Mumbai: Satya School has announced a unique initiative aimed at nurturing the perspective of the young minds with their new campaign #IgnitingImagination #BeyondTheObvious. For the campaign, the school has onboarded an internationally acclaimed photographer, Vicky Roy for organising a captivating photography workshop for the students.
From a tearful runaway in Delhi to capturing dreams, Vicky is full of inspiration and aspiration. From getting recognition for documenting the World Trade Center's reconstruction in New York to being invited by Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace in UK, he has come a long way. He was also a part of the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list in 2016.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Roy where he shared his thoughts on the initiative and his personal journey in photography.
Edited excerpts
On the concept of #IgnitingImagination #BeyondTheObvious
Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories through a visual medium. This form of storytelling allows students to express themselves, explore their creativity, and build their cognitive skills in unique and engaging ways. This workshop at Satya School demonstrated the power of visual storytelling and its potential to revolutionize teaching methods.
The concept of #BeyondTheObvious at Satya School encourages students to look deeper and see more than what meets the eye. It’s about finding meaning and beauty in everyday moments. The workshop demonstrated that every photograph has a story, and often, the most compelling stories are found in the most unexpected places. The practice of looking beyond the obvious fosters a mindset of curiosity and inquiry, essential for cognitive development.
Photography is more than a profession; it’s a journey of self-expression and discovery. My personal story of using photography to rise above challenging circumstances resonates deeply with the themes of #IgnitingImagination and #BeyondTheObvious. If you will look through my lens, I have been able to capture the resilience and beauty of human experiences, shedding light on stories that often go unnoticed.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of visual storytelling. By sharing my experiences with the students at Satya School, I tried inspiring students to use photography as a tool for self-expression and social change. With a camera, students can tell their stories, share their perspectives, and contribute to a larger narrative that goes beyond the obvious.
On igniting the imagination of young minds through the photography workshop
In the workshop at Satya School, students were not just taking pictures; they were learning to see the world with new eyes. They were developing empathy by capturing human emotions and experiences, enhancing their emotional intelligence. They were telling stories, building narrative, skills that are crucial for communication.
Visual storytelling through photography is a powerful educational tool that aligns perfectly with the concepts of #IgnitingImagination and #BeyondTheObvious. It encourages students to explore their creativity, think critically, and express themselves in ways that traditional methods may not allow. The workshop at Satya School exemplified how photography can be used to foster a love for learning, build cognitive skills, and inspire students to see the world through a new lens.
For instance, a simple photograph of a playground can spark a story about adventures, friendships, and dreams. Each click of the camera becomes an act of imagination, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary tales. By engaging with their environment creatively, students learn to think beyond the obvious, developing a rich inner world of ideas and stories.
On capturing the essence of a moment through your lens
Photography, as a form of visual storytelling, has the power to ignite the imagination in ways that traditional methods may not. When students are given a camera and encouraged to capture the world around them, they start seeing their surroundings from a new perspective. They begin to notice details, patterns, and stories that were previously overlooked. This process of discovery fuels their imagination, allowing them to create narratives that are deeply personal and innovative.
On techniques you teach young photographers to help them convey emotions effectively through their images
Capturing the essence of a moment through photography requires a deep connection with the scene and subjects you’re photographing. It starts with immersing yourself emotionally, truly feeling and understanding the atmosphere. This connection allows you to anticipate and recognize genuine expressions and interactions. Observance is crucial; by being patient and attentive, you can catch subtle gestures and fleeting expressions that convey powerful emotions.
Patience and observation are key. Spend time watching your subjects, noticing subtle gestures, expressions, and interactions. Pay attention to the context and surroundings, as these can add depth to the story you're trying to tell.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood. Natural light, whether soft and diffused or harsh and dramatic, can enhance the emotional tone of the photograph. Composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing, help draw attention to the emotional core of the image, guiding the viewer’s eye to what’s most important.
Focusing on details can often capture the raw essence of a moment more effectively than a wide shot. Zooming in on a tear, a smile, or a hand gesture can tell a deeply emotional story. Candid photography, where subjects are unaware of the camera, often reveals the most genuine emotions, providing an authentic portrayal that posed shots cannot.
Engaging with your subjects helps them relax and display their true selves. By creating a comfortable environment, you encourage genuine expressions and interactions, allowing the true essence of the moment to shine through your lens.
On balancing technical proficiency and emotional depth in your photographs
After capturing your images, take the time to review and reflect on them. Evaluate not just the technical quality but also the emotional impact. Are the emotions conveyed effectively? Does the photograph tell a story? This reflection helps you improve and find the right balance in future shoots.
By merging technical skills with emotional sensitivity, you create photographs that are not only visually striking but also deeply moving. This balance allows you to produce work that resonates with viewers on multiple levels, combining the best of both worlds.
Once you’ve mastered the technical skills, you can use them to enhance emotional expression. For example, using a shallow depth of field can isolate a subject, drawing attention to their emotions, while a well-timed burst mode can capture fleeting moments of joy, sorrow, or surprise. Lighting can dramatically alter the mood of a photograph, so understanding how to use natural and artificial light to your advantage is key.
On sharing some key moments that defined your path in photography
My journey has indeed been filled with defining moments that have shaped my path in photography. When I first ran away from home, I was very young—only eleven or twelve years old—and had to navigate the harsh realities of life on the streets. At that time, I had no room for emotions. I was sitting on a platform, crying and unsure of what to do next until I met friends who provided me with emotional support. Despite missing home, I was determined to make something of myself and knew there was no going back empty-handed.
The turning point in my photography career came when my mentor advised me to visit exhibitions. I noticed that other artists’ works had distinct themes, which inspired me to shoot my own story.
I began recreating moments from my street life, sometimes asking children to pose as I did during my childhood. When real scenes were available, I captured them; when they weren't, I recreated them. My emotions naturally found their way into my work. A particularly defining moment was when the police confiscated my film while I was shooting at a station, saying it wasn’t allowed. Such experiences, although challenging, became integral to my work and storytelling.
Each of these moments, from the struggles of my early life to the challenges faced while pursuing photography, has significantly contributed to my journey and the authenticity of my work. They have shaped not only my path as a photographer but also my perspective on life and art.
On being part of the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list impacting your career and personal life
Being named in the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list in 2016 was transformative for my career and personal life. It significantly elevated my profile, opening doors to international platforms and prestigious speaking engagements at Harvard, Facebook, Google, the Pentagon, and the World Bank. This recognition validated my journey from the streets to the global stage, reinforcing the power of perseverance and storytelling. It also inspired me to continue pushing boundaries and using my platform to empower others. The acknowledgment affirmed my belief in capturing authentic stories and motivated me to keep documenting overlooked narratives, enriching both my career and personal growth.
On the future of photography in India, especially with the advent of new technologies and platforms?
New technology makes things easier. AI will definitely not end photography but will simplify tasks, like enhancing images with filters.
