They say winter is a time to cozy up with blankets and sip on endless cups of coffee or chai (whichever you prefer). Let me tell you, this winter has been an imposter. No biting cold, no foggy mornings – just me sweating while holding a cup of lukewarm disappointment. Or is it just me being too hot to handle while others are shivering under fur blankets? And amid the not-so-wintry winter, life threw a carnival of events at me, literally and metaphorically.
I have been working on a personal project since the start of December, previous year. The story holds a special place in my heart because it highlights one of the aspects that has stayed the same throughout the ages in Kolkata. It has been fun, challenging, enlightening, and hectic so far. More details will be shared in future posts.
I got the immensely honourable opportunity to document a women’s self-defense event. The collaborative effort of several organizations and the participation of a huge number of girls, of different ages, made the experience humbling. I got to cover two events in a single day, with completely opposite settings, lighting conditions, and levels of difficulty. But they both had a common element: Women Empowerment. A crucial element especially in the current conditions of our state.
Juggling between events and projects, I got the privilege to upgrade my gears. With my birthday as an excuse, I got my hands on a new camera and lens setup. Not to mention, a whole new audio recording system as well. Stills, copy, and sound – a sweet amalgamation for documentation. Now, I am like a kid in a candy store, testing these new tools and figuring out how they can help me tell better stories. Honestly, nothing feels better than having the right tools to bring your vision to life.
Speaking of bringing visions to life, I am knee-deep in research and preparations for my upcoming trip to Sikkim. There is something about the mountains that always feels like a reset button for the soul. This trip is going to be a blend of documentary and landscape photography. With planning the logistics, managing permits, and sketching out the ‘odd-spots’, I am learning a ton of new things. This has given me a unique perspective on the history, culture, and people of Sikkim. Plus, I am secretly hoping Sikkim will give me the winter I have been missing.
The first month of this year had its ups and downs. It felt rushed. But I believe it gave me a perfect platform to slowly build up the rest of the year. As a creative, I think nothing gives me more satisfaction than a productive and work-loaded month. I hope you all are doing your best to turn the favours on your side. I wholeheartedly pray that this year brings the missing piece to your puzzle.
There is so much more to come and share with you all. I will soon upload about my new gears, the project details, and about a new book that I have recently completed reading. With the Kolkata International Book Fair finally taking place, I hope to acquire a few more materials. Till then keep dreaming and keep learning. Adios!
