EXPLORE AND IMPROVISE
44 Mastercraftsman
The masters of the craft share their insights and photographs
How did you venture into photography? Tell us about your journey.
It has been a long journey, I got into photography at the age of 16. It was not more than a hobby at that time and I was actually clicking anything and everything which got my attention. From trees, to flowers, windows and street stories, basically everything. Making scenic and aesthetic compositions was what I liked. Only after completing my graduation, around 2010 is when I thought of exploring photography as a full time career option and converting my hobby into my profession. Since then, I have grown to become a full time professional photographer and the journey has been nothing short of beautiful. I have learnt multiple things during the course of my career in the last decade and have worked tirelessly towards making my work better with time.
Of all genres out there, what drew you specifically into product and food photography?
Product and Food photography gives me the opportunity to create the mood around the subject that I would want to see as a viewer. What’s exciting is to explore how different surfaces and materials react to light in its own way. It gives complete freedom and creative liberty to have a control over light and the angle of product.
What is your creative process like?
The creative process starts from visualising the whole scenario. The composition, placement of product, choice of background, key light, intensity of shadows, overall mood of the image, product and brand aesthetics, all of this together makes a great frame.
Moreover, I believe that once we have the final image in mind on what we want, after that, it’s all about converting it into reality.
Who or what inspires you and where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?
There are many professional photographers who are much more experienced than I am and I take inspiration from a lot of them. However, the one thing that inspires me the most is that desire and passion to get an even better image the next time I am working on something as compared to my last time. There are many photographers out there in the world, who you can look up to or get inspired from the work they are doing, but, the most important thing is to have an urge from within yourself to do better every time you are behind the camera. The focus has to be on making your subject look as good as possible.
What according to you, makes a great photograph?
There are many factors that come into play to make a photograph appreciable. Composition, choice of colours, intensity-direction-balance of light and the overall mood of the image.
Which of these is your favourite photograph and why?
I personally like the Baby brand saffron - hibiscus tea image. It is a perfect example of an image which follows the rule of thirds and it has a good balance of colours and mood to keep the viewer engaged for a longer period of time.
How important, would you say is keeping up with latest trends in photography?
Just as any other professional field, it is equally important to keep up with the latest trends in photography and deliver according to the market demand. However, I believe, photography being a creative process, gives you complete freedom to become the trend setter.
What is your #1 photography tip for beginners?
Always try to maximise your focus on the subject, be it product or food, while also keeping in mind the various other important aspects such as colour theme, light balancing and the overall mood of the image. Keep exploring, keep improvising. Never give up.