Philosophy through my Lens

Prasad Pankar, noted Goan photographer is in a league of his own in the world of photography. His fan base draws numbers not only at home but outside the State as well, shooting for high-profile clients such as top model Tapur Chaterjee and actors like Jackie Shroff, Aishwarya Rai and the like. His work has been exhibited in Lisbon and he has had the opportunity to work on an international assignment with the University of John Hopkins, Baltimore. His range of work covers portraits, monuments, nature and fashion. According to him it's all about capturing the subject not as it is but in its best light.

Early days

My passion for photography started rather early. I had everything in my childhood, except a camera. So I would capture photographs through my own eyes. And inspite of working in a bank for eleven years after graduation, he calling showed itself. I bought my first camera while still working at the bank and later attended a short workshop on photography conducted by Vijay Naik. It was this and another course in Mumbai that gave me a footing in the field.

My first print break came in the year 2002 when Sapna Sardesai asked me to shoot for the Panjim Plus publication. The late Ashok Shetty also helped in grooming my career. Since then my work has been printed in various publications such as Goa Today and Time of India to name a few. Of course everything did not just fall into place. One has to really stick his neck out there and make things work if he wants to earn himself a name. One such incident presented itself while I was working on an assignment for Femina. I was asked to do food photography and yet having had no knowledge of how to excute such a shoot, I went ahead with it anyway. The entire roll was rejected but it only made me work harder. And today I enjoy the opportunity to do various shoots. My passion however, lies in fashion photography, which I was able to pursue while working for Femina and Gladgrags.

Photography as a career

Photography being so popular today, it is important to showcase yourself as a photographer. The internet is the best and most popular tool to do this. Exhibitions are also a sure what to be noticed. Further, it is important to keep yourself updated about various aspects in the field, be it technical or even making yourself aware of other contemporary photographers and their work. Personally, I look to people such as Peter Lindbergh and Ansel Adams who my son is incidentally named after.

CMYK Academy of Photography

My academy was started in May 2007 after much pressure to start teaching photography. Teaching, however, makes me an even better photographer. At CMYK, photography is taught in a different way from other institutes. We also have 'photowalks' and exhibitions for th students as well as monthly meetings, which are a big hit with my students.

Future

Currently I'm working on a project to cover Goa with my friends, right from Pernem to Canacona. I hope to release this work in 2012. Another work in progress is a book entitled 'Philosophy of Photography' that covers the aesthetics of photography. Looking ahead, there are many plans including a long overdue exhibition of my work, sometime in the near future. I'm also looking to publish two books on advanced exposure and special effects without the use of Photoshop. Besides that, I wish to shoot a variety of subjects from adventure sports to underwater shoots to the Seven Wonders of the World!