State-level Honour to Vivek Studio’s Vinay Sequeira
By Vinod Prem Lobo (Viju Mangalore)
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Oct 6: Added to the list of elite and progressive photographers of Mangalore is yet another name. Vinay Vincent Sequeira has made a spectacular presence by winning a prestigious state-level photography award.
“Spirit of Udupi Sri Krishna Janmastami” state-level photography competition 2010 was organized by Shiroor Math Udupi in association with Udupi Press Photographers’ Association.
The focus being to capture the best moments of the Sri Krishna Janmastami celebrations, an event of pomp and festivities.
Vinay's prize-winning photograph
Thirty-seven year old Vinay, the brother of internationally renowned photographer Vivek Sequieira of Vivek Studio, won the first place and was honoured and blessed by Shri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji, Paryaya Sri Shiroor Math.
The award was a trophy, a cash prize of Rs 8000 and a mobile handset given on September 2 in Udupi.
Vinay’s photographic talent put behind the work of over 60 contestants and his photo stood out as the best among a lot of over 250 photographs.
Generously showered with genuine appreciation for his excellent capture of the Janmastami moment, Vinay has now made his vibrantly made his appearance in the clan of Mangalore’s best photographers.
“It’s all about getting the spirit of Krishna Jamastami on film. While this was my first entry into competitions, the entire exercise is what excited me,” admits Vinay.
The Humble Journey of a Photographer
A young boy who made his livelihood dropping newspapers door-to-door did not wish for miracles but believed that hard work will someday show results.
None thought that one day Vinay would be a photographer. An ITI diploma holder in Welding, Vinay’s childhood was dotted with poverty and hardships.
But as they say talent cannot be kept hidden for long, Vinay’s first brush with photography was from his guru Vivek.
He pitched in with Vivek as an assistant and would do all the odd jobs to help his brother realize his dreams in photography.
“My job was to assist him and I would follow him on functions and be his helper, narrates Vinay who today is Vivek’s right hand and solely manages two photo studios under the banner of Vivek Studio.
Looking back at the 14 years that have passed with Vivek, Vinay’s dedication towards the operations of the studio got him totally engulfed into it. While in the background he learnt to operate a camera, the process was gradually. He learnt it step by step and Vivek groomed him eventually.
Vinay recollects that day when in Vivek’s absence he had to attend to a demanding customer and that was his first sole venture. The customer was happy but Vinay was overjoyed at his first venture.
“Vivek is my source of inspiration and my teachers. Photography was a challenge to me and I relaised that instead of working under someone, I would prefer working with Vivek and learn. He analysis my work and corrects me. He has also sent me for advanced training in photography and made me attend several seminars to enchance my skills.”
Vinay was the man behind the scene in the success story of Vivek Studio. While managed the two studios it gave his brother the freedom and time to develop his creative side.
For those who know Vivek Studio but have not seen Vivek, Vinay becomes the “Misseda Vivek” (the Vivek with a moustache i.e Vinay)
Vinay admits that to grow to his brother’s stature will take him years, but is also sure of perusing his interest in travel photography.
“Nature photography is what attracts me. I like travelling and that gives me the force to take away a weekend trip and explore places of natural beauty and historic significance.
A man who can even make a stone talk, Vinay’s friendly smile makes him approachable.
His humility is what you will see when you meet him for the first time. He always remembers the days of hardship and poverty.
Vinay has always enjoyed the backing from his parents Joseph A H Sequeira and Lilly Sequeira and a constant support from his wife Reshma Pranita Sequeira. The couple is blessed with two children Chris Nathen and Brett Dylon.
It took Vinay hardwork, dedication and Vivek his role model to establish himself. Vinay looks ahead towards building his photographic talent and chase his dreams.