Social networking boon for budding photographers: Dabboo Ratnani

New Delhi: Celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani feels that social networking and digital photography is a boon for youngsters who want to pursue photography as a career."I think the youth today is very excited about photography and social networking sites play a very important role in encouraging them. Another huge plus is digital photography. Earlier, people used to find it a very expensive hobby," Ratnani told IANS.[caption id="attachment_528298" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representative image. Reuters[/caption]"I get so many random messages and calls on my phone, Twitter and Facebook account from many people who are enthusiastic about photography," he added.The 40-year-old was here to launch the Canon PhotoMarathon India, a competition that gave youngsters a chance to win and attend a photography workshop in Hungary.Talking about his passion for photography, Ratnani said he bought his first SLR camera without knowing it would become his profession one day."Initially, when I bought my first SLR camera, I thought it was just another gizmo. But one thing led to the other and became my profession. For me, when I started photography during school picnics, I used to be the only one with a camera. None of my friends came with it," he said.Asked if the passion for photography should come from within, he said: "You will be consistent and excited if it comes from within."The photographer is also known for his annual Dabboo Ratnani Calendar that captures celebrated actors.IANS