Keshav Vitla, Indian Express's ace photographer hails from Vitla in Dakshina Kannada. Photojournalism is his first love. He got a break in Mungaru - a Mangalore-based Kannada daily. When Y.N. Krishnamurthy of Kannada Prabha summoned him to work as a photojournalist in the Kannada daily and Indian Express, where he is currently employed, he jumped at the offer. His photo column, Veekshane, in Kannada Prabha is popular. He is a simple photographer with an eye for detail. His photographs capture the essence of daily life and common people.

Interview

The start of this colourful career…..
1975. The place was Vitla, my hometown. I was 20. One day, I met the photographer of Geetha Photographs. I learnt dark room techniques from him and then I decided to become a photographer - a photojournalist.

Your first shot…..
I was around 25 when my uncle gifted me a camera, a Yashica FX-3. My first shot (which was later acclaimed by critics) was of my grandmother. It came out really well.

Your technical training in photography…..
I am self-taught. And I am not bothered about the rules of photography. I have my own composition.

Your first job as a photographer…..
I started my career with Mungaru, a Mangalore-based daily. I worked for three years there.

Working in Bangalore…..
I joined Gulrajani Photographics as an assistant technician and worked there for three years. I used to process transparencies of leading photographers from all over the country. I scrutinised their works and learnt a lot from them.

Then?
In 1996 I got the big opportunity. Mr.Y N Krishnamurthy of Kannada Prabha appointed me as a photojournalist.

The KUWJ Award you got in 1997…..
I got the award for shooting the picture of the leopard which had killed two policemen and was frightening the people on the outskirts of the city. It's my best picture. On that day, I waited with my fellow-photographers for more than four hours. Suddenly, the leopard came charging from a bush. As I was alert and did not move from my position, I was lucky to get such a good shot.

Your inspiration…
I am greatly inspired by Yajna, a photojournalist from Mangalore. I even like the works of Raghu Rai, another photojournalist.

Photojournalism is…..
Photojournalism should give a message. It should never be a form of art. It's just documentation - depiction of real life…. sudden….you have to grab the opportunity. And, sometimes, you may get a very good picture. Photojournalism has just started in our country. Abroad, it's good.

The response to your exhibition held in Chitrakala Parishath in 1998….
The response …. was quite good.

The sort of lens you use…
I use just normal lens. And no imaging in Photoshop whatsoever.

At present you are working on ….
I am working on Indian dogs. I am planning to exhibit my photos, shortly. My website, digitalhampi.com, is almost ready.

Why only Indian dogs?
They make a good subject, and they are very interesting. Dogs are all over the place.

Your other interests…..
I cook……I do a bit of gardening.

Note: If you want to reproduce these photos or want to know more about
Mr. Keshav Vitla, you can
E-mail him: k_vitla@usa.net

J.Vinay

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