit emotions. Lucky me, that’s exactly what I do!
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