[1]Photography is an art. It is very subjective. Not everybody might like what I click.” So begins a conversation with Andre Jeanpierre Fanthome, National Academy Award-winning photographer at the launch of the photobook, Affirmations, In Her Own Voice, a project undertaken by humanitarian organisation, CARE India.
The book narrates stories of resilence of 22 women from rural India through the means of photographs.
Recalling his early days in the profession, Andre says, “During my graduation days at St. Stephen’s, I had got hooked to photography and started getting projects. I came from a modest background. I remember somebody else paid for my first camera, its film and the prints. Back in those days, becoming a photographer was not that easy.”
With mobile and digital cameras easily accessible, many youngsters have taken up photography. Does he see it as a healthy trend? “I feel it is a positive trend that cameras are easily accessible and people can take to photography without thinking of expensive cameras. Everybody should get a fair chance to fulfill their passion. If the youngster has talent and creativity, then why not,” smiles Andre.
“I just tell youngsters not to imitate anyone and develop their style,” he adds.
Andre mentors youngsters who show interest in photography and takes special classes at his alma mater as and when he gets time from travelling across the globe for photography.
Talking about his work, he says, “I belong to the old school of photography, where I believe that a photograph should lead to an emotional reaction. But I do engage in commercial photography to sustain myself. I have tried my hands at all kinds of photography, including fashion photography. However, I have shot with mannequins and not real models,” he says.
Who serves as his biggest inspiration? “I love surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. He had the knack to see beyond the obvious. Persistence of memory and Galatea of spheres are two of his greatest works,” he says.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/t1jpg-802