Click by Click: Debdatta Chakraborty’s Journey to Artistic Bliss

BY Sylvester March 10, 2025

Debdatta Chakraborty | New York Photography Awards

Debdatta Chakraborty

As a lifelong student of photography, Debdatta Chakraborty constantly seeks to grow and refine his craft. Inspired by the magic of capturing fleeting moments since receiving his father’s 120-roll film camera in the early 80s, he remains devoted to evolving as a photo artist with each passing day.

Hi! I'm Debdatta Chakraborty. I identify myself as a student in the field of photography. That description suits me best because I always try to learn something new in the field of photography with each passing day. It all started in the early 80s when my father handed me his 120-roll film camera during a family vacation. The idea of capturing a fleeting moment with the press of a finger mesmerized me so much that there's no looking back since that day.

I am a self taught photographer.

Nope! I've forgotten when it started.

Presently I'm using a Nikon D850 with a D750 as a secondary body.

I hope to be a better and better photo artist with each passing day and delve deeper into the art of photography.

There were many. But the one in particular was when I met the universal guru, Magnum photographer Raghu Rai. He appreciated my photo and told me as he worked in the streets of Kolkata, which is my city, he could understand the state of alertness needed to capture the moments in the streets of the city.

Generally, I avoid places which are widely regarded as the havens of photography. Rather I try to capture the beauty in the lives of common people whose stories often remain untold.

Thank you! The feeling is awesome. Being an amateur in the field, the appreciation from the top notch professionals in the field tells me that my progress is in the right way.

The photo was shot at Srinagar's Khayyam Chowk, an alleyway that looks like any other street during the day. However, in the evening, as the evening prayers fade away, it turns into a hub of activity as vendors light multiple charcoal ovens, and the aroma and smoke of wazwan kebabs from the grills transform this street into a foodie's paradise.

The awards and appreciation have made me the photographer that I am today. The appreciation from the top photographers in the field has made me understand that my learning curve is in the right direction.

Steve McCurry has always been a great influence on my photography. Then there's the universal guru, Sri Raghu Rai. Raghubir Singh is a much underrated photo artist whose works have influenced me a lot.

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson

The technology behind photography is one thing that has changed so much since the starting days. But for beginners, I would always say that technology is one thing that anyone can learn in a few months. But the art of photography is one thing which cannot be learnt in a short span. It is one thing which we always try to develop throughout our life.

I never fail. Its either success or a learning experience.

I always try to learn about the new technology. It's one thing that is constantly evolving, and in today's digital world, it's everchanging.