Kumar Vivek
Patna, Bihar
Kumar Vivek is an independent photographer and a visual storyteller from Patna, Bihar. His journey into visual storytelling began during his journalism studies, where he discovered photojournalism and filmmaking. With a few years of experience in the direction department, he now work as an on-set photographer in Mumbai, capturing the magic behind the scenes of filmmaking. Additionally, Vivek is pursuing a career in cinematography, shooting short format films and CSR videos alongside his photography work.
What is photography to you and how did you get started with it?
Apart from being an important medium for storytelling, photography for me is a form of expression, especially when connecting with others feels challenging because of my shy and introverted nature. Each photo I take reflects my inner emotions and helps me grow. This journey urges me to confront my fears and keeps me moving forward, discovering more about myself each day. Along the way, I've met incredible artists and traveled to new places to share the stories of those often overlooked.
It began as a hobby when a childhood friend of mine, then studying architecture, introduced me to a digital camera he had brought home during his college vacation. One early winter morning we went on my first photo walk together, and the experience proved incredibly fascinating and therapeutic, offering me a fresh perspective on my surroundings and providing a medium for self-indulgence. Later, during my college years, introduction to world cinema played a significant role in shaping my photographic vision, particularly through the visual narratives of Iranian cinema
What impact do you think your childhood has on your photography?
As a child, I was fascinated by photo albums. My childhood memories are closely tied to the many photos my father took, carefully stored in numerous albums that I would regularly go through. These albums are filled with our everyday moments, family trips, birthdays, and moments that we might otherwise forget. Thinking back on those times, I realize how much those photos influenced me, even if I didn't realize it at the time. Even today, when I visit home, I can't resist flipping through them, feeling like I'm traveling back in time, reliving special moments, and getting swept up in feelings of nostalgia.
Please tell us about your process and vision?
My approach to photography is highly intuitive, though it adapts to the specific demands of each project. Personally, what inspires me the most is capturing the beauty and stories often overlooked in everyday life. I try to uncover the deeper meanings hidden in the mundane. Drawing my inspiration from filmmaking, I pay close attention to framing and composition, colors, and lighting to evoke emotions and convey narratives in my photos. My ultimate goal is to reveal the unseen moments of daily life, giving viewers a new perspective and a greater appreciation for the world around them.
What challenges do you face as an artist? How do you overcome low periods of motivation or creative ruts?
One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is promoting myself and my work. This difficulty often leads to struggles on the professional front. While I find marketing and networking daunting, I have realized their significance in our field and have been actively working to improve in these areas.
Last year was particularly tough for me, both personally and professionally. I had fewer projects and battled with my mental health, which resulted in persistent inner conflicts and self-doubts. As a result, I spent less time engaging in what I love the most. Fortunately, I have really supportive friends and family members who regularly check in on me, and sharing my thoughts and having a conversation about it help me find ways to come out of it. Meditation has proven to be immensely beneficial during such trying times. I also turn to cinema and music for comfort, finding solace in the works of my favorite artists. Additionally, recently reading the book "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl and rewatching the street photography documentary "Everybody Street" by Cheryl Dunn has helped provide the little motivational push I need.
What inspires you the most?
What truly inspires me is when a visual speaks to me on a deeper level. It's those moments when I come across an ordinary scene or object, but something about it resonates with me, sparking curiosity or emotion. In those moments, the everyday transforms into something remarkable. Suddenly, I see beauty, meaning, or significance in what might seem mundane to others. It's this power of visuals to stir such strong feelings within me that drives my creative process.
What gears do you generally use? What is your ideal piece of gear and why?
Currently, my photography setup consists of a Sony A7 III mirrorless camera paired with a 28-75mm variable lens and a 50mm prime lens, along with my iPhone camera. This versatile combination allows me to capture moments seamlessly, whether I'm on the move with my phone or aiming for higher quality and creative control with the professional-grade camera and multiple focal length options.
The choice of gear varies depending on the specific project I'm working on. For commissioned assignments, I may need to rent out additional gear depending on the requirements of the client. In my view, the best gear is the one that an artist is intimately familiar with and comfortable using. It's about finding tools that enable you to convey your vision effectively, whether you're using a phone camera or a professional-grade camera.
Tell us about a photo you’re proud of.
It's always a bit challenging for me to talk about my own work in terms of pride, but I can certainly highlight a couple of personal photography projects that were deeply fulfilling for me.
Firstly, in 2019-20, I traveled to various parts of Mumbai, Delhi, and Bihar to capture the CAA-NRC protests. Immersing myself in different protest sites, engaging with the protestors, and observing the movement from a journalistic perspective was a significant experience that left a lasting impact on me. It stemmed from a curiosity to uncover the truth behind the events unfolding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share some of those images here.
How would you define photographic success?
For me, photographic success isn't something I've deeply considered in terms of traditional measures. Rather, it's rooted in the daily commitment to the creative process and the discipline it demands, while growing and evolving with the medium. It's about staying true to the art form, maintaining honesty with oneself, and using this medium to its fullest capacity to convey compelling and inspiring stories.
Any new projects that you are working on currently? What does the future in photography look like for you?
Recently, I've completed shooting a short-length film as a Director of Photography (DoP), and I'm eager to delve into more fictional and narrative-driven projects. Additionally, I'm actively involved in long-term personal documentary photography projects centered around Bihar.
Looking ahead, I see a future that is both nurturing and fulfilling. As the medium of photography continues to evolve, it's crucial for us to keep pace with these changes. Photography has been instrumental in my personal growth, and I hold immense respect for this medium. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the world around me through photography.
Image copyrights © Kumar Vivek
