Freezing Narratives in a Single Frame: Reuben Lalmalsawma

“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.” – Peter Adams

Not long ago since human history began have they discovered the marvels of photography. It was the 18th century, to be exact. In today’s age, modern photography apps like Instagram intrigue all of us further by showcasing the potential of freezing a narrative as a single frame.

Although very few professional photographers understand how the art form can best aestheticize any concept. Photographer Reuben Lalmalsawma from Aizawl, Mizoram is one of them.

Photo: Reuben Lalamalsawma

R&L: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Reuben: I was born and raised in Aizawl, Mizoram but I’m currently living in New Delhi. I did my Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication in Mizoram before I pursued an M.Phil degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2016.

Photography to me is more than a hobby; every photograph I take tells a different story.

“When people see my work, I wish to create the same feeling one gets when they see a movie or read a book.”

I mostly shoot portraits, travel, and conceptual photography.

‘Reading gives wisdom and power’ | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

‘Up & Up’ | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

R&L: What was the biggest influence in developing your interest in photography?

Reuben: I have been interested in photography ever since I can remember. I take after my father, who has a keen interest and passion for photography. He taught me how a camera works and how to handle it to click great portraits when I was a kid. I took up photography seriously during my teenage years. Since technology has accommodated and provided us with many platforms to share our work, I’m now more thrilled by the idea of how a camera freezes time, keeping every precious moment intact. It feels amazing to be able to do that!

R&L: Where do you draw inspiration from?

Reuben: I get inspired from and through other photographers. Although various things around me provoke inspiration in me, I gather ideas from music, poetry, nature, and classical art – my collected ideas eventually surprise me afterward.

Also, there are so many overwhelming photographers whose work I look up to. Some of my favourite photographers among others, are Steve McCurry, Theo Gosselin, Platon Yurich and Oleg Oprisco.

“I’m on the hunt for who I have not yet become” | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

Winning photo at Jubilee Festival Photo Contest, New Delhi | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

R&L: What do you hope people take away from your work?

My hope has always been to create photographs that give some sense of catharsis to the people viewing them. For my conceptual works, in particular, I intend to capture photos where the viewer sees a version of themselves in each photograph.

“If one can perceive an art form and relate themselves to it based on the places they live or just share an experience with it, then I count myself lucky enough to have achieved that through my work.”

‘Stay positive. Be happy. Live free’ | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

‘Star Gazer’ | Photo by @reuben_lalmalsawma

R&L: What gets you particularly excited about pursuing photography?

Reuben: Learning new things about photography tools and techniques, exploring more ideas, and venues, and then sharing my works with the entire world.

R&L: Can you single out an item from your work that you are particularly proud of?

Reuben: It’s really difficult to single out one of them. I love and treasure all of my work as I keep shooting and shooting. Imogen Cunningham was right when he said, “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I am going to take tomorrow”.

But since you asked, I really love one of my recent shots that I captioned as “May your joy be as deep as the ocean. And your aim is as high as the universe”. My keen interest in levitation prompted me to take this picture. I later edit it to look like the subject was floating underwater.

I also believe that the cordial relation between the photographer and the subject ( in this photo- a good friend of mine) really matters in producing a good photo.