People nominee

Mirik is a small town located at the hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. The hills are about 4,905 feet altitude and at certain times it gets very misty. Hidden behind the clouds were these children playing with each other. I was drawn to this ethereal view that gave me nostalgia for childhood.

I was compelled to become a photographer because I believe photographs have the power to evoke emotions in people that help move their minds and hearts. Photography can show us how we are all connected and, in doing so, show us what it means to be human - from enjoying lighthearted joyous moments to enduring brooding and dark sadness. With this belief as my guide, I continue to work towards developing myself as a visual storyteller, and I seek to tell stories that bridge the gaps that currently separate so many of us in society.

Colors, shapes, lights and shadows, layers, faces and mysterious moods tend to catch my attention. Moments or objects that are remnants of our actions, that leave certain stories for us to read from a photo, draw me in. I approach photography as if I am organizing a frame from a disorganized view, placing the pieces into an order that tells a story.

My photos have been published by: CNN, The Fader, The Texas Observer, SHOTS Magazine, Texas Tribune, Japan Times, and The Photographic Dictionary.