World Photography Day: Odisha Through Their Lens!

Bhubaneswar: The one trend catching up among youngsters is photography, and why not? It is, indeed, an irresistible art form and helps capture the precious moments we wish to keep safe in our memories.

For many, expensive cameras are what make them photographer. However, one does not always need these equipment to enjoy this passion. What initially was limited to a counted few have reached the masses through smartphones.

In the language of a photographer, “Photography is just not clicking photos, but perspective.” On the occasion of World Photography Day, we bring you the stories of some photographers who have tried to showcase Odisha through their lens.

Umakanta Biswal

Best known for wildlife photography, he has been into the business since the last few years. “Though I had a passion for wildlife since 1980s, I started it in 2015. As I did not have a camera at that time, I could not capture the wilderness. For wildlife photography, I have visited most parts of Odisha,” said Biswal.

Using Canon 700 D model, he has encapsulated the beauty of Odisha within the lenses.

“Odisha is ethereal. Every bit of it. Due to certain problems we are not able to capture many parts of the state though,” he added.

He also said that at some places they face transportation inconvenience and in others, infrastructure problem.

“I have covered Barbara forest of Khordha territorial division near Banapur. There are 168 species in the forest, out of which, I have captured near about 100,” he said.

Besides, he has also covered Mangalajodi, Chillika, Bhitarakanika and many more. “I have travelled to all most all sanctuaries of Odisha as a wildlife photographer,” he added.

Also a bird watcher, for him, photography is the best way to showcase the wildlife, their movements, and activities. He has also been a part of the bird census conducted every year.

Sanjit Pattanaik

A street photographer, as he likes to term it, he is also passionate about capturing the festivals and fairs of Odisha in different seasons.

“With time, people have been forgetting the culture of our state. I want to capture all the moments to preserve it,” he said.

Since Sanjit did not have access to cameras or other equipment as a child, he learnt the art of photography by spending time in studios.

A cinematographer by profession, he still walks along the lanes on some clear sky afternoons to capture faces.

Using Nikon D 750, he has always attempted to reproduce emotions in still forms. Some of his major clicks include Joranda Mela in Dhenkanal, Raja, Dola Purnima and other such festivals.

“Street photography is challenging, as you cannot take a shot the second time,” he added.

Sumon Sinha

In love with the delicate winged insect, butterflies, his gallery is mostly filled with pictures of varieties of the same. He has clicked various types of butterflies in Similipal, Satkosia, Saptasajya and other places in Odisha.

His passion for the species also took him to other states to capture the tender wings.

Sumon tries to click the movements of butterflies using a macro lens. Of all clicks, the biggest achievement, he believes was when he clicked a Buxa tiger in North Bengal.