Through a shutterbug’s lens: Jayaseelan Thangavel

The People & Culture Transformation workforce member finds inspiration for his pictures all over the place, together with on UNSW campuses. 

Jayaseelan Thangavel (Jai T/JT/Jai), who works in safety and system administration, has all the time had a eager eye for element. 

“I have a tendency to appreciate the small things around me,” he stated.  

“I notice little things that other people miss, so I like to capture photographs of what others may not always see, or through a perspective they may not have considered.” 

To seize one thing particular 

Jai first picked up a digital camera in 2007, just a few months earlier than his eldest little one was born. He needed to seize all of the vital moments to come back. 

Jai began taking brief household movies with a handycam however quickly started taking pictures as nicely. 

“The camera was only about 1.5 megapixels – a very basic thing,” Jai stated. “However, the more I took photographs, and not just of my daughter, the more interested I became in photography.” 

With the strategy of  his second little one, Jai invested in his first DSLR digital camera.

“The first weekend after I got the DSLR, my daughter and I went on a little adventure down to a nearby lake. We explored together and I took a bunch of photographs,” Jai says.  

“She is a great little model, but as a child she couldn’t really stay still, and the photographs were a bit blurred. 

“This got me thinking about how I could use different settings on the camera to capture the moment properly. I didn’t really have the technical skills, but I started exploring the camera’s settings to see what I could do.” 

Through trial and error, Jai slowly developed his technical photography skills and has used them to complement his natural eye for detail and composition. 

Time to take it seriously 

Recognising his passion, Jai’s wife, Anu, suggested he further his skills alongside likeminded individuals. 

“In 2016, I joined a workshop in Western Sydney where artists came together to work on a photography project, and try new themes and techniques,” Jai stated. 

The workshop emphasised the importance of not just technical tools, but how an ability to capture and convey emotions leads to great photographs. 

“Now, whenever I take photographs, the caption is already running through my mind as I am setting up the shot,” Jai says. 

The creative artworks from the workshop were included in the ‘Map as Art’ exhibition in Auburn, with one of Jai’s photographs selected for the exhibition leaflet. 

Inspired by the expertise, Jai and different individuals determined to proceed assembly frequently, forming the Sydney West Artistic Photographers (SWAP) group. 

Since then, Jai has participated in varied competitions and exhibitions and obtained many accolades. His entry “Amidst” to the Landscape Awards 2023 obtained Highly Commended Award within the Seascape class. 

Jai can be an honorary member of Auburn Poets & Writers and volunteers as an occasion photographer for group and cultural occasions. 

“Photography is about being in the right place at the right time, having the patience to wait for the perfect shot and noticing beauty wherever you are,” he stated. 

Many of his most extremely recommended pictures had been taken from his yard or on walks round his neighbourhood. Even UNSW’s Kensington campus has impressed a few of his finest pictures. 

While busy with household and work, Jai maintains his passion by taking his digital camera all over the place he goes.  

“I have my camera on me right now,” Jai stated. “If something beautiful, special or interesting catches my eye, I immediately grab it. 

“Taking a photograph is like freezing a moment. Anybody who takes a photograph is freezing the moment in time forever, and whether or not they know it, by doing that, they also love photography.” 

What’s one thing about you that may shock your colleagues?  

I can sing nicely (listener discretion is suggested, although). 

What’s one of the best recommendation you ever obtained?  

The caption that I noticed in an insurance coverage commercial: “Life is too wonderful to be spent worrying!” 

What makes you content?  

Spending time with household, pals and clearly with my pictures gear, freezing moments. 

What day in your life would you wish to relive?  

Every day is totally different, and I would like to not go backward or ahead however to dwell within the second. 

What’s one of the best factor you could have seen within the final 12 months?  

While I can say “the best is yet to come”, the journey watching our son’s tennis video games has given me an opportunity to develop.  

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