Sajeev J K

Sajeev J K , India

The Color of Tradition – Bathed in Hues – Holi

Category winner / street

I am Sajeev JK, a data analyst by profession and a photographer by practice. My interest in photography began before I owned a camera, when I started observing scenes and framing moments using a mobile phone. That early experience helped shape my focus on timing, context, and careful observation rather than equipment. I began working seriously with a camera around three years ago. Since then, my approach has gradually evolved into a documentary-oriented style. I work with patience and minimal intervention, allowing scenes to unfold naturally. My work focuses on people, culture, traditions, and everyday public life.

What attracted me was how culture and tradition took over a public street, with everyone including myself bathed in colours. The moment was spontaneous and unplanned, unfolding naturally in a shared public space. It showed how tradition transforms everyday streets into places of collective participation, which is what made me frame the image.

I spend time observing what’s happening around me and stay ready. In public spaces, people and movements often repeat in small ways, and with patience, moments naturally present themselves. When something comes together quietly, I frame it without interfering.

I try to stay alert and move with the crowd. I keep my camera ready and work quickly when something catches my attention.

I try to stay aware of what’s happening around me. When something happens, I react and take the shot.

I try to embrace it. The unpredictability is actually my favorite part of street photography. I just try to stay patient, keep moving, and trust that if I’m observant enough, the right moment will eventually reveal itself.

Honestly, it’s a lot of trial and error. I just try to simplify what I’m seeing and wait for a moment where the people and the background line up. Most of the time it doesn’t work, but that’s what makes it so rewarding when a shot finally clicks.

This award is a great boost, but I still feel like I’m learning something new every time I go out. My advice is to just keep walking and keep practicing. Don’t worry about being perfect or having fancy gear just stay curious and enjoy the process of seeing the world.