I conversed over coffee with freelance photographer and founder of Nsquared Studios, Nikith Nath about his love affair with photography…
Dorian: Where is home?
Nikith: I was born in the southern state of India, Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, and moved here to Abu Dhabi when I was a year old.
Dorian: So your identity has been shaped by the UAE?
Nikith: Being raised here has given me opportunities, that’s being exposed to a multi-national, multi-linguistic and multi-cultural community. This has not only made me a friendly and sociable person but also a person who respects everyone regardless of where they are from.
Dorian: How long have you been into photography?
Nikith: I have had an interest in photography right from childhood and I would say that definitely came from my dad. The interest grew in me first with the old film cameras of the 90s then the digicams and then the SLR. However, I would say December 2012 is when I really got introduced to photography and got the urge to discover more.
Dorian: What happened in December 2012?
Nikith: The entry level, Canon EOS 1100D! My zest for photography came to me when my dad gifted me a digital SLR during my college days in December 2012. That was the camera that gave me a jumpstart to everything that has happened to me up until now.
Dorian: That was how you got into photography?
Nikith: With my Canon EOS 1100D I set out to discover the various genres-starting off first with nature, landscapes and then moving on to portrait and doing photo-shoots with my college seniors and juniors who loved to pose and being clicked, and that’s how it all began.
Dorian: Do you prefer to shoot events, scenic shoots, or individuals?
Nikith: I have now specialized in fashion and events photography. I do fashion, model portfolios, designer line photo-shoots, couple, kids and family portfolio for clients and also organize personal thematic photo-shoot sessions with my team which consists of a make-up artist, fashion designer and stylist. In events, I cover family celebrations, private parties, weddings, club parties and nightlife. The genres that I had chosen, allow me to put in my creativity and vision through photo-shoots and portfolios and record the fun and memorable moments through events.
Dorian: What is your dream camera?
Nikith: Technology evolves day by day but as of today, I would say it would be the Canon EOS 1Dx, the latest of Canon cams, for its exceptional picture quality and depth of details in every shot taken.
Dorian: What is your favourite event to shoot?
Nikith: I have covered so many events until now including parties and nightlife but I can say without any hesitation that it’s the events conducted by Rooftop Rhythms are my favourite. This is definitely not because you’re interviewing me.
[Dorian slides Nikith Dh 20 under the table]
Dorian: What makes the perfect picture?
Nikith: The perfect picture can never be one of those posed studio shots but is a perfect moment, frozen in time that is filled with life and emotions. This comes only with hard work, perseverance and practice. That’s your money shot.
Dorian: Who is your favourite photographer?
Nikith: Karl Taylor, who through his tutorials, inspired me into fashion photography. Irene Rudnyk and Lindsay Adler for their creativity and concept. Pritham Denzil D’Souza for his simplicity and humility in spite of being a well-known wedding and portrait photographer in India.
Dorian: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Nikith: My biggest dream is to be a full time photographer with reputed clients and doing what I love, with people to love and appreciate my works.
Dorian: Great talking to you. Before you go, can you take a picture of this check, so you don’t forget to pay me for the coffee later?
Nikith: *Stares blankly*
Connect:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikithphotography
Instagram: @nsquaredstudios
