So they say the strongest people in the world are Formula 1 racing drivers. The stress and the upto 4G force on their bodies in that 2 hours of racing makes them loose 4 kgs.
That’s their life.. a career which takes a toll on their body till they retire from active racing by 40-45.

Well I used to be an athlete in school, took up boxing in college (that ended pretty soon as I was introduced to this pretty girl I’d been dying to meet, but I had bleeding gums n a swollen jaw, and decided my career was over), kick boxing and training with a pro body builder.
The idea was always to stay fit, stamina and be lean. I never had the inclination to bulk up to be a ‘He Man’

Anyway life was a meandering journey from studying Maths, being the MD of a Chemical company when I was in college which involved travelling 350kms every day by train and working 12 hours and studying while travelling. Oh I tried fitting in Law school but couldn’t manage the time.
8 years later gave up everything and decided to jump right into my passion of photography.
I was 27 at that time and life was a ball.
I had no money, and was starting all over again. Borrowing equipment, travelling all the time to meet people, experimenting, trying new things, anything new, silly or dangerous count me in.
People started calling me for shoots which involved rock climbing – without support or safety (its cheaper especially without insurance), being attacked by monkeys, shooting in the summer sun on a beach without food (did have beer though), facing off leopards during a night shoot, balancing outside a car or a van to do motion car shots. Architecture n landscape shoots for upcoming properties which involved climbing mountains, in rain or shine, doing an aerial landscape shot from a helicopter holding a Mamiya 6×7 in my hand while my trusty assistant Bharat was holding me by my belt to prevent me from falling. Actually he’d become an expert on this. Was very common to be hanging from the parapet of a building trying to get a nice aerial shot of the poolside lounge or restaurant. I could keep going on…

Then the age of digital came upon us.. like a fast train.. our working styles changed.
Now it was easier to shoot, faster, more precise.
And we found photoshop, our saviour, our palette, our CANVAS!!!
Off course we need to sit in front of the pretty little computer to make the magic happen.
And minutes turn to hours, turn to days………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. of sitting to get the perfection we desire.

The 40’s came in with excitement, an understanding of self, confidence, renewed vigour and a drive to show the world what I can do.. I felt younger than ever. Stronger and healthier mind body spirit.

As strong and healthy as a man sitting on a chair 12 hours can be.
I am crossing my mid 40’s, and the body refuses to get up in the mornings, the legs feel like lead, 6 pint tea’s keep me going, bringing with it acid reflux, the stomach refuses to stay in, the forearms get tired working on the mouse too long.
The knees creak making a new crackling sound everytime I bend or sit on my knees to take a photo.
The need for a chair or a stool is now mandatory on my shoots. Off course we cannot forget the padded knee pads for the occasions I still want to rest on my knees to be at the right height or position to get my shot.
Every early morning shoot feels like an effort, every bend of the body pains a new side.
Working out is an effort, but every day I realise more n more, why healthy eating and regular exercise is a must.
And I have to keep pushing. And as my trainer says, sir little more

I still want my picture though.
My way!!
And the body is not going to slow me down! No matter what!!
‘Master of Gimmicks’ a front page article in the biggest News Daily had branded me..
The photographer ready to try anything.

So all ye young ones watch out, I’m just starting my career. And I have a long way to go. This is just the beginning.
Get your physical strength and your exercises going and get your Medical insurances sorted.
You’re going to need it while you try catching up to me.
Because I am stronger than an F1 driver and I will keep taking photographs till they put me in the grave.

From my personal works 'Voyeur' series

Anatomy of a Photographer
http://www.vickramsinghbawa.com

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