One of UW-Whitewater’s newest professors, Kannan Aranappakkam Mudumbai Rajagopalan (shortened to Amr), brings to the classroom the experience he gained while working for many years in the field of photojournalism.

Originally from Chennai, India, Amr has been living in the U.S. since 1997. Before he began teaching at UW-Whitewater, he taught at Stevenson University in Stevenson, Md.

The Royal Purple had a chance to sit down with Amr to learn more about his experience as a photojournalist.

How long have you been involved with photography?
More than 20 years now.

What types of things do you like to photograph?
I like photojournalism, nature and still life photography

What was your most recent photography job?
2009, as a wedding photographer.

Are you still a “photographer?”
I would not call myself a professional photographer because I started teaching almost 10 years back. But I do have the main qualifications to be a photographer: curiosity, creativity, hard-work, technical knowledge and experience.

Do you consider photography a hobby or a job?
Both. Whenever I take an assignment, it is a profession for me. Other times, it is a hobby.

What inspired you to become a photojournalist?
To inform [the] public [about] “the truth” in a creative way without compromising or distorting it.

What moment stands out in your mind from you being a photojournalist?
When I photographed Mother Teresa. It was rather a spiritual moment.

Anything else?
Be curious, be considerate of others and work hard!