In Conversation with Reuben Kataria, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru talks about his passion for photography

Born in 1974 at Nahan, a small picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, India, Reuben's fascination for taking pictures started with the father’s Made in Russia camera back in 1982. It took a serious turn in 2010 and since then there has been no looking back. At every family vacation, the camera took precedence, capturing and framing moments remained a priority. Photography is both exciting and satisfying for Reuben. Mentioning his last assignment in exotic Egypt as General Manager of a Hotel gave him the opportunity to fine-tune his passion. Those were tumultuous times in Egypt and photography provided the much-needed sanity and cheerful escape. Reuben Kataria Cradle of Civilization, Nile provided the opportunity to capture the beauty of the river and the daily struggles of the common man. While most of the exhibits are about the Nile, there are also few showcasing the Sufi dance “Tanoura”. Reuben through his maiden attempt has tried to show his love for colours and life. Below are the excerpts from a conversation with Reuben Kataria:   BV:  What excites you to be a photographer? Reuben: Photography started as a hobby but took a more serious turn since I bought my first DSLR ten years ago. Photography is a perfect combination of art and science. While one has to be able to spot a frame and see aesthetic sense in it, to be able to capture it as closely as what an eye could see or experience, one needs to know and understand the science. In the fast paced world, photography makes you stop acknowledge and appreciate the moment. The quality of light, the quality of textures and colors, nothing escapes your eye. It slows you down.   BV: Since photography is your passion, why didn't you choose passion as your profession? Reuben: I have never thought it that way because I am in love with what I do. As a hotelier, you want to create magical moments for your guests and as a photographer, you capture magical moments. Moments that remain with you for your life.   BV:  In spite of being in a hectic schedule, how do you manage to do photography? Reuben: One manages to take time out for their own “priorities”. Fortunately for me, it works as meditation. I forget about everything else and just focus on the moment. It helps empty my mind and helps me recuperate. It works as a stress buster.   BV: What do you love shooting the most? Reuben: I have tried my hand on landscapes, wildlife, macro and street photography. Egypt and my travels through Europe helped me hone my skills in landscapes and street photography. Since returning back to the country, I have visited Kabini twice. The jungles offer solace and the quality of wildlife is just outstanding. Serpentine Wilderness   BV: Would you like to share some of the memorable anecdotes during your shoots? Reuben: I have shot the photographs during my frequent visits to the Nile. One of my favorite pictures, “Serpentine wilderness- road to afterlife” showcases the limestone mountains housing the Valley of Kings and Queens. This photograph was taken from a hot air balloon. The reason it is special is that I have a fear of heights. I remember not daring to look out for the first ten minutes of the flight. I mustered courage by looking through the lens. Some of the other shots have been taken from the Nile ship while sailing on the beautiful river.   BV: Tell us something about the exhibition- Bon Voyage Reuben: This exhibition for me was all about Egypt and my connection with the country. I spent four years in Egypt and have visited various parts of the country. My work being showcased as part of the exhibition though focusses on the Nile and the life which exists on the river. It will be different because contrary to people’s expectations, I am not showcasing temple and tombs. Most of my landscape shots have a deeper meaning and the title of the pictures give a clue to the thoughts behind the shot. Bon Voyage   BV: What future plans you have pertaining to photography? Reuben: I hope to keep showcasing my work and would love to take it to other cities in the country. In the coming months, I want to shoot the temples of Bengaluru. For me as a photographer, I do justice when I start connecting with the subject. I have been in Bengaluru for 15 months and the city has started growing on me. I think now it will be the right time to start capturing the city. For more such updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Download our magazine Spunky Indian for exclusive stories.