To start our series of featured artists we’ve selected an Indian participant and his quintessentially Indian picture.
Copyright by Shanth Kumar
Why we liked it: this picture shows the love Indians have for their country in an unusual way, the silhouette of the child against the national flag and the shadow projected on the ground provide a nice black contrast against the green and orange colours.
Shanth, tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Bangalore in 1986 and photography has always been my passion. I took up photography in 2000 when I started as a dark room assistant in a studio and have since then dabbled with various forms of photography. I finally found my true calling in photojournalism and have been practising it since 2002 as part of various publications in India. I have covered the political and social changes extensively, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I see photography as a medium for bringing out the truth as well as for creative expression. I currently work as senior photojournalist at The Times of India, the largest English daily in the world.
Where was your picture taken?
Love for the country runs deep in India. Flags are on display during the cricket matches, numerous festivals or during days like Independence Day as seen here. In this photo, a child is seen hugging the tricolour on the eve of independence day in a market in Chennai where such sheets are sold.
What are your interests in photography?
I’m interested in life on the move, people’s survival for existence, festivals and colours.
Do you travel a lot? What is your next planned destination?
I travel when my time and work permit. The last international visit was to London to collect the Wisden award I won in 2012. I’m planning to go to Africa sometimes soon.
What is your long-term goal with photography?
Simply to excel as a photojournalist.
1000for1’s International Photography Competition is open until the 29th of December, join Shanth in this adventure by creating a profile and submitting your pictures!
