In our popular series 'In the Spotlight', we bring you another inspiring interview with Ankit Gulati who loves experimenting with different genres of photographies & master them. Apart from his love & passion for photography, he is also contributing towards photography community in a huge way. You need to check out the interview to more about Ankit & his Photography.
1. About you: Tell us about the place, where you were born; your education, and profession.
I’m a software professional shuffling between the world of new product features & revenue to the life of Aperture & shutter speed. I was born in Gurgaon and have spent most of my life in the NCR region. I graduated from SRCC in Delhi & completed my masters from IIM Ahmedabad. I’m currently working as a Sr product manager with Adobe systems and help photographers turn their photographs into lasting memories.
2. Your photography experience: Tell us since when you've been taking pictures. When did you start taking photography seriously?
My tryst with photography started about a decade back. I bought a point & shoot camera from my first internship salary. Soon after, I got an opportunity to study a term in Europe as part of my university’s student exchange program. I travelled across Europe capturing the breathtaking landscapes with my pocket camera. On returning back, a few friends encouraged me to exhibit the photos in a small gallery in Ahmedabad. This was a major confidence booster which helped turn a mere hobby into a passion. Soon, I bought a DSLR camera, enrolled in a workshop & honed my photography skills. Since then, photography has been an integral part of me.
3. What are your key areas of photography - travel/street/landscape/
wildlife/wedding/portraits/commercial? What makes you click? What have been your biggest achievements so far? What camera/lenses do you use and why?
I have tried my hand at various genres of photography, however I enjoy clicking landscapes, abstracts & kids the most. Each of these have their own charm. I love travelling so landscape photography blends really well with it. Abstract photography throws up the challenge of finding something interesting or unique in most mundane of things. Kids photography is fun, all you need to do is be patient and they will give you great candid expressions.
My photos have been published in a recently released book - India- Five Senses by Roli Books; I have also won Canon Photography contest (with a Nikon camera :) ) and have held a few exhibitions.
I own a Nikon D7000 & have multiple lenses- basic, prime, wide angle, telephoto and macro. I kept investing as and when I developed an interest in an area (wildlife, macro & landscapes).
4. What is so special about your city/country and its life/culture? Has photography changed your outlook/vision about your surroundings?
Whatever be your photography interest area, whether you are looking for picturesque landscapes, colorful life & customs or stunning wildlife, India has something to offer for everyone. This just makes a photographer’s life a lot easier. Just look around and you can find something interesting to capture.
Every time, I hold a camera, I try visualizing everything around me in a frame. This lets me see interesting patterns in even the routine things.
5. What are your sources of inspirations? Do you have some favorite photographers? How do you keep yourself motivated? How do you approach people for their pictures?
The works of legends like Ansel Adams, Steve Mccurry & Raghu Rai have always inspired me. At the same time, i also like & appreciate the work of many creative artists on social media.
I have a year & half old son, and he has been my biggest source of motivation for developing interest in Kids photography :)
6. What piece of advice do you wish to give to aspiring/budding photographers, fans, and readers of the post?
Experiment with different areas of photography. You never know which one you will develop keen interest in.
Don't forget to check our more photographs from Ankit's camera here.
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