World Photography Day today

Imprints of successful lens women

Photography is an invention with which images of real life can be captured and preserved forever. On the eve of World Photography Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday (August 19), The Hans India spoke to three lens women who carved a niche for themselves in a field dominated by the male bastion.

T Sridevi

Sridevi who owns Aruna Studios in One Town, took to photography to run her family when her father, G Rama Rao, a professional lens man, suffered a paralysis stroke. “I used to observe my father while he was working in the studio, which helped me continue in the profession despite tough competition. After my marriage, I started running the studio established by my father in the ‘60s,” said Sridevi. “Women pursuing photography as a career need a strong family support. I got the much needed support from my husband to excel in the profession,” she said.

So, what is her style of photography?

“I prefer outdoor shoot and natural lighting for a bright look to my photographic works. As a professional photographer, I am familiar to handle all the latest model cameras of popular brands. We charge Rs 70,000 and more to cover a marriage and other family functions.”

Commenting on women’s role in the business, she say, “More and more women are slowly getting attracted to photography to pursue it as a career option now, which is a welcome sign.”

D Rajeswari (55)

Rajeswari has been in the field of photography for the past three decades. “I like photography, which is my passion. My husband is a professional photographer and I learnt basic operational techniques from him.”

Speaking about her passion in photography, Rajeswari says, “Initially, I used to click passport photographs of my neighbours. I became a professional lens woman after mastering the art of photography. A majority of my photographic works are event-based. I used to cover the regular events of Krishna Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition Society; and Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam.”

What does she have to say about women in photography?

“Earlier, I used to teach the basics of photography to interested women. With the advent of highly sophisticated cameras with advanced features, women are now developing their photographic skills on their own with the help of the costly digital gadgets. Despite the advent of highly automated cameras, one cannot succeed in the field of photography without a passion and love for the profession,’’ she said.

A Durga

Durga, who owns a studio at Chittinagar, opines, “It is still difficult for a majority of people in the city to perceive women as lens women.” “When I expressed my desire to pursue photography as a career option, my husband encouraged me by gifting a professional SLR camera. When I started running a studio way back in 2003, men hesitated to enter it. Despite initial odds, I sustained in the profession with determination and hard work,” she adds.

Commenting on her present works, she says, “Now, my studio has a good number of clients. Talent is the prerequisite for one to excel in any field. I strongly believe that there is nothing like a male bastion. Talented women can shine in any field on par with men. Young women with talent and creativity can choose photography as a career option without any hesitation to tap its growth potential in the capital region.”

By Sistla Dakshina Murthy