Five years ago Ankit Banerjee took an “accidental picture of milk overflowing on a kitchen stove”, and that was his “wow” moment when he discovered he had photographic skills.
No one took him seriously, not because his works were not good, but because he was just 14-years-old.
Now, Ankit is 19, and he’s a professional photographer, who is having his first solo exhibition at Art Of Delight, 44/1, Residency Road.
The photographs on display are a collection of his works over the last four years, which include some images captured during his travel and during his walks through the streets of this city. They are medium or small images that are artistically framed.
“The size is deliberate so that the images can blend into small rooms or even tiny pillars,” explains the young man.
“Though I became a self-taught photographer, for three years I never owned a camera. I would borrow, rent cameras and lenses from supportive friends and family till I could afford to buy my own, which I did in 2014,” says the chirpy Ankit.
Then came his next big break, when his friend invited him to take pictures of her arangetram. “She had also hired professional photographers, who asked me to move to a side. From where I was standing I got all the side angles of her dance. These images were again appreciated by family and friends. That boosted my confidence and I started using the social networking sites to get work. People loved what they saw but started having their doubts when they saw my age, which was 17. So I took off the reference to my age and started posting only my works for their reference. Soon I became a professional freelance photographer,” recalls Ankit, who adds that some of his clients include Microsoft Ventures, TEDxBangalore, Startup Leadership Program, Campus Diaries, MakeMyTrip, besides wedding assignments.
“Photography doesn’t always have to conform to art and aesthetic beauty. It can be as simple as just capturing a moment. Corporate images are all about capturing the right moment like the perfect hand shake or signing of contracts, while wedding images are about capturing the tender moments between the bride, her parents and the groom,” he explains.
He is also learning to play the piano and wants to pursue his education in economics, but in spite of having his legs in “many boats” Ankit does not want to give up his passion for photography and also music.
“I want to do as many things as possible as this is the age when people are not stuck on to one job”.
He has also taken images of the Old Bangalore, which he says will have “academic value” after a few years.
His works will be on display at Art Delight, Residency Road till March 29.
Ankit can be contacted on 9964773776.
