Photography is a language that transcends borders. On World Photography Day, we recognize those who have mastered this universal language. Tuhin Saha, Calcutta born photographer and full-time cinematographer and the Creative Head of BlooperHouse Studios, is one such person who has mastered the art of capturing moments. We sat down with him to know more about his journey, his inspirations, and his love for photography on this very special day.
“BlooperHouse is a magnetic place. I love how all the people who have been associated with us over the past however many years, they’ve come back to work with us again. This place is like home, like a place of reunion for everyone. It’s been 6 years of me working here and more than 12 years of being associated with it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
When asked about his team, he beams with joy. “It’s a bunch of young, energetic, multitalented people all at the same place. Our team is divided into multiple verticals, like photography, videography, editing, graphics, content writers, sound engineers – but most of the members know how to do it all. So, we multitask. We’re a family, and just like any other family, we have our conflicts and ups and downs. But we know how to overcome them just as well.”
Tuhin feels it is cliche to admit out loud that photography has been a part of his life from a very young age. “But it’s true! There was a time when the camera I had was heavier than me. That film camera belonged to my father. I remember getting to take pictures when me and my family used to go on vacations. What was so amazing to me was that I could take pictures of the mountains I saw, or the waves that crashed into my feet, and view them on a regular Tuesday, back home. That was really fascinating to me.”
He began his college life as a Media Science student at Techno India University. “I’m eternally grateful to my teachers – Bijan Sir, Prithwiraj Sir – for being such great mentors in my life. I’m grateful to Harish uncle, my father’s friend, for lending me his camera and reviving my zeal for photography when I was going through a lot. I would also like to thank Meghdut for being such a good friend and such an important character in my life. From being a student to being a faculty member here at Techno has been a crazy journey. BlooperHouse was Meghdut’s brainchild. We got together with the same dream and I’m so glad something so substantial came out of it. Lastly, I couldn’t forget about Moni Sir – Mahendra Soni, co-owner and founder of Venkatesh Films. Moni Sir taught me how to look at a piece of content, how to deal with it, play with it. He helped shape my perspective and I couldn’t possibly thank him enough for that. I think Meghdut and Moni Sir will forever hold a special corner in my heart, no matter where I go.”
“I believe to this day that I don’t know anything. But I try to follow what I’ve heard my idols say. I got to interview a very renowned Indian cinematographer once, Mr Santosh Sivan. He had said, to be a good photographer, you need to have an eye to see things, notice things. Take 10 pictures of the space you dwell in the most, one day every week. Then, compare those pictures. The point it that, the pictures shouldn’t be identical. See, this lets you see the same things from a different perspective. That’s the job of a photographer. Practice, practice, practice.” He also mentions how important it is for a photographer to print their photos. “Nowadays, we take a photograph, edit it on a software, and post it on our socials. It’s so important for us photographers to print our photos. See them up close, feel them, touch them. Focus on the imperfections, embrace them, enhance them. This brings such a huge difference to one’s craft.”
On the topic of mobile photography, Tuhin had to say, “I think it’s important to embrace new technology. But I also believe that one cannot call themselves a professional photographer without having proper knowledge of how to work a camera. I’m not against smartphones, but smartphones don’t necessarily enhance your skills apart from framing. Photography is an art form, and an art form can be dabbled into by anyone. But to be able to make this your profession, I think it’s super important to be thorough with the camera. Maybe this is an old-school opinion, but my camera has taught me things that perhaps a smartphone couldn’t do.”
Tuhin wants to win awards, he admits. “I love my profession, and I feel that there’s no shame in admitting that I want recognition for it. I want to work in good films. Films that are fulfilling. I love all kinds of films, from commercial to arthouse. I love Shahrukh Khan as much as I love Tarkovsky. So, there’s no segregation in my mind. I just want to be able to profess my love for my craft as much as I can, for as long as I can.”