Kavi Saravanan

Grade: 11
Future college: UC Berkeley
Future Job: Mechanical Engineer
Years as a photographer: 3
Inspiration: Jessica Kobeissi, Jordan Hammond, Andre Nguyen

Wingspan: When and why did you start getting interested in photography?

Saravanan: “I first realized I was interested in photography after I took my friends on a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. I had already visited the bridge nearly 20 times, but this was the first time I began observing in depth the landscape and  its features. After I took some photos of the bridge, I felt a sense of consciousness, that photography had opened my eyes up to the surroundings.”

Wingspan: What is it like to balance school, extracurriculars and your photography?

Saravanan: “It can be hard sometimes, especially near the end of a marking period, where I have to juggle between studying for a test and meeting clients.  it’s important to always keep an organized schedule, because I can’t pull back on my clients.”

Wingspan: What is it like being in dancing for a cause?

Saravanan: “DFC is a very close-knit group, so our practices are always very lively and energetic.  Ever since my shoulder injury in sophomore year, DFC has been a way for me to slowly get back into being active, and that’s something I really prioritize.”

Wingspan: What does photography mean to you?

Saravanan: “To me, photography is a way to capture a memory. I always believe that a photo is only meaningful if it conveys some emotion, or an ambiance. I love the feeling of when clients look at the photos I’ve sent them and tell me how confident they feel about themselves, or how nostalgic they got upon viewing them.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite photograph you’ve taken?

Saravanan: “My favorite photo was one I took of my friend and his brother, who had just  returned from the Navy. The moment they saw each other, they began tearing up and hugging, and by luck I was able to capture it on my camera.  The photo, I feel, conveys so many emotions at once– longing, happiness, and comfort– and that’s what makes it one of my favorites.”

Wingspan: What’s the biggest challenge about being a young photographer?

Saravanan: “I think that as a high schooler, I don’t have as much credibility as other professional photographers, especially considering that I’ve only been doing photography for three years.  I also don’t have the freedom of driving far distances, or the luxury of renting studios or props as do professionals.”

Wingspan: What inspires all your photos?

Saravanan: “Every time I take a photo, I always want there to be a story that’s being told.  I think that without a mood, a picture is not unique. From the colors, lighting, and props, everything has to be a part of a bigger concept.”

Wingspan: How has it affected your life?

Saravanan: “Photography allows me to notice things most people wouldn’t– lighting, shadows, placement, wind, shapes, and colors.  It forces you to be very aware of your surroundings, but at the same time, lets you create a world of your own with each picture you take.”

Wingspan: You have a page on Instagram showcasing all your work, how has that furthered you along?

Saravanan: “The reason for creating my page was so that I could keep myself accountable for striving to improve as a photographer.  As i now have an audience, I have to be committed to producing new content and going on shoots frequently. I am also able to contact mutual photographers, whereby we can share advice on others’ work.”

Wingspan: What is your advice to anyone who wants to get into photography?

Saravanan: “I would say don’t compare yourself to others.  In the learning process, it can be easy to get discouraged by the quality of your photos, but like in all other activities, practice is necessary in photography too. Do not try to copy another person’s work, or overdo editing or props to appear skilled. Photography, in the end, is all about originality, and it shows when you have a novel concept. In trying to be at someone else’s place, do not miss the experience of learning about yourself and your style.”