Hirak Bhattacharjee: Transitioning from Geology to Global 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 Hirak Bhattachrajee from kolkata.

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

I am basically a Doctorate in Geology and I have worked 17 years in the field of mining industry. It was on 1st of January'18 I bought my first camera (Sony A7mark ii). With time photography became part of my daily activities and by the end of 2020 I finally decided to quit my job (I was head of project for one of the biggest coal mine projects in Indonesia and working for Bumi Group by then) and want to pursue my passion as my profession.
So Once I made that decision, the first thing I did was to enroll myself for a Post Graduate Diploma course on Professional Photography from Light & Life Academy, Ooty, India for a whole year. And currently, I am wokring a full time freelance photographer in Perth, Australia.

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

As I told you earlier, I am now a full time photographer; hence I should classify my works into two broader parts; one kind of work which helps me to bring bread and butter and one which brings pleasure to my soul and keeps me motivated.
On professional grounds, Family portrait and fashion portraits are my main work along with teaching photography to a few students. I am slowly moving into wedding and event photography too.
On personal ground, I am mainly a travel photographer and documentary photographer. I like capturing human emotions, actions, nature/landscape and the night sky.. My recent love for exploring tribal life across the world is something which I love to extend more and more..

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

It is hard to choose just one most memorable project; Yes as per response from international audiences, publications and awards I must say my winter expedition to Mongolia and documenting winter migration of Nomads of Mongolia might be the most successful one I am happy to witness tribal life of Baliem Valley, Papua, Indonesia too..
Recently I have explored life of tribes from Mentawai islands, Indonesia and I felt humbled by witnessing all these tribes and their way of life.

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

I do have 3 cameras: Sony A7RV, Sony A7IV and Sony A7RIII. My main go to lens is Tamron 35150, Sigma 20mm Art and Sony 70200 GM(ii). Now depending on further requirement I use Sony 50mm/1.4 GM, Viltrox 85mm/1.8, Samyang 135mm/1.8 or Viltrox 16mm/1.8 lenses.
On light set up (especially for my portrait works) I use Godox AD300pro, AD100pro, 2 units of Godox V1S and I have light modifiers like Godox R14, Godox AD85s, Aputure Dome II (125cm), Beauty dish, Square soft box and a few more.

What advice would you give to photographers who are just starting out and looking to make a name for themselves?
The first thing I suggest for upcoming or beginners is that enjoy the process of failure and learn from your mistakes. Don't chase gears or don't chase expensive trips just for the sake of social media or few social media appreciations.. Get trained, understand light and be brave to make mistakes.

You can also find  Hirak Bhattachrajee on :

Instagram : hirakbhat