If you have been fortunate enough to be part of the FOS Media community or a student of the University of Colombo, you’ve come across this phrase a hundred times, through the captivating photo albums published by FOS Media.
Well, here is the journey and all the enthusiasm behind that familiar phrase that you’ve seen so many times. So, I’m Samuditha Saradindu, a level III student at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, and taking the Electronics & IT Honours degree (Well, that’s a different topic and a story). And most importantly I was one of the division heads of photography of FOS Media for the year 2022/23 alongside Praboda Rathnayake and Vice-President of FOS Media for the year 2023/24. And I do write blogs too.
My love and enthusiasm for photography started a long time ago. My dad is someone who greatly appreciates good art. He used to take me out to watch stage plays at Elphinston, Art and Photography exhibitions at Lionel Wendt Art Centre, Goerge Keyt’s paintings at Gothami Viharaya, ancient archeological sites all across the island, and much more when I was really small. I was not mature or educated enough to understand all that stuff, but my dad ensured that I experienced and got familiar with those great things. And he bought me good books (well…, our house was a complete library alone) and cassettes and vinyls full of Beethoven’s, Bach’s, and Kemadasa master’s music. So, I grew up in an environment that was rich in art and literature. As a result of that, young me was a rebel kid who was obsessed with Russian literature which made me grow up with a socialist and communist ideology. But lately, with getting mature and more experience in the real world, I was inspired heavily by a capitalist ideology which made me some kind of a materialistic guy. So, I’m mainly obsessed with three things, which are automobiles, horology, and GLASS. It’s very famous that men love machines, and so am I. I love good cars and classy watches. When it comes to glass, I love cameras that freeze the moments and telescopes that wander through the whole Milky Way. My passion and enthusiasm towards astronomy and photography were unchanged throughout my whole life without getting affected by whatever ideology inspired me.
As I mentioned, my dad and I used to travel a lot. So, we needed a camera to capture the places and moments we were traveling. So, one of my cousins offered me a film camera, a Yashica MF2 Super DX 35mm film camera. And this was probably like 2006 or 2007. Even though I was seriously passionate about photography, I never took this form of art as a serious thing. I always believed that photography is just pressing the shutter button. But that whole perspective changed after something my father said. In 2007 my dad took me to see the ancient ruins at Anuradhapura and Somawathiya. We took the camera with a 36-photo reel inside it. We should be extremely careful when dealing with those photo reels. But the 8-year-old me decided to listen to my curious monkey mind and remove the photo reel from the camera in the broad sunlight and in front of my father. As soon as my father realized what I was doing, he started to blame that I’m going to ruining the film reel (photo reels should not be exposed to sunlight. Not even a little). And then my father said this, “Photography is not a joke. It’s a serious art, a profession, and an interesting hobby. If you want to do photography, first you should learn. There are degrees, courses, institutes, and universities dedicated to photography for both learning and teaching. And you should not think that you know everything about photography just by pressing that button while looking from the viewfinder.”. At first, I thought that my father was bluffing and all the things that he said were utter nonsense.
After our return, my father led me to one of his friends, a photographer and a proprietor of a distinguished photo studio at that time, in order to establish the profoundness of photography upon me. Later my father threw me into a world of speeches, exhibitions, and book launches, all belonging to the art of capturing moments. He graciously bought me numerous books and magazine subscriptions, nurturing my passion. Then it started to convince me that I was just documenting moments and not photographing. With all the things I experienced and read, I started to realize the things my father told me under a huge banyan tree at Anuradhapura. It was through these enriching encounters that I started my journey to learn the depth of photography. I explored the writings of acclaimed photographers such as Lionel Wendt and Lal Hagoda, immersing myself in their perspectives. I eagerly devoured critiques written by respected photographers and esteemed figures in the world of literature. This literary journey ignited a deeper understanding of the artistry behind photography, infusing my creative ambitions with a sense of purpose.
With the increasing use of the internet, I learned a lot of things about photography more than I previously acquired from books and magazines. In my early days of serious learning photography, I focused more on things that a random hyped kid with a DSLR camera doesn’t really focus on. Such as photo composition, color theory, ethics of taking photographs, the history of photography, different art movements behind photography, the physics behind the cameras, and the analogy of those image-capturing devices. I never enrolled in any kind of photography courses offered by various institutions. I taught myself about all these things including post-processing, different photo techniques, and equipment & accessories as well. When I have a little look back at my work I really do feel proud of myself for my long expedition of learning this amazing art.
As most of you know there are a lot of genres of photography just like in music, such as landscape photography, travel photography, astrophotography, street photography, wildlife photography, etc. So, I’m interested in genres such as street photography, photojournalism, and astrophotography. Even though I didn’t get much time to follow these genres within the university media realm, I always tried to engrave the practices and techniques I learned and experienced in those aggressive photographic genres.
Having devoted nearly 15 years to my passion for photography, I’ve come to a realization this journey of learning is one that has no bounds. As I reflect on the path I’ve come, it becomes evident that I am just scratching the surface of what photography truly entails. The world of cameras and the art of capturing the perfect shot are subjects with depths as boundless as the horizons I’ve sought to frame within my viewfinder. In fact, I believe that I still have countless years ahead to dive deeper into the different analogies and technologies of cameras and master the ever-evolving techniques that continue to shape this art form.
As I continue this incredible journey, I’m reminded that my love for photography doesn’t require a ton of expensive equipment. It’s all about the simple joy of noticing everything and capturing those precious moments that last only for seconds, exploring new techniques, and sharing my perspective with the world. So, whether it’s been 15 years or 50, I look forward to each day behind the lens with excitement and wonder, knowing that there’s always more to learn and experience. In this world of photography, the adventure never truly ends, and that’s what makes it so special and interesting.
Here, I’ve shared a collection of my cherished photos along with the stories behind each image, all captured during my time as a photographer at FOS Media. While these images may not meet the technical standards of today’s TikTok-inspired photography, what truly captivates me is the thought and creativity that went into each shot, as well as their unique compositions. These photographs have a special place in my heart, as they freeze moments in time that I’ll always treasure and never forget. Enjoy!
“This photograph was taken during the memorable event when Prof. J. B. Dissanayake generously donated copies of all his books to the Main Library of the University of Colombo. The image captures a heartwarming moment as he embraces his beloved daughter, who is also a university lecturer. However, what makes this photo truly intriguing is what lies beyond the frame – his own granddaughter, a university undergraduate, capturing this touching moment between her mother and grandfather with her mobile phone, having a warm smile across her face. As someone who grew up immersed in the pages of Prof. J. B. Dissanayake’s books, this moment deeply resonated with me and left a lasting impression on my soul.”
“This photo was captured during the electrifying musical event ‘Naadanu’ at the New Art Theatre premises. It features the singer, Nadeemal Perera, performing in front of a thrilled crowd, who illuminated the scene with the soft glow of their mobile phone flashes. I took this photograph from a unique vantage point, squeezed amidst a maze of musical instruments and the musicians who were playing them. In a conscious decision, I opted not to crop out the video camera positioned in the left corner of the frame. Its presence serves as a testament to the tight quarters and the challenging conditions in which I took the photograph, adding depth to the story behind the image.”
“This photograph was taken during the closing ceremony of the Inter-Faculty Freshers Championship at the University of Colombo. The fresher batch from the Faculty of Science had just secured the runners-up title after an intense battle with the Faculty of Management and Finance and the School of Computing. As the awards presentation concluded, the air was filled with jubilation as the students from the Science faculty celebrated their victory with flashing trophies and flags. This particular image holds a special place in my heart and remains my favorite from my time as a photographer at FOS Media. The sheer joy and laughter that created the scene is a memory that still brings thrills to me.”
“This photograph was captured during the ‘Science Bus’ event, an initiative organized by the Physics Society with the aim of promoting science education among schoolchildren. The event unfolded at the Pamunugama National College and was designed to spark the curiosity and interest of young minds in the wonders of science. In this specific moment frozen in time, the workshop facilitators engaged a group of enthusiastic children in a delightful and interactive science activity. It was a hands-on experience that not only imparted knowledge but also created pure joy. As you can see in the photograph, the children were immersed in laughter and fun, participating wholeheartedly in the activity.”
“This is a memory from Colors Nite 2022 held at the Faculty of Medicine. To capture this shot, I had to borrow a trophy from a colleague who had achieved top honors in the university sports scene. It’s a testament to the camaraderie and support among our peers that made moments like this even more special.”
“This photograph features the renowned Mr. Dian Gomes, a legend in both the sports and business domains in Sri Lanka. He graced the Colours awarding ceremony for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 as the Chief Guest. This event took place during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic and marked one of my earliest assignments as a photographer with FOS Media. While this image may not be a photographic masterpiece, Mr. Dian Gomes has always been an idol of mine. His illustrious career in the corporate world and his significant role in shaping Sri Lanka’s sports culture have been a continuous source of inspiration for me. Meeting such idols during university events has consistently filled me with excitement and motivation.”
“This photograph holds a personal significance for me. It showcases the women’s chess team of the University of Colombo, who clinched the runners-up position in the Inter-University Chess Championship of 2022. In this image, you can see the Head of the Physical Education department commending the team for their remarkable achievement. This moment has a special place in my heart, as I had the privilege of witnessing nearly every aspect of their journey to secure this victory.”
“This photograph was captured during the award ceremony of the Sri Lanka Schools Debating Championship in 2022. Award ceremonies are a unique breed of events, packed with a wide spectrum of rich emotions, from disappointed tears to joyous waves of laughter. This image beautifully encapsulates the range of emotions that can unfold during such ceremonies. I chose to leave the photograph in black and white to emphasize the depth and diversity of emotions within the frame other than the vivid colors in the background.”
“I take a bit of pride in the fact that I’ve attended the most convocation ceremonies among my batch mates, a total of four. While many of my peers typically only attend their own graduation ceremonies, I’ve had the privilege to be part of several more. This particular photograph was taken during the University of Colombo’s Convocation ceremony in 2020. It captures a heartfelt moment – a freshly graduated student taking a selfie with their proud father. The selfie encapsulates a year of dedication from both the jubilant graduate and the delighted parents.”
“Technically, I didn’t capture this photograph myself. It was taken by Thishanka, my photography companion during the Inter-University Rowing Regatta in 2022. The image portrays a rower preparing her boat for the race, set against the backdrop of two fishermen making their living in the Bera Lake. This regatta took place at the Colombo Rowing Club, one of the most prestigious rowing clubs in South Asia, and one of Sri Lanka’s poshest venues. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the duality and social contrast within our society. It’s fascinating to witness the contrast between rowing for leisure as a sport and rowing for survival. At that moment, my camera wasn’t in my hands, so I quickly shouted to Thishanka, who had the camera at the time, to capture the scene. A big shoutout to Thishanka for his swift action in freezing this priceless moment, which conveys a profound message about our society.”
“This photo was taken during the Inter-University Rowing Regatta in 2023, at the same venue as the previous event. It was captured following a women’s rowing competition and beautifully encapsulates the mix of joy, tears, excitement, and exhaustion that follows a hard-fought victory. Despite our rival team clinching the win, the emotions etched across their faces were truly priceless. The ability to freeze that moment in time was equally invaluable.”
“Rowing regattas are among my favorite sporting events in the university sports scene. This particular shot was taken during the 2022 Inter-University Rowing Regatta and captures the University of Colombo Rowing crew in a pre-race preparation huddle. As the rowers in the water readied themselves for the upcoming race, the rest of the crew gathered around to offer support and motivation. This image beautifully illustrates the unity and team connection that lies at the heart of sports, an integral aspect of our lives as humans.”
These are just a handful of photographs out of the thousands I’ve taken during my journey. Each one captures priceless moments and messages. I’ve always believed in the profound influence and impact that a single photo can have, and I hope these images I’ve shared with you reaffirm that belief. Thank you for being a part of my photographic journey with me. It was quite an honor to share my passion for this precious art with you all.
Image Courtesy: Author