I am so excited to share our photographer of the month with you today! We've featured Ajay Jain here on Wandering Educators - in our book review and author interview for his Funny photo journal, Peep Peep Don't Sleep. As readers of that book will know, Ajay is a talented (and humorous) photographer. We highly recommend it! Ajay is a full-time journalist, photographer, blogger, and author based in Delhi. It's not surprising that he is an extraordinary photographer. All this talent in one man - incredible!

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Ajay about photography and more. Here's what he had to say...

WE: How did you get interested in photography?

AJ: I have been fortunate enough to have owned a camera from my school days, but focused mostly of taking pictures of family and friends. It was only when I switched to journalism and writing as a career in 2001 that I felt the need to upgrade my skills. I signed up for some classes at that point. As the quality of my pictures improved, it further spurred my interested. From being an amateur, to a photojournalist, to one who now has a gallery of his own, the journey has fortunately been a positive one.

Apricot Man near Batalik in Ladakh

Camel in Setting Sun, Sam Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dancer in Brown Mask with Angry Expression, Hemis Festival, Ladakh

WE: How long have you been a photographer?

AJ: In a professional way, for about seven years now.

Boy Lamas at Prayer Session at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh

 Village on Zanskar to Kargil Road in Ladakh

Zarina, the village girl near Kargil in Ladakh

WE: What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

AJ: My favourite subjects are people in their natural environments. These could be shoppers on a street, children in a village, monks in a monastery, or even people in a pub. Specifically, I like zooming in to capture their facial expressions. They could be anywhere in the world. But I also do a lot of landscapes and a bit of wildlife. At a macro level, all travel photography.

The Bored Boy Lama at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh

Shey Palace in Setting Sun, Ladakh

Girl in Pink with Child near Kargil in Ladakh

WE: How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

AJ: This is an interesting question. Hmmm. For me, the main focus is on India travel. It is an attempt to show the world what an interesting and beautiful country India is, and why they should consider adding it to their travel itineraries. This can have a positive impact in two ways: One, tourism can bring in much needed income opportunities for locals. This has the added advantage of stemming any migration from impoverished regions, and thus preserving cultures, religions, crafts and social practices. Second, it can alert the world to the fragile eco-systems that need to be preserved so future generations can enjoy these sights for the future.

View of Tsemo Monastery from Shanti Stupa in Leh in Ladakh

Chandra River Tributary near Jispa in Himachal Pradesh

Girl in the Blue Scarf near Kargil in Ladakh

WE: Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

AJ: In India, watch out for sensitive government and defence areas where they don't allow photography at times; there would be signs stating so. Don't argue with the logic of it. There are usually no restrictions on man-made structures and natural features otherwise. Like anywhere in the world, use of flash is prohibited in many ancient structures. Tripods and camera stands are likewise not allowed in many historical structures. In some religious shrines, like in Buddhist monasteries, they request you not to place any human figures in shots of the statue of the Buddha; for Buddhists, even a photograph of the Buddha is a religious symbol. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to take permission. There is no problem in most cases.

When clicking people, again take permission. Usually it is a case of subtly making a gesture and you will get a smile or a nod as a yes. But if someone says no, respect it. Take particular care when shooting women in India; most don't have objections but you don't want to hurt anyone's social customs.

Maitreya Buddha at Likir Monastery in Ladakh

Woman with Prayer Wheel, Ladakh

 Ancient Buddhist Texts at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh

WE: Any tips you want to share?

AJ: Photography is a great way to capture moments and places. And you will often be surprised to see things in the photos you missed while actually on location. Preserve these photos. Back them up. Create online libraries on services like Flickr. And remember the most important thing about photography: while technology can do a lot for you, even do everything that goes into the making of a good photograph, but what you capture is only what you compose. No technology will ever do it for you. Observe and understand your subject well - and then frame it right. And you will be proud of yourself.

Boys at Druk White Lotus School, Shey, Ladakh

Dancer in Golden Mask with Pensive Expression, Hemis Festival, Ladakh

Tibetan Argalis near Tso Moriri, Ladakh

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

AJ: If anyone tells you photography is a dying art, ask them to visualise any media around them without pictures. The answer will be clear then.

Setting Sun in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

WE: Thanks so much, Ajay. You're so talented and I am very happy to share your photographs with our Wandering Educators.

For more information, please see:

http://kunzum.com

http://kunzum.com/books/

All photos courtesy and copyright of Ajay Jain.