Gopinathan K

Retired Chief News Photographer, THE HINDU, Bangalore.

Ph : Mob : +91 9845073926   email : gopihindu@gmail.com

1) Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

I am Gopinathan K, I started learning the art of photography in 1974 with late C. Rajgopal, (renowned photographer) and still learning Photography. Deviated to Photojournalism in 1982 with The City Tab, 1985 with The Indian Express, 1994 with The Hindu. Retired as Chief News Photographer, The Hindu in 2014.

2) Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

In photojournalism, we're expected to be an all-rounders. Covered News, Sports, Fashion, Art, Culture, Crime, Politics, Investigative, Human Interest, Humor, Street, Nature & Wild etc.

3) What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

Every day a new day in News, New experience, New challenges, New exposure. Exposing the truth to the readers who trusted us kept me on my toes and made me to take any kind of risk, challenges and kept going.

4) How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

News man is not work for personal happiness, he works for the masses. Reaching the masses gives him/me lots of happiness.

5) Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

I met a classmate while I was studying Diploma in Printing Technology, he happened to be a photographer, through him I met the great photographer C. Rajagopal and I got the basic foundation for photography. When I took news photography I saw a stereo type system of taking news photo's. I wanted to be different and that's the starting point to create an identify for myself. To retain that identify, I had to work hard. Hard work, dedication, passion showed me the path to climb up new heights. [caption id="attachment_694" align="aligncenter" width="419"] Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dodging the frenzy women crowd. Picture taken in 1984 at Palace grounds which was her last public visit in Bangalore. Picture published in The City Tab, a weekly news paper.[/caption]

6) To you, what is Photography?

Lights, Shades and images. Telling a true story through images.

7) Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

If awards are considered achievements, Karnataka Union Working Journalism awards for eight years, All India Press photography award, Better photography award, Dasara award for Sports Photography, Madyama Academy state award, TS Satyan Award for photojournalism, BBMP's Kempegowda award, Youth Photography Award are few to mention. Reaching people's (reader's) heart and soul is the real achievement I believe.

8) Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

It's grown-up very big. Now, in almost every house there's a photographer. It's branched out and fine tuned to many sections. Lots of youths from other profession taking up photography as their profession.

9) Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

Wow it's great. They admire, enjoy. Viewer's want to take selfie with me, wants autograph, they shoot lots of questions.

10) What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

It's Huge, growing every day.

11) How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

The team is doing a very good work and service, they don't compromise with quality. In photographer's circle they made a name and got a place. I am happy and proud to associate with Honeycomb.

12) Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

My photojournalism profession gave me a platform to show my skill, got name, fame, seasoned me and educated me. Now it's time to share my knowledge, experience with budding photographers.