Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
For those of a certain vintage, the name Viran de Silva is synonymous with music, for he was one of the most popular DJs who spun discs at some of Colombo’s most hippest parties and nightclubs. With the passage of time, Viran transitioned from music to IT and is now a fully fledged photographer.
A member of the British Professional Photographers Association UK and the Society of Wedding Portrait Photographers UK, Viran spends his time travelling the world photographing a variety of subjects from tribes people to natural wonders. His eye for photography is amazing and his ability to document vistas and people through a click of a button, capturing images for posterity is a knack which has been mastered only by a select few, Viran included.
Why did you choose photography as a career?
As a child, my mother used to read me bedtime stories, mostly about beautiful places and cultures very different to mine. Magical sunsets, people in faraway places and exciting locations featured heavily in her stories. I grew up with an insatiable longing to explore what lay beyond our shores. Having worked in the IT industry as a Systems Engineer for a while I decided to give up my job and pursue photography as a career option. This has enabled me to travel to places I dreamed of as a boy. The lens has become my third eye and through that I am able to photograph destination weddings to travel photos to commercial photo shoots. I am driven to use my skills to show people the best of themselves and how I see the world. God has given me this fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to see where he takes me next.
What formal training have you received in photography?
I am largely self-taught. However I have had formal training with Damien Lovegrove, one of the best and well-respected photographers in the UK.
How did you break into the travel photography industry?
Initially I did a lot of assignments free of charge. I was able to do that as I was working for a university in Nottingham and could afford to photograph for free. It also helped me to build a portfolio which was invaluable. I then got my first break with Haiti Tourism. After those pictures were published in a national newspaper in the UK I then got an assignment to work for the Dominican Republic Tourism.
Which countries have you travelled to?
I have travelled to various locations in over 80 countries, photographing some stunning places on earth, from incredible hotels to the catwalks of London and capturing the magic of a bridal couple’s most unforgettable day.
Out of all your assignments, what has been the most exciting?
Everything excites me, even a basic commercial shoot. If I had to pick one, then it’s the 9000km overland journey through the land of the Mayans in the Central Americas from Cancun, Mexico to Panama City.
What has been the most challenging assignment to date?
When you do a destination wedding, everything is provided for you. A travel photography assignment on the other hand, is challenging. Often I do not know where I would lay my sleeping bag for the night. I can recall my time photographing a small tribe in Ethiopia where I had to spend time in the village. They spit at you to show their affection and acceptance which I found daunting. A few days later despite the hardship and the saliva, it was sad to say goodbye!
Any hair-raising incidents while on assignment?
I’ve had a few but one that stands out happened during my time in Omo Valley in Ethiopia where
I had to live and photograph the elders of a particular tribe. The men were aggressive because the tea they consumed made them intoxicated. Thankfully I was not offered much tea!
In which international magazines has your work been featured in?
I have been fortunate to have my work featured in the Geographical Magazine UK published by the Royal Geographical Society UK, Metro Newspaper London, The Independent, Lonely Planet and The Cultural Voyager to name a few.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Photography is a subject where you are constantly learning. I’m still learning, that’s for sure, but I wish someone could have shared with me that the best camera does not exist and there is nothing called the perfect photograph. It could have saved me from a lot of frustration.
Who are the legends in photography that have influenced you?
Damien Lovegrove, especially with my destination wedding photography. For travel it’s Fan Ho, the great Chinese photographer that I love and aspire to be.
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
The light, the composition and the ability to trigger emotional response in the viewer.
What makes a great image stand out from the good ones?
Well, this is a tough one. If you are concerned about winning awards, then it’s great light and composition. For destination weddings, I believe it is about capturing the moment that counts by telling the story as it unfolds.
How has travel photography enabled you to connect with locals and their cultures on your travels?
For me travelling is all about people. Connecting with locals, understanding our differences and similarities. Of course you will see some fantastic sunsets and jaw-dropping landscapes; photograph them and remember that moment.
You need to leave your prejudices behind and learn to respect their views. Do a homestay as it’s the best way to get an insight into their life. I learned more about Manchester United by talking to a local at a bar in Tirana, Albania than back home. I still believe that humanity is fundamentally kind. It’s true that cruel or ignorant people exist, but equally, I have shared the infinite kindness of strangers who I have met on my travels.
How do you think Instagram has changed the face of travel photography? How has it impacted your career?
I must confess I was late to take up Instagram, getting thousands of likes doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great travel photograph or one which is going to get you work as a travel photographer. Nevertheless, it helped me to get noticed and get more work.
What words of wisdom can you give those considering a career in photography?
If you have a real passion for it then buy a camera which you can afford. Then go and photograph, as the more you are engaged in it the better you become. People can be quick to judge and criticize you and when they do, it hurts, but remember that they will respond to you based on their taste in photogrpahy and that their taste is not the same as yours. So be yourself and keep clicking.
This article first appeared in the Hi!! Magazine of June 2019 (88th issue)
