“Photography is not just about clicking pictures; it’s about telling stories through observation.”

Sammya Brata Mallick, a brand ambassador for Nikon India, is well-known for his stunning street and documentary photography, for which he has received recognition worldwide. This wasn’t always the case, though. He first became interested in professional photography since 2013 after his participation on a photo walk in Kolkata that was facilitated by famed photographer Soumya Shankar Ghosal.

“That experience was transformative,” Mallick recalls. “Seeing so many perspectives on a single theme made me realize the power of storytelling through a lens.” The photo walk, where numerous photographers captured images centered around one theme, opened Mallick’s eyes to the depth photography could offer. “It was eye-opening to see how different people interpreted the same subject,” he adds. This was the moment he transitioned from taking casual snapshots of landscapes and food to seriously considering photography as a medium for personal storytelling.

After attending a photo walk, he started to see how photography might convey strong, frequently unspoken stories. His unique and undifferentiated method mainly focused on capturing feelings and the brief moments of life that most people miss, rather than merely taking pictures.

For Sammya, the main essence of photography lies mainly in observation and patience. “You have to see before you shoot,” he advises. “Anticipate the story, then wait for the moment to unfold.” His method isn’t rushed; it’s not about clicking every chance encounter but observing long enough to understand the story behind each moment. For him, street photography is more than just snapping a picture—it’s a form of quiet storytelling. “A good street photograph should transport the viewer into that scene, into the emotions of the moment,” he elaborates.

According to Sammya expensive equipment isn’t required to master the skill, even if he usesa Nikon Z8 with a wide-angle lens mainly for his commercial work. “You don’t need any expensive gear to start,” he states. “Even a mobile phone can teach you the fundamentals of composition, light, and storytelling.” According to him, photography is all about the photographer’s vision rather than the camera. His favoured focal lengths are 24mm for full-frame cameras and 18mm for crop sensors, both of which provide a broad field of view and versatility in a variety of scenarios. In fact, his equipment selection is consistent with his philosophy.

A key component of Mallick’s approach is natural light. “Artificial light can be intrusive,” he says. “I like the ambiance created by natural light more. It gives the picture more authenticity”. This particular preference is a main component of his method of incorporating himself into the surroundings and going beyond the aesthetics. Mallick employs light in his images not just as a technical tool but also as a means of expressing mood and emotion, whether it is through the sharp contrasts of the midday sun or the gentle, golden tones of the late afternoon.

His post-processing workflow is equally meticulous. Sammya starts with Adobe Photoshop on his laptop, where he does the main part of image refinement, and then moves to Adobe Lightroom Mobile on his phone for further detailing. “For fine details, I rely on Snapseed. It allows me to do selective colouring or shadow correction in a way that’s more nuanced,” he says. The emphasis is always on maintaining consistency throughout a series. “If I’m working on a series, I ensure the colour grading and tonal mood are consistent, creating a cohesive visual story,” he adds.

However, what about the difficulties that arise when taking pictures, especially when there is little light? Mallick’s skill really comes into play here. “In low light, the camera’s ability to perform at higher ISOs with minimal grain is essential,” he states. Even in low light, he meticulously adjusts the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to get crisp images. “I rarely go above ISO 2000 because I don’t want too much grain, and I keep my shutter speed between 1/50 and 1/100 to prevent camera shake,” he says. Furthermore, a small depth of field (usually f/1.2 or f/1.4) blurs the backdrop while isolating the subject and guaranteeing perfect focus.

Mistakes, Sammya believes, are integral to a photographer’s growth. “Mistakes always happen during the practice. They mainly define your individuality and style,” he thinks. “I used to take thousands of shots, but now I take fewer, higher-quality images,” says the photographer himself. “This method helps me focus on the composition and story of each shot while also making storage management easier.” He gives advice to aspiring photographers: “Don’t be afraid of making any errors. They support you in your growth and learning”.

Additionally, Sammya finds inspiration in the work of renowned photographers who have helped him in shaping his perspective. His main and basic approach has been influenced by the pivotal moments of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the historical narratives of Raghu Rai, the personal portraits of Vineet Dhura, and the street photography of Soumya Shankar Ghosal. “These photographers blend technical precision with deep emotional resonance,” he says. “Their work speaks to me because they don’t just capture moments—they capture feelings and histories.”

Even though Mallick’s current area of expertise is photography, writing is still a significant way for him to express himself. “Before I took up photography, I was a writer,” he recalls. “Writing improved my capacity to pay attention to people and situations, create characters, and understand emotions. That skill is expanded by photography. Mallick’s love of writing and photography enhances the appeal of his frames, which tell tales not just via the photographs themselves but also through the nuanced story he infuses into each one.

In response to a question concerning the future of photography, Sammya counsels that anybody may now shoot images easily because of social media and mobile devices. “It’s easy to take a picture, but it’s much harder to truly see,” he says. “I strongly advise photographers to concentrate on their vision rather than merely their equipment, especially those who are just starting out. Even if Instagram likes don’t last, a meaningful photo may. Be patient, pay attention, and learn from your mistakes.”

As a Nikon India brand ambassador, Mallick encourages photographers to explore the full potential of their gear, but insists that gear should always complement vision, not replace it. “Gear is just a tool to use. Your vision and your story are what matter the most,” he concludes.

In the end, Sammya’s philosophy is simple and crisp: “Photography is not just about clicking pictures. It’s about observing life and telling stories that matter.”