Pravin Talan has truly found his greatest love of life, his camera! This ace photographer, who ventured into varied fields before being re-united with his passion for photography now calls his camera his first love! From a journalist to documentary film-maker to a wild-life photographer and now a fashion photographer, the journey for this multi-faceted man does not end here. Read on and dive into this passionate man's mind to realize his love for life itself!
MegaModelz : When did you decide to become a photographer? And why?
Pravin Talan : I became a photographer for the simple reason that through my lens I found the whole world beautiful. When I was in my mid-teens, my father gifted me a camera, and I happily clicked all day, winning a number of prizes in school/college and even at national level contests. But after that I lost touch and it was during the filming of one of my documentary films on wild life that I decided to buy a camera as I needed to shoot some pictures, and that's when I realized that photography was what I loved the most and that I had actually missed it so many years. Photography made me very peaceful in life, and irrespective of my future ventures in life, I intend to live my life through the lenses forever.
MM. : From wild-life to fashion photography, how difficult has the transition been for you?
PT : It was actually quite simple. The editor of GR8 magazine saw one of my picturesand asked me to shoot their cover. I told him I am more used to shooting candid and natural shots, but he insisted that I shoot with TV stars Roshni Chopra and Hussein for the cover. So I started with a cover page rather than portfolios. Likewise my first campaign happened because of wild life photography. I shot for Telenorr for Pakistan with Ad-comp and they were looking for a photographer who could shoot motion as the shot required catching Ali Zafar in mid-air on a moving train. So actually my background in wild-life only helped me with the understanding of timing.
MM. : How do you conceptualize a theme for a photo shoot? How do you decide on a look?
PT : One single most important thing or objective of any photo shoot is ‘communication'! What you actually want to say through that photograph or shot, whether it's for advertising or simple portfolios! I don't like to work on references as that simply means I am copying someone else's photos or vision. Once you know what you are trying to say through the picture, working on a theme or deciding a look becomes quite easy.
MM. : From whom did you learn photography?
PT : I am a self taught guy. Initially it was a little difficult to understand the why's and how's but I just followed my heart and instinct and what my naked eye saw. And I am glad I did that, because I ended up learning more and differently from the standard set practices in photography. I still may not understand certain technical things about the camera, as some of my friends do, but I am able to shoot the picture I want to-and that's what matters in the end to see beyond the obvious.
MM. : From where do you draw your inspiration?
PT : I am a very outdoor person and I draw my inspiration from elements of nature. Rather than looking at professional photographer's work I sometimes go online and check the work of people who are hobby photographers and so called amateurs –they shoot some real beautiful pictures as it comes from their heart devoid of any expectations from anyone.
MM. While shooting for a portfolio, what are the basic points you always keep in your mind?
PT : Portfolios are very model specific. How I shoot them varies from person to person and their basic need. It's important to decide the communication of the photo. Also it's very important for a model to focus on their expressions and body language. My portfolios have quite a wide range- I always include outdoors with indoor shots, lots of mood shots (which are very important for an actor), and beauty shots/ fashion and of course other necessary pictures like some glamorous looks, Indian looks etc. I try to give them a look for everything but it's still important to work on a focused shoot.
MM. : What advice would you like to give to budding photographers when they head for a shoot for the first time?
PT : Follow your own vision and trust your instincts. They will never fail you. If you copy others, you will forever copy only and never be known as an original photographer.
MM. : Are the Indian models in the same league as international models?
PT : What's an international model? I think it's the most abused term in our industry. There is a universal code of acceptance for models globally in terms of ramp alone, that they have to look and carry themselves off in a certain manner
MM. : Out of all the models and celebrities you have worked with, who is the one person you would love to work with again, or work frequently with and why?
PT : I have shot with quite a few celebrities, almost everyone in TV and many of the top Bollywood ones. There are many favorites of mine, but surely Mandira Bedi, Riya Sen and Mithun Chakraborty top the charts. Mandira for her awesome energy and she can just go on and on. She would always be special as she also happened to be my first studio shoot ever. Riya Sen for her classic face, it's just amazing to see her smiling. My all time hero Mithun Da no Indian male star even today can beat his attitude, body language or the aura he carries with him.
MM. : What has been your best work till date? And most challenging?
PT : I won't be able to identify anything specific as my best work. I like it all that's why I shot those images. Certain shoots do get me more excited, especially when I have to shoot people contrary to their popular image. Like shooting Mandira Bedi really hot, or shooting Riya Sen as a girl next door.
MM. : Is fashion photography a good career option today? How is the competition?
PT : Every career is a good option as long as you excel in it. With an increasing number of brands, magazines and fashion outlets, and even small retailers and brands understanding the significance of advertising- undoubtedly fashion photographers have a huge scope. And as far as competition is concerned, what's life without a little competition.
