“Photography is about instinct and spontaneity”: Portrait Photographer Shika Kanna

At the helm of MUM or Mothers United Moment, Khanna is an “initiative that respects and influences the living stories of mothers” and aims to make mothers dream again. As part of the same, she is hosting an event at Oxford Golf Resort, Pune from 10th November 2022 until 14th November 2022, with her 100 prominent mothers from 31 countries as principal delegates. Will join. Her book will go on sale on the final day of the event.

In an exclusive chat, Khanna, who started at age 19, describes her journey, what photography means to her, and even talks about making her book.

Tell us about your journey and your work.

We have captured the special moments of over 1,000 prominent families from across India. I love black and white and also work with natural light. I believe that every human being has an inner light and my effort is to bring it to the surface. I was. Launched the Self-portrait Photography Workshop in 2020 as a transformational tool, conducting 10 of his workshops online and training over 50 overseas participants.

A glimpse into Shikha’s book (Source: PR Handout)

What is photography to you?

It’s a tool that reveals beauty you might otherwise miss. For me, photography is about instinct and spontaneity. You can intuitively connect with your subjects and capture their lives. As I mentioned, the inner light reflects when you are comfortable and in sync with yourself. I make it easy. Formal education helps you understand technical aspects, angles, the importance of speed, and more. I feel that the equipment scares people. Recreating the feel and texture of natural light in the studio is very difficult. natural light Mastery is also an opportunity to travel to different locations and challenge yourself in each space. Personally, being in the studio was very boring and not very exciting.

I would like to say that those who have a camera are blessed with an awareness of life. photo shoot You become more sensitive to your surroundings. You should use photography to get closer to life and light.

Take us through your book.

The book covers Air Force officers, LBGTQ activists, coaches, Olympians, photographers, doctors, musicians, and more, all of whom I have pieced together with self-portraits of their motherhood identities. What makes this book different is that it remains the most raw. Mothers have seen themselves the way they see themselves, not through a social, prejudiced lens.

How did you choose these mothers?

It started with the mothers I knew and inspired me, and through them I began to form more and more mother tribes. ration. It was a difficult choice, but I chose 100 unique and compelling stories that I felt had the power to inspire people to overcome hardships and triumph.

What is the main idea behind the production of this book?

I want these 100 mothers and their families to realize that their stories matter. And taking inspiration from 100 mothers wondering why motherhood is hard, even for her one mother who struggles in the darkness of the night when everyone is asleep I hope With this book, I want every mother to feel that if these mothers can do it, so can I. empower At least one mother in her lifetime.

Do you have a favorite memory from making the book?

My favorite story is that of Sangeeta, India’s first female Air Force officer. She took the child to Ladakh as a border guard when she was two years old. She has defended her borders while doing her duty while raising children in extreme conditions.

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