In a candid conversation with the Youth Observer, Dhanuka Kumarasinghe, the recipient of the “Most Popular Photographer of the Year” award at the 2023 British Way Popular Awards, outlined his journey into the world of photography and the experiences that have shaped his career. With a remarkable focus on wedding photography, Dhanuka has developed a unique perspective on capturing love, romance, and passion.
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into photography? How did you get started?
A: I stumbled into photography quite unexpectedly. Back in my days at Ananda College, I was more of a maths enthusiast with a keen interest in music. I even won awards in music competitions, and some of my closest friends from my young days were Sajitha Anthony and Harshana Dissanayake.
It was during a wedding where we were scheduled to sing that I first noticed the presence of photographers, and that sparked my curiosity to own a camera. My mother, always open-minded, bought me a film camera, which idled at home for a while. Later, I decided to buy a camera, and that’s when I remembered I already had one. I began with that camera, but by then, digital photography was already on the scene.
I eventually acquired a Nikon D90 camera. My first photograph was a simple image of a spider web at home. Photography started as a hobby, and I was entirely self-taught, learning through online videos and experimentation. My sister often served as my model. My uncle, Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, played a significant role in teaching me the basics.
Despite this journey, I initially had ambitions in music and even pursued a master’s in project management and studied HR and Java. Photography was an evolving passion, and I aimed to establish it as a brand, hence the name “Dark Room,” in 2011. This name holds a twofold significance, as it refers to the room for developing photos as well as the dark box within the camera.
Q: What genre of photography do you specialize in, and what draws you to that particular style?
A: My specialty is wedding photography. I’m drawn to capturing the essence of love, romance, and passion in these unique moments. Wedding photography is both my passion and my forte. It’s also one of the riskiest forms of photography because you can’t recreate or retake those cherished moments. The entire process, from backing up photos to delivering them to clients, requires meticulous care. While I explore other photography categories, wedding photography remains my niche.
Q: Could you share some of your favourite photography projects or experiences that have had a significant impact on you?
A: One of my recent favourite projects was Shalini Tharaka’s wedding. It was a distinctive experience, spanning five days of shooting and featuring captivating costumes. Another memorable project was Sajitha Anthony’s “Mihirawa Awa” pre-shoot, in Dubai. We spent seven days capturing a four-minute song, and it trended as the most viewed pre-shoot on YouTube, reaching the number one spot.
Q: What equipment and gear do you typically use for your photography, and do you have any favorite tools or accessories?
A: In the world of photography, there are two broad categories: artistic and commercial photographers. I consider myself primarily a commercial photographer. I rely on Nikon equipment, currently using Nikon D06 and C09 cameras, along with a selection of unique lenses. It’s an honor to serve as the Nikon brand ambassador for Sri Lanka.
Q: Could you talk about your post-processing techniques and the software you use to edit your photos?
A: Our post-processing workflow begins after capturing the photos. We store and securely back up the images in multiple storage systems to ensure the safety of our clients’ precious memories. Once the client selects the photos they favor, our large team, comprising over 50 professionals, takes on the editing, lighting adjustments, and retouching. This systematic approach ensures a smooth and efficient post-production process.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome them?
A: Every day presents unique challenges, especially in wedding photography. The inability to recapture or retake those once-in-a-lifetime moments is a tremendous challenge. Brides and grooms often have distinct dreams and expectations, and it’s my job to deliver the magic they envision. Some subjects are comfortable in front of the camera, while others may require guidance. In Sri Lanka, we often work with auspicious times, adding to the complexity. The need to travel to various locations within tight schedules, and unpredictable weather conditions, further compounds the challenges we face. Every day in this profession is indeed an adventure.
Q: Are there any photographers or artists who have had a significant influence on your work or style?
A: My family, especially my mother, Sudeepa Damayanthi Perera, played a pivotal role in inspiring me to pursue this path. She worked in the ‘Tharunee’ newspaper. My sister was my first model and continues to be an important part of my journey. Although my true passion lies in lifestyle, which can be quite expensive to pursue, I found photography to be a medium through which I can incorporate new angles and perspectives inspired by my lifestyle passion. While I don’t follow specific photographers closely, I do admire the work of certain Malaysian photographers.
Q: Can you share some memorable or unexpected moments that have happened during your photography journeys?
A: In 2019, my wife and I embarked on a journey to Italy, with plans to visit Paris, Nepal, and the Netherlands.
However, within just 24 hours of arriving in Italy, we encountered a series of unexpected challenges. We lost our passports, essential documents, and even our photography equipment. We were left without any means to prove our identities, and even the Sri Lankan Airport initially hesitated to accommodate us. We had to obtain emergency passports to return to Sri Lanka. It was a humbling experience that highlighted the unpredictability of life.
Q: How does your latest award as the most popular photographer of the year feel?
A: Over my 12 years in the industry, I had never received an award until now. It feels like a significant milestone in my career. I’m humbly proud to be the first recipient of the “Most Popular Photographer of the Year” award in the British Way Popular Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve invested in my craft. There were around 20 leading photographers in the category, and it’s a source of great pride for me.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers who are looking to improve their skills and make a name for themselves in the industry?
A: Photography is a field where I didn’t receive formal training, but I believe that my capacity for learning has driven my success.
I’m a self-learner, and I think that anyone aspiring to become a photographer must focus on professionalism above all. Owning a camera doesn’t automatically make one a photographer, but maintaining professionalism is the key. Each photograph is a unique creation, and safeguarding the quality of your service and product is essential. Discipline, delivering on your promises, and exploring creativity within your art while maintaining a professional approach are the cornerstones of a successful photography career.
Images: Dhanuka Kumarasinghe
