Master-photographer Raghu Rai, who was nominated by Henri Cartier-Bresson to join Magnum, in conversation with ASRP Mukesh in The Pioneer, on his entry into photography and what it takes to be a good lensman:
# “Skills are never taught, they are acquired. I can give you a camera, but can’t feed your vision.”
# “Photography is a strguggle to respond to the situation and realise its importance. Death and life don’t wait for anyone. One has to understand this hidden meaning before picking up a camera.”
# “Non-professional photographers should begin clicking portraints as it teaches them to connect with emotions better than juggling between doing overambitious pictures.”
# “If your mind is not connected to what you are shooting then you are not a good photographer.”
# “A creative photographer is one who either captures mystery or reveals things, everything else is useless.”
Photograph: courtesy Magnum
Also read: Raghu Rai‘s Magnum photo gallery
Prashant Panjiar on photography
7 April 2010 at 3:29 pm
If u provide more tips frm raghu rai,it would be great
10 May 2010 at 12:43 pm
I am deeply impressed with the photography of the genius- Raghu Rai. Some of his shots speak and talk with your inner heart !
7 November 2010 at 11:53 am
Good morning maim, my self ranjeet kumar, i enjoy every moments when i am with my camera. i want to be professional in this field. so, plz give me ideas to proceed in this rocking field.
Ranjeet Kumar
N.I.T JSR (final year)
14 June 2010 at 3:18 pm
The tips are just simple and amazing. There is so much yet to learn… I specially liked that amateurs should start with portraits.. as they help you connect with the emotions…rather than just be overambitious for our shots.
20 June 2010 at 1:19 pm
u r amazing……………………as a non-professional photographer, i will be thankful to get more tips……
24 June 2010 at 6:28 pm
HOw can i contact RAGHU RAI
2 July 2010 at 10:15 am
Great Tips by Raghu Rai. May I have his contact no or email?
3 November 2010 at 6:42 pm
Dont see much content in these tips.
I am sorry but I fail to see anything useful here.
8 June 2011 at 3:14 pm
very helpful.please provide more tips from raghu rai.
27 July 2011 at 1:28 pm
I am also interested in photography………….. i can not see much when i am naked eye but i can see many more when i look through the camera…
28 July 2011 at 9:35 pm
It’s true..One who works with dedication can realize the truth..so, learn photography by taking photographs honestly..thanks a lot Mr Rai….
9 January 2012 at 2:13 pm
I am a great fan of Mr.Raghu Rai.His photographs are very inspirational.
1 February 2012 at 7:45 pm
i want to meet you please sir i am a big fan yours