Our December Photographer of the Month, Nilanjan Mitra, is an extraordinary photographer from India, currently working in Bhutan. I've known Nil for several years, and have truly enjoyed his work, especially his portrayals of people in India. He has an eye for the essence humanity, and is able to capture that so well. We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Nil about photography - here's what he had to say...

Anxiety

WE: How did you get interested in photography?

NM: I was always interested in art / culture and being a Bengali we are all inclined to art and culture a bit. I always wanted to be creative, when I was a kid my mom used to take me to drawing classes, I believe from there I grew my interest in drawing I learnt pencil sketch for at least 6 yrs, but gradually I had to leave it because of increasing pressure related to my studies... :).
 
Then during my Class 10th Standard 1992, I met a person who used to be a photographer and he told that I could be a photographer too.... but during that time I had no money to buy a camera of my own. After 2 yrs I somehow managed to save Rs 5000 then I bought my first camera  - a second-hand Asahi Pentax-  a screw mount camera and 2 lenses 50mm and the 120 mm... I used to take lots of pictures with that camera but 99.9% of the pics used be bad.
 
But I should not say I lost interest into photography, actually during my college days I never used to get time... hanging arround with friends used to be more important for me... but at some place within my stupid brain I had that urge that one day I will definitly buy something good and do photography dedicatedly... and 2003 I bought my first Nikon F/N80 and from there my journey began....
 
Though miles to go.......

Child labor

WE: How long have you been a photographer?

NM: Mentally : 16 Yrs
    Physically: 5 Yrs

WE: What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

NM: Street Street Street
    People People People

WE:  How difficult is it to take film on travels?

NM: I am great Fan of Film, especially transparent films, I never faced problems with Films getting destroyed, I have carried films to 18000 ft and also very hot climates. I never faced problem.

Hot, hot, hot

WE: Or does one really need to be all digital?

NM: For me, Film got very expensive since I got fanatic with transparent sheets, so I had to go digital.

Joy seller

WE: Any tips you want to share?
 
NM: Watch pictures - the more you see, the more you develop...

Bath

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

NM: One thing  - just enjoy what you like to most to capture.

WE: Thanks so much, Nil! I am so pleased to share your photos with our readers!

Home guard

For more information, to see more of Nil's gorgeous photos, and to purchase any, please see: http://nilanjanmitra.com

All photos courtesy and copyright of Nilanjan Mitra.