Capturing the magic of Himalayas

Landscape photographers have many enthusiasts given that the world is full of beautiful panoramas and the great outdoors offer so many opportunities for stunning images. However, there are only few among them that can capture impressive, high-quality images that show strongly defined land-forms with a richness of detail.

One of them is Hyderabad-based Sathyaprasad Yachendra, a sports administrator by profession and a photographer by passion. Sathyaprasad's magnificent obsession is the Himalayas. These great mountains and its various forms, facets and moods are the subject of his photography.

Magic Light-The Mystic Landscape, it will open at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad this weekend and feature 24 images of Himalayas captured by Sathyaprasad Yachendra

He makes his trips to the Himalayas at least two to three times a year, and in all seasons whether it is spring, summer or winter. His images generally feature a pure, unsullied depiction of nature almost always devoid of human elements. They are a masterful depiction of the incredible beauty and mystique of the Himalayas.

He has participated in around 30 group photography shows across India. This is the sixth time he is having a solo show. Titled Magic Light---The Mystic Landscape, it will open at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad this weekend and feature 24 images.

Of the 24 frames that will be on display, half are in colour and the other half in monochrome. It is based on 12 years of work in the Himalayas. His works have been previously exhibited at various platforms including the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai.

Shooting in the mountains, especially Himalayan landscapes is an extremely difficult job fraught with many risks. Sathyaprasad describes the challenges: "Nature is highly unpredictable and so there is constant uncertainty and the best plans can go awry.

One has to get up early in the morning braving the freezing cold, with sub-zero temperatures on many occasions. One has to travel in high altitude areas--often 17,000 feet above the sea level. Sometimes, we have to wait for days on end to get the proper light conditions, the magic light!!"

Sathyaprasad has represented Andhra in Ranji Trophy Cricket and also served as Chairman of the Ranji Trophy Selection Committee for Andhra. He was also the Team Manager for the Senior Indian Cricket Team tour of Bangladesh in 2014.

He is the head of one of the three zones in the Andhra Cricket Association. Photography happened because of his father VMGK Yachendra and uncle RN Verma. They were both photographers who introduced him to the art. Sathyaprasad's role models are the celebrated photographers, Ansel Adams and Gallen Rowell.

The Mystic Landscape is on from 16 to 24 July at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Road no 10, Banjara Hills. The show will be inaugurated on 16 July at 6.30 pm.

By: Aruna Chandaraju