Meet Andy Pariat, a renowned photographer from Shillong who communicates through his photographs

"The camera makes you forget you're there. It's not like you are hiding but you forget, you are just looking so much." — American portrait photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

Through the lens, a renowned photographer from Shillong tells a story of a world so miraculous yet so hidden from a man's naked eye. Meet Andrew D. Pariat, fondly known as Andy Pariat, a resident of Shillong (Laitumkhrah) who depicts the beauty and wonders of Meghalaya through his photographs.

There is a saying, "You don't take a photograph, you make it." And Andy did exactly what every photographer would do — create a new world within the existing world. His photographs have bagged many an award and were also featured in the World Photographic Forum.

TNT-The Northeast Today spoke to Andy about his passion in photography and this is what he has to say — There is something peaceful yet exciting about seeing an image in your mind and then capturing it forever.

1. Before we start, Can you tell us something about yourself?

Hi my name is Andrew D. Pariat, (Andy Pariat) I am 51 and I live in Shillong (Laitumkhrah). I love taking photographs (a hobby which I have just pickup about a year ago)

2. When did you venture into the world of photography?

From the moment I picked up a camera a few years back, photography has intrigued me and slowly as I kept learning, it has become an obsession.

3. What attracts you when you capture the world through your lens?

There is something peaceful yet exciting about seeing an image in your mind and then capturing it forever.

4. Who were you before being a photographer?

To begin with, photography as I have mentioned above is just a hobby for me. The best part is that apart from making photographs, photography have help me make new friends, some are online contacts, some are people that I have met and some are people who are into photography and I am really happy that this hobby has let me to connect with so many people.

I am looking forward to finding out where it will take me next.

5. Have you been associated with any photography club in the state or outside?

Not yet

6. Many of your photographs have been featured in national as well as international forum, how did it all start?

I attended a few workshops/photo walks conducted by Sony, Nikon and also Asian Confluence, there I met quite a few photographers, they asked me why am I not posting my photos in social media, one thing lead to another and then I start posting for competition too. I was overhelmed with the response I got.

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7. Which one is your favourite photograph? (Kindly attach photograph)

8. Other than photography, what else do you to do?

I love Traveling, Angling and Swimming.

9. You owe your career in photography to….

Lumlung Kamei

: The Man who introduced me to Manual Mode in photography.

Diasy Nandi Deb

: A very good friend … The Lady who insisted that I post in social media.

Debraj Charkarborty

: The man who taught me that patience pays in photography…

Sameer Gurung

: The Man who showed me how post processing is done and always ready to give a helping hand at anytime.

Swagata Nandi

: The Lady who provided me with all the links needed to learn about photography.

Subhadip Choudhury :

The Man who provided me with reading materials on photography and is always there to guide me whenever I needed his help.

Jayden Kharbangar :

My son my partner in photography

John S. Kharphuli, Amalraj Susairaj, Arridapha Shullai, Bhaskar Datta for their support.

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10. Awards and achievements in the field of photography

In this one year that I am into photography I did manage to bagged the 1st Prize at the Nadi Festival Photography Competition 2016, conducted by Asian Confluence, A few of my photographs got printed in the Meghalaya Calendar 2016 and also I got featured in World Photographic Forum:

http://www.worldphotographicforum.com/2017/01/09/andy-pariat/

11. What is your message to the budding photographers of the state and the region?

You learn with every click.

Don't stop photographing. Your best photograph has not yet been captured.

By Ibankyntiew Mawrie — iban@thenortheasttoday.com/ mawrie.iban@gmail.com

PC: Andy Pariat