Srijoyee Datta | Interview
“I walk the streets to make sense of the world—one frame at a time. From Kolkata to Paris, photography became my compass, my rebellion, and my quiet resistance. I chase color, light, and emotion, capturing the poetry of everyday life through a lens shaped by instinct and the female gaze.”
As we continue to celebrate women photographers worldwide and its wonderful members, 2025 became the year of new opportunities being created. Each month, we will pick and highlight one photographer and (re)introduce her work to you. This month, Srijoyee tells us more about her photography, her inspirations and her creative process.
© Srijoyee Datta
ND: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about yourself?
SD: Originally from Kolkata, India, I discovered street photography in 2012. Currently, I am living in Paris and trying to support myself as a photographer. What started as a hobby quickly became an inseparable part of my existence—a means of navigating the world on my own terms. I was drawn to the streets, where I found refuge from the imposed narratives of familiar spaces. Through solitary walks and silent observations, I decipher society from a deeply personal perspective, shaped by the female gaze over public space.
ND: . What inspires you in your daily photography work? Can you tell us more about your style, and what you wish to capture and share?
SD: I’m deeply drawn to the raw, unfiltered beauty of everyday life. It’s in this spontaneous and emotional space that I feel truly free. For me, photography isn’t just an art form—it’s a language, a means of expressing my perspective within society. I also find great inspiration in watching films, reading, and exploring photography through photobooks and literature. These experiences continuously shape the way I think about and approach my work.
I don’t adhere to any fixed style. When I’m out on the street, I remain open to whatever captures my attention in the moment. I rely on instinct rather than following a set plan. What I photograph often reflects what I’ve been reading, watching, or contemplating beforehand—so my work naturally evolves and varies day to day.
© Srijoyee Datta
© Srijoyee Datta
ND: Could you share some insights into your creative process? Are you more drawn to colour or black and white? And do you see yourself as a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisherman’?
SD: Chasing light has become an obsession for me. I’m endlessly intrigued by how shadows, reflections, and colors interact—elements I use to shape my visual language. Every step I take and every frame I compose is an act of discovery, sometimes even defiance. Amid the unpredictability of the streets, I uncover rhythm, meaning, and my personal narrative.
While I initially focused on black-and-white photography, everything shifted when I began shooting with my Fuji camera—the richness of color became irresistible. As I’ve grown as a photographer, I’ve come to believe that color holds an emotional weight. It allows me to see the world not only in its raw, essential forms—something black-and-white captures beautifully—but also through a lens of emotion, which is a deeply human quality we all share. I see myself as both. I can wait for hours to capture the perfect shot, yet I’m just as willing to chase a fleeting moment. What truly matters to me is sensing when to pause and when to act—understanding the timing is everything.
ND: Was there a particular moment that shaped your photographic journey that you would like to share? If not, any fun memories?
SD: Last year marked a turning point for me, as I took a break from work after completing my PhD. The journey through my doctoral studies was incredibly challenging, but it was during that time that I came to a profound realization—I wanted to pursue photography. Over the past year, I began teaching myself more about the craft, immersing myself in the works of photographers like Harry Gruyaert, Joel Meyerowitz, Pilar Aymerich, and many others. Their work deeply influenced my vision, alongside the rich and complex experiences of my own life over the years.
© Srijoyee Datta
© Srijoyee Datta
ND: How do you see your photography evolving in the future? Do you have any news/activity or goals you’d like to share?
SD: I enjoy observing the world—each day through a fresh lens, shaped by my own life experiences and personal politics. Lately, I’ve been exploring different photographic styles beyond my usual focus on people. I’m currently studying photography on a scholarship, and it’s been an exciting journey of discovering new ways of seeing and interpreting the world around me. Looking ahead, I hope to apply for opportunities in journals, contests, and exhibitions whenever possible.
© Srijoyee Datta
ND: Are there any photographers you admire, past or present? How do they inspire you?
SD: I already have mentioned some of the names earlier.Those names along with the master Henri Cartier Bresson, Martin Frank, Alex Webb, Tsuneko Sasamoto, Daido Moriyama, Lola Alvarez Bravo, Garry Winnogrand, Camille Lepage and many more to name…
© Srijoyee Datta
ND: Any advice for fellow photographers?
SD: Be free. Don’t hold back—find the courage to photograph anything that captures your interest, even in moments of hesitation or fear. Press the shutter without second-guessing. Let your passion be for photography itself, not just your own images. Stay curious and keep exploring the diverse and inspiring work being created by others.
ND: How did you find UPC? What has your experience been like with the community so far?
SD: I have found it through Instagram. It is a lovely experience to meet all the amazing photographers around the globe and to share with them.
© Srijoyee Datta