Interview with Actor & Photographer S. Balachandar

Balachandar is a Photographer and an actor. He has a passion for capturing fleeting moments and transforming them into stunning images that convey a compelling narrative. With [Number of years] of experience in the industry, he has had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, from individuals to small businesses to large corporations. Through his unique approach to storytelling through photography, he is able to create captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression.

With over a decade of experience in the photography industry, he has honed his skills in capturing the grace and elegance of Bharatanatyam through his lens. His impressive portfolio boasts a wide range of clients, including individuals, small businesses, and large corporations. What sets him apart is his signature style, which places a strong emphasis on natural light and candid shots.

For him, photography is not simply about taking a picture, but rather, it’s an art form that allows him to create timeless memories that can be cherished for years to come. In this exclusive interview, we delve deeper into the mind of this visionary photographer, exploring his creative process, inspiration, and passion for capturing the beauty of the world around us. Let us know more about him in this exclusive interview.

Q1) When did you start having an interest in Photography? Was there any instance where you felt that you could take ahead photography in the future?

Ans : It all began in 2007, during my pursuit of a PG Diploma in Animations and Multimedia, while simultaneously dabbling in small acting roles. As part of our final year assessment, our team was tasked with creating a two-minute animated film, which required us to work across various animation divisions. My specific responsibilities included animation, camera work, and lighting the storyboards.

As I delved into the project, a peculiar sensation washed over me – a realization that if I could so masterfully compose shot frames and illuminate animated characters, I could do the same with real-life subjects. This was the seed that sprouted my passion for photography. During my acting gigs, whenever I had a spare moment, I would often sneak behind the cameraman and observe their techniques with awe. These experiences, coupled with my animation work, ignited a desire within me to explore photography.

And so, I began my journey as a photographer, and from the moment I clicked my first picture, I was hooked. The ability to freeze a moment in time and immortalize it through my lens was a feeling unlike any other.

Q2) A lot of people actually believe photographers are born with an inborn talent. Do you feel the same or do you feel that practice makes a person perfect and they have to keep on practicing?

Ans :Talent is not an innate gift; rather, it is one’s love and interest in a particular skill that drives one to learn and practice tirelessly. Through consistent effort, one can get closer to achieving perfection, but it is impossible to attain complete mastery. Even the most skilled photographers are not infallible, as there is always room for growth and improvement in this art form.

Q3) You are a professional Bharatanatyam dance photographer, videographer, and artist. Out of all genres tell us what inclined this genre of photography.

Growing up, I watched my mother, Guru. Smt. Rajeswari Sundararaman taught Bharathanatyam to numerous students and ignited a love for this art form within me. As a hobby, I began learning the nuances of Bharathanatyam but felt that other photographers were missing something in their pictures. I soon realized that the gap was due to their lack of knowledge and passion for this art form, as they were solely motivated by monetary gain. It was then that I decided to fill this void and started doing Bharathanatyam photography myself. It was love at first sight.

Q4) What do you love doing in your free time? Do you think it is important to have a hobby for every person?

I have three hobbies that I enjoy: cricket, dancing, and creating Instagram reels. Hobbies are essential for breaking the monotony and unwinding, which enables us to approach work with renewed positivity and energy.

Q5) Tell us about some of your unique experiences in your photography career till now?

My first paid photoshoot was for a friend and his wife, but they, unfortunately, called me to document their divorce process. While documenting it, I asked if they wanted some pictures together for one last time, to which they agreed. After processing and giving them the pictures, they canceled the divorce and decided to stay together as husband and wife. He later called and credited my pictures for their change of heart. This was a unique and favorite experience in my photography career, despite the shots not being framed perfectly.

Q6) If you had to define your life in a sentence what would it be? A lot of young people want to take up photography as their profession but lack the confidence to do so. What would be your advice to them?

Ans :For me Life should be lived like a river – go with the flow and things will work out. To all the young photographers out there considering photography as a profession, remember a few things:

1. Love your own pictures before seeking validation from others.
2. You can’t please everyone, so focus on doing what you love.
3. Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy.
4. Practice regularly to improve your skills.
5. Keep learning and stay up to date with the latest trends.
6. Learn the basic rules of photography and experiment by breaking them.
7. Don’t make promises you can’t keep; always deliver what you promise.
8. Stay humble and positive and remember to smile.