Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30:
Globally aclaimed photographer Raghu Rai, who is on a few days stint at Imphal, has shared his wide range challenging experiences in his photographic career with local scribes.
Rai, who took up photography in 1965, joined The Stateman as its chief photographer the following year.
Besides working as picture editor for Sunday, Picture editor /visualizer / photographer of India Today, Rai also worked on special issues and designs, contributing trailblazing picture essays on social political and cultural themes.
One has to think about the whole environmental aspects of the scene before clicking pictures Rai said while chatting with local journos particularly the photo journalists at the premises of Manipur press club this afternoon.
Young photographers should always capture new images that were not shown to the people, he said.
On being asked his words on a good photo, he said "it should be very fresh".
Differentiating his works on eminent personalities and ordinary people, he quipped "working on great people is challenging and working on common people is wonderful".
His experience in bringing out images of Mother Teresa was memorable, he said.
"Though I did it after taking permission from Mother Teresa I did breached some rules laid by the mother as I stole some footsteps there to get good angles.
Nevertheless Mother forgave me", a soft spoken Rai said.
During the last 18 years Rai besides specializing in extensive coverage of the country, has also produced over 18 books � Rai's Delhi, The Sikhs, Calcutta, Khajuraho, Taj Mahal, Tibet in Exile, India and Mother Teresa etc.
In 1971 he received the Padmashree and in 1992, his National Geographic cover story "Human Management of Wildlife in India" won him widespread acclaim for the piece.
In addition to winning a battery of national and international awards, Rai has exhibited his works in London, Paris, New York, Hamburg, Prague, Tokyo, Zurich and Sydney.
He also served three times on the jury of the world press photo and twice on the jury of UNESCO's international photo contests.
Currently Rai is working in Magnum Photos.
He is intending to work on Manipuri culture, indigenous games, tradition, the women's movement etc during his sojourn in Manipur.
On seeing the vibrant colors of hand woven local clothes, the famed photographer said "It was so beautiful and I feel like eating them".