LONDON STREET PORTRAITS

In 2016, amidst the bustling streets of Kolkata, an unexpected journey began. It was a period of derealization, a state where reality felt distant and unreal, leaving me searching for connection, both with others and myself. Little did I know that this disorienting episode would lead me to discover the profound art of making street portraits.

At first, I believed that photography was an obstacle to fully experiencing the present moment, a mere distraction from life’s beauty. But as I roamed the vibrant streets with my camera in hand, I stumbled upon a revelation. Street portraits aren’t a hindrance; they are a means to create new moments that might never have transpired otherwise.

As an introvert, the camera became my ally, an excuse to break the ice and engage with strangers. Most people don’t readily feel comfortable in front of a camera, yet through the lens, I found a way to initiate conversations. The art of taking street portraits transformed into the art of having a genuine dialogue, capturing not just faces but stories, emotions, and fleeting connections.

Each click of the shutter became an opportunity to bridge the gap between me and the world, as well as between individuals on opposite sides of the lens. The camera, once seen as a barrier, evolved into a tool for understanding, empathy, and connection. Through street portraiture, I discovered that in every stranger’s face lies a piece of our shared human experience, waiting to be unveiled and shared with the world.