1 week ago
Why Black-and-White Photography Still Matters to Navin Vatsa
Navin Vatsa started taking pictures to remember everyday family life.
In 2009, his wife died in an accident, and he had to raise their young son alone.
Photography helped him cope with his grief.
He learned by walking around and carefully watching people, buildings, light, and shadows.
Vatsa often chooses black and white because it removes distractions from a picture.
He says this helps viewers notice shapes, textures, and feelings.
He also thinks black and white makes people slow down and look longer.
His photographs have won important awards and been shown internationally.
For Vatsa, photography is about understanding life, not just proving where he has been.
Navin Vatsa began photography to preserve family moments with a Kodak K10 camera.
After his wife died in a 2009 accident, photography became part of his healing process.
Vatsa taught himself photography by observing streets, buildings, light, and people.
He believes monochrome photography encourages viewers to notice light, shadow, texture, and form.
His work has received international recognition, including honours from National Geographic, UNESCO, Sony World, and Sony India.
- Who
- Navin Vatsa, an Indian photographer and mentor of young photographers.
- What
- His personal journey and philosophy of black-and-white photography are being discussed.
- Where
- Vatsa developed his practice through walks in the streets; his work has also been exhibited at Somerset House in London.
- When
- He bought his Kodak K10 camera 16 years ago and experienced a major turning point in 2009.
- Why
- Photography helped Vatsa cope with his wife’s death and has become a way for him to observe, understand, and bear witness to life.
Key facts
- First camera
- A small Kodak K10 point-and-shoot camera
- Turning point
- Vatsa’s wife died in an accident in 2009
- Photography approach
- Self-taught through observation and solitary walks
- Major recognition
- His work has been honoured by National Geographic, UNESCO, Sony World, and Sony India
- Award
- Sony India named him Indian Photographer of the Year in 2018
- Exhibition
- His photographs were exhibited at Somerset House in London
- Mentoring
- He mentors young photographers for Tamron India
Quotes
Navin Vatsa
Indian photographer and National Geographic honoree
“"When colour disappears, the eye starts to notice other things. Light shadow texture form."”
thestatesman.com
“"Black and white is not a fashion. It asks for sensitivity, not style."”
thestatesman.com





