Our World is Beautiful: The Inspiration Behind the Photo with Shubhodeep Roy

With the CEWE Photo Award 2021 in its ninth month, we can confidently say that so far we have been treated to a spectacular range of photography. From candid shots captured at home on a smartphone to meticulously planned landscape shots in far-flung locations – behind each of these photos is a story.

The aim of our worldwide photo competition has always been to provide a platform for all photographers – both professional and amateur – and to connect individuals around the globe through the medium of photo. We were thrilled to learn of Shubhodeep Roy, one of our monthly winners for December 2020, a 19-year-old photographer from India who embodies the spirit of the CEWE Photo Award and whose story we’re delighted to share.

Meet the Photographer

Though only 19 years of age, Shubhodeep Roy’s work is comparable to that of a seasoned industry professional, and this is testament to the care, dedication and pride he takes in it. Growing up in Kolkata, Shubhodeep quickly became familiar with cameras at an early age, often borrowing his uncle’s Nikon D60 to snap shots in his home city. Since then, photography has become an important hobby – one for which he has been internationally recognised on several occasions.

CEWE Photo Award December Winner

We got in touch with Shubhodeep after his photo ‘Barber Shop’ was selected as one of our three CEWE Photo Award monthly winners for December 2020. When asked about the story behind his image, he told us that it was, in fact, a chance encounter that led him to capture it:

The driving forces behind Shubhodeep’s photography are clear as he tells us how his photo makes him feel.

“For me, this picture is a reflection of a common man who is working hard running a barber shop, during these tough times of pandemic too. He motivates me to work hard, to be responsible and never give up – even in the hard times.”

When we asked him what he liked best about his winning photo, Shubhodeep simply thanked us for making him realise the quality of his picture and for informing him of his win just a day after his birthday, something he claims to be the best birthday present ever! We certainly can’t argue with that.

Tips for an Upcoming Photographer

With photographers of varying experience entering the CEWE Photo Award, from those who have been in the professional industry for many years to those who have never picked up a DSLR camera before, we asked Shubhodeep if he had any wisdom to share when it comes to creating a standout photo.

Citing the motivation behind his photography, he adds that he always tries to shoot things he likes the most and pays careful attention to his heart and his gut feelings while shooting, taking care to portray scenes that resonate with him.

“I always try to find pictures with my eyes, even when the camera is not with me, I try to create pictures in my mind. Pictures are everywhere, we just need to be calm and find them.”

Another key factor in the success of Shubhodeep’s image is its simplistic yet striking nature, and he is keen to highlight that there’s more to a winning image than just fancy camera equipment. “I try to emphasise more of the story, composition and aesthetics of the image than the gear, I have always used an entry-level camera and a single 18-55 lens.”

We’re also firm believers in the fact that anyone can take an award-winning photo, regardless of your experience level or what additional camera equipment you may have. If you’ve taken some snaps that you’re proud of, there’s no better way to show them off than in the CEWE Photo Award, the world’s largest photo competition of its kind.

Free to enter and open to everyone above the age of 18, the CEWE Photo Award has 10 different categories for you to submit up to 100 of your images to, and doing so could win you some wonderful prizes. The contest closes at midnight on Monday 31st May, so you’ve got time to get your entries in with four more opportunities to be selected as our monthly winner and the opportunity to win one of our overall prizes.

Enter the CEWE Photo Award and keep up with some of our favourite entries via Instagram using the hashtag #CEWEPhotoAward2021. Good luck!