Dhanush De Costa was not the boy next door. He was actually the boy in the opposite lane. As a group of friends we grew up together, with big dreams of who we wanted to be when we grew up. Born in to a family running a successful photography business, we kind of knew where Dhanush and his younger brother Anush would end up. What we didn’t know however was that he would eventually revolutionize how, why, and when people immortalize their memories.
Today, Dhanush is one of the most sought after photographers not only in Sri Lanka but globally as well. What differentiates him from the plethora of other photographers in the market is his distinct ability to capture the most precious moments that you don’t really pose for. What started off as wedding photography and an award-winning dabble with wildlife photography though has today evolved in to a budding “lifestyle” with The FotoCube.
No more do we see Dhanush and his team only capturing some of the most breathtaking weddings that are truly fairytale worthy. Instead we also see him documenting through pictures the most precious of life experiences on this journey. From the moment a pregnancy is announced to the changes that take place in a woman’s body and the love that grows in a father’s heart even before he first holds his newborn in his arms is all captured in image format through BabyCube. Once the baby does come along begins another journey of the family milestones. Add to that a few candid moments of the all-important member of the family (the pets!) through PetCube and the result is a picture wall that tells more than just a story.
Generally a man who speaks more through his pictures, we got Dhanush to tell us in his own words about the life of a photographer.
What is your definition of “photography”?
I feel it’s the act of capturing a moment and helping to preserve this moment. These moments are precious to those who experience them and by capturing them we enable our clients to treasure them for generations to come. It also helps some to relive something special over and over again.
Is it the technology or the eye that makes a great photograph?
I think it’s a little bit of both as without a balance of the two a capture will not really have that unique aspect to it.
Are photographers born or made?
Again I think a little bit of both. Personally I feel they are born though! Most of what I do today is traits that I have learnt from my dad and also picked up on the way through years of shooting.
Was the family business something you always wanted to get in to? Or was it an accidental occurrence?
Even though dad is in wedding photography, after working in an advertising firm under several creative directors I gained a lot of insight into aspects which went beyond photography. This gave me that initiative to start my own company.
You started building a brand at a time when photography was not considered a lucrative career. How has the journey been so far?
At the start there were not a lot of variety and risk takers in the industry. With time the trends have changed and hence increase in competition and different styles of shooting have erupted.
How did the idea for “BabyCube” and “PetCube” come about?
Rasha joining the company, and her experience as a parent and background in veterinary medicine helped start up these two areas. Both have just taken off to new heights even internationally.
What would you say differentiates you from other photographers in the market?
I feel there is a need to provide a personalized service to a client and feel this is what makes us different from the rest. We are not just your wedding photographer. The journey with our clients hasn’t ended there for us. From capturing the start of their lives together we have been with them through the start of their families, and helped capture the moments most precious to them and all their loved ones. The quality, commitment and service have been a constant no matter the occasion. In a nutshell, we’ve made more lifelong friends than clients and that is what matters to us the most.
What are your favourite shoots? Weddings, babies or pets?
All of the above and so much more.
Do you consider yourself a celebrity photographer?
No, hence why I do not publicize my name or face but rather let the company speak for the work we do.
Box Information
Telephone: (O): +94 11 7205151 (M): +94 77 7880224
Email: inbox@thefotocube.com
Written By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: The FotoCube