When design meets photography

Behind the lens

If you were to pick Robins Mathew and drop him at any location in the world, he will come back to you with a picture perfect shot to describe that place. His mind works mysteriously to give a different angle to what is presented in front of our eyes and show you his perspective in just a click. Sharing his passion for photography, he talks to Anila Kurian about some of his memorable trips thus far.

Walk us through your journey as a photographer.
I work as an aerospace design engineer but I make time to travel the country to capture mesmerising pictures. I was introduced to photography in college. I used to borrow my friend’s camera and experiment with things around me. Later on, my cousin gifted a Canon 550D. My camera is always my companion when I’m travelling.

Describe your genre of photography.
I like taking pictures of people, nature and the culture of a certain place. I like to bring out the native form of the place through my pictures. I think I have this interest because I grew up in Hyderabad and Gujarat. That exposure to culture is what intrigues me in capturing others.

Where all have you travelled?
I have been to Ladakh, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kargil, Manali, Karnataka and Kerala.

Your mode of transport.
Like every other youngster today, I am a Bullet owner. Travelling is very important to me and my bike takes me to places that I want to explore.

Your inspiration.
I am usually around like-minded people who motivate me to try new things with my camera every day. Social media is always a great inspiration. The standard of photography is improving by the day. I think it is important to not be cliched with your pictures to make it stand out.

Your most memorable travel so far.
During my trip to Ladakh, I met three riders who are helicopter pilots in the Indian Air Force. It was great talking to them since I work with aerospace designs. They were telling us how they have flown by Ladakh a number of times but it was their first on the road. There was another one when we rode through the mountain pass which the military use. Though it is a shortcut, it is extremely dangerous and it took us a day to cross it. It was a different experience as we saw just one vehicle pass by the entire day.

Most common challenge.
Since I usually go on bike rides to take pictures, it is difficult to balance both the bike and camera for a picture. There is a target distance that we have to cover and stopping to take a picture comes as a hindrance to that. But I ensure that I enjoy the view before I pull out my camera. It’s also challenging to take pictures of people. You have to have their consent before you do so.

How has being a designer influenced you as a photographer?
As an engineering student, I think I have a better grasp of techniques with the camera. The designer in me has helped process the pictures better than learn the tricks of the trade in the software world. It was through design that I found my style of photography.

Your future plans.
I want to continue travelling and become a full-time photographer. However, I want to continue learning more about graphic designs as well because a good processing style is important for the perfect click.