21/05/2024
Navigating Life Among Strangers in our City, by members of PHOTOSCOPE
The streets of Kolkata is a vibrant mosaic of human diversity, where every corner is a stage for life’s drama. From the bustling markets of New Market to the tranquil expanse of the Maidan, the city's public spaces are teeming with people from diverse backgrounds. Yet, in this teeming multitude, the sense of anonymity can be overwhelming. The paradox of feeling alone among millions is a common experience, prompting many to seek ways to bridge the gap between strangers.
Last week, on a very sunny day, We went to College Street to click pictures for an assignment of our college. Anirban Chatterjee, an avid photographer and a fellow student, was there to document all the pictures. His passion for photography was evident in the way he meticulously framed each shot, ensuring that every picture told a story. He helped me a lot that day. But the time I reached College Street it started raining. There was also a big list of fictional books with me, which I wanted to buy. I bought a few from that list. After few moments I found Anirban already danked. Our initial enthusiasm was undeterred. We took shelter in the coffee house. After an hour it stopped raining and we started our journey again. And now we came to Esplanade at Dacres Lane. There we met with our senior Sandip Shee, who helped us a lot. He guided us as well as he can. From the moment we began working with Sandip da, it was clear that his wealth of experience would be invaluable. Perhaps the most enduring impact of Sandip da's mentorship is the inspiration he imparted. Their passion for photography is contagious, reigniting our own enthusiasm and commitment to the craft. By sharing his journey, complete with challenges and triumphs, they reminded us of the resilience and creativity required to excel in this field. We started taking pictures. Photographing strangers is an adventure into the unknown. Each shot was unpredictable, offering a unique story captured in a fraction of a second. The excitement lies in the spontaneity—whether it’s a street vendor lost in thought, a child chasing dogs, or an elderly couple holding hands, these unplanned moments often result in the most compelling photographs. Infact the day which seems boring was far enjoyable than a planned day. We also tried new dishes there. After Dacres Lane we had also covered the tram-deport. Though I was unable to complete our topic, I experienced a lot. Later I chose another topic and submitted the assignment.
And the rain was not just a disruption; it was a blessing. The air smelled fresher, the earth seemed to breathe, and everything around me took on a softer, more enchanting hue. There was something deeply romantic about the rain, an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. As I ventured outside with my camera, the raindrops tapping against my umbrella, I began to see the world through a different lens. The rain created a natural filter, adding a dreamy quality to everything it touched. The colors were more vivid, the reflections more pronounced. I was unable to capture the delicate beauty of raindrops clinging to petals, the ripples in puddles, and the way the rain blurred the lines between the sky and the earth, but I enjoyed that moment.
- Anusuya Santra
