User:Sanka Vidanagama

My first assignment came when I start following my father's footsteps. My father Mr. Sena Vidanagama, a renowned photojournalist in Sri Lanka is the backbone of my photographic career. After a few adventurous assignments with him, I took off my own career and joined AFP as a photojournalist in 2005. Even though, I was fortunate to grow up under arms of the best teacher of photography in Sri Lanka. I completed the Higher Diploma in Mass Communication and Professional Photography in year 2005.

The assignment that changed his life the most on a professional level was covering the war in Sri Lanka. It was rear yet a life treatening opportunity. Also covering the Pope's visit Sri Lanka was especially rewarding. Presently, I work as the Editor of Photography Department at Ceylon News Papers (Pvt) Ltd and freelancer for Getty Images, Rex Features and Associated Press.

Key milestones in my photographic career are awarding as the Best Sports Photojournalist of the Year 2015 in SLIIC Awards, Excellent Young Photographer of the Year 2012 award from Sri Lanka National Youth Council, Best Photojournalist of the Year 2009 merit award from Sri Lanka Press Institute and Best Creative Photojournalist of the Year 2008 from Sri Lanka Mass Media Foundation.

I get excited whenever I can cover a story that allows me to work without restrictions. It can be exiting getting a successful picture in a crowd of other photographers, but it's also extremely difficult and draining at the same time. I definitely prefer being somewhere that people are genuinely curious about and my photos can allow them to learn something new.

Key accomplishments in my life are the 'RETROSPECT' photojournalism exhibition celebrating 10 years of my career in 2015 and participating in 'Discovering China International Photojournalists' tours in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

My goal when I take a picture is to make an image that is successful both artistically and getting idea across to the viewer. I want to pull someone into a story because my image either triggers an emotional response or has such impactful content that they need to learn more.