The Journey of a Photograph | Ketaki Sheth | TEDxMAIS

Summary

In a compelling presentation, the photographer reflects on their artistic journey, highlighting the serendipitous nature of inspiration and the significance of mentorship. They emphasize the key elements of capturing powerful images, such as spontaneity, intuition, and the 'decisive moment.' Through personal projects like 'Bombay Mix' and explorations of the Patel twins, they illustrate the rich narratives found in diverse communities. The transition from film to digital photography marks a pivotal shift, culminating in the discovery of neglected village studios, which inspire their latest work, 'Still Lives.' This journey underscores the unpredictability and depth of artistic exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creative process in photography involves a journey from the birth of an idea to its final presentation, often resulting in a book and an exhibition.
• 📸 Inspiration can come from various sources, including memories of people, places, and objects, and may emerge unexpectedly.
• ✨ The act of photography should be spontaneous and fluid, allowing for intuitive decision-making rather than strict adherence to a brief.
• 🔑 Key elements of a good photograph include light, form, timing, and a touch of luck, as highlighted by Henri Cartier-Bresson's concept of the 'decisive moment.'
• 📚 Mentorship is crucial in developing photographic skills; the speaker learned from Raghubir Singh about the importance of seizing moments and storytelling.
• 🌍 A photographer's access to subjects can evolve; the speaker gained trust and acceptance from various communities through persistence and relationship-building.
• 👥 The project on Patel twins revealed the stories of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit within a migratory diaspora across the UK and India.
• 🔄 Shifts in technology, such as the transition from film to digital photography, can influence a photographer's approach and the type of work they produce.
• 🏛️ Discovering and documenting old photography studios reflects the changing landscape of photography and the preservation of cultural heritage.
• 📝 Ultimately, photography is about more than replicating others’ successes; it involves discovering unique stories and perspectives through the lens.

Q & A

What process does the speaker describe for developing their photographic ideas?

The speaker describes a process that evolves from the birth of an idea to its desired end, typically a book followed by an exhibition. They emphasize that ideas can come from various triggers, including memories of places, people, and situations.

How does the speaker define a good photograph?

A good photograph requires key ingredients: light, form, timing, and luck. The speaker references Henri Cartier-Bresson's concept of the 'decisive moment,' which highlights the need for the heart, mind, and eye to work in sync.

What lesson did the speaker learn from their mentor, Raghubir Singh?

Raghubir Singh taught the speaker about the importance of recognizing strengths and weaknesses in photography. He emphasized the ease of missing a good shot and the need to practice regularly, especially in challenging environments.

What is the significance of the speaker's project on Patel twins?

The project on Patel twins was inspired by a community directory and aimed to document the experiences of twins within the Patel community in the UK. It reflects on themes of migration and identity, illustrating the similarities and differences between the diaspora in the UK and their roots in India.

What challenges did the speaker face while photographing the Siddhi community?

The speaker faced challenges in gaining access to the Siddhi community due to their exclusivity and suspicion of outsiders. Building trust took time and required meeting community members without a camera to establish rapport.

How did technological shifts impact the speaker's work?

The speaker noted a significant shift from conventional film photography to digital and color photography, which they embraced in 2015 due to dwindling supplies of film. This change forced them to adapt and explore new avenues in their work.

What was the inspiration behind the speaker's latest project on village photography studios?

The speaker's latest project was inspired by stumbling upon a rundown photo studio, which led them to discover 70 more studios across the country. This exploration highlights the changing landscape of photography and the impact of modernization.

What does the speaker mean by 'milking the cow' in the context of photography?

The phrase 'milking the cow' refers to the idea that creating great photographs requires significant effort and perseverance, much like extracting milk. The speaker illustrates this with their own experiences of capturing numerous images to find a few that resonate.

In what ways did the speaker's earlier projects influence their later work?

The speaker's earlier projects, particularly those focused on street photography and community documentation, helped them develop their visual and technical skills, shaping their approach to later projects and their ability to capture meaningful moments.

What is the overarching theme of the speaker's photographic journey?

The overarching theme of the speaker's photographic journey is the exploration of identity and community through the lens of migration and cultural exchange, illustrating how personal experiences and encounters shape artistic expression.