Celebrity Photographers of note for World Photography Day

Every month, as the latest covers of India’s major publications grace our feeds, we eagerly flip through, captivated by the glitz and glamour of our favourite celebrities. Yet, how often do we pause to scroll down to the credits and wonder about the mastermind behind the lens? It’s not that we lack curiosity about behind-the-scenes details—we thrive on BTS content and relish knowing who contributed to the shoot. However, when it comes to celebrity photography, this fascination seems to falter.

Many of us might see these striking cover shots as mere snapshots of the stars themselves, overlooking the fact that these images are meticulously crafted, not just taken. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the photograph is the celebrity, but in reality, it’s a carefully orchestrated representation of them, sculpted by the photographer’s vision and creativity.

The best photographs often feel charged, a magnetic pull that we can’t always pinpoint. More often than not, this electric quality emerges from the dynamic between the subject and the photographer. They are not merely capturing a moment; they are shaping it. The photographer’s personal and artistic journey, their unique perspective, and their nuanced interaction with the subject all contribute to this special alchemy. The celebrity’s brand, public image, and persona inevitably blend with the photographer’s viewpoint, creating a narrative that is as much about the photographer’s interpretation as it is about the star.

On World Photography Day, we’ll pull back the curtain on these visual artists, exploring how their passion for art and their nuanced relationship with their subjects bring a fresh, layered dimension to the celebrity portraits we admire. They are not just behind the scenes; they are within the image.

Rid Burman

Rid Burman is an Indian photographer born in the early 1980s into a family steeped in art, with a lineage of sculptors and painters. His artistic background has deeply influenced his photographic vision, focusing on creating unique narratives. After earning his degree from the Brooks Institute of Photography in California in 2000, Burman honed his craft in New York, assisting renowned photographers Steven Klein and Mark Seliger. Returning to India in 2008, he collaborated with prestigious brands and top fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue. Burman’s work is characterised by his continuous exploration of new ideas, drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western philosophies. He is a global creative, operating between Paris, New York, and Mumbai.

Avani Rai

Mumbai-based photographer Avani Rai has made a name for herself through her poignant photo essays on significant social issues, including the Bhopal gas tragedy, the Kashmir conflict, and the Chennai water crisis. Her works have been featured in esteemed publications like GQ, Vogue, and Architectural Digest. Rai has also ventured into filmmaking, with her notable work ‘Raghu Rai-An Unframed Portrait,’ a documentary on her father’s photographic journey, which intertwines with India’s history over the last 50 years. Her first foray into art photography, the Dot series, marks a new chapter in her creative journey, blending her documentary style with a more personal, artistic expression.

Ashish Shah

Ashish Shah, hailing from the Himalayan foothills, is an Indian photographer and filmmaker celebrated for his bold depictions of New India’s evolving cultural landscape. Shah’s work is known for its raw and empowering imagery, focusing on the natural form and posture of his subjects. His photography shines a spotlight on South Asian talent, blending sensitivity with a striking visual narrative that reflects both contemporary fashion and traditional beauty.

Nishanth Radhakrishnan

Kerala-born Nishant Radhakrishnan is a photographer whose work is deeply influenced by themes of love, beauty, fashion, and consumerism. Initially trained in mass media and art direction, Radhakrishnan found his true calling in photography while working as an assistant to fashion photographer Tarun Vishwa. His education at The Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology in Bangalore provided a foundation, but it was his hands-on experience that truly shaped his craft. Based in Mumbai, Radhakrishnan’s photography is known for its rich storytelling, blending editorial and commercial work with a personal, introspective style.

Bikramjit Bose

Bikramjit Bose’s journey into photography began with a stroke of serendipity when he discovered his grandfather’s antique camera. Despite initial challenges, Bose’s passion for photography grew during his studies at The Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, leading him to pursue it professionally. After interning with advertising photographer Pradeep Dasgupta and assisting Farrokh Chothia in Mumbai, Bose ventured into freelance photography. Known for his affinity for black-and-white film, Bose’s work is marked by its focus on human expressions and the powerful storytelling found within portraiture. His experience shooting in the Rann of Kutch was a turning point, inspiring him to explore the interplay between human subjects and vast, natural landscapes.

Manasi Sawant

Manasi Sawant’s entry into photography was unexpected, sparked during her final year at Sophia College for Women, Mumbai. Initially interested in dance, Sawant discovered her talent behind the lens when she received a camera as a gift from her father. After an apprenticeship with photographer Farrokh Chothia, Sawant launched her career in editorial photography, quickly earning recognition for her work in major fashion magazines. Despite initial challenges, she navigated the industry with confidence, maintaining that assertiveness and technical knowledge are key to success. Sawant continues to push boundaries, balancing the demands of her career with her passion for photography, all while advocating for the rise of women in the field.

Dolly Devi

Dolly Haorambam, known professionally as Dolly Devi, is a fashion photographer with a unique eye for quirky forms and shapes. Her photography captures people and landscapes with a calm, focused gaze that often leaves the viewer wanting to know more. Devi’s approach to photography is intuitive and unplanned, allowing the subject to guide the process. Her work is heavily influenced by music and movies, and she has a strong interest in film photography. After moving to Goa and experiencing the slow pace of life during 2020, Devi began exploring more personal projects, including a tactile approach to photos with collage. She is also looking forward to working with commercial clients who are open to film as a medium.