Chasing Clouds: How loneliness led unique photography career for this Hyderabadi
Hyderabad: In the bustling city of Hyderabad, Younus Farhaan has carved out a unique niche as a cloud photographer, turning his childhood fascination into a remarkable artistic pursuit. His journey began in the third standard at a boarding school in Nalgonda. In an exclusive conversation with Hyderabad Mail, Farhaan says that loneliness led him to find companionship in the ever-changing shapes of clouds drifting across the sky.
Inspiring stories behind cloud captures
Armed with a mobile phone instead of professional equipment, Farhaan has captured over 18,600 cloud photographs in his fifteen-year journey. His most memorable shot came at Charminar, where he waited patiently for 37 minutes to photograph a cloud formation resembling the legendary Kohinoor Diamond. "It's like the Kohinoor diamond is in Hyderabad," says excited Farhaan.
His work has transcended mere artistic appreciation to serve social causes. A particularly impactful photograph showing cloud formations that appeared to warn against substance abuse caught the attention of law enforcement officials. In a 2023 World No Smoking Day campaign, then-Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar used the image. Later, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C V Anand and CID ADG Mahesh Bhagawat also used it for an anti-drug initiative campaign.
During the height of the Telangana movement on June 27, 2013, Farhaan captured another significant image at Abids – clouds forming the shape of the Telangana region, adding a poetic touch to the historical moment.
Encouragement from Dr Mamidi Harikrishna
Farhaan’s artistic journey gained institutional recognition when Dr. Mamidi Harikrishna, Director of the Department of Language and Culture, acknowledged his unique work. This support led to his first exhibition in 2018 and opened doors for numerous exhibitions across the country.
Through his lens, Farhaan continues to document these fleeting moments in the sky, turning his childhood solace into a unique form of artistic documentation that resonates with both authorities and art enthusiasts alike.
Public perception, a challenge
However, the path hasn't been without challenges. Public perception of his unconventional art form posed a significant hurdle at the beginning. The technical challenges are equally daunting – working with clouds requires perfect timing and favourable conditions. "Some clouds disappear within seconds," Farhaan explains, highlighting the brief windows of opportunity he gets to capture these ethereal formations.
Another notable capture in his portfolio includes a cloud formation resembling the 1983 World Cup trophy, photographed before India's victory in the 2011 World Cup. Currently, his work is being exhibited at the Nehru Zoological Park, sharing his unique perspective with a wider audience.
For Farhaan, cloud photography is more than just capturing interesting shapes; it's about conveying a deeper message. "Clouds are the voice of nature," he believes, seeing each formation as nature's way of communicating the importance of environmental protection.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐬: 𝐀 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐢’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲
Younus Farhaan, Hyderabad's cloud photographer, turned childhood loneliness into a remarkable career. With over 18,600 cloud captures in 15 years, his works highlight social… pic.twitter.com/R3cb3Xf3SV
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) January 12, 2025
