“Some people tried to drag me down to the bottom…”
– Photographer Dushal Wijetunga
To capture an artistic photograph through the ‘third eye’, one needs sharp vision and creative ideas combined with rigorous training. This time, “Lanka Youth Chat” met a young man who engages in creative photography with such fresh perspectives. He is Dushal Uveen Hansika Wijetunga. This article is based on the discussion we had with him.
✍️ How is your work going these days?
It’s going well. I’m keeping busy with work. Currently, I’m handling wedding shoots, model shoots, pre-weddings, birthday shoots, and event photography.
✍️ Who is Dushal, in your own words?
I am someone who does graphic design and photography. I live in the Tholangamuwa area in Warakapola town. I am 23 years old now. It’s been about three years since I started working in the photography field.
✍️ Shall we talk about how you started your journey as a photographer?
I entered this field without knowing anything. I was molded by the teachers at the Image Art Academy; that’s where I learned. I didn’t even know how to hold a camera properly. I learned everything from the Image Art Academy. That was the very first place of my education.
✍️ When exactly did you turn towards photography?
I started in 2023. That means it has been 3 years now.
✍️ Why did you feel like choosing this specific field?
Actually, photography wasn’t something I was familiar with initially. Since I started with graphics, I developed a desire to try photography. That’s why I began.
✍️ Tell us about the experiences you’ve gained…
Being with the teachers at the Image Art Academy gave me great experience. Along with that, the brother (Aiya) who was at the studio there gave me immense support. He stayed by me like a sibling, pointing out my mistakes and teaching me what needed to be corrected. Also, I travel to places like Kataragama and the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) for photoshoots.
✍️ You must have faced uncomfortable situations in photography. Would you like to talk about them?
Oh, definitely… there are such moments. But I prefer not to talk about them.
✍️ Then let’s talk about the beautiful moments.
There is nothing more beautiful to me than taking photos with my friends from morning till evening during the Dalada Maligawa Perahera every year.
✍️ What about the obstacles you faced while working in this industry?
Some people tried to drag me down to the very bottom. But they failed. There are people who just can’t stand to see me moving forward in this field.
✍️ As a photographer, how do you see love?
Love is beautiful… but it’s also dangerous. Because if we make a mistake, there’s a high chance that love will fade away. Otherwise, you can manage both work and love in a balanced way.
✍️ Can you tell us some details about your family?
My family is a small one. It’s just my mother, my father, and me.
✍️ Tell us a bit about your hometown, school, and yourself.
I live in Tholangamuwa, Warakapola, in the Kegalle district of the Sabaragamuwa Province. I studied at Dudley Senanayake Central College, Tholangamuwa.
✍️ Who are the people helping you move forward in this field?
My mother, my father, a close younger brother named Akila, and all the brothers and sisters at my office help me to progress in this field.
✍️ What are your future goals?
My biggest dream is to open a studio of my own. I will reach that target somehow. I am working very hard for it.
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