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Young World
Images on roll
PAROMITA PAIN
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We must have faith in the decisions we take and, in ourselves, to fulfil those decisions: Sharad Haksar
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The third eye...
Say digital photography and the one name that clicks resoundingly is Sharad Haksar. The man who modernised the face of Indian photography, venturing successfully in the uncharted regions of digital camera work, combining aesthetics and technology gracefully to come up with some super winners has an impressive clientele. Only recently, he won seven awards at the Chennai Ad Club Awards 2003. He has won International Gold for two of his photographs at CAPI Awards 1998, California, U.S. and a nomination at the British Design & Art Direction (D&AD) Awards held in London this year in the competitive Photography and Image Manipulation category for a piece titled `Nirvana', featured in a self-promotional poster. Haksar is involved in two areas in the main — photography and design. Let's hear it from the camera whiz himself.
The beginnings
Immediately after school I knew it had to be photography and started working on it. My mother initially was a little worried since photography is usually thought of as a hobby than a profession; but when she realised I was sure, she was very encouraging and proved to be a great support. I was born and bought up in Chennai. My school days were fun and my teachers were very encouraging. In fact, it was a school outing where the pictures I took were much appreciated and I was made the school photographer. It was sort of my first step, professionally. I was always interested in this field and knew that my professional choice was the right one but even then things did not come easy and I've had to work very hard. I attended a lot of workshops where I honed my technical skills. I am mainly interested in Fashion and Advertising Photography, but love photography of any kind.
My teachers and creativity
My success would not have been possible without the guidance of photographer Iqbal Mohamed and my U.S. stint where I got the opportunity to work with leading photographers, cinematographers and directors like Robert Farber, Gerald Hirschfeld ASC, T.W. Li, Bill Linsman, Constantine Manos, Brian McNally and Bill Megalos. Shooting with a digital camera has big advantages as the client can approve of the shots immediately and save time. An eye for detail is crucial and since nothing escapes the eye of the camera there should preferably be no compromise on any front. Creativity is the buzzword and there must always be the effort to be different. For example, public service broadcasting need not be staid ads with a message but often is more effective when packaged with wit and compelling visuals.
Some punch words
We know ourselves best and what we decide about ourselves are often correct. Parents should never force their decisions on children or mistake them to be extensions of their own unfulfilled dreams and desires. Photography has become very technical these days and every budding photographer must work really hard.
Hard work always pays off. We must have faith, in the decisions that we take and, in ourselves to fulfil those decisions. The day you feel you are the best, you will go down, as professional complacency is not welcomed here.
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