The Lasting Power of Print: Preserving Memories Through Photobooks

I am a software engineer turned photographer, and my journey in photography has been a constant companion throughout my life.

- MAHESH VISWANADHA

My love for creating images began in childhood when my family made it a point to capture every special occasion in photographs. My uncle and other relatives from the USA regularly sent us rolls of film, giving me easy access to cameras and the means to document important moments. This not only honed my technical skills but also fostered a deep passion for preserving memories through images. Eventually, my father gifted me a camera, making me the family photographer. Over the years, I have won several awards for my work, but the real joy lies in capturing life’s most meaningful moments.

My journey in photography took a more serious turn when I moved to Canada as a student. I bought my first DSLR and started shooting on weekends, wandering through downtown streets, capturing candid moments, and observing people from different walks of life. These solo photographic adventures allowed me to explore new techniques and broaden my understanding of the art. Travels across the U.S., particularly to places like Death Valley, stirred a deep love for landscape photography. Each location told its own story, urging me to capture it all.

For me, photography is not complete without printing the images. There is a unique power in a printed photograph—a tactile connection that digital screens can never replicate. My love for printed images led me to create several photobooks over the years. Some of my major works include a book on Kedarnath in 2014, Mauritius in 2018, and several others in 2024, including Temples of Telangana, Temples of Tamil Nadu, Gyan Bagh: A Stately Home, and I Love Ooty, which is particularly close to my heart.