On World Photography Day, This Bhubaneswar Engineer Takes The Plunge Full Time

Bhubaneswar: When words fail us in describing a particular scene, a photograph can capture the emotions perfectly. That’s why they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

For many, photography is passion, while for some, it’s profession.

Lucky are those who can merge passion with profession. Like Bhubaneswar-based wildlife photographer Basanta Behura, who took that decision on World Photography Day, which is celebrated on August 19.

A software engineer, Basanta has been a passionate photographer for a decade.

“After capturing moments for about 10 years, I realized that photography gives me more satisfaction than my regular job. I’ve started a new venture with two wildlife photographer friends,” Basanta said.

“We will capture activities of birds and animals for the general public. There are many wildlife lovers who can’t get information about these places. We will bring those information for them through our clicks,” informed Basanta.

Basanta may have covered several places in India for wildlife photography, but there are many wonderful places in Odisha which can be focussed on.

“For our survival, we will also be doing wedding and other events’ photography,” said Basanta.

He and his friends also launched a website called ‘Camera Hub’ to provide camera, lens, tripod and flashlights etc. on rent to passionate photographers.

“In wildlife photography, high-end cameras and zoom lens are necessary, as we have to click animals and birds from a distance. Many passionate photographers do not have zoom lens and cameras. That is why we will provide them on rent through the ‘Camera Hub’ website,” said Basanta.

A philatelist and coin collector, Basanta has captured photographs of over 700 bird and animal species through his lens.

“I have a passion for photography since my childhood. I had a point-and-shoot camera initially, and used to click activities of birds in gardens. Then I joined a photography club and learned to handle digital cameras,” recalled Basanta.

“After doing photography for a few years, I chose wildlife photography genre as I started enjoying activities of birds and animals,” he said.

Basanta has a collection of over 200 new and old cameras, along with different kinds of lens, tripods, monopods, flashlights and filters at his Nayapalli residence.

Among his prized possessions are a 1912-model wooden camera, a pocket camera, and other rare tools.

His cameras are of different make — ranging from UK, Germany, Italy, Russia, France to Japan and Ukraine.

Besides his varied photographs, Basanta also plans to organize an exhibition of his cameras in the near future.