Yogendra Singh's Street Photography Tells Unheard Stories

Welcome to Hero of the Week, an ongoing series sharing stories from some of the best photographers in the Pexels community.

New Delhi-based photographer and videographer Yogendra Singh loves using photography to meet new people and tell their stories.

From capturing a moment of fun in a Holi festival crowd to thoughtful views of everyday street scenes, Yogendra has an eye for bringing out the unique personality of each person even when shooting in crowded urban places.

We talked to Yogendra about his passion for street photography and how his daily life inspires his work.

Pexels: How did you get started with photography?

Yogendra: I have been clicking photos for five years now. My father gifted me my first camera when I finished with my school.

Initially it was just a hobby. I wasn't planning to get into the field of photography — I just enjoyed clicking photos. I couldn't recall when this hobby got converted into a passion.

What camera gear do you use?

I started with the Canon 700D but now I own Sony A7III with a kit lens and a 50mm lens. But I would say that gear doesn't matter after all, since on my shoots I don't always use full frame or mirrorless cameras. It's just equipment which helps to convert your vision into a photograph.

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot?

I love shooting on the streets. It feels very exhilarating when I get to capture some unseen moments in the crowd. I recently got into traveling, and getting an opportunity to have a conversation with strangers and telling their stories through my images — what else can I ask for.

Now I have so many stories to tell, so many captured moments to show people.

What inspires your photography?

It is very difficult to be very particular about what inspires my photography. There are so many things that have influenced me and really made a difference in my life, not just as a photographer but simply as an art lover.

The stories I listen to from the people I meet on the streets, the lives I witness while roaming around a city, something in a phone call with a friend: I think somewhere every little thing in my life contributes to my art.

Tell us about your favorite photo on your Pexels profile.

I clicked this photo in 2018 during the festival of Holi in Barsana. It would have been a normal emotionless photo without that person having fun in the crowd. I was lucky enough to get that moment captured for a lifetime now.

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

I love to have a conversation with different photographers and artists whenever I get an opportunity. All of them have played a major role in my growth as a photographer and as a human being.

But there was one friend of mine who really sculpted my perspective to observe art in our daily life. His name is Pranjal Kumar (@pranjak_17k). We have conversations discussing different artworks, movies, photos, etc. Somewhere those discussions have improved my skill as a photographer.

What is one goal you have for your photography?

I don't have any specific goal for photography. I want my life to give me surprises as it did five years ago when it turned this hobby into a passion.

Also, I just want listen to many unheard stories and want to experience unseen lives in the world.

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