Through the lens

Celebrating diversity

WINNER

Satheesh Kumar C V
Chennai, India

MYRIADS
Satheesh, who joined Petrofac eight years ago as a Senior Engineer, has been an avid photographer for five years. “I’ve tried to pursue it more diligently in the last couple of years,” he adds. “I will spend dedicated time taking photos and often go on trips with friends. I enjoy the ‘wow’ factor you get from taking a good photo.”

His winning photo was taken in the blue city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan while on a photography trip. It shows a mother and her daughter awaiting customers to buy a sari; Satheesh remained at the lane for 20 minutes before he got the perfect shot.

“I picked this shot as it conveys their emotion with their hands clasped over their mouths. We can also see a myriad of colours of the saris which depicts our diversity, yet it also represents an innate cultural element of Indian women. Diversity reminds us of our uniqueness,” he explains.

What advice would he give to other budding photographs? “I’m still a novice but my advice would be to take as many photographs as possible – good, bad, just take photos. If you take 1,000, there will be a few good ones and you can go back and improve. Just try to snap the moment.”

Runner up

Amer Kahwaji
Abu Dhabi, UAE
This photo was captured during a street show performed by young African men. Although the audience was from different origins, they were able to relate to his talent and focus on it, which he highly appreciated as appears on his facial expression. For me this moment celebrates diversity and talent and leave behind any negativity.

Runner up

Krishna Jeyakanthan C
Chennai, India
Holi click - The boy was experimenting the Holi color powder and morning sun light experience with his friends. It made a galaxy effect surround his head. About Holi - Holi is the most colorful celebration in India. That is the day all colors will become favorite to all. Holi celebration strengthen the bounding with all.

GENERATIONS

WINNER

Krishna Jeyakanthan Chelliah
Chennai, India

GRANDMOTHER’S LOVE
Principal Piping Designer Krishna explains he has been taking photos for a long time, but it was a friend who inspired him to take more portraits of friends and family.

“The passion I have for photography comes from my dad,” he says. “I used to take photos randomly – of wildlife, street life – but when one of my friends asked me if I was happy with them, it was a turning point. I realised I was much happier when taking people’s portraits. I started taking photos of my first son when he was a baby – he always smiled when I had my camera. And when he started to grow up, my photography also developed.”

Krishna’s winning photo is of his youngest son with his grandmother, although Krishna admits that his six-month-old baby never “cooperates for photos”.

“He always cries so I asked my mother to hold him and it’s a very happy moment between generations,” adds Krishna. “Monochrome is a classic choice and shows the affection between my son and his grandmother. Your eyes immediately go to the subject and there are no distractions in black and white.

“Photography is very relaxing and generates a positive energy. Whenever I’m at home I always keep my camera on me to document my son’s life.”

Runner up

Jesson CabralBataan,
Philippines
In commemoration of ancient Ifugao warriors “Head Hunters” of Northern Highlands of Philippines. These new generations are gearing up to portray the old ways of the warriors in a school play.

Runner up

Swarup Pa
Sharjah, UAE
Generations of Camera moved from analog to digital with the pace of rapidly-changing of technology, which gives a different dimension of photography with a balance of fine and modern art.

EVERYDAY LIFE

WINNER

Sanjiban Ghosh
Mumbai, India

AND LIFE GOES ON…
Sanjiban’s winning photo of fishermen in eastern India won praise for its ethereal atmosphere. “I was on holiday near my hometown and I love taking photos of sunrises and nature, for that you need to go out early in the morning,” he explains. “I spotted the outline of the boats and the fishermen in the fog. They sail out in the evening, spend the night at sea casting their fishing nets and return back early in the morning with their catch. It was a mystical scene which really inspired me.”

Sanjiban, who has worked for Petrofac for a year and manages the 3D modelling and design software in our Mumbai office, took up photography ten years ago when he relocated to the Middle East. Away from his family, he says the hobby passed the time. “It was also a stress buster after a long week in the office,” he says. “I go out with a like-minded group of friends to take photos – it’s helped to increase my patience, concentration and look at things in a different way.”

And does he have any tips? “You need to consider what the best composition is and look at what details you’d like to highlight. Be patient, practise and also take photos at different times of day as a scene in the morning can look completely different at night because of the light.”

Runner up

Shinoj K
India / Rajasthan
A Weaver busy in his work at the handloom village of Kuthampully, Palakkad Dt, Kerala.
"Where is time for COVID when the call from stomach is at its peak,..."

Runner up

Laura Greig
Altens, Aberdeen
Muddy puddles make our daily dog walks fun. Life is short, embrace the Scottish weather and jump in the puddles.

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