Photography is an art where I find the ‘un-findable’ : Ravindra Ranasinghe 

Capturing what is not seen from the naked eye is what makes a photographer a worthwhile human being. Let it be nature, people, expressions or even day-to-day activities, a photographer will find an art that is unique to its own setting. Ravindra Ranasinghe is one such individual who describes photography as a singular passion in his life. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life about his upcoming exhibition ‘Visions beyond the frame’, Ravindra shared a bit about his journey, achievements and his bond with photography.

Following are the excerpts:

Firstly give us a brief introduction of yourself. 

I started photography in late 2009. My entry in to this profession was quite an accident. I took a photo from a Cyber shot camera while going on a trip with my friends and I wanted to develop this image. Meanwhile Athula Ranaraja a famous photographer saw this photo and asked me to submit it to an international competition. So taking his advice I submitted this picture to the 54th Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) International competition where it got accepted. Afterwards I joined PSSL and followed a photography cause conducted by Panduka De Silva who is my mentor because he always tries to pull out my hidden talents. So this is where I started.

What are your achievements? 

At the local level I have won the D C L Amarasinghe Memorial Challenge Trophy for The Best of Show (2011 and 2013), Dr. S R Kottegoda Trophy for the Best Member Mono (2011 and 2013), Kalabushana L E Samararatne Trophy for the Best Portrait (2011 and 2013), B P Weerawardena Challenge Trophy for PSSL Member – Colour (2013) and UGA Challenge Winner 2014 which was conducted by UGA Hotels. At the international level I have won 5 Federation International de L'Art Photographique (FIAP) Honorable Mention Ribbons, 3 PSA Bronze Medals, 2 PSA Honorable Mention Ribbons, 1 Diploma from Jury (Belgium) and 1 SDF Honorable Mention Ribbon (Sweden).

What are you inspired by? 

People, feelings, expressions and emotions. I try to find something unique in every setting. I have taken snaps from the tsunami affected villages in Sri Lanka, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Polonnaruwa and even in Rajasthan. Sometimes we have to submit creative works and when looking at the talents of other competitors at international competitions it is just mindblowing.

What is your message for all amateur photographers? 

Don’t depend on your equipment. Be creative and always follow the light. Capture all moments and it is up to you to freeze the moment and get the best out of it through the lens.

Any acknowledgements? 

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have helped me. In terms of names specially my parents, wife, my company management, friends and colleague and also Henry Rajakaruna, Panduka De Silva and Mahinda Jeevananda.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photograph of Ravindra Ranasinghe by Nisal Baduge