Mangaluru: Talent is a unique gift that is bestowed upon us by the Gods above and you are born with it. Of course, later you must identify and nurture it. But that is another story a story of temperament. Talent is that inherent exceptional ability that provides you with a competitive edge in your chosen field of endeavour. While you can excel in your chosen field with hard work, for those with talent, the journey uphill is that much easier and the outcomes even better. With the right guidance and direction, the talented can create wonders!
Param Jain, at just 13 years old, is a prime example of talent meeting its future. He is a supremely talented young boy making the best of his inherent creative visual talents upskilling and mastering them with a great temperament. His photography has won him two gold medals at the All India Level Photographic Competition 2020 conducted by Youth Photographic Society, Bangalore. He is a work in progress, and the master in him is beginning to emerge!
This young photographer participated in the under 18 years category, his photos competing with more than 3377 photographs from 308 participants from all over the country. The two medals were awarded to Param in the Photo Travel and Black and White Sections, i.e, titled ‘Long Leg March’ (at Alva’s Festival, Moodbidri) and ‘Theyyam Face Art’ (clicked near Kannur, Kerala). He has also participated in several international competitions, where his works were accepted and recognized.
Param is an 8th-grader at the Rotary English Medium School. “I was incredibly happy when I first got the news of the award. I did not think it was a possibility. I just clicked the Theyyam picture as it was exceptionally beautiful; I also admired the beauty for the long leg march. It came to me instantly.”
The Youth Photographic Society was founded in 1971 under the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of Karnataka. With about 500 members, this non-profit organization has been empowering world-class photo artists from Karnataka by organizing exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and classes. This photo club mainly aims at encouraging photographers and artists to enhance their skills in photography.
Inherited Skills?
Almost every child looks up to his/her parents for inspiration. “My father is my inspiration”, says Param. “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.” Indeed, he did, and followed in his footsteps but has created his own path.
“I feel extremely proud of him. He is just 13. I never taught him anything, but he discovered his interests and talents and worked on them. He started to click pictures, about 3-4 years ago, and that is something to be proud of”, says his father, Jinesh Prasad, who is a renowned freelance photographer of Dakshina Kannada, with more than 150 awards and certifications across the world. “As I am a photographer, he always my second lens! He watched me click and process pictures. That’s how he learned to craft his skills in the field” Param is so fascinated by this art, that he even guides his father in his craft! He tells him how a picture looks during the editing process and on other aspects. He also accompanies his father during his fieldwork, learning the practical skills of photography.
Param loves recording culture for posterity. He loves to click pictures of cultural events that are rich in traditions such as Bhoota Kola, Kambala, Processions, etc
A music and sketching aficionado!
Apart from mastering the skills that go behind a perfect picture, Param spends most of his time painting or doing pencil sketches. There is more! He is also a piano player, aiming to build his musical skills in this music instrument of the elite! “A R Rehman is my favourite musician – I admire him for his great personality and music. Other than that, I enjoy listening to Carnatic music and Hindi songs.” Param also enjoys playing sports such as Badminton, as a hobby.
Ramya Ballal, Param’s mother is a big fan of his and her love and support has meant a lot to him in his quest for perfection. She says, “Every evening he goes to the terrace looking for clicks. It could be the birds, a view of the scenery in the neighbourhood. He is most interested in everything he does, and I am really proud of him.”
Kiera Cass once said, “It’s amazing how photography can capture just a split second of something exquisite.” And that is what Param Jain does; he captures the ordinary and makes it look exquisite, all in a split second! And that is enough to capture our hearts.
*All photos in this article are exclusives and have been provided by Param Jain
