This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez shines a spotlight on Sivanjali Sivaranjan, an artistic photographer who practises the art of mindfulness through her photography while also practising as a doctor.
What motivated you to pick up a camera and pursue photography?
From my earliest memories, I’ve been fascinated by photographs. The idea that we can capture moments, places, and people and revisit them later was exciting to me as a child, and I always wondered if I could somehow step into those moments. Looking back, it’s funny but sparked a fascination with photography that never left me.
I got into photography when I got my first mobile phone. The camera drew me in immediately and I began taking photos as a hobby after completing my Advanced Level examinations while waiting for university admission.
One day, I shared my photos with my favourite teacher, who has always supported me in everything. She thought the photos were beautiful and motivated me to continue. Unlike many other hobbies I’ve tried and lost interest in, photography stayed with me because it resonated with a long-held fascination.
Initially, I would take photos of anything that caught my attention. But the more I got into it, the more I realised how photography changed how I see the world. I started paying attention to things I had never noticed – the way light changes throughout the day or how a seemingly ordinary street can look so different depending on where you stand. It became less about taking photos and more about feeling connected to the world around me.
My grandmother bought me my first DSLR camera in my first year of university. That camera holds a special place in my heart – it was my first love and constant companion. It allowed me to explore without a mobile camera’s limitations.
The best part about photography is that I never find any place or situation boring anymore. Whether in the middle of nowhere or just walking down the street, I always find myself excited about something in that place, especially if I have my camera.
I also find immense gratification in looking back at my photos and feeling the exact moments again. It’s like reliving that time.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is an art form that allows me to express my unique perspective of each moment I capture and communicate with my audience how I felt during those moments. It’s also a process of documenting the life around me and reflecting on how my perspective evolves along my journey.
I never want to view photography as a source of income because that often comes with commitments, influences, and compromises that may force me to fit into someone else’s timeline and choices. I want it to be entirely my own, allowing me to express myself freely and without outside influence.
When I witness a beautiful natural scene, it often feels as if a photo never does it justice. Have you ever experienced this?
Absolutely, I’ve experienced this many times. There are moments when a scene in front of me is so breathtaking that it feels impossible to fully translate it into a photograph. The depth, the colours, and the feeling of being there – it’s hard to convey it through a single photograph. A photo can freeze a moment, but it can’t capture the sound of the wind, the smell of the earth, or the way the light shifts ever so subtly over time.
But I’ve realised that this doesn’t mean the photo is a failure. Instead, it’s a different way of experiencing the moment. Photography isn’t always about replicating reality precisely as it is; it’s about capturing a piece of that moment and telling a story through my lens. Sometimes, that story isn’t about the grandeur of the entire scene but rather the feeling or detail that stood out to me – a small, intimate part of the larger picture that spoke to me at that moment.
When I look back at a photograph, it’s not just about what I see but what I remember. The photo may not fully capture the scene as it was, but it can evoke the emotions I felt when I was there. That’s where the real power of photography lies. It’s not just a visual record but a trigger for memory and emotion, a reminder of how a place made me feel.
Many people see photography as a creative escape. Is that true for you?
I wouldn’t say photography is an escape for me. It’s more of a constant state of awareness. Rather than using it to step away from reality, I find it helps me stay more connected to the world around me. I’m always ready to capture a moment, whether I have my camera or just my phone. Photography isn’t something I switch on and off; it’s a part of how I see the world, even while at work or walking home after a long day.
I always observe. I look at how light falls on objects, notice interesting angles, or see something beautiful everyday. Even when I don’t have my camera, I’m framing shots in my mind, capturing moments mentally. It’s not about escaping but about being more present and tuned into life’s details that often go unnoticed. Photography enhances my connection to the world rather than serving as an escape from it.
How has your photography evolved over time?
I always think of myself as a beginner in photography, with so much more to learn in this field. What has truly evolved over time is my perspective. Initially, I viewed the world superficially and realised my photos often needed more depth and emotional connection.
I don’t believe my photography has improved due to new equipment; I still use the same camera I had in my first year. Instead, I’ve learned that it’s not the gear that enhances a photograph but the soul and perspective of the photographer behind the lens.
In the past, I often stayed in my comfort zone and didn’t interact much with people. However, I stepped out of that comfort zone and began to explore human emotions, capturing not just beauty but also the complexities of life. Listening to people’s stories made me realise that society has both ugliness and sadness. Now, I’m focusing on capturing those elements and life’s uncomfortable truths.
Looking back at my earlier work, I see that, although those photos were meaningful at the time, they lacked the depth I aim for now. This realisation reflects my personal growth as a photographer.
What’s the best photograph you’ve taken and why do you consider it your best?
It’s hard to choose a single best photograph because every image I capture holds a special meaning for me, but one that stands out was taken on a foggy night that felt magical. The air was thick with mist and the quiet street was almost dreamlike.
The streetlights barely cut through the fog and the headlights of passing cars cast soft, glowing halos. As my friend crossed the street, a car approached, and I captured the moment when his silhouette was perfectly framed by the light shining through the mist.
What makes this photograph special isn’t just how it looked but the entire feeling of that moment – the peacefulness of the street, the mysterious atmosphere, and the sense that something ordinary had been transformed into something magical.
That single shot captured the beauty of a fleeting moment, one that felt cinematic and almost otherworldly. It’s a photograph I often come back to because it reminds me of how special even small, unexpected moments can be when we take the time to notice them.
As a doctor, you’re trained to think analytically, while photography requires more creative thinking. How do these two different modes of thought influence your work?
At first glance, medicine and photography may seem vastly different, but they complement each other in fascinating ways. In medicine, I rely on an analytical mindset to assess patients, interpret results, and provide care with precision. This focus can sometimes lead to a rigid way of thinking.
On the other hand, photography encourages creativity and curiosity, allowing me to interpret emotions and stories through a lens. This creative outlet helps me see beyond symptoms, fostering empathy and deeper connections with patients.
Photography has also taught me to embrace unpredictability, which is valuable in both fields. Not every shot turns out as planned; similarly, medical situations can be full of surprises. This flexibility strengthens my ability to adapt and think creatively when challenges arise in healthcare. Ultimately, both roles enrich one another, helping me approach my work with a more balanced and holistic perspective.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your experience as a doctor that you apply to your photography, and vice versa?
One important lesson from my medical training that I apply in my photography is the value of empathy and communication. Initially, I struggled to talk to patients and connect with them. However, as I spent more time with them, I realised how crucial it is to build that connection.
This experience immensely helped me when I started taking portraits. The skills I learned from patient interactions made it easier to engage with my subjects. I approach people with genuine curiosity and empathy, which helps me capture their stories and emotions in my photographs.
Conversely, photography has taught me to appreciate the beauty of slowing down and observing my surroundings. When I’m behind the camera, I learn to notice small details – the subtle expressions and the interplay of light and shadow.
This skill also benefits my medical practice, as it helps me notice important cues in my patients that might be missed if I rush. By understanding my patients better, I can treat them as whole individuals, considering their backgrounds and personal situations. This approach allows me to provide more caring and effective care, making my medical practice more empathetic overall.