From Hobby to Passion: The Inspiring Journey of Anuradha Chatterjee in Street and Documentary Photography

Showcase is an effort by 58Miles to bring beautiful journeys of some of the amazing photographers of India & aboard . You will read about their journey , techniques , style and can see the outcome of their art in stunning frames. We asked them some questions to deep dive in to space and here we are....

Introducing 58Miles showcase photographer Anuradha Chatterjee from Kolkata

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in photography?

Hello! I am Anuradha Chatterjee, from Kolkata, India. I am an IT Professional, but my passion lies in photography. In between juggling personal and professional responsibilities, I picked up photography as a hobby in 2017. Initially I started with a second-hand DSLR camera and from there, this hobby turned into passion. Since then, I have been practicing Street, Travel, and Documentary photography with human interest and their culture.
My photographic work has been exhibited in several prestigious art galleries, including Academy of Fine Arts, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala, Gallery Gold, and Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Kolkata, as well as in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. In February 2022, I hosted my first solo exhibition titled “Calcutta Lifescape: Glimpses from Within” capturing the spirit of Kolkata.
My photographs have been featured in India Today magazine and published on the websites of the Government of West Bengal Tourism Department, World Photographic Forum, and 121clicks.

What inspires your photography, and how do you choose your subjects or themes?

During my childhood, I was fond of painting. Later in life, after developing a technical interest in photography, I found that this visual medium can also tell stories eloquently and move people without any words being spoken. I started playing with light and shadow, colors and contrasts.

I love being on the street and capturing those unseen, magical moments and the integral relationships of human beings. The uncertainty and the challenge of capturing those unscripted moments of life on the streets, energize and inspire me.
Travelling has also helped me a lot. Wherever I travel, I always search for some story in any frame of real life.

What has been your most memorable photography project or shoot, or any inspiring story around it, and why?

In 2022, I went to Chattisgarh to document the Ramnamis, a downtrodden sect in India. For a century, they have tattooed "Ram" across their entire bodies, including their faces, in protest against caste-based discrimination and injustice.
Before my trip, I studied their history. While spending four days with them in their village, I learnt about their history, culture, and challenges. I was able to get closer to the people, learn how they live, and record their stories for future generations. I interacted closely with more than 10 members, both male and female, of the sect. This experience was challenging but very meaningful for me as a Documentary photographer.

⁠What is your photography kit? or we would say, what is in your camera bag?

What’s in my camera bag varies, depends where I am going and what I am photographing.
When I am in streets, I prefer to be light. I usually carry my Lumix S5 camera and 20-60mm kit lens that came with my camera, along with extra battery and lens cleaner in my bag.
When I am out for Travel and Documentary photography, I carry my Lumix S5 camera, 16-35mm f/2.8, and 24-70 mm f/2.8 lenses. I also keep several SD cards, a couple of extra batteries and a few filters and of course lens cleaner. Sometimes, I also carry my tripod.

What advice would you give to photographers who are just starting out and looking to make a name for themselves?

Photography isn't just about gear and capturing beauty; it's about emoting and expressing feelings. Photography an innate call which has to be nurtured only through practice. I would also suggest newcomers to avoid trends and likes; focus on what truly resonates and capture the world through their unique perspective. Stay true to your vision to create meaningful, authentic images that inspire.
Love the work, invest more time in learning, unlearning, and relearning. Shoot for yourself!

You can find Anuradha Chatterjee on:

Instagram : chaterjee_anu