Subi Chaturvedi Filmmaker/ Photographer/ Curator (Dean)

From being a student of photography to academics and now earning fame as the official photographer for the launch of global products like Microsoft Xbox360 and Volkswagen, she has indeed come a long way. Today she has carved a niche for herself in many of her avatars as a successful photographer, filmmaker and curator.

National Network of Education (NNE)’s correspondent caught up with this vivacious and versatile lady at her photography academy at Vasant Vihar, South Delhi, where she spoke at length about her journey, prevailing scenario of photography and ways to improve photography education in the country.

Excerpts from the exclusive tête-à-tête :

To start with, tell us something about your self and your education.

I am a professional photographer and a film maker; I belong to Lucknow, a city known for its ethos and creativity. Steeped in that city’s culture, I consider myself a creative person. I like to experiment with different art forms. I completed my schooling from Loretto Convent, after which I pursued my bachelors in anthropology, psychology & history, and then took up M.A, Mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia.

As I started working very early, I believe what I learnt during the job, added the holistic dimension to my personality. I gained a lot sensitivity & receptiveness while working for issues concerning children & Women.

Did you always aspire to build your career in photography? How did you venture into this field?

I always loved pictures. Camera always fascinated me. As a student of psychology, I developed an interest in noticing how people behave when they are before camera.

Initially I did not know that I would be a photographer, but yes, knew that I would make a career that would be something full of creativity, this drove me towards photography.

How do you see the present status of photography in the country?

Well, despite many grey areas, I regard this time as the best time in the history of photography in India. The entire world has started recognizing the contribution of Indian photography in the international arena. Now Photography is being recognized as an important art form. Today photography education is also being taken seriously by the masses.

I believe with the advent of Globalization, the world has surely wakened to the potential of images & visuals. Its importance can be gauged by the fact that till last year SAARC in artist camp of 30 painters had no photographer but this year onwards, they included one photographer (it was Bandeep Singh – India Today Photo Editor); though the no. is small but it has really made a difference. The world no longer thinks of photography as just a poor cousin to painting.

I also feel that keeping into view the ever-increasing scope of photography it needs government patronage. It reminds me of the times when rajas & maharajas patronized arts to help creativity flourish.

Generally it is observed, many people appreciate creative art forms like photography etc, & often visit photo exhibitions too, but when it comes to the best course selection for their wards, they are apprehensive of this untested water. What do you think is necessary to change this mindset?

Yes, this is the case; people from varied strata of society appreciate art forms, visit art exhibitions but if given a choice of sending their wards to become full time photographer, they are not sure. Many still feel that photography is not a career but a hobby instead. We are trying to change this mindset. It’s also true that the higher strata of society can let their children experiment, but India largely comprises of Lower Middle Class & Middle class. Hence there is a need to project photography as a subject whose scope is far above the small-time shaadiwala photography. We aim to educate the masses through various means like use of career counseling sessions with students & parents and visits to schools & colleges etc.

What are the grey areas which must be addressed to popularize photography education in India? What has been your involvement in this regard?

There is a need to make parents & children realize that photography is not only a great career option but a lucrative career choice too. We are not only making use of social forums & community clubs to educate the masses but are also in touch with organizations like FICCI to help us formulate long-term strategies in this regard.

At present, all the universities offering courses in photography carry an outdated syllabus. Often, photography is taught as a small subject area of the mass communication course.

Another area of concern is the infrastructure & technical expertise of the faculties. Photography is a different art form because it’s a mix of technique, technology & aesthetics & without technology; the full potential of photography can’t be exploited.

Photography being a specialized field requires qualified teachers. Unlike big photographers like Raghu Rai & S. Paul who never had teachers in their times & who spent decades learning through hit & trial, this generation dosen’t have time, they want instant results. Hence we need to have structured photography education & trained teachers; this is something we have been missing for long. I am still not aware of any university offering B.Ed training programmme in photography too.

It’s high time we understand that Mr. X may be a good photographer but that fact doesn’t make him a good teacher too. Hence, the need of the hour is to take inputs from practicing photographers & let qualified faculty anchor the programmes.

What makes photography a hot career option?

Photography is a hot career option because Indian photographers are in great demand both in India & abroad. Post liberalization, all the MNCs want to be a part of the booming Indian economy & hence they require images which represent Indian ethos & sensitivity towards India, so the need arises for Indian photographers.

Photography is a hot career option because it offers variety of jobs, ranging from highly specialized, technical work to jobs that require creativity & Visual literacy. One can specialize in areas such as portrait, commercial & industrial, advertising, scientific, fashion, news, wildlife photography etc. They can either have the option to take up jobs with news papers, magazines, advertising agencies, government agencies, industrial houses or work as free lancers. Fashion photographers can find employment with fashion houses, designers, fashion journals & news papers.

Most important quality a candidate must possess for a successful career in photography?

Photography is not all about pressing the camera buttons. Besides aesthetics sense, one needs to have a definite level of sensitivity & receptiveness towards one’s environment coupled with a technical bent of mind, your photographs should be individualistic too, moreover. Knowledge of industry standards is also a must to make pictures financially viable.

You have been a source of inspiration for many budding photographers. Do you also think of some one as your role model?

I do draw inspiration from people I interact with. But the contribution of some one who has really shaped my academic career & my worldview is Prof. F.B khan, the head of media & communication wing of Jamia MCRC. Besides I always admired Photographers like Raghuvir Singh & Kishore Parekh.

What makes you think that this medium can also be effective in bringing tangible changes in the society?

Visual media is one of the most powerful media now; it has the power to transform mindset & even change governments. Organizations like UNICEF, OXFAM, UNESCO and Amnesty International are proactive in giving voices to the unheard causes of the masses. They are looking at documenting, funding & supporting the cause of universal equality & brotherhood. In India, this mission is fast catching up among photographers nowadays.

If not photography, what would Subi Chaturvedi have been into?

One thing I am sure of, I would have done something in creative media only, else would have been exploring the world as a gypsy.

(DOU 28092007)

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(As told to Ahmad Shariq Khan)