LIGHTING UP LIVES

Delving into the realm of photography, where each image tells a story and captures moments of raw emotion and authenticity, we explore the unique intersection of humanitarian work and visual storytelling. Photography, as an art form, has the power to transcend barriers, evoke empathy, and inspire change by bringing unseen stories to light. In a captivating interview, Tania Chatterjee, an acclaimed photographer with a rich history in humanitarian work, unveils her journey to embracing photography as her sole profession. Inspired by the resilience she observed in people and communities globally, Tania shares how she uses photography to highlight their stories and support social causes. Known for her profound connection with her subjects and her ability to capture genuine emotions, Tania’s work showcases her dedication to leveraging her photography for positive change.

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What inspired you to transition from a career from a humanitarian worker to becoming a full-time professional photographer?

As a humanitarian worker, I witnessed the resilience and strength of individuals and communities facing challenges. 

I saw how their stories had the power to inspire others and create meaningful changes in society. It became evident to me that photography could be a powerful tool to amplify these stories and spark empathy and understanding.

I started photographing people during my personal, as well as work related travels and realised that I had a natural ability to connect myself with people and capture the raw emotions of the people I encountered. It brought me tremendous joy to be able to share these visual narratives with others.

However, the demanding nature of my humanitarian work made it challenging to balance between job, photography, and family life. It was during this time that I made the decision to quit my humanitarian job and give photography as chance.

This transition allowed me to fully immerse myself in my passion and dedicate the time and energy it deserves. It provided me with the freedom to travel, explore different cultures, and document the authentic stories of individuals from all walks of life. Through my photography, I aim to shed light on both the struggles and triumphs of humanity, and hopefully inspire others to take action and make a positive impact in the world.

How do you maintain your unique voice and vision in photography when there are so many images and photographers in the world today?

To maintain your unique voice and vision in photography, it is important to stay true to yourself and your artistic vision.

This means avoiding the temptation to imitate or mimic popular trends or styles. Instead, focus on developing your own style and experimenting with different techniques and subjects.