Shanth, what’s the story behind your number 1 photo?
One of my most treasured photographs was taken near Marina Beach, just before the monsoon season was about to begin. I was out to capture a monsoon story when I saw a group of fishermen’s children playing cricket on the footpath. The dark monsoon clouds were rolling in quickly, adding a powerful backdrop to their game. At first, I took a straightforward shot of the kids playing, but it lacked the feeling and depth I wanted to convey.
Then, as the clouds moved faster and rain seemed imminent, I noticed a puddle of stagnant water on the road. Acting on instinct, I lay down and carefully placed my camera lens in the puddle, capturing the reflection and energy of the scene in a way no ordinary angle could. Just after this shot, heavy rain came pouring down, and the cricket match was called off much like an international cricket match halted by a storm.
This photograph went on to win my first international Wisden Cricket Photograph of the Year award in 2012. It was a pivotal moment in my life, earning me my first international recognition and opening doors to travel and new opportunities. The regional paper even headlined my interview with the words: “The ball hit in Chennai fell in London.”
This image is so much more than just a photograph for me. It’s a symbol of patience, creativity, and the unexpected beauty found in everyday life. It changed how I see the world and deepened my love for photography. It will always remain my favourite, a reminder of where my journey truly took flight.
Shanth Kumar is a visual storyteller whose work is rooted in a deep commitment to documenting truth with compassion, depth, and care. Widely recognised with multiple awards, his photography is known for evoking a wide range of emotions and responses.
Drawing on his own experiences of a traumatic childhood and a difficult early life, he is particularly attuned to the challenges faced by young people and marginalised communities. His practice focuses on using photography as a humanitarian tool, meticulously capturing every detail needed to tell honest, impactful stories that raise awareness and inspire change.