Beyond the Frame: Photographers Reveal Image's Soul

On World Photography Day, renowned Bollywood photographers Dabboo Ratnani and Rohan Shrestha share their insights into what elevates a photograph from a mere image to a compelling story. They believe powerful pictures capture an essence that lingers, revealing unspoken emotions or moods.

Ratnani emphasizes the psychological aspect of photography, asserting that making a subject feel confident and amazing is key to capturing their best self. He feels that photogenicity is not inherent but cultivated through guidance and encouragement, suggesting that the true art lies in what a photograph makes others feel.

Shrestha identifies the 'elusive moment' as the instant a subject becomes unaware of the camera. He values restraint, preferring minimalist compositions with a single, significant gesture or expression. Shrestha finds profound stillness even in trees, a state he seeks in people, representing an unperformed truth.

Both photographers agree that impactful images don't require explanation; they resonate through quiet moments and authentic unguarded expressions. The most memorable photographs convey a deeper narrative, showing something the subject may not have consciously intended to reveal.