I have been doing photography as a hobby for over 8 years, its only the past 5 years that I have taken it more seriously and received commissions etc.

My dad and both my uncles are great photographers and we have always had cameras around us growing up.

I have had solo shows at Exposure Gallery, and worked on collaborative projects at the Institute Of Contemporary Arts and Tate Modern 

The book is all about my travels around London. Some photographers feel like they need to go somewhere exotic to get good pictures but I’m most interested in finding new things close to home.

(‘Oyster’ refers to a pre-paid card used for public transport in London – DREAMS).

Please tell us more about the photos included in this book.

I love capturing images an engaging with the different people I shoot. A lot of the images are taken in east london as thats where I live now, a lot is street style but also some are taken as specific events.

How do you define yourself as a photographer. Is there any specific theme you are interested in?

I like to try to understand  the rituals people go through that give them a sense of belonging, in particular Youth Culture and how London cultures mix.

Your works in general reflect the daily lives of East London communities. Do you think your works are inspired by the local community?

I like to shoot my immediate surroundings, its a way of finding my way around where I am. I also like to see into different people’s communties and worlds.

Have there been any photographers or any community workers within your family? If so, do you thinks they have had any influence in your personality or professional interest(s)?

Yes, my mum is a community worker and my dad does great photos, my uncle Shiri in Nepal is a professional photographer too. One of my first chances to use an SLR was when I was 16 on a visit to Kathmandu.

In your current exhibition, we noticed two of your major photos had Nepalese models as the main subjects. How has been your experience with Nepalese culture and community in the UK?

I am half Nepalese and being part of the UK Nepali community has been a big influence in my work. Taking photos is a way of getting to know the culture better. I love the Lakhey dancer as I have seen him perform many times at the PPG events, he is so strking and memorable, and I bought him here tonight because I wanted others to see it too.

(PPG stands for ‘Pasa Puchah Guthi‘, a cultural organisation of Newar community in the UK – DREAMS).