For decades, I’ve been a photographer
And the evolution of this art, my biographer,
This studio has been my breadwinner
If not, I would have been on blood thinner!
People used to visit mine for their photo
Sit quietly, smile gently — an unspoken motto,
Passport, family, birthday, an occasional pic
Return for the positive positively for their pick.
I had only one camera that I would apply
The lighting would depend on the power supply,
A mirror, stool, talcum, comb, blazer and tie
For their urgent requirement, would always lie.
The background in the studio was fixed
The position, standing or sitting, was as asked,
The customer’s requirement was the priority
Neither of us ventured to show any authority!
Times change, people change, cameras too
Processes also change as necessities woo;
To change when it’s change is the easiness
If I resist, change would opt me out of business!
The reel, the darkroom are out, digitisation is in,
The limitation is out, the GB and TB are in,
The use of pen cells is out, rechargeables are in,
The background is out, but luckily I’m still in!
For big occasions, the bookings come in advance,
Pre and post wedding shoots get more importance
The natural albums have turned to AI and photoshop
They change anything to anything from bottom to top.
The face, the features, the styles, the positions,
The complexions, the colours, the dispositions,
Eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, ears, hair, moustache, beard,
Tie, blazer, ID Card, collar, everything you saw and heard!
The changes can make you look unlike you,
It’s the new you though none can believe it’s you,
Still people want and want those dissimilar looks
Is it Stephen Leacock’s* curse that still mocks?
*Here, the reference is to Stephen Leacock’s With the Photographer.
NOTE: This poem was published in the magazine Sanchika on 01.05.2026. Please follow the link … https://sanchika.com/with-the-customers-tssm-poem/
TSS Murty (తిప్పాభొట్ల సత్య శ్రీనివాస మూర్తి) 