An Eye For The People

Naresh Nil, who wanted to join the army when he was younger, and was a part of the National Cadet Corps at school and who was also quite adept at rifle shooting has without a preamble found that Photography is his passion. As he grew, he had to reconcile with the fact that his energies had to be redirected elsewhere, which is when he found photography.

His unique style of capturing people, especially women with his lens, caught Brew’s attention this Women’s Day!

Describe your journey as a Photographer.

I have started my photography during 2008 when I was doing my college second year. By then I was doing candid photography, was one of the pioneers to do candid photography in Chennai. Then I finished my PG diploma in Photography by 2011, it was by then I understood I love shooting people. After that its been a decade almost since I shoot people and fashion.

What is your favourite subject to photograph?

People.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is my everything, I love shooting people. I do lots of shoot for new models to help them break their hesitation. I love teaching them and building a romance between the model and camera. I see photography as a medium where we can challenge anything and everything.

What makes the good picture stand out from the average?

There is no average picture at all. All the images are beautiful in its own way. Each picture has its magic.

What inspires you the most?

People and their emotions. I travel; observe people and try to replicate those lifestyles and emotions in my work. My work will have a touch of lifestyle in it.

Among your works, which one is your favourite? Why?

Dark Is Divine - a project against colour discrimination. This project is my favourite because it motivated a lot of people. I believe in it a lot.

“Divinity has many forms and colours. This initiative goes beyond common perceptions and celebrates the Divine by showcasing their beauty and majesty in their dark-skinned forms. Dark is not just beautiful, but divine.”

When did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

I was in my teen years when I first saw my grandfather’s picture for the first time. That’s when.

How would you describe your photographic style?

Its pure fashion, portrait and lifestyle.

How long have you been a photographer?

From 2008 June till now - 12 years.

What is the most difficult part in being a photographer?

Becoming a photographer is very easy in this digital era but becoming a professional photographer and commercially successful is extremely difficult.

What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?

People get inspired and motivated. That’s the best part.

Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought?

Why? I never regret investing on photography equipment. Although, I hate phones.

How transform the person, place or thing in front of you to your perfect picture?

Communicate with the model as much as you could make them comfortable and confident.

What is it you aim to achieve with your pictures?

I am not a conceptual photographer I am more of fashion and beauty photographer, who shoots people. My goal as a photographer is to motivate people through my photographs. I am strongly against any kind of discrimination. I believe I will do more which would help battle discrimination in the future.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” – quoted the phenomenal woman; Maya Angelou.

Likewise, this Women’s Day, Brew completes its mission in bringing light to a series of poems written by our very own Brew’s phenomenal women. Enjoy…

Her;

Was it in her or Just her? It was magic. Dark and tragic Or bright just about right?

She saw the rainbows fade away; She saw the sun lose it’s day. She saw the trees hunt for shade And hide it’s face; Behind the clouds Also deep within the lakes. She cried aloud When mountain moved to Mohammed At the brink when love finally surrendered.

Was it In her or Just her? It was magic. Dark and tragic Or bright just about right?

Was she queer by day and sly by night? Was she here to slay or bed?

She was a personification, A metaphor, alas, without meaning. She lacked in her what she found around. She tasted what went missing but Never was it to be found. Akila Sridhar

She was a portrait of the puzzle itself Somehow that gave meaning And somewhere that let her be herself.

Was it in her or just her? It was magic. Dark and tragic Or bright just about right?

She wasn’t in a rush Wasn’t in a queue She was in solace, in awe For she was looking around what she had lost in a few. She said there wasn’t time, For she was told. Looking around in neglect and thirst, She forgot what was on hold.

She craved what was hidden inside her She caved when someone stood beside her. She longed for companyHonestly, maybe her own.

Weighing upon her The world looking down upon; False pressure was her companion And societal norms her add-on.

Gayathri Krishnaraj

A delight, happiness, and everyone’s pride Feminism they say, what exactly is that? “Women given the same importance as that of men? “ “We regard you with highest respect in our hearts” was their stride.

Strong willed, hard working with that everlasting smile Kitchen is where you belong, “Family, that should always be your first priority, right?” “It’s not that we don’t, but professional work keeps us tight”

Filled with ideas, dreams and emotions so high Flying with it, all her might “It’s all good as a hobby” “Hey did you learn to make that pepper fry?”

Bold, daring and confident with her eyes She had everything in her to get the society right Love for her dear one, smudged kohl she wipes “How dare you?” slaps, bruises, sleep? Haa, she cries

A daughter, sister, a wife Multiple role she plays it just right “Do the things that make you a woman” “Always under a man, father, brother, and husband, serve him for life”

Feminists, promoters of feminism and equality, How is the coffee in that café when you were talking about this issue with pity Oppressors- do you think they hear you? Oppressed- do you think they can reach out to you?

Where are these women? What happened to their dreams? Where is their lost soul? Waiting to be set free

Yes, feminism is not about fighting to get out of the kitchen, Let’s go to the basics, Fight to let your voice be heard. “It’s not the 1920s” Yes, I hear you.