Name: Jigar Polra
Major & Year of Study: BSc Computer Science, 2nd Year
Country of Origin: India
“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.” (Ansel Adams) This is exactly what Jigar Polra tries to do every time he takes a photograph.”
Let´s be honest, the second I saw Jigar’s Instagram page, my heart just melted – such creativeness impressed me instantly. From that moment on, all I wanted to do was ask him all sort of questions about his photography. At last, I was able to do so and find out all the answers I had been looking for.
Inspirational quotes: “You know people your whole life they trying to tell you “Be humble. Be humble. Be Humble. When’s the last time someone told you to be great? Be amazing? Be awesome? BE AWESOME. BE AWESOME. BE AWESOME.”
And
“Would you believe in what you believe in if you were the only one who believed it?”
(Kanye West)
What do you like most about photography?
The ability to be able to share how I see things in the world with others. Everybody has a different way of interpreting things. In the same way just a painting or even a song can have a million different meanings for million different people. I think everyone has different ways of perceiving what is around them.
What inspires you?
I’m not sure about what inspires me. It can be many things: how I’m feeling, weather, motivation, life’s events in general etc.
When and why did you begin to be involved in photography?
I began sometime last year in early 2014. I started using Instagram and was a huge admirer of how artistic people are capable of being. Like they would be able to find the simplest of objects and play with it to turn it into an eye catching image. I think it is important for people to see the great in the simple everyday things in life.
What’s the most awkward thing you had to do in order to take a photograph?
Hmm, me and my friend were walking around and we came across this extremely expensive hotel that looked really nice, but we weren’t supposed to go in. We managed to sneak around and play off as guests. Opposite a ballroom, there were some spot lights in front of a Christmas tree and we both laid on the floor of under the spotlight trying to be inconspicuous while trying to take the picture. That’s about as awkward as it gets really. Sometimes I lay in the middle of the street to take a picture but only when it´s sunny and the ground is dry.
How would you describe your style?
Well, how would you describe it? Eye- Catching and Mysterious.
How were you able to learn the techniques you know about photography such as course and practice?
In my opinion, it’s not something that can necessarily be taught. It´s all down to the person’s eye. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture. Anyone can post an image on Instagram and claim the title of a photographer. You don’t even need a great camera to take amazing pictures nowadays, we can simply pick up our phones and snap away and be able to produce visually appealing images. I’ve taken plenty of pictures through my phone. That being said, I wouldn’t consider myself to be a great photographer right now. I haven’t taken any courses, I haven’t looked much into it. Sure you can learn tips and tricks on how to produce something more eye catching or you can learn to use camera, but that doesn’t mean you will be producing something great.
Do you have any favourite photograph?
Not really any pictures in particular. There was one picture which presented a collaboration between a ballerina and skater, two things any other person would never think to put together. It wasn’t this one, however, this one is part of the series.
http://thelastsuspect.com/image/109987135610
What´s your favourite setting to photograph (landscapes, still life, portraits) ?
Street and portrait. I’m yet to dip into portraits, however, those are the most important styles to me.
Do you admire other photographers?
Yes. There are many photographers, particularly from New York that I follow and appreciate. The main photographer that I have been appreciating has had an effect on my editing styles and views on things. The Last Suspect is what the photographer goes by. It’s a really good picture. It will get admiration irrespective of who took it.
Would you say photography will ever be more than a hobby?
No. For me it will never turn into something I rely on to make a living. This will eventually twist and force me to take pictures and lose the ‘in the moment’ feel I have with my pictures.
If you would like to see more of Jigar´s photography, check out his website and Instagram page!
IG: @jig_r