I am Manoj Purushothaman - a professional photographer and independent film maker based in Atlanta, GA.
Most of my childhood, education, work and travels happened between the soulful countrysides and chaotic cities of India. This helped me absorb its varied pace, vivid character and deep spirituality into my aesthetics. As a child I remember collecting print advertisements, doing a lot of art and dreaming big. In my teens I had made up my mind to become a film maker. But the road ahead was longer and winding than I though! After a post graduate program in journalism I spent 13 years as an advertising copywriter & art director and an Internet product manager. By 2006 the drive for truer expression was unbearable that I quit my well-paying IT job to pursue professional photography. It proved to be most liberating act of all.
Sans studio, arc lights or assistants I chose to drive around with my Nikon D80 and shot documentary-style portraits of children, seniors, couples and families. I was quick to create a niche market for myself and make it work. I called it 'PhotoBiography'. Often I contemplate, interact and even provoke with my subjects and comes out with unforgettable portraits. I am glad I have the patience.
Opportunities and challenges multiplied with architecture and fine art photography assignments coming my way. Even then I maintained my signature style of shooting in available light. I loved how function defined form better. How sunlight beats any special effect in introducing drama in my imagery. My signature style kept evolving. I refused to glamorize any subject but always looked for an engaging story worth telling. I realize that I am obsessed about the truthfulness in my narratives. Perhaps my Indian origin and sensibilities might have affected its sense of economy and visual idioms.
In 2009 I shifted to USA for good. Since January 2011 I have been doing films. First 10 months saw myself doing 12 films. I am enjoying this. You could say I have big plans - documentaries, short films, commercials, music videos, feature films, script writing, editing...
If you are a professional or a business person looking to expand your customer base, think visually. In this era of internet and and social media marketing nothing could be more powerful than using my photographs or engaging videos to connect with your potential customers.
Perhaps we should meet up soon. Checking out my portfolios would convince you better. Then just give me a buzz:
^ Nilgiris means blue hills in south India where these misty ranges assume a bluish charm from afar as a certain smoky-blue Eucalyptus covers
most of it.
