An Exclusive Interview with Tamal Debnath

Tamal Debnath is a school teacher by profession and a passionate amateur photographer. Tamal lives in the small town of Tufanganj, in the District of Coochbehar, West Bengal, India. Though he started photography in 2008 with Nikon DSLR, he always tries to learn by observing others’ works. Tamal spends most of his free time photographing various objects in nature. Photography has changed his attitude towards nature and humans. To him, each and every day his camera teaches him new lessons. His camera is his best companion and he believes it will be forever. He thanks Light and Composition for the encouragement he gets for his photography.

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Tamal Debnath, as his photograph was the winner of Photo of the Month – 24th Month, 3rd Place. Let’s discover his forays into photography in An Exclusive Interview with Tamal Debnath.

Light & Composition: Hello, Tamal Debnath. How does it feel, being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 3rd Place, May 2012?Tamal Debnath: Yea! It feels great and exciting getting the third place in the Photo of The Month segment in such a prestigious platform like Light and Composition of international repute. It gives me something extra boost to do better in future. Thanks L&C team for such honor.

L&C: The photograph, Vivacity, which was selected as Photo of the Month, is a beautiful Motion Photograph with an artistic perspective, correct lighting, and the decisive moment very well captured. Overall, this is a great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking this photograph.
Tamal: The photograph Vivacity is very special to me and obviously close to my heart. It was a wintry afternoon. I visited the bank of a local river. There I found these little children had been jumping into the river from a deserted boat. The water of the river was extremely cold. I wondered to see the wild spirit of these young ones. I approached towards them and clicked few shots to capture their madness. This photograph reminds me their vivacity and joyous spirit diverting all the difficulties of life.

L&C: Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for several others of your photographs in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?Tamal: I would like to thank those who voted for my photos. Without their love and blessings it could not be possible. I feel proud not only for my photos but also for those who appreciate my work. This photographic journey is very exciting for me. I learned a lot from others’.

L&C: As we know, you are originally from Coochbehar, West Bengal, which has its own rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage. Do you think depicting life in West Bengal portrays a different essence? How much does that influence your work?Tamal: Like other states of India, West Bengal has its individuality. One could get the true essence of rural life here. People engage with various occupations that always attract the attention of photographers. Especially the tribe community and their culture in west Bengal is extra ordinary. It is also famous for its Mountain region, The Singalila Mountain Chain is quite unique, and who can forget the view of Kanchenjanga from the Tiger Hill (Darjeeling), or from Sandakfu. Not but the least, the vast jungle area and the wildlife over there is quite fascinating too. In one word its a dream land for Photography.

L&C: We see so many different genres of photography in your portfolio. Do you like a particular genre of photography?

Tamal: I like photographing the wildlife. It is like a dream for me. Though it is obviously my future plan. Besides it I like to take photos what I like to click.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.Tamal: Yes Visualization is very essential. I did not understand this key note earlier. Now as I approached to take a photo of some object, I first try to visualize the picture of it in my mind regarding framing, timing
and composition. It really works and helps me to take a better photo.L&C: Tamal, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.
Tamal: No. I have not exhibited my works till now.

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?Tamal: I live in a very small place where most of the people struggle for their bread and butter. Rest of all have little interest in photography. So a photographic club in my area is just like a castle in the air. But the conception is changing with the passes of time. Bit by bit people of various ages are showing their interest in photography. It is something really sensational. Hope we will be able to form a photographic club in near future in our area .

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with Photo of the Day?Tamal: Be positive and confident.Follow the works of others’. Don’t imitate or copy. Try to discuss the various aspects of photography with your photographic friends. Click whatever you like around you.

L&C: Thank you, Tamal, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.

Tamal: Thanks Light and Composition Team.