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Why Black-and-White Photography Still Matters to Navin Vatsa

Why Black-and-White Photography Still Matters to Navin Vatsa
Why black and white photography still matters · thestatesman.com

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.

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

Sources

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