My great-grandfather, Vishnupant Damle, was one of the founders of the Prabhat Film Company, Pune's iconic film studio behind some of Indian cinema’s most distinguished films. A production designer, cinematographer, film director and sound engineer himself, my great grandfather passed down his legacy to my grandfather, Anant Damle, who established The Prabhat Talkies. My father, Vivek Damle, later joined hands with my grandfather and took after the venture. As a hobbyist photographer and travel & film enthusiast, he taught me the techniques and basics of capturing moments when I was just 14 years of age.
Growing up in a family that has worshipped the camera, two momentous frames determined my career in the audio-visual arts. The first, a late evening composite shot captured on a film camera, creating a double exposure image of my father standing at three different places. Second, a village scene positioned from a distinct low angle, drawing in the soothing morning light that filtered through the mist and the smoke from a nearby bonfire.
My journey then onwards has been nothing if not an adventure. While I pursued amateur photography, I worked professionally in the world of cinema. On location for my third film as an assistant director, I was enthralled with recording crew portraits and the outdoor landscape photographs. Waiting for films to roll on the floor, I took up photography assignments. In between initial interior and architectural shoots, I found myself capturing heart-warming wedding moments. Shuttling between Mumbai and Pune, I found my calling in professional photography. Since then, there has been no looking back. As I explored the unknowns, food and product photography also came into focus.
As I look back, I have seen myself learn and grow under the guidance of many. I learnt of patience and detailing from my grandfather, compassion and empathy from my mother, and the nuances of framing and its complexities from my industry mentors. Whilst I carve my own niche, I aspire to inculcate these qualities in my work and life.