Chasing Passion, Living a Dream- Photographer Saugata Bagchi

Currently based in Pune (India), Saugata Bagchi is a self-taught passionate photographer who started as a novice when he used to click anything and everything. Always chasing his passion, he just kept clicking and practising hard, learning new techniques in advanced photography all the way through reading, attending workshops, tips from other experienced photographers and most importantly by experimenting.

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Now after quite a few years of experience on digital photography, Saugata is using his knowledge not only to take but also to create and make images.

“I have a general aptitude towards fashion, portrait and street shots but it is the photography itself that attracts and motivates me, regardless of the genre. As long as it teaches something new, I am always game to try new techniques, experiment on new equipments and hone my skills on a different genre. I do both indoor (studio or in-house) and outdoor photography with a special iclination towards Studio Lights” – told Sauagata Bagchi to Fashion Herald in an exclusive interview.

He strongly believes that there is always room for self-improvement. Even if you are the best photographer in the world you can still learn a few tricks and tips even from a budding, young shooter.

“I believe that the best photograph actually has to be the simplest and the most honest ones. And it is not the camera or the equipments that make a great image – though the gears definitely help to a great extent – it is the person behind the lens who visualizes and creates the images.”

Saugata’s clicks were accepted and displayed in various exhibitions and salons across India and other international countries, namely – France, Greece, Austria, Serbia and others. Some of them are published on many official online communities on Social platforms. He has won a few contests, though he is not a really strong advocate of competition.

On the personal front, he is a strong family oriented person, happily married with a daughter.

“I am truly indebted to my better half for the ongoing support and encouragement.I am also thankful to all fellow photographers, as from each one of them I have learnt and have been learning every day.”

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Tell us about first shoot that you did

The first real shoot – and I meant Fashion and Portraits genre – that I did was quite a few years of experience. I didn’t quite know how to interact with model, didn’t really know much about posing techniques etc. Though I did read many articles before the shoot, but on field execution was totally a different ball game. I was completely blank.

But when we started clicking a few pictures I did settle down a bit but the pictures were not that great. It was a great lesson to me in terms of portraits and fashion photography. From then on, for all the shoots I did, I really have learnt quite a few new things from each shoot and I am still learning. But it is always hard to forget your first shoot and the failures as they keep you grounded all the time.

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What is the most memorable shoot/assignment that you have done so far?

There was a garment brand shoot that I did a while ago, which in terms of its scope and vastness was quite big. There were multiple models so you were always on your toes without any real breathing time. And on top of that we were on a very strict timeline to complete the shoot. So I had to be really really quick with the light set up and all other arrangements. It was quite challenging in a way that I had to showcase my skills and adaptability in a very short duration and had to continue to do so for the complete shoot. In that way, it is hard to forget actually.

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What is your dream assignment?

As like every other photographers, I want to make my name in this field. I would love to work with renowned magazines and reputed brands as a first-choice photographer with a team of my own. Also have a small dream in a corner of my heart – I want to work with a few chosen celebrities if possible.

What is the biggest inspiration during work?

The biggest inspiration during the shoot has always been my passion and love for photography. Having said that, it had always posed a challenge to me to keep improving continuously and thinking outside the box. But I love it. That’s how you can be at your best.

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What according to you is a perfect shoot?

According to me, no shoot is perfect (at least my shoots) as you would always have room for improvement. You can never be complacent. Having said that, if you can get the satisfaction that you wanted from the shoot to your heart’s content, then you might say that it is a good day’s work.

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Who have been the most fun to work with till now?

This is a tough one. But I will try to answer it. Recently I had a shoot with a group of kids for their portfolio building. See the kids will always make you innovate at every single opportunity. These kids were no different. But they were a great bunch and were really fun to work with. I loved all the camaraderie with and between them.

A life quote you live by

Mind (Read: Focus on) your own business to succeed