Profile: A Lens into Life and Nature: Dr. Pankaj Agarwal

-Profile-

A Lens into Life and Nature

Dr. Pankaj Agarwal

Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, MBA, Ph.D., is a multifaceted personality—an accomplished academician and a passionate photographer. With over 25 years of experience as a faculty member in leading management institutes, Dr. Agarwal has made significant contributions to the field of education. However, beyond the world of classrooms and lectures, lies his creative side—his deep love for photography.

Born and based in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Agarwal's interest in photography began in childhood, sparked by a curiosity to observe and capture the world around him. This casual interest transformed into a serious passion in 2018, during a visit to the renowned Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The breathtaking sight of birds in their natural habitat awakened a deeper connection with nature and inspired him to explore wildlife and nature photography more intentionally.

In 2019, he purchased a high-zoom bridge camera, allowing him to get closer to nature’s wonders. As his interest grew, he sought to improve his craft by learning from seasoned photographers. Attending workshops led by Dr. Pankaj Sharma and Dr. Kamran introduced him to the technical aspects of photography—such as camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing—which led to a noticeable improvement in the quality and depth of his images.

Since then, Dr. Agarwal has committed to photographing life almost daily. Whether using a mobile phone, a point-and-shoot camera, or a DSLR, he believes the essence of photography lies not in the equipment, but in the eye of the photographer. His work ranges from vivid bird portraits and serene natural landscapes to candid shots of everyday life, people, and moments that often go unnoticed.

To share his passion and connect with fellow nature lovers, Dr. Agarwal publishes a quarterly e-magazine titled “Birds in Bareilly by Pankaj”. Distributed free of cost, this digital magazine features his latest bird photography, often accompanied by brief write-ups that reflect his observations and experiences in the field. It has gained appreciation from bird watchers, photography enthusiasts, and locals who enjoy seeing their environment through his artistic lens.

Recently, expanding his artistic pursuits into a professional venture, Dr. Agarwal launched Shutter Vibes Photography. This new initiative focuses on baby and maternity photo shoots—capturing the innocence, warmth, and emotional depth of life’s most cherished milestones. Through Shutter Vibes, he brings the same sensitivity and detail that characterize his nature photography into personal, family-focused storytelling.

Dr. Pankaj Agarwal’s journey stands as a beautiful example of how a lifelong interest, when nurtured with passion and learning, can blossom into a meaningful creative outlet. His work continues to inspire, capturing the extraordinary within the ordinary—one frame at a time.

(Text and Photographs Courtesy: Dr. Pankaj Agarwal)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

"Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography" Completes 16 Years

"Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography"

Completes 16 Years

I feel extremely happy to share that our blog, “Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography”, has completed 16 successful years of its voyage. This blog began in 2009 with the goal of sharing the knowledge of Photography among the art enthusiasts. We started our journey with various sections, like Learning, Photo Feature, On Project, Great Masters, Story behind the Picture, Profile, Youth Gallery, etc. Later Dashboard and Event sections were also added to the blog in order to expand the sphere of knowledge. Our chief aim has always been to provide platform to the beginners who have never got the opportunity to showcase their talent. Besides, we aim at sharing the works of the Great Masters so that the novice may have opportunity to learn from them.

The readers and followers work as the strength of any blog. A big number of readers from India and abroad have associated with our blog. Their valuable association and impartial ideas/suggestions have helped us improving the quality of the contents. I’m grateful to all the readers and followers. I assure that our blog will always try its best for the benefit of art lovers in the years to come. 

Regards,

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- Obsessive Nature Photographer : Samra Mahankali

 -Profile-
Obsessive Nature Photographer
Samra Mahankali

A resident of Kodada, Telangana (India), Sarma Mahankali is an obsessive nature photographer. Though he loves clicking nature in its entirety, birds are his favourite. He remains very patient and careful while clicking birds, which according to him is essential for good results. Capturing the right moment is the right way is his speciality, which is evident in his photographs.

He has worked as administrator in various educational institutions for around 18 years in past. Now he is working in real estate field. He had inclination towards photography for a long time. Inspired by his friend Mr. Kola Venkateswarlu (ARPS), he started photography a few years back.

His pictures have received wide recognition among art lovers. He is determined to work hard in his field in future.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- “Capturing Human Emotions with Perfection” - NGUYEN AN DI

-Profile-
“Capturing Human Emotions with Perfection”
NGUYEN AN DI
(PPSA, T IAAP, IIG/s, A.APS, HON.GNG, HON.FPMP)

 Nguyen An Di, popularly known as ANDY, is a resident of beautiful coastal city called Nha Trang in Vietnam. He has been involved in photography since 2003. He has mastery about capturing the human emotions through his camera. He prefers black and white medium in his pictures as he believes – “this medium is ideal for portraying human emotions.” 

He is currently a member of international photography associations such as FIAP, PSA, IAAP. He has been jury member in several international photo contests organised/sponsored by FIAP, PSA and IAAP. He has got many precious distinctions and awards from these prestigious photography associations. He is representative of FPC in organizing PSA Patronage competitions and also an Ambassador for IAAP in Vietnam.

He specializes in portraits, street life and landscapes. The most important quality is his pictures is story telling value which makes him special. He loves to connect with photography enthusiasts around the world.

 -Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Profile : A Visionary in Art and Photography: Manish Khattry

-Profile- 
A Visionary in Art and Photography:
Manish Khattry

On the 8th of February 1973, an artist’s soul graced this world—one destined to leave an indelible mark in the realms of art, literature, music, and culture. From a tender age of 16, Manish Khattry’s creative brilliance found its way into the pages of a leading daily newspaper through his cartoons. What began as a youthful passion soon transformed into a lifelong devotion to the artistic world.

In 1994, he pioneered a revolution in Indian art by introducing the computer as a recognized medium of artistic expression. Training over 3,000 students, he guided them to showcase their digital artworks in prestigious galleries, including the esteemed Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi.

Among all artistic pursuits, photography became his true calling—a medium through which he could immortalize the timeless essence of Banaras. With a keen eye for antiquity and an unwavering passion for storytelling, he has spent over a decade capturing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. His collection, now exceeding a million images, intricately portrays the city's diverse facets—its architecture, daily life, fairs, festivals, food, and crafts. This labour of love is not merely a photographic endeavour but an earnest mission to preserve the real, ever-evolving Banaras for generations to come.

His work has earned him the prestigious title of the top-ranked street photographer in the world. With a deep commitment to sharing his vision, he has compiled and published numerous books, each an artistic masterpiece and a visual narrative of Banaras.

Some of his notable publications include Varanasi –

‘Varanasi - The Luminous City’ (2007)

‘My World Through My Lens’ (2014)

‘The Book of Banaras’ (2015 & 2017) got unveiled by honorable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, India Shri Ram Naik

‘The Life of Banaras’ :: Volume 1 - Black and White (2017)

‘Bhaj Vishwanatham’ - The first coffee-table book of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Hindi - 2017)

‘The Life of Banaras’ :: Volume 2 - Color (2018)

‘Sanskrit Bhagirathi’ (2018)

‘Mysterious Banaras’ (2019)

‘Kashi - Older than History’ by Times Group & Ministry of Tourism for the Pravasi Bhartiya (2019)

‘Magh Mela Prayagraj’ (2019)

‘Bhaj Vishwanatham’ - Pictorial story of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (English - 2019)

‘Banaras - Sacred Thread of Eternal Peace’ (2019)

‘Banaras ke Thath - 84 Ghat’ by Jagran Group (2020)

‘Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Footsteps in Banaras & Beyond’ (2020)

‘Banaras - City Eternal’ (2020)

‘Kashi - Fairs and Festivals / Lakkha Mela’ (2020)

‘Sublime Banaras by IndiaOil’ (2022)

‘Kashi Rahasya 1 - Shiva Khand’ (2022)

‘Kashi - Ek Nagar Ka Mahakavya’ (2023)

‘Baba and Me - Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan’ (2023)

‘Modi ka Banaras’ (2024)

‘Yug Pravartak’ - Portraits of Shri Narendra Modi by Maniah Khattry (2024)

‘Meri Kashi - Older than History’ (2024) by Ministry of Tourism for the G20 summit published by Times Group, released by the Prime Minister

‘Refractions - Seven Perspective - One Spectrum’ (2024)

‘Timeless Kashi’ (2025)

‘Shivoham - a pictorial story of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham’ (2025)

‘Unscripted’ (2025)

and 20+ upcoming publications and many more, with over 20 upcoming publications. 

Taking Banaras to the world, he showcased his black-and-white photographic exhibition, Life of Banaras, at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Mauritius, organized by the High Commission of India. With invitations to exhibit in several other countries, his vision continues to transcend boundaries.

His artistic excellence has been honoured with multiple awards, including three Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze in the Kashi Sansad Photography Pratiyogita 2024.

A gold medallist in Master of Fine Arts from Banaras Hindu University, he also contributed to academia as a visiting faculty at the Department of Applied Arts, BHU. His photographic contribution to the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

As he continues his journey, compiling and publishing timeless visual stories, his unwavering passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to artists and storytellers worldwide.

(The pictures shared in this article are from the series of Manish on the theme “Kashi ~ Colors of the Life in Monochrome”)

Photographs and text courtesy: Manish Khattry.
Manish Khattry's profile photo courtesy: Manoj Kar

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma 

-Profile- Clicking Pictures That Tell Stories : Arun Saha

-Profile-

Clicking Pictures That Tell Stories

Arun Saha

Arun Saha is a veteran Pune-based photographer who had been associated with Indian Air Force for 16 years as a technical photographer. Apart from being featured in many national and international magazines for his photography and articles, he also has penned down his best seller photo book “Varanasi- A passage to Immortality” with his 30+ years' experience in the field. 

He was also conferred with the Best Photographer of the Year Award in the 8th National Photography Award (2019-20).

Presently he is associated with India Today Group for their Corporate Story Coverage as well as running his own photography tour and workshop venture as “Arun Saha Photography” (ASP) where he is the chief photographic mentor and workshop leader for innumerable Indian and foreign aspiring photographers.

-Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- A Multi-Faceted Artist by Passion & An IT Expert by Profession: Saleel Tambe

-Profile- 
A Multi-Faceted Artist by Passion
& An IT Expert by Profession:
Saleel Tambe

A resident of UK, Saleel Tambe is a popular & experienced Tabla Player, who regularly accompanies to all the eminent artists. He is an Internationally acclaimed Wildlife & Nature Photographer & a passionate naturalist as well.

 A Renowned Tabla Player:

Born in a musician family, Saleel is fortunate since his childhood to be associated with musical stalwarts like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt C.R Vyas, Pandita Rohini Bhate-just to name a few. He continues to receive advanced Tabla training from Pt. Ramdas Palsule, a disciple of Taalyogi Padmashree Pt. Suresh Talwalkar.

Saleel is equally adept in Tabla solos and accompaniment to Vocal, Instrumental & Kathak dance as well as fusion with western musicians. Residing in the UK, he regularly accompanies the local as well as top Indian artists visiting UK, Europe & USA. Over the last decade, he is fortunate to have performed with many renowned musicians in concerts across the globe. He is regularly participating in events at most of the prestigious venues like House of Commons, Indian High commission, Southbank Centre, Sage Gateshead, The Lowry, Waterman's Arts Centre, Fairfield Halls, Victoria & Albert Museum, Nehru Centre, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Brathwaite Hall, Gunnersbury festival, India-now festival and many more. He has been associated with numerous music projects, radio, television shows and festivals. Saleel was a key performer in a collaboration with London Mozart Players for "Oratorio of Hope" show which was nominated for Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

Being closely associated with various music organisations, he has contributed for several studio recordings & releases including tracks for a BBC film.

 An Avid Nature & Wildlife Photographer:

 Saleel is also an accomplished wildlife photographer and a naturalist. His solo photography exhibitions have been organised in some of the major art galleries across the globe. He has authored four prestigious books (two published by Oxford University & BNHS) and has many solo exhibitions, publications, weekly columns, slideshows & awards to his credit. His images are often featured in top publications. "Wilderness vista" is one of his multimedia releases.

A special exhibit of Saleel's images has been organised at Nehru Centre London for the commemoration of 60 years of Indian Republic. Saleel is often invited for international conferences on Nature & wildlife photography. He is frequently invited by schools and universities for talks & seminars on the subject. He is a wildlife & ecological advisor and a key member of a few conservation projects. Saleel has also been into documentary filmmaking & video productions.

He has been Honoured with prestigious title ARPS (Associate of Royal Photographic Society), UK. He is frequently invited for conducting Workshops, lec-demos, presentations, seminars and studio recordings.

Saleel's Video and Audio clips, Concert images can be seen on YouTube and other on-line resources and at www.saleeltambe.com. His works can also be seen on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saleel-Tambes Creativity Corner

 Saleel is an Engineer & Management post-graduation and is working as an IT professional.

He balances his passions successfully with his profession.

 (Text and pictures Courtesy: Saleel Tambe.)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma