The Passionate Photographer

Award-winning photographer Ravindra Ranasinghe is a man with an unbridled passion for photography, a passion that has won him many awards. His journey in photography has resulted in images that draw the eye, the heart and stay in the memory. He loves capturing candid images of people in their different cultures, moods and surroundings and his  pictures showcase different lifestyles in his inimitable style. Following are excerpts of an interview:

Q: How did you first step into the world of photography and why?

A: From my childhood I was interested in art and I used to sketch people on the last pages of my books. It so happened that while I was on holiday I captured an image of a bus and dog on a misty road with a Sony Cyber-shot which eventually won a Gold Medal in the Amateur category in a photographic competition. This paved the way for my journey.

Q: How did you learn and perfect your art?

A: I firmly believe that in order to improve talent, the skills of perfection in technique and expanding one’s knowledge is of vital importance. Therefore, I was fortunate to follow a Certificate Course in Photography conducted by the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL), under the guidance of its Academic Director Panduka De Silva. 

Q: What inspires you? And were you influenced or inspired by any other photographers when starting out?

A: My persistence and commitment and I was inspired by both Sri Lankan veteran photographer Henry Rajakaruna (MFIAP) and international photographer Steve McCurry for their unique styles and techniques.

Q: Could you tell me about a few of your favourite photographs from your collection?

A: The image ‘Guests For Tea’ which was captured in Ella, ‘Great Expectations’ while on a visit to Jaffna and ‘My Dream Someday’ taken in Vietnam.

Q: You have won many awards in photography, adding yet another one to your haul a few days ago. Could you tell us about the three most memorable awards and achievements?

A: The most memorable awards were winning the State Photographic Gold award for two consecutive years in the open category; my first FIAP Gold Medal from Vietnam; and the most prestigious, Excellence- Federation Internationalede’l Art Photographique (EFIAP). Achievements include being appointed as the Sony Alpha Ambassador and being appointed as Assistant Membership Director – Sri Lanka for the Photographic Society of America.

Q: What kind of photographs do you love taking best and what are your favourite locations?

A: Capturing candid images of people in their different cultures, moods and surroundings as well as artistic creativity is my forte. Travelling along the streets of Pettah and various other locations in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Vietnam and China have paved the way for me to win many local and international awards and recognitions.

Q: When you take a photograph, what do you hope to convey?

A: The lifestyles of people all around us – it is an eye-opener to appreciate what we have in life.

Q: Is this what you wanted to do for a living or did you have to divert from another career path?

A: I work as a Specialist at Dialog Axiata and photography is and always will be my hobby and passion.

Q: What’s the photographic gear you use?

A: I use Sony ILCE-7RM3 + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8, Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8, Sony FE 16-35mm f/4.

Q: What’s your advice to beginners?

A: A passion in what you are doing is of utmost importance. In addition, one should learn and continue learning to master the skills in photography. Further, uniqueness and style in creating one’s own images would make a pure artist.