We had the pleasure of speaking with Cintu Thakuria, a travel photographer from Assam whose work reflects a deep appreciation for everyday life, human interactions, and the vibrant energy of the streets. Through his lens, he documents the essence of diverse cultures, capturing unfiltered moments that tell compelling visual stories. His ability to blend into the rhythm of daily life allows him to create images that feel both authentic and immersive, offering viewers a window into the people and places he encounters.

Beyond city streets, Thakuria’s photography extends to the rural villages of Northeast India, where he captures the essence of traditional lifestyles, customs, and the profound connection between people and their surroundings. His work highlights the beauty of simplicity, portraying the raw and often overlooked narratives of life in these remote regions. In this interview, he shares insights into his photographic journey, the themes that shape his work, his approach to photography, and how he brings his vision to life through his creative process.

Cintu, every artist has a story behind their creative journey. What first drew you to photography, and how has your perspective changed as you’ve refined your craft? Were there any key experiences or turning points that influenced your artistic direction?

I first got into photography during my school days when I used a phone’s front camera because the back one was not working properly. Even though I did not know much about photography back then, I enjoyed capturing moments. In 2016, my father gifted me a small point-and-shoot camera, and that’s when I started taking photography more seriously—documenting everyday life, street scenes, and people around me.Over time, my perspective evolved. Photography became more than just taking pictures; it turned into a way to tell stories. A major turning point was when I started exploring tribal communities across Northeast India. Their unique traditions, lifestyles, and cultures fascinated me, and I felt a strong urge to document and share their stories.Traveling solo, meeting people from different backgrounds, and immersing myself in their way of life has shaped my approach to photography. Now, I focus more on capturing authenticity and emotions rather than just visually appealing shots. Each photograph feels like a connection—a way to preserve and share cultures that are often overlooked.

Your photographs have a distinct voice. How do you approach capturing the essence of a subject or scene, and what do you aim to communicate through your imagery?

I approach photography with a sense of curiosity and patience. Before clicking the shutter, I take time to observe—the way light falls, the emotions in a person’s face, the rhythm of a place. I believe that every subject, whether a person, a landscape, or a fleeting moment, has a unique energy, and my goal is to translate that into an image.For me, photography is about feeling rather than just seeing. I want my images to evoke something in the viewer—whether it’s a sense of nostalgia, wonder, or even a quiet pause. Sometimes it’s about capturing raw human emotions, sometimes the stillness of a scene, and other times, the chaos of life. Through my work, I hope to create images that don’t just document but also resonate, making people connect with the moment as if they were there.

Many photographers develop a deep connection with their tools over time. What role does your choice of camera, lenses, or other equipment play in shaping your creative approach? Do you have any particular preferences when working on different projects?

Equipment definitely plays a role in shaping my creative approach, but i’ve always believed that a camera is just a tool—the vision behind it matters more. Over the years, I have used different cameras, from a simple point-and-shoot to professional gear, and each has taught me something about adaptability and creativity.When working on different projects, my choice of equipment depends on what I want to convey. For portraits, I prefer a prime lens for its depth and sharpness, allowing me to focus on emotions and details. For landscapes and storytelling, I lean toward a wider lens to capture the atmosphere and surroundings. And when I’m traveling, I keep my setup minimal, ensuring that my gear never limits my movement or ability to connect with a scene.That said, I don’t let technicalities dictate my work. I enjoy experimenting—sometimes breaking conventional rules—because, in the end, it’s the story within the frame that matters the most.

Post-processing allows photographers to refine their vision beyond the initial capture. How do you approach editing, and what techniques or principles guide your workflow when finalizing an image?

I approach editing with the mindset of keeping my images as natural and true to the moment as possible. I start by making small adjustments to exposure, contrast, and colours to bring the image closer to what I saw and felt when capturing it.For portraits, I pay attention to skin tones and details while keeping everything looking real and untouched. When working on landscapes or documentary shots, I focus on enhancing the mood without making it look too polished or artificial.I don’t like over-editing because I believe the real impact of a photo comes from its composition, light, and emotion. Editing, for me, is just a way to fine-tune those elements without changing the soul of the image.

Pushing creative boundaries is essential to artistic growth. How do you continue evolving as a photographer, and what habits or practices help you stay engaged and innovative in your work?

For me, growth as a photographer comes from constant exploration—both creatively and physically. I try to step out of my comfort zone, whether by experimenting with new techniques, shooting unfamiliar subjects, or traveling to places that challenge my perspective. Every new experience teaches me something, and that keeps my work evolving.One habit that helps me stay engaged is observing more than I shoot. I spend time understanding light, movement, and emotions before picking up the camera. I also revisit my older work to see how my perspective has changed and what I can do differently.Another important practice is staying curious. I learn from other artists, not just photographers but also painters, filmmakers, and musicians. Their work inspires me to think beyond just taking a photo and focus more on storytelling and emotion. In the end, photography is a never-ending journey, and I believe growth happens when you keep pushing yourself to see the world in new ways.

Critique and discussion have historically played a key role in shaping an artist’s work. How do you navigate feedback within the photography community, and how has constructive criticism impacted your own growth?

I believe feedback is one of the most valuable tools for growth as a photographer. I welcome constructive criticism because it helps me see my work from different perspectives, which I might not have noticed on my own.Within the photography community, I try to engage in open discussions, whether through conversations with fellow photographers, participating in exhibitions, or sharing my work online. I don’t take criticism personally; instead, I see it as an opportunity to refine my skills. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned have come from honest feedback—whether about composition, storytelling, or technical aspects.At the same time, I also trust my own vision. Not every piece of feedback needs to be followed, because photography is personal, and everyone sees things differently. I take what helps me improve, but I also make sure to stay true to my own style and the way I want to tell a story through my images.

Are there any upcoming projects or ideas that you’re currently exploring? Whether it’s a new location, a creative experiment, or a long-term series, what excites you most about your future work?

Right now, I have a few ideas in mind that I’m excited about. I’m planning to travel to some new places, especially ones that aren’t widely documented, to capture fresh stories and perspectives. I also want to experiment with different styles of photography and challenge myself to see things in new ways.One long-term project I’m focusing on is documenting cultures, traditions, and everyday life in a way that feels more personal and immersive. Apart from that, I’ve been thinking about exploring new ways to share stories, maybe through short films or visual essays.What excites me the most is the unpredictability of it all. Every journey, every interaction, and every photograph comes with something unexpected, and that’s what keeps me inspired.

For those just beginning their journey in photography, the road to finding a unique voice can be challenging. What advice would you give to emerging photographers who are trying to develop their own vision while navigating the industry?

For those starting out in photography, my biggest advice is to focus on what genuinely interests you instead of chasing trends. Your style will develop naturally when you photograph what excites you. Don’t stress too much about having the best gear—what matters most is how you see and capture a moment.Try different subjects, angles, and lighting conditions. Experiment as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s the best way to learn.Connect with other photographers, seek feedback, and stay open to learning, but also trust your instincts. Everyone has a different way of seeing the world, and that’s what makes photography special. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The more you shoot, the more you’ll understand what kind of stories you want to tell through your images.

At the heart of every great image is a deeper meaning. What do you ultimately hope to communicate through your photography? Is there a particular message, emotion, or idea that you want your audience to take away when they engage with your work?

Through my photography, I want to capture moments that feel real and meaningful. Whether it’s a person’s expression, the beauty of a place, or a fleeting scene, I hope my images make people pause and feel something—curiosity, nostalgia, or a connection to a story they might not have noticed otherwise.I don’t want my photos to just be visually appealing; I want them to hold emotions and stories within them. Sometimes, it’s about highlighting cultures and traditions, other times, it’s about everyday life and the simplicity in small moments.More than anything, I want my work to remind people to slow down and observe the world around them. There’s beauty in the ordinary, depth in the unnoticed, and stories waiting to be told everywhere—we just have to see them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cintu_thakuria_/

Image Credits
Cintu Thakuria

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