Q: How did you capture this photo? What went into deciding the framing and timing?
A: This photo was taken in Karbala, during the month of Ramadan, in the mid-afternoon. I saw a man reading the Quran inside the mausoleum, with light pouring over him — it was mesmerising. Beside him sat a child, likely a relative, which added to the moment. It felt visually striking and deeply inspiring, so I captured it.
Q: Where do you see photography taking you in the future?
A: For me, photography is more than a hobby — it's something I genuinely love. I especially enjoy street photography, and I'd like to pursue it more seriously, particularly in my university, Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
Q: What do you love most to capture?
A: Candid moments — especially in street photography. I'm drawn to the things that go unnoticed, the small moments people walk past but that are truly worth capturing.
What were you hoping to capture, if anything, or did it just happen?
We were traveling through multiple national parks across Madhya Pradesh during the month of October and the morning light in Kanha is just surreal. While everyone was trying to sight a tiger, my goal was to capture the essence of the winter morning deep inside the woods, and I got lucky at one of the narrow sections, where a sambhar deer was standing 20 feet away with a beautiful sunrise behind it.
Is there something quietly personal about this photo that isn't obvious at first glance?
Well, if you observe closely, there are 2 sambhar deer in the frame — the 2nd one is at the right corner of the photo behind the tree, and the deer on the left is keeping an eye on the right one.
What was your favorite part of the process — before, during, or after taking this shot?
I love playing with light in my photos, hence the process of capturing light in creative ways is what I love the most — especially the sun flare in the background, which literally adds an aura to the photo and makes this photo really special.
What made this day different enough that you remember it so clearly?
Being present in the mausoleum of Imam Husain creates an atmosphere charged with unforgettable devotion. The scale of it was overwhelming and this single, quiet gesture between a father and a child impressed that sense of devotion upon me.
What does this photo mean to you now versus when you first took it?
When I took it, I was reacting to the immediate visual harmony of two generations offering prayers side by side. It represents a symbol of love where the father not only dotes on his son but also teaches him how to reflect as the child places his hands in his palm.
Was there something on your mind that day that shaped how you saw things?
We had reached this destination after taking a bus, a boat and a cable car, after having taken a flight and a car to reach to Austria. So, the whole concept of journey and travel was very much on my mind that day. When I saw my family doing the final leg of this journey on foot, it led to me framing this shot.
What's the story you'd tell if someone asked you about this photo in person?
The only thing constant in nature and this world is change! And that is a very important lesson for our children. The framing of this photo was to show a curving path against the combination of grass, snow, mountains, clouds and so many other elements visible. As seasons, weather, light, times change — those moments were unique only for us. Hence nature for us is the best teacher when trying to teach our children the right values.
Is there a memory this photo brings back that has nothing to do with photography?
I have a very strong memory of the calm and peace I felt when we were hiking at the top of the mountain. There was no humdrum of everyday life. The only sound was of the winds and our footsteps along with the occasional chatter of our then 3 year old! All the right sounds at one place!
What time of day was this, and why were you out with your camera then?
This was taken during dusk, I always take my camera around when I travel.
What made you stop and want to capture this particular moment?
I felt like I was able to capture a very quiet moment between man and God, and not be intrusive when taking it.
Who was with you when you took it?
I was with my mother, who I have travelled with many times in my life.
Is there a feeling from that day that still comes back when you see this photo?
Yes, a feeling of focused and quiet concentration. A very ordinary day at work for the people in frame, yet everyone seemed completely absorbed in what they were doing. When I look at the photograph now, I can almost feel the atmosphere of the workshop — the enclosed space, the old tools, the metal, and the warmth of that evening light. It just reminds me that some of the most meaningful photographs can come from very ordinary moments.
What made you decide this was the one to submit?
First, the way the frame tells a story of hard work in a hard, demanding environment, yet with a sense of peace and focus. Second, the topi — a meaningful part of their everyday attire, worn regardless of the nature or conditions of their work. To me, it represents more than just clothing; it carries a sense of faith, blessing and protection. Together, these two elements tell a story not just of work, but of dignity and identity.
Did you have to wait for the right moment, or did you catch it as it happened?
Actually, I passed by the shop more than once while the work was happening naturally. It was only on the last visit that the scene came together and the story felt complete. The foreground worker leaning into his work became the visual anchor, while the two men behind him created the depth I was looking for. The frame was complete, and it felt as though I had opened a door and quietly looked into their world for a moment.
