Today we’d like to introduce you to Devam Shah.
Devam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Photography was a hobby until my mom made me meet her uncle, Dinesh Mehta. A renowned architect and an amazing architectural and humanitarian photographer. He changed everything for me by just showing me how influential this medium is by just showing me some of the greatest photographs ever taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Bruce Davidson, Raghu Rai and so many more…
I have been highly influenced by the ‘decisive moment’ by Henri Cartier-Bresson. The anticipation of an important moment within the constant flow of life and capture it in a fraction of a second. I think it is very important to be aware of the moments all the time and most important when you are behind the lens. You never know what you encounter in that moment of creation.
Cartier- Bresson certainly had it in all his pictures in some way or the other and I am trying to seek the same narrative of capturing that important moment of expression but in different genres like portraiture, fashion and fine art. I think what I do with my work now is because I grasped a lot from Henri Cartier Bresson when I started photography, the way I compose my photographs has a lot to do with Cartier-Bresson. I think the decisive moment is practice. A practice of being fully present in the moment and finding something that might be larger than life and most importantly capturing it. If you are really aware and curious of what is happening around and have patience and hunger, you will encounter such scenarios which are truly expressive and important. On Fashion sets, a space where you do portraits or simply walking down a street. Life is like a movie, you need to recognize the revealing moments and climaxes. Most important is just looking through with keen eyes and having a curious mind.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it is never a smooth road for any artist. Every artist goes through highs and lows on a regular basis and I think that’s one reason they figure out their journey as an artist and flow with the purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love photographing everything that includes people. Street, portraiture and fashion. If you ask me what I am known for then I would say I am known for getting closer. To my subjects and everything in life. I try my best to keep the mindset that I get to witness the genuine moments and capture it in my style. That sums me I guess.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Stay original. That’s the only way to move forward. Getting inspiration from different artists is healthy to an extent but in the end, it is just YOU.
Contact Info:
- Website: devamvshah.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/devamvshah?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
All images – Devam Shah
