We all have dreams in our life, but they are very who are living their dream. Suvendu Raturi is one of them. This Dehradun lad has been touring the world with is a camera. Suvendu Raturi is an ace photographer based in Dehradun and has worked with many big organizations around the world. HimalayanBuzz team got a chance to have a brief conversation with him about his journey.
Tell me about your childhood & education?
I was born in Chamba, a small town located in Tehri district. My parents are social workers and run an NGO. I did my schooling from different cities because I wanted to travel And see many places as I can. So I did the initial studies from Chamba, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Chandigarh. After schooling, I took admission in BSc in Animation.
Why did you choose the animation field? You could have opted for engineering or any other traditional courses?
Since childhood, I have been more attracted to visual storytelling rather than the bookish language. I had a keen interest in art and used to draw wherever I could find any space. I recognized my passion and realized why should I spend my time studying something which is not my cup of tea. Rather, I should be doing what I love and what I am passionate about and can leave a positive impact on me and society.
How did you get interested in Photography and Filmmaking?
I started doing Photography after I completed high school. At that time I was just a beginner in handling a camera & observing things. But people always appreciated my creativity. After that, I tried my hand at various businesses as well. All these stints firmed up my belief that I give my best in the advertisement part ie Packaging, Product photography, T-shirts designs all types of creative stuff.
And then I finally realized photography is the best thing I can do in my life.
What was your major break in your Photography & Film Making career?
Since the day I founded Raja Baja Films as a Production Company and did my first project. It was that day and since then I have not looked back.
In the summer of 2018, I did a project for an International organization called ABC charity in India. That was a really interesting project, I did my best and the founder ‘ Filip Cederholm Agoo ‘ was impressed with my work. After that, we did many projects together all around the world.
What kind of Organisations you have worked with? What exactly they do?
I have worked with quite a few amazing organizations all around the world who are making a positive impact on the planet.
ABC Charity: ABC Charity is the largest art project for charity. They are on a mission to empower kids all over the world through the power of art.
Together with thousands of kids, they have created the world’s largest art project for charity. They do this by photographing the first-ever human alphabet and selling the pictures as limited edition photo art to benefit kids charities in the country they produce the artwork.
Saving the Survivors: They treat endangered wild animals that have fallen victim to poaching or traumatic incidents. Currently, they operate in Mozambique, Africa. Whilst they will attend to the needs of any injured animal, most of their efforts have been directed at rhino due to the victims’ attacks that many of them have fallen victim to.
Wildlife Works: Wildlife Works is the world’s leading REDD+ program development and Management Company with an effective approach to applying interactive market-based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity.
Over its 20 years history, Wildlife Works has established a successful model that uses the emerging marketplace for REDD+ Carbon offsets to protect the threatened forest, Wildlife and communities.
Everland Marketing: Save the Earth, one forest at a time. They bring together forest communities and corporations in common cause to protect some of the world’s most important and vulnerable forests. Everland exclusively works for the project that, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, generate exceptional forest conservation, wildlife protection, and community development benefits.
What is important to be a good photographer or filmmaker?
No matter what gears you used or what resources you have, creating a glossy picture or making a cinematic video can be easily achieved if you learn all the basics, watch the latest tutorials or having an eye on observing what looks good of what looks bad in a composition.
But you would only able to sell the content if there is a story or purpose behind that particular production. Try to tell that story.
How many countries you have traveled yet and which one you find the most beautiful?
Till now I have been to many countries around the world. Some of them are Spain, Sweden, South Africa, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Swaziland, Kenya, Congo, Nepal. Everyone knows that European countries are the most beautiful and developed countries in the world. I liked Europe a lot but for me, the Democratic Republic of Congo was the most beautiful, unique and adventurous country I visited. Walking into a deep tropical rainforest with a team of people including rangers, doctors, and people who used to be poachers was an adventure.
Meeting native people, tribes and experiencing their culture was something a lifetime of experience for me.
You have also worked with Himalayan Buzz in 2017? How was your experience at that time?
Yes, we have worked together during Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2017. The overall experience was really good. The event was properly organized as well as managed. I would love to work with them soon.
Are you satisfied with your job and what would you like to advise youngsters who want to make their career in Photography & Filmmaking?
I loved my job. For all the youngsters who want to make their career in photography & filmmaking.
Try to learn the basics; don’t go crazy buying the most expensive equipment right away. Try to practice whatever you have, even a smartphone. Once you become better in leaning skills and try to find out your photography niche.
Don’t just do something because others are earning money from that type of photography. Try to find out what you love the most and where you can give your best.
What are your plans? Are you willing to do something for your native state Uttarakhand?
I want to make a positive change on the planet through my art & creativity. I would love to create content for my state Uttarakhand as well by promoting our traditional culture, travel films, documentary films, music videos, the wisdom of spirituality.