Raghu Rai on photographing musicians as a rasika
Veteran Indian photographer Raghu Rai discusses his approach to capturing legendary musicians, emphasizing that he first becomes a rasika (connoisseur) to experience the moment before pressing the shutter. The article, published in The Hindu, explores how Rai's deep engagement with music informs his portraiture, allowing him to translate auditory experience into visual poetry. Rai, known for his work with Magnum Photos and his iconic images of India, has photographed numerous classical and folk musicians over his decades-long career. He describes the process as a meditative absorption where the camera becomes an extension of his being. The piece reflects on the symbiotic relationship between photographer and subject, where trust and shared sensibility yield transcendent images.
Key facts
- Raghu Rai is a veteran Indian photographer associated with Magnum Photos.
- He approaches photographing musicians by first becoming a rasika (connoisseur).
- The article was published in The Hindu.
- Rai has photographed numerous classical and folk musicians.
- He describes his process as meditative absorption.
- The camera becomes an extension of his being during shoots.
- Trust and shared sensibility between photographer and subject are key.
- Rai's work translates auditory experience into visual poetry.
Entities
Artists
- Raghu Rai
Institutions
- Magnum Photos
- The Hindu
Locations
- India