Slice of Life: Want to become an excellent photographer

I simply love photographs. Going through an old album is not just about the past. I’d look at a photographs of scenes for a long time. Then I would imagine how the same frame would have looked from other angles. I live close to the Marina Beach and have spent practically every evening of my life near the shore. To me, it is the most beautiful place in the world, mainly because of the people who live there. One evening, when I was taking a walk, I saw a man taking photos of a family. He even gave the developed copy immediately. That fascinated me. I went up to him and asked him about the details of the camera. I befriended him and he agreed to teach me the basics of photography. Since then I have been coming to the beach during the weekends. I spend hours here and take pictures of the visitors. 

I would like to do it every day but I am still in school and I have to attend classes. By the time I am done, it gets late and the light is not great. Also, I have to finish my homework. Weekends are perfect as the crowds are more. Most of the people take pictures on their mobile phones but now these instant photos have become a souvenir of sorts. I focus on capturing the emotions at a particular moment, because that speaks a lot. I don’t have a fixed rate but I ask people to pay what they will. Some pay Rs 30 and there have been times when I have been paid Rs 100. It’s enough pocket money and I get to contribute to my family’s income.

I am happy when I am with the camera and I wish to become a famous photographer one day.